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How do I enqueue scripts and styles correctly in a WordPress theme?

Asked on Oct 24, 2025

Answer

Enqueuing scripts and styles in WordPress ensures they are loaded in the correct order and without conflicts. This is done using the `wp_enqueue_script()` and `wp_enqueue_style()` functions within your theme's `functions.php` file.
<!-- BEGIN COPY / PASTE -->
    function my_theme_enqueue_scripts() {
        // Enqueue a style
        wp_enqueue_style('my-style', get_stylesheet_uri());

        // Enqueue a script
        wp_enqueue_script('my-script', get_template_directory_uri() . '/js/my-script.js', array('jquery'), null, true);
    }
    add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'my_theme_enqueue_scripts');
    <!-- END COPY / PASTE -->
Additional Comment:
  • Use `wp_enqueue_scripts` action hook to load both scripts and styles.
  • Ensure dependencies are specified in the third parameter of `wp_enqueue_script()` to load scripts in the correct order.
  • Set the last parameter of `wp_enqueue_script()` to `true` to load the script in the footer.
  • Always use `get_stylesheet_uri()` for the main stylesheet and `get_template_directory_uri()` for other assets.
✅ Answered with WordPress best practices.

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