Customizing New WordPress Theme on Dev Site

  • I have already created a development site off of my main domain so that I can install and customize a new theme for my existing WordPress site, which also happens to be an ecomm site using WooCommerce.

    I have found EXCELLENT instructions, along with videos, on how to export my entire current live site (including database) over to the dev site so I can play till my heart’s content. The site is:
    https://robcubbon.com/copy-wordpress-site-private-redesign-development/

    Now to my question, once I have completed all the customizations on the dev site for the new theme (will be using child theme as well), can I simply FTP the new theme and child theme over to the current live site WITHOUT having to move the database from the dev site back over to the live site, as the instructions on this page lay out? I am only customizing a new theme on the dev site and not touching anything with the databases.

    I want to keep this process as simple as possible as it’s the first time I’ve ever done this!
    Thank you!!!

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

  • So, your dev site will have a theme and a child theme installed. Your customising will happen in the child theme.

    When you are done, install the parent theme in your live site and then install and activate your child theme. You will probably want to do the latter part using either the file manager in your host dashboard or FTP i.e. download to your PC and upload to your live site theme folder.

    Thread Starter msbree

    (@msbree)

    Martcol….thank you so much for replying! Yes, I will have theme and child theme installed on dev site.

    So am I correct in understanding I don’t need to worry about the databases at all, as explained in the second part of the process? Cool!!!

    Also, makes sense to download the theme and child theme to my computer and then upload to theme folder via FTP!

    Super….thanks again….this makes it so easy!

    Oh, I also need to edit wp-config.php on dev site, and then edit it again on the live site after new theme is activated, correct? Is this a WordPress file or a theme file?

    Your content is stored in the database. It is independent of the theme.

    The Parent theme you can install in the usual way if it is on the repository. If it is a commercial product then follow their instructions.

    Your child theme will need to be added to your live site using FTP.

    I don’t know why you will be editing wp-config for a change of theme? You mostly fiddle with that file on installation. It is a WordPress file and is located in the root of your install. You can edit that in your hosting back end (I use cPanel) or download using FTP, edit and upload.

    WP-config is a critical file and you should back it up before tinkering with it. Just in cases.

    Thread Starter msbree

    (@msbree)

    Thanks again Martcol…I’m very happy to read this, and will make it so much easier now and in the future to customize and change themes!

    The reason I mentioned the wp-config is because the author mentions it on his tutorial page (https://robcubbon.com/copy-wordpress-site-private-redesign-development/).

    Since it’s a WordPress file, no need to touch it then!
    Thank you very much again!

    You already have your live site don’t you? And that’s all fine, I’m guessing.

    In your dev site, your edits will be in your child theme. You set that up separate to the main site and did it with it’s own WordPress install. You might have done some editing of the WP-config file then.

    When you are ready to put your shiny new site to your live site, you really are only copying the theme and child theme files.

    The way I do this is to set up a server on my local machine. I have the theme or child theme folder open in my IDE and push my files when I’m sure they are ready. I don’t touch my wp-config file or anything outside of the theme folder really.

    Thread Starter msbree

    (@msbree)

    Yes, I have the live site already…it’s been up for over 13 years! lol

    I understand…only theme files will be changed, nothing else!

    Thanks again…I really appreciate your help!

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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