Description of the need
Drupal 7 l() function returns a themed link when possible. This means any link made with l() can be themed and preprocessed. Backdrop removed this functionality.
I found needing this when porting Content Lock Drupal 7 module, which makes use of hook_preprocess_link() to alter any link in Drupal.
Right now, in Backdrop, any link created with l() cannot be preprocessed. See also this talk on the forum about this.
Proposed solution
Add Drupal functionality to Backdrop.
Alternatives that have been considered
Right now, the alternatives are to use a hook_preprocess_menu_local_task() function to preprocess local tasks links (theme_menu_local_task doesn't use theme('link') to output its links) and a hook_preprocess_views_view_field() to alter links printed by views (in this case you need to do so by regex, very uncomfortable). Still, many implementations of l() get untouched.
Additional information
Original drupal code includes a 'process' case, which I believe backdrop doesn't have.
Draft of feature description for Press Release (1 paragraph at most)
Backdrop now includes the availability to theme or preprocess any link created with the l() function.
Recent comments
On D7 project we are using openid_connect. We need to have similar functionality for Backdrop CMS, sooner rather than later.
OpenID?
Why not insert the script using a custom block at the very top of the page? Who said that it won't work correctly if you don't place it in the <head>? Especially when the question...
Google tag and event snippet on the conversion page
You can use https://statichost.host for hassle free static experience.
Generate a Static Site