WordPress 5.0 – Know All About Gutenberg: The Real Hero of the Update

Introducing WordPress 5.0: Transforming the Way We Create Content

WordPress has become the go to platform, for website development empowering individuals and businesses to build visually appealing websites. With its user interface and extensive customization options WordPress has gained popularity among content creators and developers.

Now get ready for a groundbreaking update. WordPress 5.0! This significant release is poised to revolutionize the process of content creation, opening up thrilling possibilities for website owners to showcase their creativity and captivate their audience like never before.

December 06, 2018, was the date when the WordPress 5.0 “Bebo” officially made its foray. Believe it or not, it was one of the biggest updates in the CMS industry in 2018. If you have tried to ignore it since then, now is the time you should get yourself started with it. This post will help you understand all you need to learn about the new Gutenberg editor. 

New Features of WordPress 5.0

The prime features introduced in Wordpress 5.0 versions are: 

• Wordpress theme twenty nineteen
• Gutenberg- The Block-Based Editor
• Reuseable Blocks

The Wordpress Theme Twenty Nineteen
This theme is more about the Gunterberg editor. This is the default theme in the 5.0 version of WordPress and allows users to create an entire Wordpress website in the Gutenberg editor only. In this theme, the Gutenberg works as a ‘Wordpress site builder’ instead of ‘content builder.’

Gutenberg- The Block-Based Editor
If you are not an HTML and CSS sort of person then the “Gutenberg” is bliss for you. This new block-based editor has simplified the content editing exercise. Playing with text elements and adding multimedia is the work of few snaps now. Getting Wordpress 5.0 Gutenberg block-based editor means you will be exposed to a whole new editing experience. 

Reuseable Blocks
The reusable block is a great functionality to save your time and efforts; especially when you are working on something that involves adding things with the same style or content. You can make any block a reusable by simply selecting an option ‘Add to reusable blocks’ from the block toolbar. 

Save this block with a name and use it anytime next you want to add the same stuff to your other posts.  

Classic Editor Vs. Gutenberg Editor

The old or classic WordPress editor was a simple window where you could add the text and had to use, select or install varied approaches to add images, embed videos, create galleries, shortcodes, and other content elements.

The new Gutenberg editor makes you get rid of all such hunting tasks; it has streamlined writing experience. It has become easier to edit, add multimedia, and create engaging layouts without plugins or writing code. To make it more understandable, we have created a tabular comparison between two of these.

Features	Classic Editor	Gutenberg Editor
Seamless Rich Post	Not possible in the classic editor. You need to have enough knowledge of CSS or HTML to make it look fancy.	Possible with Gutenberg editor, you need not be an expert in CSS and HTML to create engaging layouts.
Rearranging Content Layout	Quite cumbersome, as you need to cut & paste to move any text or image among the post.	It’s easy to drag and drop the content pieces to rearrange the final layout as all text is wrapped in blocks.
Functionality Integration	Various plugin and themes are required to integrate complex features like adding tables or buttons. Finding an appropriate plugin is daunting sometimes	All such extended features come as basic options in Gutenberg. Feel relaxed; no need to find the plugins.
Ease Of Execution	The classic text editor window was quite easy to execute.	Gutenberg blocks are not that complex but users feel driven away while working with it as so many editing options are available right away. It may be distracting for some.

Are there any Gutenberg Compatibility Issues?

No, as such no one has faced any major issues of compatibility, but it is better to test any new version of WordPress. As this updated version impacts all WP elements including the editor, the theme and even the third-party plugins, testing is a wise option.   

You may encounter some changes with some of your installed plugins. Especially the plugins that directly interact with the WordPress editor (i.e. to add new functionality or include shortcodes.) But that’s not a major concern; as of now most of the plugins have made required changes to be compatible with Gutenberg.

However, there are a number of new plugins and themes available for WordPress 5.0 version. Probably we will see the time when only Gutenberg compatible plugins will be developed. 

Still Not Convinced with WordPress 5.0 Gutenberg Editor?

No problem, well you are not alone; who are beating around the bush when it comes to updating to WordPress 5.0. There are millions of WordPress users who are die-hard fans of the classic editor.
It’s not even mandatory for now to update to WordPress 5.0. However, updating your WordPress will not affect any of your old content. The previously created content (before the update) will be wrapped inside a “Classic” editor block.

But if in no case you want to adapt to the new version; you can retain the classic editor while following any of these options:

• Install the Classic Editor Plugin – You can get this plugin from WordPress.org. It is an official plugin and can be downloaded for FREE. 
• Install the Disable Gutenberg plugin – Installing this plugin will disable the Gutenberg editor and get you back to work at the classic editor. This is a straightforward approach to roll back to the classic edition of the editor. This plugin is also available with Wordpress.org and it is Free too. 

Warning: The WordPress team has already announced that the “Classic Editor plugin will only be officially supported until December 31, 2021”. Source: Wordpress

So the sooner you get your hands on the Gutenberg editor the easier it would be for you to get acquainted with it. It is highly recommended buckling down to Gutenberg and WordPress 5.0 without delays. 

Making Sure Plugins are Compatible and Optimized

Once you've upgraded to WordPress 5.0 one of the concerns that arises is how well your existing plugins and themes will work with the version. With the introduction of the Gutenberg editor it's crucial to ensure that your plugins seamlessly integrate with this new feature.

Discussions, about compatibility concerns for plugins and themes after the update;

The arrival of the Gutenberg editor has sparked debates and conversations within the WordPress community. Many users are worried about their current plugins becoming incompatible and potentially causing issues on their websites.

Tips and strategies for optimizing existing plugins to integrate with the block editor;

Optimizing your plugins for compatibility with the block editor is vital in order to maintain a functioning website. Here are some tips and strategies to ensure an integration;

• Keep things up to date; Make sure you regularly update your plugins to their versions. Plugin developers often release updates specifically addressing compatibility issues with WordPress versions.
• Test for compatibility; Before updating to WordPress 5.0 it's important to test your plugins in a staging environment or testing site. This way you can verify that they function properly alongside the Gutenberg editor. If any issues arise don't hesitate to reach out to the developer for support.
• Consider exploring plugins if you find that certain plugins are not compatible with the block editor in WordPress 5.0. Look for plugins that offer functionality and have been optimized specifically for this version of WordPress.
• If you're unsure about how to optimize your plugins for compatibility it might be helpful to seek assistance from a WordPress developer who can guide you through the process.

By following these strategies and ensuring compatibility you'll be able to transition to WordPress 5.0 without compromising the functionality of your website.

Improving User Experience with WordPress 5.0

WordPress 5.0 introduces improvements to enhance the user experience when creating and managing websites. Let's explore some of the enhancements;

A Closer Look at the Enhanced User Experience in WordPress 5.0

With the introduction of Gutenberg Editor WordPress 5.0 offers users an intuitive editing interface. This new editor simplifies content. Editing by utilizing blocks allowing users to easily organize and customize their content in appealing ways.

Another aspect that greatly enhances the user experience in WordPress 5.0 is its simplified content creation process. The Block Editor allows users to focus solely on creating content without getting overwhelmed, by settings and options resulting in an efficient and enjoyable content creation experience.

Moreover WordPress 5.0 has implemented design enhancements to improve the appeal and functionality of websites. The inclusion of blocks and layout options provides users with flexibility in designing their websites resulting in visually captivating and interactive web pages.

These improvements in user experience offered by WordPress 5.0 empower users to effortlessly take control of their websites. The user friendly editing interface, simplified content creation process and overall design enhancements transform the website development journey into an efficient experience.

Seamless Migration and Adoption Strategies

Upgrading to WordPress 5.0 and embracing the Gutenberg Editor can significantly impact your website's performance. However smoothly transitioning from the editor to the block editor requires planning and execution. In this regard we offer guidance on how to switch from the editor to the new one.

• Transitioning from the Classic Editor; If you currently have a website built with the editor upgrading to WordPress 5.0 necessitates shifting to the block editor. This can be achieved by installing Gutenberg plugin, which allows for an adaptation while ensuring your existing content remains unchanged.
• Checking Compatibility and Adoption Rates; Prior to making this migration it is crucial to verify compatibility, between your themes/plugins and WordPress 5.0.

Many developers have already updated their products to ensure compatibility with the block editor. Moreover it's valuable to explore adoption rates among website owners for insights and learning opportunities.

Looking Towards the Future; Anticipated Advancements and Enhancements

Following the release of WordPress 5.0 the development team is already focused on what lies. Let's delve deeper into what's in store and what you can anticipate from WordPress.

Delving into WordPresss Future Roadmap

With the launch of WordPress 5.0 excitement is brewing within the community regarding developments. The dedicated team is actively shaping a roadmap for versions aiming to introduce more innovative features and enhancements to enrich your WordPress experience.

Sneak Peek at Upcoming Features and Improvements

WordPress has plans to introduce exhilarating features and improvements in versions. These will include performance enhancements for loading times, strengthened security measures to safeguard your website and fresh customization options that grant you control over your site's appearance.

Long term Development Strategies

WordPress remains committed to its journey of evolution and innovation. The development team is diligently crafting long term strategies aimed at enhancing the user experience, expanding the capabilities of the block editor and streamlining the process of creating websites.

The future of WordPress appears to be filled with promise as there are endeavors to transform it into the content management system for users of all kinds. Keep an eye out for thrilling updates and improvements!

Wrapping Up

WordPress 5.0 and Gutenberg is the biggest ever update to WordPress CMS as it has affected multiple verticles. It has affected the CMS interface, functionality, editors mechanism, content writing, and even plugin and theme development. 

Before you click on the “Update” button; get it tested once to see if there exist any compatibility issues. You can even get an expert’s advice on this; write to us at info@growthnatives.com to initiate the discussion.