Several developers and community members predict what the future holds for WordPress themes in 2011. You can find my predictions mixed in with the bunch.
One multi-task plugin vs. several single-task plugins?
Would you rather use larger plugins with multiple functions or smaller plugins that handle single tasks?
A better way for plugins to hook into theme templates
A potential solution for plugins including content within theme templates.
Dealing with shortcode madness
How theme developers are hurting the WordPress community by bundling shortcodes that replace basic HTML.
Rethinking how news themes work
Using a custom taxonomy rather than a theme settings page to handle the front page for WordPress news themes.
Frameworks? Parent, child, and grandchild themes?
Solving the big mystery of parent, child, and grandchild themes by explaining what theme frameworks really are.
Lowercase p, dangit!
Why the capital_P_dangit() function is not only a bug but a detrimental blow to the WordPress community.
It’s the little things that matter
Attention to detail is one of the most valuable things a developer can do to stand out from the crowd.
Plugin and theme authors should force users to upgrade
By cutting off backwards compatibility, WordPress theme and plugin developers can help keep users’ sites more secure.
The WordPress theme directory needs an upgrade
Should WordPress theme developers be given the same access as plugin developers on the official repository? It’s time for a bit of an upgrade and a little trust.
