Classic Theme Loop and Template Parts

Use this when creating or reviewing the content rendering layer of a classic PHP WordPress theme: main loops, content.php style partials, archive cards, single post bodies, page bodies, empty states, and pagination.

This is not a block/FSE template-part skill. Use PHP template files and get_template_part().

When to Use This Skill

• Writing index.php, home.php, archive.php, search.php, single.php, page.php, or 404.php.
• Moving repeated markup into template-parts/content*.php.
• Reviewing a nested WP_Query, featured-post section, related posts section, or custom loop.
• Fixing pagination, no-results output, post classes, content/excerpt choice, or "wrong global post" bugs.

Main Loop Contract

For the main query, use WordPress' loop state. Do not replace it with query_posts().