It is one thing to be able to use WordPress to design and create a website, but to build a WordPress theme from scratch cannot be accomplished by merely clicking a few buttons. Millions of users across the world are able to create websites easily using the built-in free WordPress themes or premium WordPress themes. But who creates these WordPress themes?
A WordPress Theme developer uses his creativity and knowledge of website development languages to create customizable themes for WordPress users. WordPress theme development does not require previous coding skills mandatorily, however, basic understanding of CSS, HTML and PHP would not hurt you.
However, if you know nothing about these and still wish to become a professional WordPress theme developer, it is never too late to start. This guide can help you understand the simple steps required to be followed to become a professional WordPress Theme developer.
1. Learn about WordPress Themes:
To be able to create a WordPress theme is it important to understand what a WordPress theme is. A WordPress theme is a compilation of files that work together to create the design of a website and make it functional. Any WordPress theme mandatorily requires two types of files which are:
- The main template file which controls the way input information is reflected on the website pages from the WordPress database.
- The main style file which controls the visual aspects of the website pages. The style sheet uses CSS language.
Besides these two files, some WordPress Themes also use an optional functions file.
Themes are broadly into two:
- Classic themes: Classic WordPress themes are original theme and is made primarily using PHP, Javascript and CSS.
- Block themes: On the other hand, the newer themes, which can be used from WordPress 5.9 version and onwards, use HTML and a theme configuration file. As the theme is composed of editable blocks entirely, it is known as a block theme. A Site Editor can be used to edit and customize these blocks
2. Learn the essential coding languages.
WordPress’ interface mainly uses PHP and MySQL. The template files use PHP and HTML while the style sheets follow CSS coding standards. Additional functions file act as a plugin and use JavaScript. Therefore, one must be thorough with coding languages like PHP, HTML, CSS, JQuery and JavaScript to be able to develop and customize a WordPress theme.
Begin by learning PHP. PHP is a free, scripting language used to create dynamic web pages. There are various resources available on the world wide web which offer free or paid PHP tutorials. It takes about 6 months to learn PHP efficiently. An advantage of learning PHP is that if also introduces other coding languages like HTML and CSS.
3. Learn all about WordPress.
WordPress has been around for almost a decade now and has evolved to become an entity on its own. Becoming a web developer does not guarantee that you can become a WordPress developer. To understand all about WordPress, its interface, and its framework, you can refer to the WordPress Codex, which is an online manual or guide for all things WordPress.
Detailed information about Plugins, Themes, and Patterns are available here for anyone who wishes to begin at any point of time. In addition to these, the Codex also offers in-depth tutorials and lessons about WordPress. These courses explain about WordPress tools and their upgrades to beginners and professionals alike.
WordPress has also released developer resources and the WordPress Theme Developer Handbook is the perfect tool for any aspiring WordPress Theme developer. This handbook covers all aspects of WordPress themes, from creating a basic or advanced theme, to testing a theme and then distributing it for other users.
4. Get your theme GPL-licensed.
This step is important if you wish to distribute your themes and submit it to the WordPress repository of themes. You can also develop your personal website to sell your WordPress themes individually or offering all your designed themes in a WordPress theme bundle.
Whether you intend to allow free usage of your theme or make it paid, your theme should ideally be 100% compliant with the General Use for Public License (GPL). This isn’t mandatory but in the long run, quite helpful for you to become a professional WordPress theme developer.
5. Create a developer environment.
To create WordPress compatible themes, it is best to set up a developer environment which is identical to that of the server which would host your WordPress installation in the future. This would be useful for two main reasons:
- You would be up to date on the changes made to your theme and how the change is reflected as the output.
- You would no longer need an internet connection to create a theme,
- You can test your theme. This is a crucial step before theme distribution.
6. Keep yourself updated about the latest Theme development tools
WordPress offers users a variety of necessary development tools for debugging, theme data testing, widget styling testing and theme checking that can help you stay ahead in your game.
7. Stay Updated about the WordPress Theme Team Guidelines
The WordPress Theme Team guidelines are continually updated and worth checking out if you plan to develop and submit a WordPress Theme. These guidelines not only contain general guidelines for theme development but also act as a guide to WordPress coding standards. Keeping yourself abreast with these guidelines would help you to develop a flawless WordPress theme of excellent quality and efficiency.
8. Reviewing Themes
WordPress comes along with default 20 WordPress themes that are worth studying and reviewing. These are an excellent free tool to understand how theme development works and get ideas for building a WordPress theme of your own.
9. Join the WordPress forum of developers
To stay ahead of the competition, it is a great idea to join a forum or group of common, like- developers to know what is trending in the market, latest developments on WordPress, top client needs and expectations.
CONCLUSION:
Undoubtedly, becoming a WordPress Theme developer can be a lucrative and exciting career choice. As highly creative Web Developers are in demand today, investing your time and money to learn Web Development languages and WordPress tools would be a great way to monetize your passion and make it a worthy career.