---
title: Public API
summary: The names in LanternWP and LanternWP Companion we keep working between versions, and how we retire one.
url: https://lanternwp.com/developers/public-api
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Public API

The public API is the list of names in [api.json](api.json): hooks, blocks, menu classes, pattern and template part slugs, `theme.json` presets and WP-CLI commands. Everything else, including PHP classes, CSS classes not on the list and the markup of patterns, is internal and changes without notice.

## How a public name changes

- A public name changes only with a notice in the changelog's **For developers** group and a message in the PHP error log (never on screen).
- The old name keeps working for at least two releases and at least 30 days, whichever is later.
- Security fixes are the exception: they may change a public name in the release that fixes the issue.
- We revisit this rule at version 1.0.

## Adding to the list

The list stays short: a name joins it when someone building on LanternWP needs it. Tell us which one and why at hello@lanternwp.com.