NEW Major WordPress Update 6.6 - DOA Dead On Arrival!

Summary

The video script discusses the upcoming WordPress update, highlighting new features such as visual changes, style variations, negative margins, and pattern management. It introduces a method to test new versions using the WordPress beta tester plugin. However, the script critiques the lack of mobile control options in core blocks, calling the update 'Dead on Arrival' for most users due to its reliance on full-site editing themes and the impracticality of intrinsic design without mobile customization.

Takeaways

• 🆕 There's a new WordPress update coming this week with many new features.
• 🔄 Users may have received plugin updates to ensure compatibility with the new version.
• 🌟 The update includes several promising features, but most are considered Dead on Arrival due to current issues with WordPress.
• ⚙️ To test the new WordPress version, use the WordPress beta tester plugin by creating a temporary test site at try.new.
• 🔍 The new features include visual changes, such as a new bar in the top area and changes to the side panel.
• 🎨 Style variations are introduced, allowing changes to sections on the site if alternative styles are defined.
• 🔲 Negative margins are now possible, which is useful for creating overlapping elements.
• 📑 Pattern management is now available for all themes, allowing users to save and manage patterns across their site.
• 🔄 Pattern overrides enable users to reuse design structures while only changing certain elements like images or text.
• 🖼️ Enhancements to the grid block now support CSS Grid, making it easier to create visually appealing grids.
• 🔄 Rollback auto updates can now reverse plugin updates if a site crash is detected, ensuring site stability.
• 🚫 Most new features require a full-site editing theme, which is not widely used.
• 📱 Core blocks in the editor lack essential mobile controls, making them impractical for most users.
• 💡 Intrinsic design, while a good concept, is not practical for the majority of users who need precise control over their site's appearance on different devices.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the WordPress beta tester plugin?

The WordPress beta tester plugin allows users to test new versions of WordPress before they are officially released. This helps ensure compatibility and identify any potential issues.

How can you set up a temporary WordPress site for testing?

You can set up a temporary WordPress site for testing by opening a new browser tab and entering 'try.new' in the URL. This will create a test site that will self-destruct after 4 hours, requiring no registration.

What is one major visual change in the new WordPress update?

One major visual change is the addition of a new bar at the top area and side panel, which was previously just white space. This area is now used to add buttons for plugins and other features.

What issue might arise from the new top bar feature in WordPress?

The new top bar might cause issues for users who have multiple plugins that add buttons in that area, as there might not be enough space for all the buttons, leading to a cluttered interface.

What are style variations in the new WordPress update?

Style variations allow users to change the style of sections (group blocks) on their site if alternative styles are defined. This feature is part of the visual customization options.

What is the function of negative margins in WordPress?

Negative margins allow for overlapping elements on a page by setting a negative value for the margin. This is useful for creating more dynamic and visually interesting layouts.

What is the significance of pattern management in WordPress?

Pattern management allows users to save, manage, and reuse design patterns across their site. This feature is now available for all themes, not just block-based themes.

What are pattern overrides, and how do they work?

Pattern overrides let users create a pattern with editable elements, such as text or images, while keeping the overall design consistent. This allows for easier and more flexible content management.

What enhancement has been made to the grid block in WordPress?

The grid block now includes native CSS Grid functionality, allowing users to create complex grid layouts with visual controls for adjusting the size and position of grid items.

What is the purpose of rollback auto updates in WordPress?

Rollback auto updates automatically revert a plugin update if it causes the site to crash, ensuring that the site remains functional even after problematic updates.

Why are the new WordPress features considered 'Dead on Arrival' for most users?

Many of the new features require a full-site editing theme, which are not widely used. Additionally, the core blocks lack essential mobile control options, making them impractical for most users who need to manage their site's appearance on mobile devices.

What is the primary criticism of the intrinsic design approach in WordPress?

The intrinsic design approach, which aims to minimize the need for user-defined controls for different device sizes, is seen as impractical. It does not provide necessary mobile controls, which are crucial given the high percentage of mobile traffic on websites.