Best practice: put code in functions.php or template file?

[lucaslem]

Given that functionality and styling often overlap, a lot of code can be placed either in functions.php or in a separate template file (ex: cpt-single.php in the case of a custom post type). Is there a best practice which dictates when one should create a template and when one can just stick the code in functions file?

[Brad Dalton]

Depends. For templates most will go in the template but once there its not as flexible as if its in the functions file.

Good question but also fairly broad as well.

I have found WordPress Developers ( Stackexchange ) a good place to post code and ask for feedback as long as its specific to WordPress and not plugins or themes.

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[lucaslem]

Thanks Brad, will definitely check out stackxchange for specific code issues.

I was asking mainly because I read somewhere that it's not a good idea to have a very large functions file, though it was never made clear why nor was specified how many lines actually make the file "large". I find it easier to put my code in functions (even for structural HTML changes) just because I can easily apply that code to (or remove it from) other sections of the site with a quick conditional change.

I will create templates if they make life easier for clients.

Good to know the answer is indeed "it depends" and not some hard and fast rule. Cheers.

[Author]

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