A child theme for WordPress is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, known as the parent theme. Instead of changing the original theme files, child themes are the preferred method of modifying an existing theme.
This is an excellent approach to begin developing WordPress themes. Instead of starting from scratch, you may start with an existing theme and make changes to it with the help of a child theme.
A child theme relies on a parent theme to function.
If you want to add new features to your website or modify the appearance, child themes are the way to go.
Benefits of using a child theme
- Keep customisations separate
- Add new functionalities or layouts to your website
- Update parent theme without losing your modifications
When a child theme is not necessary
A child theme is not required if you merely want to make aesthetic modifications to your website using custom CSS code.
If you want to add custom CSS code to your website you can do so by visiting your WordPress admin area and selecting Appearance > Additional CSS from the left-hand side options menu.