What is the difference between get_template() and get_stylesheet()?

1. get_template()

• Purpose: Returns the directory of the parent theme.
• Use case: When you want to reference files from the parent theme, even if a child theme is active.
• Behavior:
  • Ignores the child theme.
  • Always points to the parent theme folder.

Example:

echo get_template(); 
// Output: my-parent-theme

If your parent theme folder is my-parent-theme, it will return that regardless of a child theme being used.

You can use it like:

require get_template_directory() . '/inc/functions.php';

Note: get_template_directory() returns the full path (/var/www/html/wp-content/themes/my-parent-theme), while get_template() returns only the folder name (my-parent-theme).

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2. get_stylesheet()

• Purpose: Returns the directory of the active theme’s stylesheet.
• Use case: When you want to reference files that could be in a child theme, falling back to the parent theme if no child exists.
• Behavior:
  • Points to child theme folder if a child theme is active.
  • Otherwise, points to parent theme folder.

Example:

echo get_stylesheet(); 
// Output: my-child-theme

If your active theme is a child theme my-child-theme, it returns that.

You can use it like:

require get_stylesheet_directory() . '/custom-functions.php';

Note: get_stylesheet_directory() returns the full path, get_stylesheet() returns just the folder name.

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✅ Key Difference

Function	Returns Child Theme?	Returns Parent Theme?	Notes
get_template()	❌ No	✅ Yes	Always parent theme folder
get_stylesheet()	✅ Yes (if exists)	✅ Fallback	Child theme folder if exists, else parent

Rule of Thumb:

• Use get_template() when you always want parent theme files.
• Use get_stylesheet() when you want files from the active theme (child if available).