[wp-hackers] Grandchild themes

[Nathan Rice]

I can't speak for other companies, but we at StudioPress rarely update child
themes, and never really recommend you "upgrade" them. Genesis is the
framework, and you're never supposed to edit that. But child themes are
meant to be edited. Usually, child themes are very simple, mostly just CSS
tweaks, and the registration of a few widget areas, etc. There are
exceptions, and we're working on a solution for those, but for the most
part, you're safe just editing the child theme directly.

------------------
Nathan Rice
WordPress and Web Development
www.nathanrice.net | twitter.com/nathanrice


On Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 8:35 AM, Jess Planck <jess at funroe.net> wrote:

> 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
>
>
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