WordPress frameworks is a less covered topic and the few who have covered it have just given an overview on how to install a framework. So i found it a good idea to cover some of the most important concepts surrounding wordpress frameworks.
A brief history
For a long time wordpress webmasters have been limited to the usual unchangeable wordpress themes and templates. Most developers have tried to cub this situation by improvising site builders, parent themes and some plugins but this have not fully unchained wordpress users from the core wordpress structure until the birth of this game changers.
WordPress frameworks have served as the building blocks of great blogs like the popular WordPress beginner which is build on Genesis framework by Studio Press. So wordpress frameworks are very important to any individual wordpress webmaster or any Web designer who wants a more customised themes with wordpress
So today we will look at wordpress frameworks just to get a better understanding of what they are, how to access them and also how to choose the best among the rest and before we get to know more about wordpress frameworks, we first need to understand what a framework really is.
To build anything, we need a framework, and a framework is not really the plan of what you intend to build rather its the basic structure of the building/design itself.
If it were a tent, the metallic beams that support it would be the framework.As for the car, that would be the chassis. What about a website? Before we look at that, there are three things we can all agree about frameworks
- They are the foundation of any structure.
- They determine the final look of a structure
- They need further personalisation and customisation to look more appealing.
Having agreed on that, we can easily understand what wordpress theme frameworks are and why they are created.
A wordpress framework is the core structure of a theme. It holds the themes capability and core features. Frameworks are created by theme developers from scratch and then further designed by creative web designers to form those beautiful themes displayed on theme stores like CodeCanyon and template monster.
Why go for theme frameworks?
There are many reasons one would go for a framework but what any framework gives you is flexibility. It gives you the ability to create anything out of a theme.Wp frameworks are fully customisable thus enabling their users to create versatile themes.
Frameworks are the best for web designers who want to create themes for clients with ease. They are also good for website owners who want to improve the versatility and looks of their theme without experiencing any limits.
What a framework holds?
In real sense, a framework is a template. Some times parent themes and wordpress frameworks are used interchangeably. This comes from the fact that the child theme is created from the framework(parent theme).
What is a child theme?
A child theme, created from the framework/parent theme, is kind of a copy of the parent theme. The child theme mostly resembles the parent theme in every way. Both the parent and child theme can and should be installed separately via the wordpress theme installer.
Why use a child theme?
For extra customisation, a designer or developer may want to alter the core structure of the theme framework through css, html ,php or other programing languages. The theme will work fine as long as the developer is sure of what he/she is doing.
The only problem is that during the theme update, the developer will loose all his customisation as soon as the theme is updated. To avoid this issue, a child theme is used. Instead of altering the framework’s source code, one alters that of the child theme. So you get to update your theme successfully and still retain your customisations.
Frameworks come with blocks, elements and layouts which are then combined to build the child theme. It is these themes that hold the content of a website, i.e. the images, text and videos.
Elements can be icons,buttons,sliders,testimonials and others depending on the framework you are using. As for layouts, you can use different numbers of columns. It could be one, two, three, or even six if you wish. The blocks can be text blocks, media elements, widget areas and others of the sort.
Where to get frameworks.
Today there are many frameworks.They come with different prices and features. Some are free and open source, some are downloaded while others are installed like plugins. It all depends on what you are looking for. Frameworks like Unyson come as plugins while Genesis and cherry come as themes that you can install directly via wordpress theme installer.
The downloadable versions of the wordpress frameworks can be found in their developer’s official websites. The downloaded zip files are then uploaded via the wordpress theme uploader. In some webhosts, you may need to increase the file upload limit size under the Myphp.ini to avoid upload problems.
How to use a framework?
One thing about frameworks is that they are very different when it comes to the user interface. There are three tools that most frameworks utilize to enable you with the customisation of your theme.
- Widgets. Widgets contribute a lot when it comes to improving the look of any theme. What frameworks do is that they provide you with more widgetised areas unlike most themes that have just a few of those areas. Some come with a fully widgetised homepage to help you create a more appealing front page.
- Site builders. Some frameworks come with build in site builders to give designers a drag and drop interface as they build the webpages more visually.
- Shortcodes. With shortcodes, different elements can be inserted and edited directly via a visual or text editor.
The best frameworks
There are many frameworks but we are going to list those that meet these standards:
- Affordable
- User friendly
- Flexible
- Well supported/ documented
WordPress theme frameworks and where to download them.
If you have tried wordpress frameworks, am sure you know how hard it is to download some of them mostly those that will always direct you to Github. Mostly its because frameworks are build by developers and for developers.
So, to save our precious time and money, we will go for the most supported and documented ones.
Genesis framework
Created by StudioPress, genesis is one of the most popular and highly recommended by wordpress experts.
Price: $59.95
Gantry framework
Gantry is a highly documented framework build for beginners and professionals too. It is also open source and easy to download.
Price: Free
Unyson
On top of being free unyson is an easy to use framework. It comes as a plugin with several extensions. Unyson offers a drag and drop interface. The pagebuilder is responsive with all devices unlike most which don’t work on mobile phones and tablets.
Price: Free
Notionet 
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