Using the metadata API for network options The way that network options are accessed is changing in WordPress 6.1. Network options have always been stored in a meta table called sitemeta. This name is confusing, as “site” in this context Continue reading Multisite improvements in WordPress 6.1
The Problem Previously, the code to generate markup for views links had to be added in the get_views() method of each child class. This led to repetitive and inconsistent code to achieve the same result, increasing the maintenance burden for Continue reading Introducing WP_List_Table::get_views_links() in WordPress 6.1
As part of the WordPress 6.1 release, wpdb::prepare() has been updated so it can escape Identifiers (such as Table and Field names) with the %i placeholder (#52506). This ensures these values are escaped correctly and don’t lead to SQL Injection Vulnerabilities. Continue reading Escaping Table and Field names with wpdb::prepare() in WordPress 6.1
WordPress 6.1 introduces new features and updates to the @wordpress/create-block package used by developer to scaffold new blocks. Block Variants The new –variant flag allows users of the tool to choose a block variant to be scaffolded. The internal templates Continue reading Create-block scaffolding tool updates
WordPress 6.1 introduces preset values for padding, margin and block gap. With those the editor implements consistent spacing of blocks and nested blocks out of the box. The problem The block editor design tools allowed users only to add custom Continue reading Introduction of presets across padding, margin and block gap
Early block.json Registration Method Starting with WordPress 5.8, extenders were encouraged to begin to utilize block.json to register blocks through a unified registration process. The benefits offered by this update provide consistency and convenience when registering blocks through PHP or Continue reading Improved PHP performance for core blocks registration
Adding caching to database queries in WP_Query WordPress 6.1 includes an improvement to how database queries are performed in the WP_Query class, resulting in database queries will be cached. This means that if the same database query is run more Continue reading Improvements to WP_Query performance in 6.1
WordPress 6.1 introduces a new header available for theme authors. This allows third-party themes to avoid accidentally being overwritten with an update of a theme of a similar name from the WordPress.org Theme Directory. Previously, any custom theme which used the same slug as a theme Continue reading Introducing “Update URI” theme header in WordPress 6.1
As part of the WordPress 6.1 release, the Performance Team has added two Site Health checks (Persistent Object Cache and Page Cache). These checks were previously tested in the Performance Lab plugin. You can read more about them in the Continue reading New cache Site Health checks in WordPress 6.1
In #19898 the is_login_screen() function was introduced to allow for determining if a page is the login page. The is_login_screen function determines if the current request is for the WordPress login screen returning true when the current screen matches and Continue reading New is_login_screen() function for determining if a page is the login screen
WordPress 6.0 makes it easier to lock blocks using the new controls modal. The release also includes two new settings to choose who can access this option and when. Block Editor The new canLockBlocks setting can disable the feature globally or conditionally. Example: Continue reading Block Locking Settings in WordPress 6.0
A powerful feature of the @wordpress/create-block package is the ability to create templates to allow customization of how a block is structured. WordPress 6.0 introduces some new template variables to allow even more customization. Templates can now use the customScripts variable to Continue reading Updates to the @wordpress/create-block templating system
Here are notes to a few further adjustments coming to WordPress 6.0 for developers. Upgrade/Install Replace a plugin description on the Plugins > Add New Screen ShareTweetSharePostSharePin It!
Removed bottom margin on LineHeightControl component Several UI components currently ship with styles that give them bottom margins. This can make it hard to use them in arbitrary layouts, where you want different amounts of gap or margin between components. Continue reading Block Editor miscellaneous Dev Notes for WordPress 6.0
When a user creates a page, the editor starts with an empty canvas. However, that experience may not be ideal, especially since there are often possible patterns the user can use when creating a page, e.g., an about page, a Continue reading Page creation patterns in WordPress 6.0
Theme authors can now create multiple theme.json variations and place them into their theme’s /styles folder. From there, users can switch between the various presets to something that suits them best. Custom JSON files should follow the standard theme.json schema and their Continue reading Global Styles variations in WordPress 6.0
To allow the setting of a custom opacity for each block, the Separator block has been updated to use the block that supports color settings. The custom opacity can then be set using the alpha channel setting of the selected Continue reading Separator block: Updated to use block supports color settings
Image block alignments Historically, the image block with left, right or center alignments used to have an extra div wrapper around the figure tag to help with alignment styling. In WordPress 6.0, for themes that support the layout feature, this Continue reading Block markup updates for image, quote, list and group blocks
WordPress 6.0 no longer ignores the exceptions thrown by the resolvers. In WordPress 5.9 and earlier, an exception thrown inside the resolver kept it in the resolving state forever. It never got marked as finished. In WordPress 6.0, the resolver Continue reading Support for handling resolution errors for Editor data module
Props to @scruffian for writing this dev note. Theme Export The “Export” feature in the Site Editor has been improved so that now you can export your whole theme, including all the edits you have made to your templates and Continue reading Theme export in WordPress 6.0