Introduction to Wordpress

This page explains what WordPress is in the context of Terra projects, why we use it, and what basics you need to understand before working on any real project.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is the CMS (Content Management System) we use to build the majority of Terra’s client projects.

We use it because it allows us to:

• create scalable and maintainable websites
• offer clients an easy way to manage content
• build modular components that adapt to different designs
• integrate custom features through backend development
• collaborate efficiently between design, frontend, and backend teams

Even if you’ve worked with WordPress before, Terra’s workflow includes specific conventions and tools you must understand from day one.

Step by Step

Go though this guide in the sidebars order for better understanding.

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What is a WordPress Theme?

A WordPress Theme is a collection of files (templates, styles, functions) that define the visual appearance and layout of a WordPress site. Themes control the look and feel of your site, including headers, footers, sidebars, and content display.

The theme files are stored in the wp-content/themes/ directory. Each theme has a folder in this location, and within the folder, you’ll typically find the following files:

• style.css: Contains the theme’s styles (CSS rules) for layout and design.
• index.php: The main template file used by WordPress to render the homepage or other pages.
• functions.php: Contains functions and hooks to add or customize WordPress features.
• header.php, footer.php: Templates for rendering the site’s header and footer.

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Why Use a Theme?

The theme serves as the foundation for your website’s front end. It allows you to:

• Customize the appearance of the site without touching core WordPress code.
• Change the layout easily by swapping one theme for another.
• Extend the theme with additional templates or features.

A theme defines:

• The site’s structure (how content is arranged).
• The style (how the site looks visually, like colors and typography).
• Custom functionality (through functions.php).

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Next Step

→ Install Wordpress to keep learning