Learn how to customize the appearance of your self-hosted WordPress site. In this class we will explore the core concepts of theme development, and create a simple child theme and a basic custom theme. Topics include:

• Anatomy of a WordPress Theme
• WordPress Templates and Template Tags
• "The Loop"
• Using Conditional Tags
• Customizing an Existing Theme
• Creating a Child Theme
• Creating a Custom Theme

Prerequistes: This class is intended for intermediate to advanced developers.  Intermediate understanding of HTML, CSS and PHP (variables, functions, logic, and loops) is necessary. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be very comfortable following along with and writing the code. 

The classroom is equipped with 13" MacBook Pro computers with all of the software required to complete the class. If you wish to bring your own laptop, you are welcome to do so, but you must have wireless capabilities and the following installed before you come to class:

• WAMP or MAMP
• An installation of the latest version of WordPress
• A text editor, preferably one that does syntax coloring, such as Dreamweaver (Windows and Macintosh), Notepad++ (Windows) or BBEdit (Macintosh).

Can't make it to us? We also offer the class online. You will receive an electronic copy of the course materials, and you can watch the instructor's computer and ask questions, just as if you were in the classroom, but without having to travel. If you wish to follow along with the lessons, we recommend that you have an extra display so you can watch the presentation in that display while you complete the exercises in another display.  You will also need the software listed above installed on your computer before class starts to complete the exercises.

Please note: This class runs from 10am until 5pm on two consecutive days.