[theme-reviewers] Reconsider requirement of dynamic_sidebar() and register_sidebar()

[Justin Tadlock]

The Appearance > Widgets screen remains but is easily removable with 
remove_submenu_page(), which is something I'd definitely do if I didn't 
have sidebars.

Widgets are technically a theme-supported feature in WordPress just like 
post formats and thumbnails.  If you follow the code, register_sidebar() 
just calls up add_theme_support() for you.

===

line 561 of wp-includes/widgets.php:

add_theme_support('widgets');

===

Honestly, core should really remove this menu item if the the current 
theme doesn't support widgets.  I don't see any reason for it to be 
displayed and consider it a UI/UX fail.
On 8/31/2012 4:07 PM, Otto wrote:
> Question because I haven't tried it lately: If there's no
> register_sidebar in a theme, does Appearance->Widgets even show up?
>
> - If not, then I can see a case being made for it to be optional to
> use it at all, but required if you make "sidebars" of any stripe.
> - If Appearance->Widgets always appears regardless, then it should
> just be required.
>
> Having a sidebar or not is a stylistic choice. Supporting the core
> functionality displayed to the user isn't.
>
> -Otto
>
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 31, 2012 at 3:54 PM, Chip Bennett <chip at chipbennett.net> wrote:
>> My initial thought is that dynamic sidebar content - either as a traditional
>> "sidebar", or in the footer - is *expected* end-user functionality for
>> Themes, and as such should be required.
>>
>> At the very least, it makes sense to me that the functionality be included
>> as *required* in the guidelines. Themes that have valid reasons for omitting
>> this functionality can still request an exception.
>>
>> Chip
>>
>> On Fri, Aug 31, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Justin Tadlock <justin at justintadlock.com>
>> wrote:
>>> I've been thinking about the requirement for dynamic sidebars for a while.
>>> http://codex.wordpress.org/Theme_Review#Theme_Features
>>>
>>> For the most themes, this makes sense.  If your theme has sidebars (most
>>> do), use the functions in place to do so.
>>>
>>> Right now, I'm building a minimalistic blogging theme that focuses solely
>>> on the content.  But, I'm undecided if I want to add sidebars.  If anything,
>>> the theme would support a sidebar in the footer area.  It just depends on
>>> whether it fits into the design.
>>>
>>> I think this is one of those times where an exception would be okay.  But,
>>> I'd like to just get everyone's thoughts on it beforehand.
>>>
>>> You can follow the development of the theme here (it's a long way from
>>> being ready):
>>> https://github.com/justintadlock/just-me
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> theme-reviewers mailing list
>>> theme-reviewers at lists.wordpress.org
>>> http://lists.wordpress.org/mailman/listinfo/theme-reviewers
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> theme-reviewers mailing list
>> theme-reviewers at lists.wordpress.org
>> http://lists.wordpress.org/mailman/listinfo/theme-reviewers
>>
> _______________________________________________
> theme-reviewers mailing list
> theme-reviewers at lists.wordpress.org
> http://lists.wordpress.org/mailman/listinfo/theme-reviewers
>