What is a framework?
A theme framework is a robust WordPress theme that acts as a platform on which your WordPress website can be created. The Genesis Framework integrates all of the SEO, security, and performance features needed to help you have the best site possible.
You can build your site on the Genesis Framework using the included Sample child theme (it’s easy, flexible, and powerful enough for that), or you can purchase one of our many beautiful turnkey child theme designs to help you accomplish exactly what you want.
What’s a Child Theme?
A child theme is a layer of code that sits on top of the Genesis Framework and is comprised mainly of the design elements of your site, but can also extend and modify the functionality of the Genesis Framework’s default functions.
The Framework + Child Theme structure of site building is great because it separates the performance issues of your site from the design issues. So, if you use a child theme, you can design all day long without ever touching the critical, underlying code that makes Genesis sites so powerful.
Below is the salespitch from the Genesis framework website.
But i always liked the overview and image that explains the concept and internals of the Genesis framework
What does the genesis framework look like?
1. Genesis is Search Engine Optimized
ranking well in the search engines so readers, customers, and clients can find you. Clean, optimized code + smart design architecture is important for achieving the best rankings possible.
Genesis now supports Schema.org code, which allows you to output microdata in your site’s code. This enhances your site’s search engine optimization even further — as does Google Authorship identification, which Genesis makes incredibly simple. The Genesis Framework has always handled the basics of good SEO for you, like lightweight code for fast performance, and now it’s even better.
the themes have been fully search optimized. With automatic updates to the Genesis Framework, you never have to think about it again. Your code will always be up to date and fully optimized
2. Responsive HTML 5 Designs
How does HTML5 enhance your site? First, it’s the new code standard, which will make your site compatible with future changes to the web. Secondly, it will ensure cross-browser compatibility. HTML5 makes your site mobile-friendly by being responsive, and it will improve your site’s ability to deliver audio and video. And it’s completely extensible — want your site to behave like an app? Go for it. Simply put, HTML5 is your site’s ticket to a truly state-of-the-art design.
And of course, we’re constantly crafting beautiful new themes to add to your design options.
The way your site looks can be instantly updated by what’s called a child theme, while all of the SEO benefits and core Genesis functionality remain untouched. That means that changing the look of your site is a snap — and you don’t need a designer or developer to do it. You could radically change the look of your site every week if you wanted to, and you’d never hurt your search engine rankings … because your design functions are kept completely separate from the core code.
And if you decide to pick up StudioPress Pro Plus All-Theme Package, you’ll get access to all of the child themes we offer now AND every child theme we create in the future … at no additional cost.
3. Unlimited Everything
You get unlimited support. Unlimited updates. Unlimited websites. There’s no “Developer Option” here. One low price entitles you to unlimited support, updates, and domains you can build on. If you’ve got multiple websites (or client projects), Genesis offers unparalleled value.
And when you want answers to questions about your site, you want them now. That’s why we give you lifetime access to world-class support team and community forum.
4. Airtight Security
WordPress sites can be vulnerable to those who want to take your site down or exploit it for malicious reasons. Having your site hacked is an expensive, time-consuming hassle — and it can really damage your reputation.
We brought security expert and core WordPress developer Mark Jaquith in to make sure the Genesis Framework has the best security possible. With his guidance, we built our framework to follow all WordPress security best practices.
5. Instant Updates
Many sites are hacked (or just don’t use WordPress to the fullest) because they have not been updated. And site owners don’t update because sometimes it can feel pretty complicated. Many WordPress users have spent hours or even days fixing a problem created by updating.
But we make updating to the current version of WordPress and Genesis a snap. Everything is integrated, so you don’t have to call your developer. We test all updates thoroughly, so you’re not playing guinea pig. Just click the button and you’re done.
If you’ve got multiple sites, you will love the way that the framework works with our turnkey child theme designs to keep the look of your site exactly the way you want it while letting you quickly update the important code that runs in the background.
6. Genesis Makes Site Customization Easy … Without Sacrificing Speed
Genesis offers features to make it simple to set up your site exactly the way you want it. And if you change your mind later, you’re just a few clicks away from creating new sections and functions. But unlike other frameworks, you don’t have to sacrifice performance for options.
Nothing slows down a site like bloated code, but we obsess about making Genesis cleaner and more lightweight. Web page load times are usually discussed in seconds, but page load times for sites built on Genesis can often be measured and discussed in milliseconds. And today, that’s an essential difference.
7. Genesis Has Custom Widgets and Layout Options
Because the Genesis Framework has been widgetized beyond just the sidebar, we developed some custom widgets for you to use on any area of your site. Here’s a list of the custom widgets available with the Genesis Framework.
Another great feature is that you can “mix and match” your layout. This means you can choose, via a radio button, any of the 6 layouts for each one of your individual pages or posts.
You’re no longer limited to one layout for your entire site! These are easily selected on the Theme Settings page and give you the flexibility with all themes (Genesis parent and any child themes) to choose whichever layout you want as the default.
8. Developers you can trust
Creating a WordPress blog is simple with Genesis, but many people still prefer to outsource it. Or you may want a customized design, or even a designed-from-scratch look and feel that reflects your own brand.
We maintain a list of talented, reliable freelance WordPress designers and developers that you can hire to give you the exact look you want.
