[timetunnel]

Thanks for your reply.

I know that you can't write PHP code inside of templates which is why I was trying to find another solution by creating the custom 'plugin'. I just didn't know how to get the vB software to recognize/execute it in the proper location. But, now I've since found out...whew.

I FOUND IT! FINALLY......I think I know how the 'hook' system works!

I had to read this thread again: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=82625 and it finally 'clicked' on post# 28 ("...so the closest hook i could find is this...).

I needed to add my custom code, NOT to faq_start hook, but to faq_complete since it was a hook that came AFTER the code I needed in faq.php!!!! So that's what a hook is!!! :lick:

PHP Code:

if ($_SERVER['QUERY_STRING'] == "") {
  // print "QUERY IS MT";
  $new_default = 'selected="selected"';
  $matchselect['all'] = "";
  $matchselect['any'] = $new_default;
  $matchselect['phr'] = "";
} 


I can now use this code as a pseudo 'Control Panel'. If in the future I want to change the default, I'll just change it in 'Plugin Manager' in my custom 'plugin'!

Now, I'll be able to search php files for existing hooks and then create plugins to fit in the appropriate hook. If none exist in the right location, then I'll probably have to hack the file. I hope this process is correct for this is how I understand it now.

Thanks to vb...org and its members for the help!