[wp-hackers] Grandchild themes

[Jess Planck]

Some of this is possible with a framework devised for that purpose. I use a theme framework that is very hook based for the development I do at Nicholls. For instance I use a primary child theme for most sites like http://www.nicholls.edu/events then I use an include in the functions.php file some other sub-sites themes. So the front end at http://www.nicholls.edu is a "home" theme based on the framework as a "template" with an include that sets up the base look from the primary theme. The styles.css in my "home" adds an additional performance hit, but keeps things a little organized.

So your idea is currently hackishly possible. I would think you might explore something like that. You might have to hack a purchased theme or request the author to make this implementation easier. 

Once upon a time developers had to take web apps like WordPress at face value. Before template systems you had to hack core php files. Then you had to track and merge changes from updates. I still occasionally have to make copies of perfectly good themes to extend them for the needs of my users and clients. Luckily, merging theme and plugin updates is so much nicer than those good ole days ;)

Jess

On Jun 7, 2011, at 6:39 AM, Lutz Schröer wrote:

> In times of theme frameworks child themes are not actually child themes anymore but "adult" themes using the framework, there is for example no actual "Genesis" theme but many, many derived themes.
> 
> Unfortunately it's impossible to create a child of them because they are already child themes themselves. Surely I could simply copy the whole theme and make changes there but that would contradict the established best practice of child themes not speaking of theme updating problems.
> 
> I'm aware that WordPress would need to take care of infinite theme loops, detection of grandparent and grand-grandparent and possible performance problems but I think it would be a good feature nevertheless.
> 
> latz