In the previous episode, we created our first basic WordPress theme using style.css and index.php.

Now it’s time to understand how WordPress actually decides which file to load when someone visits your website.

WordPress follows a strict template hierarchy to determine
which theme file should display a page.

Basic WordPress Theme File Structure

A professional WordPress theme usually contains the following files:

wpdev-starter/
│
├── style.css
├── index.php
├── functions.php
├── header.php
├── footer.php
├── sidebar.php
├── single.php
├── page.php
├── archive.php
├── 404.php
└── screenshot.png

Understanding Important Theme Files

style.css

Contains theme metadata and main styling.

index.php

The fallback template file. If WordPress cannot find a specific template, it loads index.php.

functions.php

Acts like the control center of your theme. Used to enqueue styles, register menus, enable theme features, etc.

single.php

Used to display individual blog posts.

page.php

Used to display static pages like About or Contact.

archive.php

Used for category, tag, and date archive listings.

404.php

Displayed when a page is not found.

What is Template Hierarchy?

Template hierarchy is the order in which WordPress searches for template files.

For example, when opening a single blog post, WordPress checks:

single-{posttype}.php
single.php
index.php

It loads the first file that exists.

Template Hierarchy Example Table

Why Template Hierarchy is Important

• Allows precise control over layout
• Helps create custom designs for different sections
• Makes themes scalable and professional
• Prevents code duplication

What’s Coming Next?

In Episode 3, we will build a structured theme with header.php, footer.php, and The WordPress Loop.

Go to Episode 3 →