{"id":1638,"date":"2025-01-15T12:10:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T17:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/?p=1638"},"modified":"2025-03-20T09:37:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:37:13","slug":"the-first-rule-of-wordpress-dont-hack-the-core-or-the-themes-or-the-plugins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/the-first-rule-of-wordpress-dont-hack-the-core-or-the-themes-or-the-plugins\/","title":{"rendered":"The First Rule of WordPress: Don\u2019t Hack the Core (or the Themes or the Plugins!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a4ae8b89 gb-headline-text\"><strong>Diagnosing \u201cUpdate Amnesia Syndrome\u201d and How to Cure It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been dabbling in WordPress for any length of time, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve experienced a mild, creeping temptation\u2014one that whispers, \u201cJust tweak this little thing directly in the theme files or plugin code. What\u2019s the harm?\u201d This urge is the beginning stage of what we, as your Website Psychiatrists, like to call <strong>\u201cUpdate Amnesia Syndrome\u201d<\/strong> (UAS). It&#8217;s a condition that leads many well-intentioned website creators into a cycle of frustration, regret, and, dare I say, despair. But don\u2019t worry\u2014treatment is available!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the part that blows our minds: <strong>It\u2019s 2025, and we can\u2019t believe we still need to explain this to people.<\/strong> And yet, in the past week alone, we\u2019ve come across <em>two websites<\/em>\u2014both developed by so-called \u201cprofessionals\u201d\u2014where critical modifications were made directly to theme files. Yes, in 2025! It\u2019s like hearing about a doctor prescribing leeches for a cold. We shouldn\u2019t have to say it, but here we are: <strong>never, ever modify theme or plugin files directly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s dig into the symptoms, causes, and the best prescription to ensure your WordPress site stays healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6c234e5d gb-headline-text\"><strong>What Is \u201cUpdate Amnesia Syndrome\u201d?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Update Amnesia Syndrome (UAS) occurs when a WordPress user makes direct changes to theme files, plugin code, or even WordPress core files, only to discover those changes get wiped out during the next update. It\u2019s like painstakingly decorating your house, only for a construction crew to come by the next week and repaint everything the original color. Frustrating, right? That\u2019s UAS in a nutshell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of UAS include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sudden loss of custom code or styling after an update.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Panicked Googling of \u201cWhy did my changes disappear WordPress?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frantically digging through old backups, trying to figure out which file you edited\u2014and what changes you made in the first place..<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-83d71b17 gb-headline-text\"><strong>What Causes UAS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary cause is well-meaning curiosity paired with a lack of awareness about how WordPress works. To better understand, let\u2019s break it down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Theme Updates:<\/strong> WordPress themes (like Twenty Twenty-Three or Astra) get updates to fix bugs, improve security, or add features. If you\u2019ve modified your theme files directly (like editing <code>style.css<\/code> or <code>functions.php<\/code>), those changes will be overwritten during an update. No exceptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plugin Updates:<\/strong> Plugins are designed to work independently of your code. If you dive into a plugin\u2019s files to make a tweak (like modifying its PHP or JavaScript), your changes will vanish the moment the plugin is updated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Core WordPress Updates:<\/strong> Editing WordPress core files (like <code>wp-config.php<\/code> or other core functionality) is akin to playing doctor with the internal organs of a healthy patient\u2014it\u2019s risky, and it rarely ends well.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-86404a44 gb-headline-text\"><strong>How Do We Treat UAS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that there\u2019s a highly effective treatment plan for Update Amnesia Syndrome, and it starts with embracing WordPress best practices. Here\u2019s your prescription:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-58f8bd7b gb-headline-text\"><strong>1. Use a Child Theme for Customizations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>child theme<\/strong> is your protective shield when you want to modify a theme. It inherits the functionality of the parent theme but allows you to add customizations in a separate space. When the parent theme updates, your customizations in the child theme remain untouched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create a new folder in your <code>wp-content\/themes<\/code> directory for your child theme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a <code>style.css<\/code> and <code>functions.php<\/code> file to that folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Link your child theme to the parent theme by including a reference in the <code>style.css<\/code> file.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry\u2014there are plenty of tutorials (or plugins!) that can walk you through this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-78e82d06 gb-headline-text\"><strong>2. Use Custom CSS (or the WordPress Customizer)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For small tweaks to styles\u2014like changing fonts, colors, or layouts\u2014you don\u2019t need to dive into theme files. Instead, go to <strong>Appearance &gt; Customize &gt; Additional CSS<\/strong> in your WordPress dashboard. This is a safe place to add CSS that won\u2019t disappear during updates. Bonus: you can see your changes live as you make them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-983029e5 gb-headline-text\"><strong>3. Extend Plugins with Hooks or Add-ons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to alter the functionality of a plugin, don\u2019t crack it open like a mad scientist\u2019s lab experiment. Instead, check if the plugin provides <strong>hooks<\/strong> (actions or filters) that allow you to modify its behavior safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some plugins also offer <strong>add-ons or pro versions<\/strong> that include the features you\u2019re looking for. If those options don\u2019t exist, consider consulting a developer to build a custom solution for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-87e39b65 gb-headline-text\"><strong>4. Avoid Core File Edits at All Costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Tampering with WordPress core files is the ultimate no-no. If you find yourself itching to do this, stop and ask yourself: \u201cIs there a better way?\u201d (Spoiler: There <em>always<\/em> is.) Use WordPress hooks, filters, and functions instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f9b53a69 gb-headline-text\"><strong>Preventing Relapses: A Long-Term Maintenance Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve taken the steps above, how do you ensure you don\u2019t relapse into UAS?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep Backups:<\/strong> Always back up your site before making significant changes, even when following best practices. If something goes wrong, you can restore a previous version of your site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Educate Yourself:<\/strong> WordPress has a robust community with countless tutorials, forums, and resources. Learn about hooks, child themes, and proper customization methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resist Temptation:<\/strong> Remember, the convenience of editing files directly is a short-term gain that leads to long-term pain. Write that mantra down if you need to!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b895240a gb-headline-text\"><strong>Final Thoughts: Breaking Free from UAS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first rule of WordPress is simple: <strong>never directly modify themes, plugins, or core files.<\/strong> It\u2019s a rule that exists for your own good, even if it feels restrictive at first. Like a caring psychiatrist, WordPress is here to help you build a stable, functional, and long-lasting site\u2014so long as you work <em>with<\/em> it, not against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, with the right tools and mindset, Update Amnesia Syndrome is completely curable. So, take a deep breath, make a child theme, and let\u2019s leave those core files alone for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your website\u2019s health will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>What do you think? Ready to break the cycle of UAS? Leave a comment below, and let me know what WordPress struggles I can help you overcome next!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Diagnosing \u201cUpdate Amnesia Syndrome\u201d and How to Cure It If you\u2019ve been dabbling in WordPress for any length of time, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve experienced a mild, creeping temptation\u2014one that whispers, \u201cJust tweak this little thing directly in the theme files or plugin code. What\u2019s the harm?\u201d This urge is the beginning stage of &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"The First Rule of WordPress: Don\u2019t Hack the Core (or the Themes or the Plugins!)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/the-first-rule-of-wordpress-dont-hack-the-core-or-the-themes-or-the-plugins\/#more-1638\" aria-label=\"Read more about The First Rule of WordPress: Don\u2019t Hack the Core (or the Themes or the Plugins!)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1638","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1638"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1645,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1638\/revisions\/1645"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/websitepsychiatrist.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}