wclv - introduction to child themes
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
What the heck is a child theme?
“A WordPress child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality of another theme, called the parent theme, and allows you to modify, or add to, the functionality of that parent theme.”
- The WordPress Codex
What can I use a child theme for?
• Customize the parent site design
• Add in additional functionality
• Save a bunch of time
Why would I use a child theme?
• Update the parent theme without losing your customizations
• Did I mention the part about saving time?
What do I need to get started?
• Choose a parent theme (check out twentyten & twentyeleven)
• A new folder in /wp-content/themes/
• A CSS file in your new theme
The unedited parent theme
Create a new theme folder
Add a ‘style.css’ file
Overriding style elements
Parent Theme Child Theme
Activate your child theme
*screenshot.png
Customized twentyeleven theme
Twentyeleven header manager
Overriding existing functions
Overriding existing functions
Overriding existing functions
Adding your own functions
Adding your own functions
Keep in mind…
• Your child theme can contain as many or as few files as you want
• Files in your child theme folder override files in the parent theme folder
• Adding a functions.php will add-to rather than override functions.php from your parent theme
Parent Theme vs Child Theme
Parent Theme Child Theme
Overriding files
Overriding files
Overriding files
Theme Frameworks
• Genesis – studiopress.com
• Thematic – themeshaper.com
• Hybrid – themehybrid.com
“A Theme framework is a Theme designed to be a flexible foundation for quicker WordPress development, usually serving as a robust Parent Theme for Child Themes.”
- The WordPress Codex
Resources
• http://codex.wordpress.org/Theme_Development
• http://codex.wordpress.org/Child_Themes
• http://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API