classic-theme-comments-discussion

Classic Theme Comments and Discussion

Use this when adding or reviewing comments in a classic PHP theme: comments.php, comment list markup, comment pagination, the comment form, closed-comment states, and threaded reply behavior.

When to Use This Skill

• Creating or editing comments.php.
• Calling comments_template() from single.php, page.php, or a singular template part.
• Styling wp_list_comments() output or replacing a comment callback.
• Loading comment-reply.
• Fixing missing comment pagination, password-protected post leaks, or inaccessible comment navigation.

Call Comments From Singular Templates

In a singular template, call comments after the content when the post supports discussion.

if ( comments_open() || get_comments_number() ) {
	comments_template();
}

Rules:

• Do not call comments_template() on archives or search templates.
• Check comments_open() or get_comments_number() before loading the template.
• If a custom post type does not support comments, do not force comments into its template.
• Keep the rendering code in comments.php.
• Editor Notes use the comments table but are private editorial data. Do not use type => all in custom public queries or walkers; keep public theme output to ordinary comments/pings intentionally.

comments_template() is designed for single/page contexts and returns early outside supported contexts unless $withcomments is set.

comments.php Skeleton

Start with the password guard. This prevents comment content from leaking on protected posts.

<?php
if ( post_password_required() ) {
	return;
}
?>

<section id="comments" class="comments-area" aria-label="<?php esc_attr_e( 'Comments', 'textdomain' ); ?>">
	<?php if ( have_comments() ) : ?>
		<h2 class="comments-title">
			<?php
			$comment_count = get_comments_number();

			printf(
				esc_html(
					_nx(
						'%1$s comment on "%2$s"',
						'%1$s comments on "%2$s"',
						$comment_count,
						'comments title',
						'textdomain'
					)
				),
				esc_html( number_format_i18n( $comment_count ) ),
				esc_html( get_the_title() )
			);
			?>
		</h2>

		<ol class="comment-list">
			<?php
			wp_list_comments(
				array(
					'style'      => 'ol',
					'short_ping' => true,
					'avatar_size' => 48,
				)
			);
			?>
		</ol>
	<?php endif; ?>

	<?php comment_form(); ?>
</section>