Wordpress 2.5 upgrade was worth the wait
April 6, 2008 – 2:49 amSometimes it seems that everytime we turn around, we are confronted with a new software upgrade. Sometimes the new version of software offers us innovation and efficiency, but most times the upgrade seems like nothing much more than a new coat of paint. I am excited to say that this time Wordpress has given us a well organized administrative interface that streamlines the process AND gives us new features like the new media library.
I have installed the upgrade for some of my customers and they are loving the new administrative interface. The sections they use most often, like new post and managing comments, are at their fingertips. Wordpress components that are used less frequently are tucked off to the side until needed. They are also really excited about the new media functions, especially those that want to implement podcasts into their blogs.
Although I also appreciate the new organization of the Wordpress interface, it is the new upgrade functions that is putting the smile on my face. This upgrade function allows the Wordpress blog owner to upgrade most of their plug-ins from within Wordpress. On the plug-in page, Wordpress notifies the blog owner when one of their plug-ins has a new verion or needs an upgrade. Click the link and Wala! It is installed. No more looking up the home pages for all of your plug-ins just in the off chance that it needs an upgrade then doing the required download from that site and upload to your blog. Let’s face it, most bloggers don’t bother to check up on their plug ins until they break. Unfortunately, that can mean they are missing out on security fixes. It is so easy now, there is no reason to not have the most secure and up to date versions of your plug-ins.
It has only been a week since Wordpress 2.5 was finally released. I must admit I was skeptical after watching the upgrade release be delayed time and time again, but so far it has been stable and has worked without a glitch with my themes and plug-ins.
