I’ve been using the Genesis Framework to build custom themes along with Visual Builder tools like WPBakery Page Builder. The more I learn about file size and website performance, the less I want to rely on these tools. They seem bloated and opinionated.
Personally, I would like to build light-weight, highly effective websites using some kind of CSS framework along with a bare bones WP theme. The problem is, I don’t really know where to begin. With the goal of building fast, light-weight and highly customizable websites, which CSS framework and “base” theme would you recommend?
2 Answers
Starter Theme:
Check Underscores or Sage for starter theme.
Underscores is pretty basic, but a very good starting point. On the other hand, Sage has more options compared to Underscores, but you may need a bit more time to get used to with all the dev tools (if you are not already familiar with modern dev tools).
CSS Framework:
For CSS framework, try Twitter Bootstrap.
Theme Development Guide:
Follow The Official WordPress Theme development guide for customizing a starter theme or creating a new theme from scratch. You may also check the Old, but useful Codex document on WordPress theme development.
Also, there are some q&a gold mines here on WPSE as well.
Gutenberg: As WordPress core team is set to change the default editor to Gutenberg in the near future, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Gutenberg as well. This Official Guide can be a good starting point to learn about Gutenberg.
(Thanks WebElaine for reminding this!)
Learning Curve:
I’d suggest you to learn basic theme development with WordPress first, then become familiar with CSS Framework, Gutenberg etc. Otherwise it’ll all seem like too much information.
