Step 2: Essential Theme Files – Core WordPress Theme Structure

Step 2: Essential Theme Files

Create the core files required for a WordPress Full Site Editor theme using the 4WP Starter Theme* as our foundation for Personal Branding and Corporate sites.

Project Foundation:

• Base Theme: 4WP Starter Theme* – FSE starter theme built for developers
• Theme Name: 4WP Starter Theme* (customize for your project)
• Use Cases: Personal Branding Site and Corporate websites
• License: MIT License (developer-friendly)

Essential Files:

• style.css – Theme header and metadata (REQUIRED)
• theme.json – FSE configuration and design tokens (REQUIRED)
• templates/index.html – Main FSE template (REQUIRED for theme functionality)
• functions.php – Theme functionality and hooks (recommended for professional themes)
• screenshot.png – Theme preview image (1200x900px, WordPress standard)

GitHub Integration:

• The 4WP Starter Theme* repository (🚧 under development – use your own theme name for production) provides:

• Version control: Git-based development workflow

• Collaboration: Issues, pull requests, and community contributions

• Documentation: README.md with setup instructions

• Licensing: Clear MIT license for commercial and personal use

• Updates: Regular improvements and WordPress compatibility updates

Next Step:

Configure Composer for dependency management and modern PHP development practices with the 4WP Starter Theme* foundation.

Completed Step:

Basic FSE theme structure and WordPress development fundamentals established with proper directory organization and security practices.

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Resources & References
Full Course on GitHub: https://github.com/4wpdev/4wp-course-fse-theme-development
Theme Code on GitHub: https://github.com/4wpdev/4wp-starter-theme
Course for WordPress developers: https://4wp.dev/course/fse-theme-development/
Author Fullstack WordPress developer: https://anatoliy.dovgun.com/