Classic Template Hierarchy

Use this when deciding which PHP template file a classic theme should contain, or when auditing why WordPress loads the wrong template.

This is a classic PHP theme skill. Do not apply FSE/block-template assumptions such as templates/page.html.

When to Use This Skill

• Adding page.php, single.php, archive.php, 404.php, or similar template files.
• Debugging front page vs blog index behavior.
• Converting static pages into WordPress templates.
• Creating custom page templates.
• Reviewing template_include, template_redirect, get_template_part, or child-theme override behavior.

Loader Model in WP 7.1

wp-includes/template-loader.php checks query conditionals, asks a get_*_template() function for candidates, then falls back to index.php.

Important WP 7.1 details: