Kirki Customizer Framework: Breakdown
The Kirki Customizer Framework plugin is an interface or ‘framework’ for developers to customize their WordPress themes. It is an open source plugin developed by aristath, an active WordPress contributor, and allows developers to quickly and effectively customize their WordPress theme using the default WordPress theme customizer. It is designed to simplify the process of creating customizer panels, sections and controls, by tapping into the powerful and flexible options of WordPress Customizer API. Additionally, the plugin provides features and options beyond the WordPress Customizer’s default options, reducing the need for custom coding.
Kirki also provides developers the opportunity to easily create text, checkboxes, select controls, color and image and background options. It also supports postMessage transport for all setting types, enabling developers to use JavaScript or AJAX to react and update the code or settings live. Additionally, developers can extend the framework by creating their own custom controls and setting types and further customize the functionality and design of the WordPress theme. This is possible by creating custom control types and custom setting types in the integration of the Customizer API and the use of the plugin.