About 60% of Internet users prefer websites with a beautiful and functional layout [1], So, if you want your website to be popular, it’s really worth investing in its interface and design. One way to enhance and customize your WordPress website is by using the WordPress framework. What exactly is WordPress Framework?
It is essentially a code library that serves as a building block for theme development. It includes the basic site functionalities and design elements needed to revamp or create a new website theme. Read on to learn more about the WordPress framework and some of the best frameworks available.
What is WordPress Framework?
There are a few more details and concepts you need to fully understand what WordPress frameworks are.
The WordPress framework provides the basic resources you need to build a website theme, such as pre-built widgets and drag-and-drop features. Hence, there is no need to build or code your desired layout from scratch. Likewise, these structures usually have adequate security measures and community support.
Parent and child themes
A theme developed through the WordPress framework is classified as a parent or child theme. A basic theme is a complete WordPress theme that contains all the necessary template files and assets.
A child theme is a copy of a parent theme that includes all the attributes and features of the latter. However, a child theme places framework customizations on separate files. This means you won’t lose any customizations you’ve made even if the parent theme updates or encounters an error.
Difference Between WordPress Theme Framework and WordPress Theme
“WordPress theme framework” and “WordPress theme” are often used interchangeably. however, they are not the same.
The simplest way to describe the fundamental difference between them would be to say that all these frameworks are WordPress themes, but not all WordPress themes are theme frameworks.
WordPress theme frameworks come with a wide range of helpful tools and libraries that make it easy to develop a custom website on top of the framework. The code library they provide is designed to facilitate extensive site customization.
In contrast, WordPress themes usually provide ready-made site layouts and can be used as is. While some of these themes have customizable settings, the tweaks you can make are best.
Popular Structures of 2023
Here are five of the most popular and highly-rated WordPress frameworks available today:
Genesis Framework
If you’re a website developer who wants an all-around framework, Genesis is a solid choice. It’s been on the market for years now, and there are tons of design options and features available. There are also many child themes out there – both from the official site and third parties. This theme framework also has the largest community when it comes to such tools.
Gantry Framework
Gantry Framework is perfect if you lack technical website customization skills. It has a user-friendly interface and useful features such as a visual editor, a responsive layout manager, and a mega menu. It’s also open-source and free, so it’s easily accessible even to those who don’t have the budget for a WordPress framework subscription.
Block
Divi is an all-in-one WordPress site design solution that can help you build and personalize your website from scratch. On top of over 40 design elements and 800 layouts, it also offers reusable custom sections and a huge amount of web design elements. Divi also offers 24/7 customer support if you have any questions or concerns.
iThemes Builder
If you want a framework that is well-optimized for mobile devices, consider iThemes Builder. This gives you access to a wide selection of child themes, plugins, and tools. Furthermore, this framework provides multiple content blocks which enhance the overall user experience.
Redux
With over seven million downloads, Redux is an extremely popular WordPress framework. This is not surprising as it offers over a thousand Gutenberg templates and unlimited widget layouts. Furthermore, this framework allows you to create reusable templates and starter blocks either from scratch or from existing layouts.
Conclusion
WordPress frameworks are excellent website theme development and customization tools. Now that you understand what a WordPress framework is, choose the one that best suits your needs and make your WordPress website stand out.
