revert: Restore conditional the_content filter usage

- Reverted nuclear option from v0.4.8
- get_post_data() now uses the_content filter conditionally
- All other protections remain in place
- Memory leak investigation to be continued later

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

.gitea/workflows/release.yml

@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ jobs:
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.github/*" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.vscode/*" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.claude/*" \
+            -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.gitea/*" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/CLAUDE.md" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/wp-core" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/wp-core/*" \
@@ -87,6 +88,7 @@ jobs:
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/composer.lock" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/*.log" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.gitignore" \
+            -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.gitmodules" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/.editorconfig" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/phpcs.xml*" \
             -x "${PLUGIN_NAME}/phpunit.xml*" \

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -7,6 +7,98 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+## [0.4.9] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Changed
+
+- **Reverted nuclear option** - Restored conditional the_content filter usage
+  - `get_post_data()` now uses the_content filter only when NOT in shortcode context, NOT at depth > 1, and NOT loading page template
+  - All other protections remain in place (render depth, page template loading flag, main template lock, shortcode context)
+  - Memory leak investigation to be continued later
+
+## [0.4.8] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Nuclear option: NEVER apply the_content filter** - Completely removed the_content filter usage (reverted in 0.4.9)
+  - `get_post_data()` now ALWAYS strips shortcodes and uses raw content
+  - NEVER calls `apply_filters('the_content', ...)` or `get_the_excerpt()`
+  - FediStream posts don't need shortcode processing in their content anyway
+  - This guarantees no recursion through WordPress hook system
+
+## [0.4.7] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Hard main template rendering lock** - Added additional protection at Plugin::render() level
+  - Added `$rendering_main_template` flag that completely blocks any other render calls while main template is rendering
+  - Reduced MAX_RENDER_DEPTH from 5 to 2 (allows one level of {% include %} but prevents deeper recursion)
+  - template-wrapper.php now passes `is_main_template = true` to enable the hard lock
+  - Any render attempt during main template rendering is immediately blocked
+
+## [0.4.6] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Page template loading lock** - Block ALL shortcode rendering during page template loading
+  - Added `$loading_page_template` flag in TemplateLoader
+  - template-wrapper.php now sets this flag before loading theme header/footer
+  - Shortcodes::render_template() checks this flag and returns early if set
+  - This prevents any recursion triggered by theme components, widgets, or other plugins during page template loading
+  - Main template rendering still works (uses Plugin::render() directly, not through Shortcodes)
+
+## [0.4.5] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Multi-layer recursion protection** - Added additional safeguards against infinite Twig rendering
+  - Added render depth tracking in `Plugin::render()` with max depth of 5
+  - Strip shortcodes from content when in shortcode context (prevents any later `do_shortcode()` calls from triggering recursion)
+  - This addresses the Twig StagingExtension.php recursion error
+
+## [0.4.4] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Fix excerpt-triggered recursion** - `get_the_excerpt()` internally calls `the_content` filter when generating auto-excerpts
+  - When in shortcode context, now uses raw `$post->post_excerpt` or generates simple excerpt with `wp_trim_words()` instead
+  - This was the remaining recursion path causing memory exhaustion in `class-wp-hook.php`
+
+## [0.4.3] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Further memory leak fix** - v0.4.2 fix was still incomplete
+  - Changed `$in_shortcode_context` boolean to `$shortcode_context_depth` counter to properly handle nested shortcodes
+  - Added shortcode context protection to `template-wrapper.php` for single page views
+  - This fixes the remaining recursion path where `the_content` filter was still being applied when viewing single FediStream posts (artists, albums, tracks, playlists)
+
+## [0.4.2] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Complete fix for memory leak** - v0.4.1 fix was incomplete
+  - Added `$in_shortcode_context` flag to TemplateLoader to track when we're rendering shortcodes
+  - All shortcode render methods now call `enter_shortcode_context()` before loading data
+  - When in shortcode context, `the_content` filter is always skipped to prevent recursive shortcode processing
+  - This prevents infinite recursion when post content contains FediStream shortcodes
+
+## [0.4.1] - 2026-02-02
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Critical memory leak** causing "Allowed memory size exhausted" errors in Twig's StagingExtension
+  - Root cause: `apply_filters('the_content')` in `get_post_data()` triggered shortcode processing, causing infinite recursion when post content contained FediStream shortcodes
+  - Added recursion depth tracking with `MAX_RECURSION_DEPTH = 3` to prevent runaway nesting
+  - Nested items now skip `the_content` filter, using `wp_kses_post()` instead
+  - Nested data loading (albums within artists, tracks within albums) is now properly bounded
+
+### Changed
+
+- Made `get_artist_data()`, `get_album_data()`, `get_track_data()`, and `get_playlist_data()` public methods in TemplateLoader (previously private but called externally)
+- These methods now accept both `int` post IDs and `WP_Post` objects for flexibility
+- Added `$load_nested` parameter to control whether nested items are fully loaded or just counted
+
 ## [0.4.0] - 2026-01-29
 
 ### Added
@@ -191,7 +283,16 @@ Initial release of WP FediStream - a WordPress plugin for streaming music over A
 
 ---
 
-[Unreleased]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.0...HEAD
+[Unreleased]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.9...HEAD
+[0.4.9]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.8...v0.4.9
+[0.4.8]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.7...v0.4.8
+[0.4.7]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.6...v0.4.7
+[0.4.6]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.5...v0.4.6
+[0.4.5]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.4...v0.4.5
+[0.4.4]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.3...v0.4.4
+[0.4.3]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.2...v0.4.3
+[0.4.2]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.1...v0.4.2
+[0.4.1]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.4.0...v0.4.1
 [0.4.0]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.3.0...v0.4.0
 [0.3.0]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.2.0...v0.3.0
 [0.2.0]: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/compare/v0.1.1...v0.2.0

CLAUDE.md

@@ -507,7 +507,7 @@ wp-fedistream/
 
 ### 2026-01-29 - CI/CD Pipeline v0.4.0
 
-**Summary:** Added Gitea Actions workflow for automated release package creation.
+**Summary:** Added Gitea Actions workflow for automated release package creation with multiple iterations to fix CI issues.
 
 **Features:**
 
@@ -520,23 +520,35 @@ wp-fedistream/
 - SHA256 checksum generation
 - Package structure verification
 - Changelog extraction for release notes
-- Automatic Gitea release creation with attachments
+- Automatic Gitea release creation via API
 - Pre-release detection for tags containing `-`
 
 **Files Created:**
 
 - `.gitea/workflows/release.yml` - CI/CD release pipeline
+- `.gitmodules` - Git submodule configuration
+- `lib/wc-licensed-product-client/` - Submodule for private dependency
 
 **Files Modified:**
 
 - `CLAUDE.md` - Added CI/CD documentation and updated directory structure
 - `CHANGELOG.md` - Added v0.4.0 entry
 - `wp-fedistream.php` - Version bump to 0.4.0
+- `composer.json` - Changed to path repository for submodule
+- `README.md` - Updated for v0.4.0, added release/installation docs
+
+**CI/CD Fixes Applied:**
+
+1. `actions/gitea-release-action@v1` doesn't exist - use Gitea API directly with curl
+2. Private repo network issue - use git submodule with relative URL (`../wc-licensed-product-client.git`)
+3. Composer path repository for submodule dependency
+4. `msgfmt` not found - install gettext package
+5. SIGPIPE error (exit 141) - use `set +o pipefail` and `|| true`
 
 **Notes:**
 
-- Requires `GITEA_TOKEN` secret configured in repository settings
+- Requires `SRC_GITEA_TOKEN` secret configured in repository settings
 - Uses `shivammathur/setup-php@v2` for PHP setup
-- Uses `actions/gitea-release-action@v1` for release creation
-- Compatible with GitHub Actions syntax
-- User simplified checksums to SHA256 only (removed MD5)
+- Uses Gitea API directly for release creation (not GitHub Actions)
+- Submodule uses relative URL for CI compatibility
+- Composer symlinks from `lib/wc-licensed-product-client` to vendor

README.md

@@ -2,10 +2,11 @@
 
 Stream music over ActivityPub - Build your own music streaming platform for Musicians and Labels.
 
-[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.2.0-blue.svg)](CHANGELOG.md)
+[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.4.0-blue.svg)](CHANGELOG.md)
 [![PHP](https://img.shields.io/badge/PHP-%3E%3D8.3-purple.svg)](https://php.net)
 [![WordPress](https://img.shields.io/badge/WordPress-%3E%3D6.4-blue.svg)](https://wordpress.org)
 [![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-GPL--2.0%2B-green.svg)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html)
+[![CI/CD](https://img.shields.io/badge/CI%2FCD-Gitea%20Actions-green.svg)](https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/actions)
 
 ## Description
 
@@ -31,29 +32,47 @@ WP FediStream is a WordPress plugin that enables musicians, bands, and labels to
 
 - PHP 8.3 or higher
 - WordPress 6.4 or higher
-- Composer (for development/installation)
+- Valid license key (required for frontend features)
 
 ### Optional
 
 - [ActivityPub Plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/activitypub/) - For Fediverse integration
 - [WooCommerce](https://woocommerce.com/) 10.0+ - For selling music
 
+## License Key
+
+WP FediStream requires a valid license key for frontend functionality (player, shortcodes, ActivityPub). The admin dashboard works without a license, allowing you to configure the plugin before activation.
+
+To obtain a license key, contact the author or purchase from the official website.
+
 ## Installation
 
-### From Source
+### From Release Package (Recommended)
 
-1. Clone or download the repository to your WordPress plugins directory:
+1. Download the latest release from the [Releases page](https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/releases)
+
+2. Upload the ZIP file via **Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin** in WordPress admin
+
+3. Activate the plugin under **Plugins > Installed Plugins**
+
+4. Navigate to **FediStream > Settings** and enter your license key
+
+5. Start using the plugin via the **FediStream** admin menu
+
+### From Source (Development)
+
+1. Clone the repository to your WordPress plugins directory:
 
    ```bash
    cd wp-content/plugins/
-   git clone https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream.git
+   git clone --recurse-submodules https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream.git
    ```
 
 2. Install Composer dependencies:
 
    ```bash
    cd wp-fedistream
-   composer install --no-dev
+   composer install
    ```
 
 3. Activate the plugin in WordPress admin under **Plugins > Installed Plugins**
@@ -133,6 +152,16 @@ wp-fedistream/
 └── wp-fedistream.php  # Plugin entry point
 ```
 
+## Releases
+
+Release packages are automatically built via Gitea Actions when a version tag is pushed. Each release includes:
+
+- Production-ready ZIP package with all dependencies
+- SHA256 checksum for verification
+- Changelog notes extracted from CHANGELOG.md
+
+Download releases from: <https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream/releases>
+
 ## Contributing
 
 This project is in early development. Contributions, bug reports, and feature requests are welcome.

includes/Frontend/Shortcodes.php

@@ -81,6 +81,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_artist( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'id'          => 0,
@@ -95,6 +98,7 @@ class Shortcodes {
 
         $post = $this->get_post( $atts, 'fedistream_artist' );
         if ( ! $post ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             return '';
         }
 
@@ -119,6 +123,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_album( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'id'          => 0,
@@ -132,6 +139,7 @@ class Shortcodes {
 
         $post = $this->get_post( $atts, 'fedistream_album' );
         if ( ! $post ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             return '';
         }
 
@@ -155,6 +163,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_track( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'id'          => 0,
@@ -168,6 +179,7 @@ class Shortcodes {
 
         $post = $this->get_post( $atts, 'fedistream_track' );
         if ( ! $post ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             return '';
         }
 
@@ -191,6 +203,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_playlist( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'id'          => 0,
@@ -204,6 +219,7 @@ class Shortcodes {
 
         $post = $this->get_post( $atts, 'fedistream_playlist' );
         if ( ! $post ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             return '';
         }
 
@@ -227,6 +243,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_latest_releases( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'count'   => 6,
@@ -292,6 +311,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_popular_tracks( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'count'   => 10,
@@ -359,6 +381,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_artists_grid( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'count'   => 12,
@@ -426,6 +451,9 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     public function render_player( array $atts ): string {
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing during data loading.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         $atts = shortcode_atts(
             array(
                 'track'    => 0,
@@ -471,6 +499,7 @@ class Shortcodes {
         }
 
         if ( empty( $tracks ) ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             return '';
         }
 
@@ -523,18 +552,31 @@ class Shortcodes {
      * @return string
      */
     private function render_template( string $template, array $context ): string {
+        // Block shortcode rendering while loading page template to prevent recursion.
+        // This catches any shortcodes triggered by theme header/footer, widgets, etc.
+        if ( TemplateLoader::is_loading_page_template() ) {
+            return '<!-- FediStream: shortcode blocked during page template loading -->';
+        }
+
         // Check for unlicensed mode.
         if ( $this->unlicensed_mode ) {
             return $this->get_unlicensed_message();
         }
 
+        // Enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing.
+        TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
         try {
-            return $this->plugin->render( $template, $context );
+            $result = $this->plugin->render( $template, $context );
         } catch ( \Exception $e ) {
+            TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
             if ( WP_DEBUG ) {
                 return '<p class="fedistream-error">' . esc_html( $e->getMessage() ) . '</p>';
             }
             return '';
         }
+
+        TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
+        return $result;
     }
 }

includes/Frontend/TemplateLoader.php

@@ -21,6 +21,96 @@ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
  */
 class TemplateLoader {
 
+    /**
+     * Recursion depth for get_post_data calls.
+     *
+     * @var int
+     */
+    private static int $recursion_depth = 0;
+
+    /**
+     * Maximum allowed recursion depth.
+     *
+     * @var int
+     */
+    private const MAX_RECURSION_DEPTH = 3;
+
+    /**
+     * Shortcode rendering context depth counter.
+     * When > 0, the_content filter is skipped to prevent recursive shortcode processing.
+     * Using a counter instead of boolean to handle nested shortcodes properly.
+     *
+     * @var int
+     */
+    private static int $shortcode_context_depth = 0;
+
+    /**
+     * Flag indicating we're currently loading a FediStream page template.
+     * This completely blocks any nested FediStream shortcode rendering.
+     *
+     * @var bool
+     */
+    private static bool $loading_page_template = false;
+
+    /**
+     * Enter page template loading mode.
+     * This blocks ALL shortcode rendering during page template loading.
+     *
+     * @return void
+     */
+    public static function enter_page_template_loading(): void {
+        self::$loading_page_template = true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Exit page template loading mode.
+     *
+     * @return void
+     */
+    public static function exit_page_template_loading(): void {
+        self::$loading_page_template = false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Check if we're loading a page template.
+     *
+     * @return bool
+     */
+    public static function is_loading_page_template(): bool {
+        return self::$loading_page_template;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Enter shortcode rendering context.
+     * Call this before rendering shortcode content to prevent recursive shortcode processing.
+     *
+     * @return void
+     */
+    public static function enter_shortcode_context(): void {
+        ++self::$shortcode_context_depth;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Exit shortcode rendering context.
+     * Call this after shortcode rendering is complete.
+     *
+     * @return void
+     */
+    public static function exit_shortcode_context(): void {
+        if ( self::$shortcode_context_depth > 0 ) {
+            --self::$shortcode_context_depth;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Check if we're in a shortcode rendering context.
+     *
+     * @return bool
+     */
+    public static function is_in_shortcode_context(): bool {
+        return self::$shortcode_context_depth > 0;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Constructor.
      */
@@ -192,33 +282,68 @@ class TemplateLoader {
      * Get post data for template.
      *
      * @param \WP_Post $post       Post object.
+     * @param bool     $skip_nested Whether to skip loading nested items (albums, tracks, etc.).
      * @return array Post data.
      */
-    public static function get_post_data( \WP_Post $post ): array {
+    public static function get_post_data( \WP_Post $post, bool $skip_nested = false ): array {
+        // Track recursion to prevent infinite loops from shortcodes in content.
+        ++self::$recursion_depth;
+
+        // Skip the_content filter if:
+        // 1. We're in a shortcode context (prevents recursive shortcode processing)
+        // 2. We're at depth > 1 (nested data loading)
+        // 3. We're loading a page template
+        $skip_content_filter = self::$shortcode_context_depth > 0
+            || self::$recursion_depth > 1
+            || self::$loading_page_template;
+
+        // When skipping content filter, use raw excerpt to avoid get_the_excerpt()
+        // triggering the_content filter internally when generating auto-excerpts.
+        if ( $skip_content_filter ) {
+            $excerpt = $post->post_excerpt;
+            if ( empty( $excerpt ) ) {
+                // Generate a simple excerpt without triggering the_content filter.
+                $excerpt = wp_trim_words( wp_strip_all_tags( $post->post_content ), 55, '…' );
+            }
+        } else {
+            $excerpt = get_the_excerpt( $post );
+        }
+
+        // When skipping content filter, strip shortcodes to prevent them from
+        // being processed by anything else that might call do_shortcode on the output.
+        if ( $skip_content_filter ) {
+            $content = strip_shortcodes( $post->post_content );
+            $content = wp_kses_post( $content );
+        } else {
+            $content = apply_filters( 'the_content', $post->post_content );
+        }
+
         $data = array(
             'id'        => $post->ID,
             'title'     => get_the_title( $post ),
-            'content'   => apply_filters( 'the_content', $post->post_content ),
-            'excerpt'   => get_the_excerpt( $post ),
+            'content'   => $content,
+            'excerpt'   => $excerpt,
             'permalink' => get_permalink( $post ),
             'thumbnail' => get_the_post_thumbnail_url( $post->ID, 'large' ),
             'date'      => get_the_date( '', $post ),
             'author'    => get_the_author_meta( 'display_name', $post->post_author ),
         );
 
-        // Add post type specific data.
+        // Add post type specific data (skip nested items if at max depth).
+        $load_nested = ! $skip_nested && self::$recursion_depth < self::MAX_RECURSION_DEPTH;
+
         switch ( $post->post_type ) {
             case 'fedistream_artist':
-                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_artist_data( $post->ID ) );
+                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_artist_data( $post->ID, $load_nested ) );
                 break;
             case 'fedistream_album':
-                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_album_data( $post->ID ) );
+                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_album_data( $post->ID, $load_nested ) );
                 break;
             case 'fedistream_track':
                 $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_track_data( $post->ID ) );
                 break;
             case 'fedistream_playlist':
-                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_playlist_data( $post->ID ) );
+                $data = array_merge( $data, self::get_playlist_data( $post->ID, $load_nested ) );
                 break;
         }
 
@@ -226,16 +351,23 @@ class TemplateLoader {
         $data['genres'] = self::get_terms( $post->ID, 'fedistream_genre' );
         $data['moods']  = self::get_terms( $post->ID, 'fedistream_mood' );
 
+        --self::$recursion_depth;
+
         return $data;
     }
 
     /**
      * Get artist-specific data.
      *
-     * @param int $post_id Post ID.
+     * @param int|\WP_Post $post_id     Post ID or WP_Post object.
+     * @param bool         $load_nested Whether to load nested albums.
      * @return array Artist data.
      */
-    private static function get_artist_data( int $post_id ): array {
+    public static function get_artist_data( int|\WP_Post $post_id, bool $load_nested = true ): array {
+        // Support both post ID and WP_Post object.
+        if ( $post_id instanceof \WP_Post ) {
+            $post_id = $post_id->ID;
+        }
         $type    = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_artist_type', true ) ?: 'solo';
         $types   = array(
             'solo'       => __( 'Solo Artist', 'wp-fedistream' ),
@@ -244,7 +376,11 @@ class TemplateLoader {
             'collective' => __( 'Collective', 'wp-fedistream' ),
         );
 
-        $albums = get_posts(
+        $albums      = array();
+        $album_count = 0;
+
+        if ( $load_nested ) {
+            $album_posts = get_posts(
                 array(
                     'post_type'      => 'fedistream_album',
                     'posts_per_page' => -1,
@@ -261,6 +397,27 @@ class TemplateLoader {
                     'order'          => 'DESC',
                 )
             );
+            $album_count = count( $album_posts );
+            $albums      = array_map(
+                function ( $album ) {
+                    return self::get_post_data( $album, true ); // Skip further nesting.
+                },
+                $album_posts
+            );
+        } else {
+            // Just get the count without loading full data.
+            $album_count = (int) get_posts(
+                array(
+                    'post_type'      => 'fedistream_album',
+                    'posts_per_page' => -1,
+                    'post_status'    => 'publish',
+                    'meta_key'       => '_fedistream_album_artist',
+                    'meta_value'     => $post_id,
+                    'fields'         => 'ids',
+                )
+            );
+            $album_count = is_array( $album_count ) ? count( $album_count ) : 0;
+        }
 
         return array(
             'artist_type'       => $type,
@@ -270,18 +427,23 @@ class TemplateLoader {
             'website'           => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_artist_website', true ),
             'social_links'      => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_artist_social_links', true ) ?: array(),
             'members'           => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_artist_members', true ) ?: array(),
-            'albums'            => array_map( array( __CLASS__, 'get_post_data' ), $albums ),
-            'album_count'       => count( $albums ),
+            'albums'            => $albums,
+            'album_count'       => $album_count,
         );
     }
 
     /**
      * Get album-specific data.
      *
-     * @param int $post_id Post ID.
+     * @param int|\WP_Post $post_id     Post ID or WP_Post object.
+     * @param bool         $load_nested Whether to load nested tracks.
      * @return array Album data.
      */
-    private static function get_album_data( int $post_id ): array {
+    public static function get_album_data( int|\WP_Post $post_id, bool $load_nested = true ): array {
+        // Support both post ID and WP_Post object.
+        if ( $post_id instanceof \WP_Post ) {
+            $post_id = $post_id->ID;
+        }
         $type      = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_album_type', true ) ?: 'album';
         $types     = array(
             'album'       => __( 'Album', 'wp-fedistream' ),
@@ -293,7 +455,11 @@ class TemplateLoader {
         );
         $artist_id = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_album_artist', true );
 
-        $tracks = get_posts(
+        $tracks       = array();
+        $total_tracks = 0;
+
+        if ( $load_nested ) {
+            $track_posts = get_posts(
                 array(
                     'post_type'      => 'fedistream_track',
                     'posts_per_page' => -1,
@@ -311,6 +477,27 @@ class TemplateLoader {
                     'order'          => 'ASC',
                 )
             );
+            $total_tracks = count( $track_posts );
+            $tracks       = array_map(
+                function ( $track ) {
+                    return self::get_post_data( $track, true ); // Skip further nesting.
+                },
+                $track_posts
+            );
+        } else {
+            // Just get the count without loading full data.
+            $track_ids    = get_posts(
+                array(
+                    'post_type'      => 'fedistream_track',
+                    'posts_per_page' => -1,
+                    'post_status'    => 'publish',
+                    'meta_key'       => '_fedistream_track_album',
+                    'meta_value'     => $post_id,
+                    'fields'         => 'ids',
+                )
+            );
+            $total_tracks = is_array( $track_ids ) ? count( $track_ids ) : 0;
+        }
 
         return array(
             'album_type'       => $type,
@@ -322,19 +509,23 @@ class TemplateLoader {
             'artist_url'       => $artist_id ? get_permalink( $artist_id ) : '',
             'upc'              => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_album_upc', true ),
             'catalog_number'   => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_album_catalog_number', true ),
-            'total_tracks'     => count( $tracks ),
+            'total_tracks'     => $total_tracks,
             'total_duration'   => (int) get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_album_total_duration', true ),
-            'tracks'           => array_map( array( __CLASS__, 'get_post_data' ), $tracks ),
+            'tracks'           => $tracks,
         );
     }
 
     /**
      * Get track-specific data.
      *
-     * @param int $post_id Post ID.
+     * @param int|\WP_Post $post_id Post ID or WP_Post object.
      * @return array Track data.
      */
-    private static function get_track_data( int $post_id ): array {
+    public static function get_track_data( int|\WP_Post $post_id ): array {
+        // Support both post ID and WP_Post object.
+        if ( $post_id instanceof \WP_Post ) {
+            $post_id = $post_id->ID;
+        }
         $album_id   = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_track_album', true );
         $audio_file = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_track_audio_file', true );
         $artists    = get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_track_artists', true ) ?: array();
@@ -374,16 +565,21 @@ class TemplateLoader {
     /**
      * Get playlist-specific data.
      *
-     * @param int $post_id Post ID.
+     * @param int|\WP_Post $post_id     Post ID or WP_Post object.
+     * @param bool         $load_nested Whether to load nested tracks.
      * @return array Playlist data.
      */
-    private static function get_playlist_data( int $post_id ): array {
+    public static function get_playlist_data( int|\WP_Post $post_id, bool $load_nested = true ): array {
+        // Support both post ID and WP_Post object.
+        if ( $post_id instanceof \WP_Post ) {
+            $post_id = $post_id->ID;
+        }
         global $wpdb;
 
         $table    = $wpdb->prefix . 'fedistream_playlist_tracks';
         $duration = (int) get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_playlist_total_duration', true );
 
-        // Get tracks.
+        // Get track IDs.
         // phpcs:ignore WordPress.DB.DirectDatabaseQuery.DirectQuery, WordPress.DB.DirectDatabaseQuery.NoCaching
         $track_ids = $wpdb->get_col(
             $wpdb->prepare(
@@ -393,10 +589,14 @@ class TemplateLoader {
         );
 
         $tracks      = array();
+        $track_count = count( $track_ids );
+
+        if ( $load_nested && ! empty( $track_ids ) ) {
             foreach ( $track_ids as $track_id ) {
                 $track = get_post( $track_id );
                 if ( $track && 'publish' === $track->post_status ) {
-                $tracks[] = self::get_post_data( $track );
+                    $tracks[] = self::get_post_data( $track, true ); // Skip further nesting.
+                }
             }
         }
 
@@ -404,7 +604,7 @@ class TemplateLoader {
             'visibility'         => get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_playlist_visibility', true ) ?: 'public',
             'collaborative'      => (bool) get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_playlist_collaborative', true ),
             'federated'          => (bool) get_post_meta( $post_id, '_fedistream_playlist_federated', true ),
-            'track_count'        => count( $tracks ),
+            'track_count'        => $load_nested ? count( $tracks ) : $track_count,
             'total_duration'     => $duration,
             'duration_formatted' => $duration >= 3600
                 ? sprintf( '%d:%02d:%02d', floor( $duration / 3600 ), floor( ( $duration % 3600 ) / 60 ), $duration % 60 )

includes/Frontend/template-wrapper.php

@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
 use WP_FediStream\Plugin;
 use WP_FediStream\Frontend\TemplateLoader;
 
+// Enter page template loading mode - this completely blocks nested FediStream rendering.
+TemplateLoader::enter_page_template_loading();
+
+// Also enter shortcode context to prevent recursive shortcode processing in post content.
+TemplateLoader::enter_shortcode_context();
+
 // Get template context.
 $context = TemplateLoader::get_context();
 
@@ -54,7 +60,8 @@ get_header();
     if ( $template_name ) {
         try {
             // phpcs:ignore WordPress.Security.EscapeOutput.OutputNotEscaped
-            echo $plugin->render( $template_name, $context );
+            // Pass true for is_main_template to set the hard rendering lock.
+            echo $plugin->render( $template_name, $context, true );
         } catch ( \Exception $e ) {
             if ( WP_DEBUG ) {
                 echo '<div class="fedistream-error">';
@@ -75,4 +82,8 @@ get_header();
 </main>
 
 <?php
+// Exit shortcode context and page template loading mode.
+TemplateLoader::exit_shortcode_context();
+TemplateLoader::exit_page_template_loading();
+
 get_footer();

includes/Plugin.php

@@ -55,6 +55,29 @@ final class Plugin {
      */
     private ?\Twig\Environment $twig = null;
 
+    /**
+     * Current Twig render depth to prevent infinite recursion.
+     *
+     * @var int
+     */
+    private static int $render_depth = 0;
+
+    /**
+     * Maximum allowed Twig render depth.
+     * Set to 2 to allow one level of nested includes but prevent deeper recursion.
+     *
+     * @var int
+     */
+    private const MAX_RENDER_DEPTH = 2;
+
+    /**
+     * Flag to track if we're currently rendering the main page template.
+     * This is a hard lock that prevents ANY other rendering.
+     *
+     * @var bool
+     */
+    private static bool $rendering_main_template = false;
+
     /**
      * Post type instances.
      *
@@ -842,8 +865,35 @@ final class Plugin {
      * @param array  $context  Template context variables.
      * @return string Rendered template.
      */
-    public function render( string $template, array $context = array() ): string {
-        return $this->twig->render( $template . '.twig', $context );
+    public function render( string $template, array $context = array(), bool $is_main_template = false ): string {
+        // If we're already rendering the main template, block any other renders.
+        if ( self::$rendering_main_template && ! $is_main_template ) {
+            return '<!-- FediStream: blocked during main template render -->';
+        }
+
+        // Prevent infinite recursion in Twig rendering.
+        if ( self::$render_depth >= self::MAX_RENDER_DEPTH ) {
+            return '<!-- FediStream: render depth exceeded -->';
+        }
+
+        // Set main template lock if this is the main template.
+        $was_main = self::$rendering_main_template;
+        if ( $is_main_template ) {
+            self::$rendering_main_template = true;
+        }
+
+        ++self::$render_depth;
+
+        try {
+            $result = $this->twig->render( $template . '.twig', $context );
+        } finally {
+            --self::$render_depth;
+            if ( $is_main_template ) {
+                self::$rendering_main_template = $was_main;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return $result;
     }
 
     /**

wp-fedistream.php

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  * Plugin Name: WP FediStream
  * Plugin URI: https://src.bundespruefstelle.ch/magdev/wp-fedistream
  * Description: Stream music over ActivityPub - Build your own music streaming platform for Musicians and Labels.
- * Version: 0.4.0
+ * Version: 0.4.9
  * Requires at least: 6.4
  * Requires PHP: 8.3
  * Author: Marco Graetsch
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
  *
  * @var string
  */
-define( 'WP_FEDISTREAM_VERSION', '0.4.0' );
+define( 'WP_FEDISTREAM_VERSION', '0.4.9' );
 
 /**
  * Plugin file path.