The latest WordPress release is set to hit the shelves this week and there’s been a lot of buzz in the community surrounding it. WordPress 5.0, codenamed Gutenberg, is one of the largest changes we’ve seen to the actual dashboard interface in a while. Following in the footsteps of Elementor, Visual Composer, Divi and other popular page builders, Gutenberg introduces blocks as the main method for adding content to posts and pages. The idea is to bring content creation to the masses, allowing those without coding know-how to publish beautiful websites.
While in theory, this is an exciting update to WordPress, a CMS that populates more than 30% of the entire web, there are some considerations that need to be made before jumping to hit that ‘upgrade’ button on your site. Because Gutenberg is such a drastic departure from the Tiny MCE editor we’ve grown to know and love, the latest forum activity has shown it to be significantly more ‘buggy’ than previous versions. There are also numerous articles outlining how much more cumbersome certain actions are now – what used to be a simple line of code now requires numerous clicks to achieve.
The biggest issue arising is not with new sites, rather with older sites that are attempting to upgrade to Gutenberg. The WordPress plugin community is vast, and attempting to reduce plugin conflict has been a rocky road. Many users are finding their sites ‘broken’ after the update because the plugins that they are using are not compatible with Gutenberg.
Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg may have been the original content publisher, but I’d guess even he would hold off on updating his site. I’m not questioning that the future could be grand for Gutenberg, I’m just cautioning that we may not be quite there yet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is WordPress 5.0 and what’s the Gutenberg update?
WordPress 5.0 is the latest major version of the WordPress content management system (CMS), which includes the new Gutenberg editor. Gutenberg replaces the traditional TinyMCE editor, offering a block-based system for content creation, making it easier for users to add multimedia content, text, and other elements without needing coding knowledge.
How does Gutenberg differ from the previous editor?
Gutenberg uses a block-based approach, where each element on a page (text, images, videos, etc.) is added as a separate block. This allows for greater flexibility and easier customization compared to the traditional TinyMCE editor, which required users to manually code or rely on third-party page builders.
Are there any common issues with the new content editor?
Yes, some users have reported bugs and performance issues, especially when trying to upgrade existing websites. For example, actions that used to be quick and simple now require additional steps, and there may be conflicts with certain plugins. Testing the new system and ensuring compatibility with your site’s plugins is highly recommended.
How can I ensure that my site is ready for the update?
Before upgrading, make sure to back up your website and test the update on a staging or test site. Check plugin compatibility and review any changes that may affect your existing content or layout. It’s also helpful to keep your WordPress themes and plugins up-to-date to minimize potential conflicts.
Will the new update make it harder to maintain my site?
The transition to a block-based content editor may require an adjustment period, but once you get used to the new system, it could make site maintenance easier by streamlining the content creation process. However, if you’re managing an older site or relying heavily on plugins, you might encounter some growing pains.
