Stage 2 · Lesson 5 of 7
Child themes
A is a small theme that takes everything from a and holds only your changes: extra CSS, replacement or extra functions. Its style.css file names the parent in a Template line. WordPress looks for each file in the child first, and falls back to the parent.
The reason child themes exist is updates. When the parent theme updates, any file you edited directly is overwritten, and your work is gone. Block themes can have child themes too, often just a theme.json file and a few templates.
For small changes, the or a small may be enough. For template or code changes, use a child theme.
Common trapediting the parent theme on a live site, then losing everything on the next update.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come with the full roadmap. Unlock
Resources for this stage
Start with
- CourseFreeLearn WordPress
WordPress.org
Free official courses on the block editor, Site Editor, themes and plugins, with lesson plans and online workshops
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- roadmap.sh: WordPressGo deeper
A map of the wider WordPress skill set to check your coverage against once the basics feel solid