7 Things to Know Before Updating to WordPress 5:-
It’s been less than a week since the WordPress 5.0 version has been released. Some reports indicate there are many successful upgrades but some of the sites has experienced issues. After knowing these issues I have discovered some considerable things for a smooth WordPress update.
Things to consider before updating WordPress:
- Make sure Php is updated to the latest version
- Update plugins to the latest version
- Decide whether to use Gutenberg editor or classic editor.
- Create Backup
- Decide whether to stage or not
- Check cache and performance plugin
- Be prepared
7 Things to Know Before Updating to WordPress 5
- Update PHP Version:- Php powers WordPress and its all themes & plugins. Using outdated version of Php causes conflicts that result in experiencing bugs.
Most themes and plugins and WordPress itself runs minimum Php 5.6 version as they are backward compatible. But you can’t count software to compatible backward. Best approach is to use the Php version that software is designed to compatible and work with. In this way you can rule out random bug related to use an older version of Php.
Upgrading to latest version will speed up your site and improve its security. Updates for Php 5.6 ends in December. That means it become a security liability.
- Update Plugins:- Updating plugins are good practices. However its important now. Many WordPress plugin developers now releasing the latest version that will be compatible with WordPress version 5.0.
- Use WordPress classic editor or Gutenberg editor:- If you like the current working of WordPress then choose Classic editor. If you want to try the new easier Gutenberg editing experience then go with the Gutenberg editor.
You can always go back to classic editor if the Gutenberg editor is leading to misbehave.
- Create Backup of Your WordPress Site:- Taking a backup is always a good idea. Ideally you should already doing this, if not then consider creating a backup before upgrading your WordPress version.
- Decide whether to stage site:- staging of site means creating a copy of your website and making changes in that . there are various plugins that helps in stage a site and services are also available that host your site on their server. Therefore keeping changes completely separate from your site. Alternatively you can also stage your site on desktop.
- Caching Plugins:- Should you find bugs that is not resolved by using classic editors, you may consider flushing cache and minifying Javascript.
This may not consider as bug because clearing cache and minifying all scripts is recommended every time before upgrade.
- Don’t Afraid to Update:- updating the WordPress latest version seems like scary proposition, especially this close to busy holiday shopping season. There are various reason to vary about WordPress 5.0. Its helpful to make a plan of upgrading WordPress. Being prepared with knowledge of common bugs like caching plugin issue & how to revert back to classic editor can smooth your path of update.