Template Override: What It Is and Why It Matters
Template overriding is a method used to customize a plugin’s template file without altering the core files. This practice is crucial because directly modifying core files can lead to problems when the plugin is updated. Updates can overwrite changes made to the core files, causing you to lose your customizations. By using template overriding, you can personalize the template while keeping the core files intact, ensuring your customizations remain intact even after updates.
For instance, the Solid Testimonials Plugin features a robust templating system that allows you to override default template files without modifying the plugin’s core code. This means you can easily customize the plugin’s template files without worrying about updates erasing your changes.
All templates are stored in the gs-testimonial/templates directory.
To override templates, create a folder named solid-testimonials in your current themes folder, and you can override the files from the templates of the plugin.
For example, to overwrite a template, copy gs-grid-template-01.php from /gs-testimonial/templates/gs-grid-template-01.php to /yourtheme/solid-testimonials/gs-grid-template-01.php and make the required changes. The changes you make will be reflected on the front end.
By using this method, you can customize the plugin’s templates without altering the core code, ensuring your customizations are preserved during future updates.
NOTE: When customizing a Solid Testimonials plugin file, it’s recommended to use a child theme rather than modifying the main theme. This approach ensures that your customizations are preserved during theme updates, without affecting the parent theme.