/**
 * Filter the comments data before the query takes place.
 *
 * Return a non-null value to bypass WordPress's default comment queries.
 *
 * The expected return type from this filter depends on the value passed in the request query_vars.
 * When `$this->query_vars['count']` is set, the filter should return the comment count as an int.
 * When `'ids' == $this->query_vars['fields']`, the filter should return an array of comment ids.
 * Otherwise the filter should return an array of WP_Comment objects.
 *
 * @since 5.3.0
 *
 * @param array|int|null   $comment_data Return an array of comment data to short-circuit WP's comment query,
 *                                       the comment count as an integer if `$this->query_vars['count']` is set,
 *                                       or null to allow WP to run its normal queries.
 * @param WP_Comment_Query $this         The WP_Comment_Query instance, passed by reference.
 */
$comment_data = apply_filters_ref_array( 'comments_pre_query', array( $comment_data, &$this ) );