Parent Theme

A WordPress parent theme is the base theme that a child theme inherits from. Key characteristics include:

Foundation: Parent themes provide the core functionality, features, and styling for child themes.

Modularity: They allow for a modular approach to web design.

Flexibility: Any WordPress theme can theoretically be a parent theme.

Frameworks: Some parent themes are designed as theme frameworks, offering more advanced customization options.

Parent themes pass along their functionality and style to child themes, which can then selectively modify these elements. This relationship allows for easy theme upgrades without losing custom styling.