What is the point of a child theme?

[Jenny 33]

I'm still learning the ins and outs of Platform Pro, but I'm wondering why I would want to use a child theme especially when I can put custom code within the theme? Thanks!

[ricardo 0]

That's exactly why! With a child theme you can make changes to your theme that won't be undone when you update it. Ricardo

[Jenny 33]

Okay.. so in case I forgot to backup my theme settings (which I HAVE done.. lol), it's better to use a child theme instead. Which files should I update in the child theme (instead of the custom css)? And I just install and activate it as the main theme? Thank you!

[ricardo 0]

There's a ton of things you can add to / change in your theme (extra functions, hooks, filters, etc) that are not covered by the theme's admin panel and will not get backed up when you do that in your WP admin area. Just browse a few threads here and you'll see what I mean. If you use your theme *without* any code changes, you can use PlatformPro alone, otherwise additionally install and activate PlatformBase. Ricardo

[timlinson 3]

thanks ricardo, great answers

[Jenny 33]

Thanks so much Ricardo!

[ricardo 0]

Thanks Tim and you're welcome Jenny! Glad to help! =)