WordPress 5.0
WordPress is a robust content management program that is used to create websites. As with any program, there are updates to maintain and improve the functionality. On December 6, 2018, WordPress released version 5.0 and is calling it “Bebo.” This article addresses the following points regarding the WordPress 5.0 update:
- What to expect with WordPress 5.0
- What does the block-based editor bring
- When to expect the 5.0 release
- How to Prepare for the update
- Conclusion
What to Expect with WordPress 5.0
WordPress is key to the development of sites across the world wide web with over 32% of sites utilizing it. WordPress is beneficial due to the flexibility and functionality it provides when creating a website. It is a dynamic content management system that can accommodate the needs of anyone, from those just starting a blog to large universities and corporations demanding dynamic content.
On December 6, 2018, WordPress released version 5.0 “Bebo.” With this release, there is much anticipation about the addition of the Gutenberg Plugin’s block-based editor into the core editing functionality. While the previous WordPress content editor, TinyMCE, was intuitive and straightforward, it was also very simplistic and limited in its options. As the digital market for easy to use web builders grows, it is essential that WordPress take steps to update its core and provide a better user experience. The “Bebo” 5.0 release with its a block-based content editor, will enhance usability while providing for dynamic content and mobile responsiveness.
What does the block-based editor bring?
The WordPress 5.0 “Bebo” incorporation of the Gutenberg block-based editor presents a whole new experience in creating content and layout within pages and posts. The foundation resides upon block structure. Blocks are used for individual items that can quickly and effortlessly be moved up, down, set in columns and reused. This framework makes it easy to work across various screen sizes and devices along with the confidence that what is displayed in the editor is what will appear on the website.
What once would require numerous plugins has been simplified into the new “Bebo” experience eliminating the need for custom HTML or shortcodes. WordPress 5.0 brings a distinctly new user-experience to WordPress and the edge needed to compete with the various drag and drop builders on the market.
Check out more information about what currently is available with the WordPress 5.0 Bebo release!
Release Date
The “Bebo” version of WordPress was released on December 6, 2018. With the concerns of online businesses, web designers and developers who were worried about the new release being close to the US and global holiday season, WordPress 5.0 was not set to auto-update. Thus allowing website owners and webmasters the option to choose when to upgrade to version 5.0. Users may find it beneficial to wait until after the holiday season before upgrading to WordPress 5.0 “Bebo.”
Preparation
Website owners and webmasters will want to review their theme and plugins to confirm compatibility with version 5.0 before updating. Those who are currently using a page builder plugin like Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder, WP Bakery Page Builder, to name a few, will want to review those plugins specifically to see how they will interact with the “Bebo” block-based editor. Some page builders proactively prepared for the update and incorporated the block-based editor options within their plugin.
Another way to prepare for the 5.0 “Bebo” version is to install the Gutenberg plugin while using the 7.9.8 version of WordPress. (Pro-tip: Make a backup of site files and database before updating WordPress and installing new plugins). If the site continues to work well with Gutenberg installed, all should go well with the 5.0 update. If the content is not displaying correctly with Gutenberg, install the Classic Editor plugin. By doing so, this will set the post and page editor back to the Classic TinyMCE version. When WordPress is upgraded to 5.0, the Classic Editor will remain the default editor because of the Classic Editor Plugin.
Conclusion
To those who are new to using WordPress, the upgrade to WordPress 5.0 “Bebo” may be a seamless transition. Experienced users will need to check their theme and current plugins to confirm compatibility with the 5.0 version. As always, make sure to make a backup of the site’s files and database before updating and installing plugins. Please see the article How to create and manage backups for more information. WordPress 5.0 “Bebo” will change how users create content for sites and provide an overall better user experience.
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