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Ok, I am learning classic WP coding ie building custom templates from scratch using cpt, customizer, settings api, hooks, actions etc etc in this age of page builders and Gutenberg and their add-ons.
Am I a fool? I don’t like builders as well as Guten personally.
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No, you’re not a fool. Knowing this is how I help clients fix websites built by people who don’t know how WordPress themes and plugins are supposed to be built. Understanding how to debug mistakes, deprications and errors is a big part of what is expected of a WordPress developer and freelancer.
That said, you should still learn how to code for the block editor, that’s a standard WordPress development expectation. Also it doesn’t hurt to know what a page builder does to a website. Just in case you need to de-builderify it. đ
We’re all fools in one way or another. If that way works well for you and you can do it quickly and the client is happy, then who cares. Page builders have their place and if you’re not building sites to leverage their features then no. But if you’re building a feature set to mirror the same features offered by them, then you would be re-inventing the wheel and that would be a waste of time.
No. It will help you troubleshoot stuff, and build more complex sites without having to use a site builder. Site builders are a better solution for smaller sites.
I think this is the best method to turn a website back to it’s owner and not turn into a disaster.
Learn it then learn FSE. Youâll need the foundation.
not a fool. This is the way if you want to be a full stack dev, have to know all of the this.
You’re a fool if you learn classic editing only. If you learn the old ways might as well learn the additional 20% and get the whole picture.
Gutenberg was built for WP, obviously, so once you get a firm grasp of the basic concepts this will come as an upgrade. Like it’s very different but not really.
Plus building themes in FSE is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY easier. Like it’s not even close.
None of my clients are paying me to build blocks. All the jobs are still building forms and customizing what happens after forms are submitted.
If it works for you, why do you care?
I think it’s a valid way; maybe the best way to learn most of WP’s ins and outs.
I worked as a front end web developer for years and always coded by hand. I still prefer custom code over Gutenberg blocks.
No. You’ll be able to build 100% custom sites and have full control over what CSS and JavaScript you’re loading. A lot of “page builder” web designers aren’t real developers and hit limitations eventually.
No, you are not, recently I’m digging deep into block editor and build some good blocks, but actually client haven’t care about what method i use to create website. So acf blocks and custom code will be prefer.
Would you mind sharing what resources youâre currently using for your learning path?
page builders and gutenberg IMO are a nightmare. Every person I’ve rebuilt a website for has said how much they hated their page builder plugin or gutenberg, and how easy to use pages built with ACF (or similar custom field solutions) are.
Add some automation and you are 2024 my friend
You can use all those features in conjunction with a builder.
Not a fool. Your job is more secured than those who build (not develop) websites using third-party page builders.
WordPress refused to drop support for Classic themes.
Also, don’t clise your mind for Gutenberg. Block theme is fine and it’s the future of WordPress, you like it or not. Sure it has a lot of rooms for improvements but it’s matured enough for enterprise-level and high-profile websites.
This is how I first started making custom WP websites. Of course now it’s a lot easier to just use page builders like Elementor, especially for basic brochure sites where the client isn’t paying much, but for bigger more custom jobs it’s very helpful to know that stuff.
What resources are you using to learn? Looking at doing the very same thing. I have been reading the WordPress docs but I much prefer a follow along type of learning
Only you know andâŠ
You possibly could be.
If you donât see yourself becoming a full stack dev, and are tinkering around without getting stuff done, then switch gears.
Hereâs some signs you should focus more on being an excellent no coder/citizen dev/Elementor wizard:
– If you donât see yourself reading software engineering booksâŠ
– You scowl at things like docker/server stuff
– You donât use git
– You always, not sometimes, but always use ChatGPT
– will never unit test
Itâs very possible you are a powerhouse nocoder. A very profitable skill.
Try bucketing your time and picking up both types of projects to find out.