Over the last few years, WordPress has emerged as one of the best blogging tools available. In fact, it contains many features of a full-on content management system and can be used for everything from blogs to regular ol' websites (with the advantage that even non-techie site owners can easily update the pages once the site is set up). ZDNet's Tech Blogs is an example of a very slick site made with WordPress.
The best thing about WordPress (apart from it being free) is that plug-ins are available to do all manner of things, from inserting tag clouds into your blog to adding surveys and shopping carts to integrating YouTube videos. Not to mention the fact that you have serious control over the design of each section of your site.
But here's the rub: WordPress' system for messing with your blog design and site functionality is powerful, but can be confusing and awkward until you figure out how all the pieces fit together.
This article will pull apart the templating system and make you a WordPress Grand Wazier or your money back! (Not really on the money back.)
We'll look at:
- How to install new templates ("themes") or make your own
- How all the various template files fit together
- How to navigate the PHP code that pulls in content (even if you don't know much about PHP)
- Where to find WordPress plug-ins
Before we get started, you'll need an installed version of WordPress to work on. Many hosting companies like DreamHost offer hosting with one-click installation for under $10 a month (see a recommended list of hosts here). Or you can download a free copy from WordPress' downloads page and install it yourself.
This tutorial assumes that you know how to use FTP, you're familiar with HTML and CSS, and looking at a little PHP code won't scare you away.
Ready Freddy? Let's begin...
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