Is it OK for a WP theme to depend on a WP plugin?

I was trying to make a navigation menu dropdown list, and then found a plugin that does it much better then what I did, I tried including it’s core functionality in the functions.php but it made some bugs, so I want to either include it in my theme or to ask the users to instal it.

Is there a reason no to do it?

You can suggest your users in documentation to install it.

Are you going to sell it here?

Dream-Theme said
Are you going to sell it here?

Yes

Dream-Theme said
I’m sorry for saying this. I’m really sorry. I know I must be positive. I know we must help each other. BUT .

What kind of developer are you if you can not integrate a plugin? Like ones who “I’m making responsive theme but I do not have a device to test it”?

What will be the quality of your Theme? You need money? OK. But learn something first.

It seems you misunderstood my question, I am asking if it is something acceptable to prompt a theme user to install a plugin.

It’s pointless to include a whole plugin in functions.php since it will not get updates, and if I strip away parts of the functionality I risk messing things up. I believe it would be better FOR THE CUSTOMER to install the plugin rather then me including it.

I tried including it’s core functionality in the functions.php but it made some bugs

Misunderstood?

A basic functionality like dropdown menus should not require a user to install a plugin, so if you cant get it to work by including it into your themes core files dont use it. Use something you have built yourself and you can properly support, in case your customers want to change or improve something.

As a rule of thumb: if you think an average php developer could build the feature in a few hours dont use a plugin (even if it would take you longer to build it) otherwise you wont improve and without improving yourself there is no chance competing here

If the functionality requires days, weeks or months to develop, then a plugin is appropriate. Examples for this would be multi language functionality, e commerce solutions, forums etc

>> Dream-Theme

Simple “NO” would do, but nooo you have to spread your arrogance.

Requiring a plugin is fine, but it depends on the plugin. As @Kriesi said, if it’s for something simple like drop down menus you might want to build it into the theme.

All of my themes require the Options Framework plugin. It makes things easier on me and easier on my users.

I also have two themes specifically built for ecommerce plugins. Those plugins are obviously required.

designcrumbs said
Those plugins are obviously required.

but I want to use a different plugin

Please Advise.