Question about best practices on tweaking Genesis

[Joan]

Hi Everybody!

I'm developing my first Genesis Theme, and I have a question about how to tweak it. I want to do some changes on the homepage. Should I use functions.php using is_front_page conditional or should I just put the code on the front-page.php file?

I test it and it works both ways, but I would like to do it the right way.

[David Chu]

Hi Joan, and welcome.

I would say there's no right answer. It's entirely a matter of taste. My bias is towards the function method, because it's very tidy. Typically, when I make a custom child theme, there are just 2 files, styles.css and functions.php. I like having all my machinations in one place, and that's what functions.php offers. I can still get as wild as I want with layouts and such.

Yet others like to have bunches of template files. It seems to me that these are often people who already have WP theme development experience, so this way is more familiar to them. So maybe going the template file route will be a gentler intro for you until you know all Genesis hooks and filters well.

I was asked to make extensive changes on a site which was built on Genesis, but manages to use almost no Genesis functionality whatsoever, and there are dozens of template files! As a result, it's hard for me to find anything without resorting to a text scanner. 🙂 IMO, this site may have been better off being built in something like Underscores or Twenty Twelve if they were going to go the route of not using any Genesis functions.

That's my take, I'm sure others would differ.

Enjoy the system!
Dave

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Dave Chu · Custom WordPress Developer – likes collaborating with Designers

[Joan]

Hi David!

Thanks for your answer. The functions file sounds better, because everything it's in the same file, but some studiopress child themes use front-page.php or home.php. That's why I'm wondering if it's the best way. Also, Bill Erickson use this method.

Thanks for your point of view, I really appreciate it!

Joan!

[Brad Dalton]

One of the only advantages of using the home page template is if you want sections of widgets. Example: Epik, Modern Portfolio etc.

You could still do this in functions with the 3rd parameter plus you can style the entire home.php template differently to the rest of your site.

I would use a home page template in this case.

I've found the easiest way to create your own custom home page is to use code from an existing child theme and tweak it to fit your theme. Big fan of the Pro Plus Package as all the code works perfectly on any Genesis child theme.

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes & WooCommerce.

[Joan]

Hi Brad,

What about other template files, like category-id.php or archives.php? Do you recommend using conditionals on functions.php or use the template files? Is there any PHP performance issue in doing it like that? Or in the number of queries?

Let me put an example. Something easy, like remove the entry title on home if you are using an static page. I can use a conditional like that on functions.php:

add_action('get_header', 'child_remove_page_titles');
function child_remove_page_titles() {
if ( is_front_page() )
remove_action( 'genesis_entry_header', 'genesis_do_post_title' );
}

That action trigger my child_remove_page_titles() allways (on any single page and post). But the function will do nothing at all, unless it's on the frontpage (but there it is, an "useless" function on 99% of pages and posts).

The other option is create a front-page.php template file and put in it:

remove_action( 'genesis_entry_header', 'genesis_do_post_title' );

It seems cleaner to me, doesn't it? Moreover, I'm not calling my function on every single page and post. Does it make sense?

That's why I wonder if it's better do it like that. Again, it's my first genesis child theme and I don't know if it's better, I'm just checking I'm going it the best way.

Thks for all your opinions!!

PS: Oh, and sorry for my English, I'm from Barcelona, I'm doing my best!

[David Chu]

Joan,
Barcelona, que bien. ¡Su ingles es mejor que mi español! Y supongo que habla catalá. 🙂 De todos modos....

I'll say that despite my preference for functions.php, even in complex home pages with extra widgets, I do use template files for Custom Post Types, and possibly archives, etc. if the layout is different enough. There are some situations where it's easier to program with an extra template file.

My bias towards functions.php is influenced by another thing.... I am very handy with CSS, so I will often change an area's layout using that alone. For many, it will be easier and faster to use different HTML instead of the CSS approach, so they will enjoy templates more.

Here's another thought - if someone were considering moving a theme away from Genesis (¡Ay, que horror!), it may be easier to convert a template file (as opposed to functions.php) to "regular WordPress" because of the familiar appearance.

Your question about performance (speed) is a good one, and I don't know the answer to that. I may do some research and tests about that. I don't think there would be a huge difference, but there may be some. For instance, it seems to me that if you have a function that isn't performed, I don't think it would be much slower than a template that isn't loaded. 🙂

Gracias por las ideas interesantes,
Dave

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Dave Chu · Custom WordPress Developer – likes collaborating with Designers

[mmjaeger]

@braddalton: what's the pro plus package you mention?

[Joan]

Hola David!

¡Su ingles es mejor que mi español! Y supongo que habla catalá.

Yeah, of course. Spanish and Catalan... and my Spanglish 🙂

Thanks for your opinion, I really appreciate it! The more I dig into this, the more I realise there is no correct or wrong answer. I checked several Genesis Gurus, and each one of them has his own ways to get the job done. I guess the performance issues (if there are any of them) are so minimal that it's just a question of organization and personal preferences.

I'm guessing that I would rather prefer a clean functions.php... but maybe that's just because I come from non-Genesis-Ay-que-horror world. 😉

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Joan

[Joan]

@mmjaeger I think @braddalton means the Pro Plus Packaje

[David Chu]

Hola Joan!
Estoy de acuerdo, personal preference is paramount. A balance of templates and functions is good. And even if you use, say, 5 template files, that's still easier to debug than looking at the crazy amount of template files in Twenty Twelve. 😉

The Pro Plus package is here. I don't have it, as most of my work is custom themes, and even though the Genesis framework is my favorite, not all of the Studiopress child themes are to my taste, I'm afraid. (did I say that?)

It's good to meet you, I hope to talk with you again!

Dave
guitarrista flamenco 🙂

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Dave Chu · Custom WordPress Developer – likes collaborating with Designers

[Joan]

And even if you use, say, 5 template files, that’s still easier to debug than looking at the crazy amount of template files in Twenty Twelve.

lol, absolutely!

Keep in touch, David!

[Brad Dalton]

@mmjaeger http://my.studiopress.com/pro-plus/

This is the smartest investment i have ever made.

Its also the easiest way to code a new child theme or modify an existing one.

@Joan I look at how StudioPress do it and they use home.php files.

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes & WooCommerce.

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