No home.php or front-page.php?

[graygilmore]

Since index.php is always used as the ultimate fallback template, I try to avoid using specific code on it (eg. stuff that would be exclusive to the home page, maybe a slider). Using front-page.php in a theme might not work as it would require user input in the blog's settings, but what about using home.php?

I'd love to know why you guys decided to go without it!

[norcross]

front-page.php will load recent posts (and not a page) if that setting hasn't been changed. However, I think the goal is to be as base as possible and allow users to add one (or the other) if need be.

[mfields]

+1 @norcross We've intentionally excluded many branches of template hierarchy for simplicity. In my experience, it's pretty rare that home.php or front-page.php are needed. In cases where these templates are needed, it's probably best for the theme developer to add them in as needed.