[Support request] Child theme questions

[Jeff]

I’ve read several articles about the use of child themes on this site and other places but I still have some questions.

1. I just started a blog and don’t yet have any plans for any serious customizations, but I also don’t know what I don’t know and may want to do things to my site in the future. Should I be using the GP blank child theme?

2. Are there any downsides to using a child theme?

3. I’m currently using the child theme because I was worried about a WordPress update changing the way my site looks. Will/does everything function exactly the same as not using a child theme in terms of customizing the site, functionality, etc?

4. Is there any scenario where it’s better to NOT use a child theme? If not, then why isn’t using a child theme more prominently recommended or standard out of the box?

I’m just trying to figure out if I should be using a child theme or not.

Thank you!

[Leo]

Hi Jeff,

Simply speaking, if you don’t plan on modifying any of GP’s parent template files then you do not need a child theme:
https://github.com/tomusborne/generatepress

This article should explain everything you need to know:
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/using-child-theme/

1. No.

2. No.

3. As long as you are not modifying the parent template files as previously mentioned, then your site will stay exactly the same through updates with or without a child theme.

4. I would say don’t use one if you don’t need one as mentioned above.

Looking at your questions above, I would say that you do not need a child theme. You can always add one later if you need it down the road.

Hopefully this helps.

[Jeff]

As always, thanks Leo! One more question. I added the Google Analytics code before installing the child theme, do I need to redo anything or will it still work? It looks like the hook element I added is still in tact so I’m assuming I’m good to go.

Thanks again Leo!

[Fernando]

Hi Jeff,

If you added it through a Hook Element, it should still work.

Hope this clarifies!

[Author]

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