Create a WordPress Theme From Scratch

when you’re developing a WordPress theme, you typically have a set of files that define the structure and functionality of your theme. Below is a basic list of common files you might include in your WordPress theme:

1.style.css:

Location: Theme root directory
Purpose: Contains metadata about the theme, such as its name, description, author, and version. Also, includes styles for your theme.

2. index.php:

Location: Theme root directory
Purpose: The main template file. WordPress will use this file to display content when more specific templates are not available.

3. header.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Contains the code for the header section of your theme. Typically includes thesection, openingtag, and site navigation.

4. footer.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Contains the code for the footer section of your theme. Includes the closing and tags, as well as any footer content.

5. single.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying a single post. Customizes the display of individual blog posts.

6. page.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying individual pages. Customizes the display of static pages.

7. archive.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying archive pages, which include category, tag, author, and date-based archives.

8. functions.php:

Location: Theme root directory
Purpose: Contains PHP functions and code snippets to enhance the theme’s functionality. You can enqueue styles and scripts, add theme support, and define custom functions here.

9. front-page.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for the front page of the site. Used when a static page is set as the front page in WordPress settings.

10. comments.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying comments on posts.

11. search.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying search results.

12. 404.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Template for displaying a 404 error page when a page is not found.

13. sidebar.php:

Location: Theme root directory or a subdirectory like “partials”
Purpose: Contains the code for the sidebar of your theme.

14.screenshot.png:

An image file that serves as a thumbnail for your theme in the WordPress admin panel.