Learn WordPress coding

  • Hi
    I am working with wordpress for ~3 years, running and maintaining several websites for myself and for clients.
    from time to time I am using the services of a developer.

    recently I ran across a complex problem with several sites. in these sites I am bound to use a certain customized theme for functionality reasons. I cannot replace the theme since I need its special features. this theme is 2 years old, very heavy and not so SEO friendly. so I found myself paying lots of $$ for developers.
    it looks inevitable to replace the theme completely and build it from scratch, however this will probably cost me tons of money.

    so I tried to learn some coding by myself and got confused, it looks like a very steep curve of learning. so many things to learn: HTML,CSS, PHP, theme building, plugins…
    can you please recommend what is the best way to become familiar enough in wordpess in order to maintain a website including code modifications by myself.
    I am very eager to learn and already completed two courses in HTML and CSS including small projects as part of learning.
    do I have to invest in learning the core of wordpress? in PHP? or jump right to theme or plugins building?

    appreciate your professional opinion,

    • This topic was modified 8 years, 3 months ago by malkah.
Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • lisa

    (@contentiskey)

    Attending WordPress meetups and local WordCamps can be a great place to start to find people to build a network of knowledgeable WordPress users.
    https://central.wordcamp.org/

    if you are comfortable with HTML and CSS that’s a great start for basic layout and design.

    yes, understanding PHP will be helpful for making and/or troubleshooting functional changes. (theme templates + plugins)

    certain customized theme for functionality reasons

    what sort of functions are woven into the current theme that are causing concern– i.e. need to be used in the future even if the theme is changed?
    do you have custom post types that were included in the theme?

    Thread Starter malkah

    (@malkah)

    Hi Lisa
    it is a search form which is connected to an API.
    I also have some custom page templates.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • The topic ‘Learn WordPress coding’ is closed to new replies.