What Is API Hooking?

Hooking = intercepting a function call so your code runs

before, after, or instead of the real function.

• The program still "calls MessageBoxW" — but the call is redirected to a handler (a hook / detour).
• Handler can observe arguments, modify them, block the call, or call through to the original.

Mental model

A hook is a man-in-the-middle placed on a function boundary. Whoever

controls the boundary controls what the program actually does.