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- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 6 months ago by martcol.
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October 7, 2013 at 5:47 am #65636martcolMember
Hello,
I am going to have a go with Genesis but I want to create my own child theme or at least, modify the child theme that comes with the framework.
I am used to child themes. I have a very basic grasp of php but if I have any strengths they are HTML/CSS.
I am used to building my child themes by taking files from the parent, modifying them (mostly with cut and paste) and saving them to the child theme folders but Genesis seems to be different and whilst I can work out the structure of say, TwentyEleven theme or something like it, I can't seem to get my head around Genesis. I'm sure when the penny drops, it will be OK but for now, it's all quite foreign to me with those hooks, actions and functions.
I can't even seem to work out how Genesis fits with the WordPress template hierarchy and wonder if someone might be able to describe Genesis in relation to that.
Many thanks
Martin
October 7, 2013 at 7:20 am #65650David ChuParticipantWelcome, Martin,
The good news is that you can indeed continue using regular templating instead of using Genesis hooks. I've seen a few themes like that around.But with Genesis, that's taking the long way home. So I'd suggest just gradually getting familiar with the hooks. They're like normal WordPress hooks, but just add a lot more! Here's a nice diagram showing where they are.
http://genesistutorials.com/visual-hook-guide/As you can see, they offer loads of places where you can add goodies to your page by using functions.php instead of yet another template file. Once you get up to speed, I think you'll find them extremely handy.
I can think of one peculiar benefit of using a normal template file structure - if, for some reason, you decided to abandon Genesis, having a more stock template structure would be easier to convert your theme to plain vanilla WordPress than one consisting entirely of Genesis hooks, filters, and functions. But if you use those hooks well, developing themes is much easier and faster in the end, IMO.
Best, Dave
Dave Chu · Custom WordPress Developer – likes collaborating with Designers
October 7, 2013 at 4:11 pm #65717martcolMemberThank you David,
For your response and the link which is a good reference for me. It reminded me if the first time I saw the wordpress.org infographic for the template hierarchy. Still, if I Perdue Genesis it looks like things will need to be looked at in a different way.
Just as an example, if I needed to chop a site about to get/change graphics in the header or add a wrapper, in the past I could just get header.php, swap the code about and add some HTML and then save it to my child theme folder. Am I correct to think that Genesis looks for something different? I am going to need to use hooks to add/edit structural markup?
All I need is a few pointers
Thanks again
Martin
October 7, 2013 at 4:32 pm #65718David ChuParticipantMartin,
I can't suggest much more than I already have. I'll bottom-line it. 2 methods:1. Do it the way you have been with your manual templates.
2. Use hooks and filters. You'll need to read some of the tutorials out there and/or use the code samples in the support area of this site.
These are a couple of pointers. 🙂 I can't go into great depth here, it's out of scope.
Good luck, Dave
Dave Chu · Custom WordPress Developer – likes collaborating with Designers
October 7, 2013 at 11:42 pm #65798martcolMemberOk , that's fine.
Thanks
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