What is the difference between a child theme and a parent theme in WordPress?

What is the difference between a child theme and a parent theme in WordPress?

A parent theme is a complete theme that can function on its own, while a child theme inherits functionality from the parent theme.

Why would I want to use a child theme instead of just modifying the parent theme?

Using a child theme allows you to make customizations without losing them when the parent theme is updated.

Can you give me an example of when to use a child theme?

Sure! If you want to change the layout or styles of a parent theme but still want to keep the original theme intact, use a child theme.

Are there any downsides to using a child theme?

The main downside is that it requires a bit more setup, but the benefits of safety during updates usually outweigh this.