I've been working on creating themes for 2.0b4 lately, but I notice that even just the version that's running here is different than my b4. So my question is, is it worth it to theme for b4? Or should I/everyone, just hold off for RC1? I'm not talking about the themes where you just replace grpahics, that (might be) as simple as dropping the images in a new folder. I've been playing with the actual structure of the theme, which would probably need to be reworked for a future version(?).
OR, will most 2.x models be able to read b4's themes?
There is not a lot of difference in many templates. It depends which ones your theme will edit. If you are only changing index.template.php, BoardIndex.template.php and MessageIndex.template.php then a 2b4 theme will give little if any trouble with RC1. If you want to change absolutely every template then you'll have more work to do.
I've usually only been editing index. and boardindex., plus CSS. So, sounds like I should be good to go (crosses fingers).
If you are changing much of the php make sure to check the error log as you go... Many people don't do that and it can lead to problems :)
KF, you should be ok. Unfortunately I haven't had much time for theme testing but I'll install RC1 locally tonight and run a few through it.
@Tyrsson, good call, I'll be sure to do that.
@antechinus, thanks for the test.
It would be good if authors start making more for smf 2 the main templates are done now, but of course small fixes may happen till it goes stable, like between 1.0 and 1.1 there wont be any file with changes due to the vast amount and the new semantic coding style... but the largest difference in 1.1.7 and smf2 themes is there are now NO numeric value text strings so simply $txt[102] is now $txt['news'] (the actual wording may be different)