If you’ve spent any time with WordPress, it’s likely you will have come across the mention of WordPress themes. So, what is a WordPress theme, and how does it work with a website?
When WordPress was first released way back in 2003, it was just used to create blogs. A few years later the developers launched the theme system. This gave a website owner using WordPress the ability to easily change the look and layout of a blog.
The nuts-and-bolts of a theme are a collection of files based on individual templates.
A single template can be used for multiple pages on the website. This ensures a site maintains layout consistency on every page.
As WordPress is an open-source system, developers and designers can create and sell a huge range of themes for website owners. It also allows them to create bespoke themes for individual websites.
Although an off-the-shelf theme will get a site up and running quickly, it can mean the website will lack individuality and cannot easily focus on the main business objectives. Pre-built themes can also include an overwhelming number of layout and configuration options.
Website owners can also install a theme in WordPress that will provide an interface in the control panel that provides a way to create a site with a drag-and-drop interface. This DIY route isn’t for everyone, however.
We are firm believers in separating content and presentation. A website administrator needs to be free to focus on creating content and not website layouts.