Now that we’ve successfully launched the Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress, one of the questions we’ve gotten a lot of lately is, “So, what is Genesis all about?” It’s a fair question … sometimes we developers take some things for granted. You wanted to know, so let’s do this!
What is a “Theme Framework”
Before we get into what Genesis is, let’s learn what a “theme framework” is. A generally accepted definition of a “theme framework” is:
A theme built in such a way as to give users a tool with which they can build new themes quickly and easily, taking advantage of an extensive library of extensible functionality, by using a “Child Theme”.
If that sounds like a foreign language to you, think of it like this: The Theme Framework is the engine, and the Child Theme is the paint job. Check out the graphic to the right for a visual. Obviously, WordPress does all the CMS stuff, but on top of WordPress, plugins add extra functionality to your installation.
Similarly, Genesis gives you a lot of additional options, more than most themes. Then, on top of it all, your Child Theme takes WordPress, your plugins, and Genesis, and using a style that makes it look pretty, outputs an optimized HTML document to your site’s visitors.
What Makes Genesis So Great?
The Code
Most of the muscle that powers Genesis is located in the theme’s /lib/ folder. This contains things like the code that runs the Theme Settings, SEO, custom widgets, a “LOAD” of custom functions, and various CSS and Javascript.
The Markup
We worked tirelessly with Genesis to ensure an optimal markup structure output. Proper tag wrapping, order of content, microformats, semantic id and class names … and on top of all that, no matter what Child Theme you use, your markup never changes. Think about that … you can now change your design WITHOUT changing your markup!
The Settings
We think we’ve struck a nice balance of “enough, but not too many” features. Tweak your navigation menu options, turn comments on or off, paste in your analytics code, and for all this, you never have to edit code. We do the hard work, and you check or uncheck an option. You win.
The Widgets
Our pride and joy! We think what makes Genesis the bell of the ball are all the custom widgets we’ve built just for Genesis users. Twitter, eNews and Updates, Page and Category Navigation, and our personal favorites, the Genesis Featured Post and Featured Page widgets. You’re gonna love them!
The Hooks
What really makes Genesis a powerful framework is the extensive use of action and filter hooks. Put plainly, hooks give Genesis the ability to become anything you want it to be. Want to insert some code in a particular location in a template file? Don’t edit the file … use a hook! It’s just as easy, and it keeps the core Genesis code intact.
The Upgrades
Because you’ll be making your modifications via a Child Theme, this means that upgrades become precisely-100% easier. Seriously, when we release Genesis 1.1, you can feel confident in deleting 1.0 and installing 1.1, knowing that all of your modifications are safely snuggled up within your child theme, safe from your delete button. Bug fixes, security updates, and new features … you get to enjoy them all, FOR LIFE, without having to worry about screwing up your mods. Can I get a witness?!
The Support
Let’s say there’s something about Genesis or a Child Theme that you just don’t get. Where can you go for help? The Genesis community is here to help. And just to put that in perspective, before Genesis 1.0 was even released, we had well over 1,000 posts in the Genesis community forum. Believe me, you’ll get the help you need from one of the strongest and most vibrant WordPress Theme communities in the world. I’d put the Vancouver Website design community up against any other … they are the shizzle.
The Child Themes
What’s that? You say you want sexy designs and loads of choice? We got you covered. Genesis allows us to rapidly develop new themes … sexy themes that you’ll drool over … and get this, they’re dirt cheap too. If you own Genesis, a child theme only costs you $25 bucks. Pro-Plus customer? You get Genesis and all the Child themes we ever make FOR FREE! Honestly, can you beat that?
The Marketplace
Let’s say you’re a slick designer. We want to take your design and turn it into a child theme, sell it in the upcoming Vancouver Website design Marketplace, and share the money with you. Yep, you read that right. Not only will your designs be featured on Vancouver Website design, but every single person who has Genesis installed on their WordPress site has the Marketplace in their dashboard too. You get massive exposure AND you get paid for your work. What more could you want? Read more about the Marketplace here.
The Future
Because you now have access to Genesis updates, the future is bright. No more fooling around with upgrades; no more frustration over bugs that never get fixed; no more being stuck with outdated features. With Genesis, you get it all.
So there you have it. As you can probably tell, we’re pretty excited about things around here. If we can answer any questions for you, please let us know. We’d be more than happy to help out in any way we can.
