The WordPress Theme Frameworks - ultimate guide for starter

Anonymous

WordPress is a magnificent open-source web software for creating a beautiful website or blog. In the beginning days of WordPress, there were some horrible problems with how themes were developed and maintained. There was no good way of upgrading WordPress themes without losing all the custom styling options. There was no way to prevent copying and

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pasting of the same functionality code in all themes. But now, creating custom WordPress themes is exceptionally instinctive and relatively easy using the WordPress application programming interface (API).

If you're going to design a WordPress site, there are a few ways you can start:
  • Start with an HTML template & then add the WordPress code. 
  • Start with the basic WordPress code and design around that. 
  • Start with a starter theme or framework.

 Most designers beFrameworka starter theme or framework, arguably the most efFrameworkay to create a WordPress theme.

What is a Theme Framework?

The article's introduction gives us a basic knowledge of the WordPress Theme Framework. But 'WordPress Codex" states the term "Theme Framework" as:
 A "drop-in" code library is used to facilitate theme development.
A standalone base/starter theme is intended to be forked into another Theme or used as a Parent Theme template.
Manually, A theme framework is an advanced kind of WordPress theme with extra features allowing users to customize, adjust, and develop it. Frameworks are designed to work as parent themes, which means that when using one to build a site, you'd usually use a child theme. You might buy or download your child's theme from the framework developer (or a third party) or manufacture one yourself.
According to your framework, the sysFrameworkustomizing a site running on a framework may vary. Some include a range of customization you can make via options screens in the dashboard, while others will require you to code. This means that a framework can consist of some or all of the following:

  • Dashboard screens let you customize your site's content, outline, design, format, and layout.
  • Widget areas in multiple locations on the page or in different template files.
  • A range of template files (some frameworks include a small number while others have dozens)
  • APIs, including hooks and functions you can access in your child theme or plugins.
  • Add-ons in the form of plugins designed to work with the framework.

This method allowsFrameworkeep the "framework" of your site to be strong without modifying how it looks.

Why will we use Theme Framework?

The significant reason for using Theme Framework is that users can profit from this without knowing good coding. That means, User can speed up their development. These frameworks drastically reduce development time. The development time is improved because all theme frameworks offer many functionality and customization options, so the User does not have to code everything themselves. Besides this:

  • These features can range anywhere from (drag-drop functionality, sliders, SEO widgets, and more). Instead of creating a theme from scratch and modifying all the files, creating a child theme can be as simple as creating a new style.css file and customizing a few functions using the functions.php file.
  • The Theme Frame can be modified anytime the User wants.
  • The parent's themes are well-coded, and bugs can be solved within the update.
  • Most theme frameworks include support from the theme developer or a community of users. If this is important, check what's available and how much it will cost, as this varies.
  • Some frameworks come with flexibility in the form of options screens which you can use to customize your layout, design, and more, and some have APIs which means you can extend the framework however you need to.
  • Framework is assured of excellent support from the parent themes.
  • So, without any doubt, Theme Framework is the best option for creating a magnificent website on customer demand. 

5 Most Popular Theme Frameworks in detail:

There are two types of frameworks as Free & Paid. As we'll see from examining some frameworks in detail, the features can vary significantly between them, so it pays to identify your requirements before you pick one.

Genesis

The Genesis framework is the most popular premium framework available right now. Frameworklarge community of users and developers and a wide range of child themes. Its API includes over 50 action hooks and 60 filters, but if you're not a coder, you can use its dashboard screens or a child theme to create a great website. And unlike other premium frameworks, you only have to pay once.

PRICE: $59.95
Features:
  • Extensive feature set
  • SEO based
  • HTML5 coded using
  • Great support & update
  • Secure
  • Extensive API
  • Custom widgets and layouts
Advantages:
  • One-off purchase fee
  • Extensive user and developer community
  • Suitable for both coders & non-coders
  • Great child themes & cleanly written
Disadvantages:
  • Need more time to learn
  • Huge code base

Rating:
Customizability: B
For developers: A-
For non-coders: A
UX Rating: A
Overall Rating: B+

Cherry Framework

The Cherry Framework includes a responsive layout and Bootstrap integration. The Framework is free, with a rangeFrameworkum child themes sold via a theme club. While its lack of API will limit its usefulness to developers, the fact that the framework is free with three frameworks and that a large library of premium child themes is offered will make it very tempting for non-coders.
PRICE: FREE
Features:
  • Large feature set
  • Multiple template files
  • Automatic updates
  • A great combination of framework-to-child theme
  • Backup and restore the framework
  • Bootstrap based
AdvanFrameworksiest to use as free
  • Responsive
  • Different pricing options for child themes
  • Vast ranges of child themes, including three free ones
  • Disadvantages:
  • No API
  • Slideshow system challenging for new Users
  • Huge code based

Rating:
Customizability: B+For developers: C+
For non-coders: A
UX Rating: C+
Overall Rating: B-

Headway

Headway is a framework with a drag-and-drop interface that replaces the relevant WordPress dashboard screens and looks very different from a standard theme options screen. However, the interface could be more intuitive for non-technical users. It does have an API, though, with action and filter hooks that developers can tap into in child themes.

PRICE: FREE
Features:
  • Easy to customize landing pages
  • SEO based page
  • HTML5 and CSS3 coded
  • Easy to navigate drag-and-drop interface
  • Grid layout
  • Sleek performance-wise
Advantages:
  • The drag-and-drop interface means non-coders can make changes to default templates
  • Additional options via extension blocks
  • Layouts become responsive when a checkbox is ticked
  • API includes
Disadvantages:
  • For access to updates and ongoing support, you'll have to subscribe each year
  • A limited number of child themes
  • Refrain from using a standard WordPress dashboard.
Rating:
Customizability: A-
For developers: B
For non-coder: A
UX Rating: C+
Overall Rating: B+

Ultimatum

Ultimatum includes everything you need to build your own custom theme using WordPress. The tool comes with a powerful form builder, a range of sliders for creating post and image slideshows is fully WooCommerce compatible, and comes bundled with the powerful Visual Composer drag-and-drop page builder plugin. This last inclusion means that creating custom layouts for individual posts and pages is straightforward and produces excellent results.

PRICE: $65-$125 Pro License
Features:
  •  Layer slider
  •  Amazing form builder
  •  Cool slideshow
  •  Short-codes
  •  Visual composer page builder
  •  Revolution slider
  •  ShowBiz Carousels
  •  WooComerce integration
  •  Post ordering
  •  Post Galleries
Advantages:
  •  Customize design
  •  Drag-and-drop interface
  •  More templates file
  •  Boostrap added
  •  Configurable setting
Disadvantages:
  •  Steep learning curve
  •  Complex for non-coders
Rating:
Customizability: A-
For developers: A
For non-coders: A
UX Rating: B-
Overall Rating: A

Thesis

The thesis has terminology all of its own, which can confuse anyone familiar with WordPress terms. It uses a system of boxes, skins, and site tools equivalent to widgets, child themes, and plugins. It's available by annual subscription, with subscriptions varying for different packages.

PRICE: $87 basic
Features:
  • The community of developers and users
  • Custom 404 error
  • Bundled plugins
  • Great landing pages that convert
  • Customizable Typography

Advantages:
  •  Low cost for one site with support
  •  Expensive packages with more plugins
  •  Thesis 2.0 SEO built
Disadvantages:
  •  Boxes not available as standalone
  •  Confusing terminology
  •  Limited range of skins/child themes
  •  No API
Rating:
Customizability: B-
For developers: C+
For non-coders: B-
UX Rating: C+
Overall Rating: C+

Whichever you pick needs to be the privileged one as indicated by your own criteria, so honestly, it's dependent upon you! This article helps you understand a WordPress Theme Framework and whether you should use it. If you think I missed something or made it wrong, please let me know in the comments. If you are using a framework on your site, then let me know in the comments which one. Why do you prefer to use the framework that you do?

Looking Framework hearing your responses. Thank you!

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