Here are the 4 Steps to Complete Before Updating to WordPress 5

WordPress is Trademark Productions‘ all-time favorite content management software (CMS). We’ve developed hundreds of websites using this CMS. TM recommends WordPress for most of our builds because it’s one of the best options available. Everyone at our agency agrees!

Update: WordPress runs 43.2% of the entire internet. On top of that, it’s open-source and completely customizable. **(updated 01/31/22)

WordPress 5

Major technological updates are essential. In December 2018, WordPress 5 was released. This update optimizes the performance and is more accessible and user-friendly for new and current users. Gutenberg is introduced as the current editor, which features a block style.

Each content area is now easy-to-create with boxes that users can add to or remove from posts. WP 5.0 gives flexibility on how content is displayed in websites’ back-ends but not how websites appear to visitors on the front end. This decision ultimately helps WordPress simplify the process, not the outcome. WordPress runs 32% of the entire internet. On top of that, it’s open-source and completely customizable. Other details and reviews about WordPress can be read at MyBestWebsiteBuilder.com.

4 Steps to Prepare Your Website Before Updating to WordPress 5

Create a Backup

Before performing major updates, back up all files to keep them safe. In case there’s an error, the backup will be able to bring back the files easily.

“WordPress wants to simplify the process, not the outcome.”

Test to see if Gutenberg is a Match

The block-style Gutenberg editor makes it easier for users to visualize their posts and choose the correct content boxes to make it work. WordPress states the “editing experience has been rebuilt for media-rich pages and posts.” It’s available as a plugin to experience before even updating the website. Users can explore the new editor to see if it matches their website and back-end editors.

Update Plugins

All installed plugins should receive updates before updating the core of WordPress. Plugins also have to remain updated to work properly. This should eliminate any minor or major issues that can arise after the update happens.

Check Everything

After updating the website’s software, it’s crucial to test everything to make sure the website still works. Test each page by clicking its features. Also, fill out the website’s main contact form to make sure it works if applicable.

TM‘s Developers Thoughts

While this may be the largest update WordPress has ever released, some users aren’t very happy about it, including our developers.

I personally don’t think the new Gutenberg editor is anything revolutionary. It’s developed using React, which is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. The editor includes features that you’d normally use for custom shortcodes, such as columns or parallax images.

The new editor came at the cost of breaking thousands of themes and plugins. This required many developers to make compatibility updates or to install the “Classic Editor” plugin. It would have been better if WP made a theme declare support for Gutenberg, and quickly not enabling it. This would have prevented many websites from breaking when updating to WordPress 5.

Overall, I felt this new feature was rolled out aggressively.

WordPress 5 brought Gutenberg, a content editing platform that focused on bringing a dynamic WYSIWYG interface design to allow content writers to generate content quickly and easily. While the tool may be helpful for aspiring and current bloggers, it has created a lot of controversy amongst developer circles (to put it mildly.)

There may be clients that are a good fit for Gutenberg. But for now, we are likely recommending the Classic Editor plugin for a streamlined, straightforward experience. It’s much easier to leverage the power of WordPress without having to reinvent the proverbial wheel. As they say, if it ain’t broke… – Developer

Good News!

Not sure about WordPress 5 or Gutenberg for your company’s website? No worries, install the Classic Editor plugin to bring back the classic WordPress WYSIWYG editor after updating. Don’t get too comfortable, though. The Classic Editor plugin will run until 2021 before switching to the block editor-style indefinitely.

For More Information

Visit the WordPress’ official blog to receive the latest news. If you have further questions, feel free to contact TM or leave us a comment below. We’d love to chat!

Recommend Read: 3 Top Reasons to Update Your WordPress Website