How do you modify the 'post_parent' of a custom post type?

Question

I want to be able to edit the post_parent of a custom post type. Basically in my use case I want to mimic how WordPress uses attachments: have a custom post type that is sort of a subtype to post or any other post type. WordPress uses the post_parent field on the wp_posts table to link attachments to their parent posts so I want to be able to do the same. I've tried to use wp_update_posts but it seems to time out the connection when I try to call it during a post save. Is there a way of editing the post_parent directly?

Answer 1

Hi @Manny Fleurmond:

You can add the following HTML to a post metabox you'll have an edit field that lets you edit the raw post_parent ID. Maybe with this knowledge you can build what you need?

<input type="text" id="parent_id" name="parent_id" 
       value="<?php echo $post->post_parent; ?>" />