Child Themes Edit: the right way to do it looking for future updates

[MastroMicio]

Hi everyone,

I know this question may already be asked but after an hour looking for an appropriate thread I though to just ask this with a brand new post.

How to properly edit a child theme, adding functionality on top of it and not only CSS-based visual stuff, in order to be able to update the child theme when there are updates?

For instance, I'm looking to build a website starting from the METRO PRO but I can see that this child theme is v.2.1.1! Now, one of the main reasons I use Genesis is that I can keep my WP updated more easily but if Genesis child themes are updated as well, don't I risk to have my edits/modifications overwritten every time?

I place most of the extra functionality I need in "functions.php" file but this file that is already present in genesis child theme so it would be overwritten if an update occurs.

What is the "right" way to add functionality on top of a child theme in order to be able to follow up with upcoming updates?

Thanks to everyone for the support!

Regards

[Victor Font]

Child themes are rarely, if ever updated, and if they are it's only for very minor reasons. Once a child theme is installed, there's no reason to ever update it even if the theme is updated by its author. They are never auto-updated, you will receive no notification of an update, and if you happen to stumple upon an update in the download area, you would have to do it manually if you felt compelled to do so.

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Regards,

Victor
https://victorfont.com/
Call us toll free: 844-VIC-FONT (842-3668)
Have you requested your free website audit yet?

[Brad Dalton]

Child themes are generally updated and you won't get a notification to update.

However, you can keep a backup of all your changes so you can transfer them to a new version if needed down the track but generally you won't need to change theme versions.

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes.

[MastroMicio]

Thank you both, Victor and braddalton, for taking the time to reply me.

I see you are telling me that if I add some functionality over a child theme I should do on its files because that child theme would not update often and if it does I'm not even notified.

Still, I have to admit that I like the idea of a child theme to be updated sometimes (like METRO PRO now at v2.1.1) if the updates brings some nice passive functionality.

Searching the web I stumbled onto "WP Clip" and I'd like to ask if anyone had tried this and can testimony if it's good or not.

Are there any reasons why a plugin like this should be avoided? I understand that I'm supposed to edit the child themes files and never update the child theme ever again but this looks actually a good compromise, doesn't it?

Thanks to everyone who's taking the time to drop a comment!

Regards

[Brad Dalton]

There are many methods for adding custom functionality to child themes.

Another way is to use a custom functionality plugin

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes.

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