WordPress 6.2 first release candidate is now available and includes around 900 enhancements and fixes, making it the first major release of 2023.
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The WordPress team has requested every user across the WordPress ecosystem, including theme and plugin developers, educators, agencies, and creators, to test the release to identify bugs before the final release. They warn users not to install, run or test the version on production websites.
WordPress 6.2 is expected to be released on March 28 after more testing and probable release candidates. The enhancements focus on faster performance and inspiration which includes a refreshed Site Editor for easier template browsing, sticky positioning to keep important blocks fixed when scrolling, a new sidebar experience, reorganized block settings with separate tabs, and much more.
Users can download and test WordPress 6.2 RC1 in three ways: by installing and activating the WordPress Beta Tester plugin, direct downloading the RC1 version, or using the WP-CLI command.
WordPress 6.2 will bring several changes to enhance the full-fledged website editor, including a new feature that comes out of beta, improved navigation menus, and an option to add custom CSS to specific blocks. Moreover, the site editor will load the template preview window first, allowing users to view various templates and preview their appearance before selecting the template to edit.
Another significant change is the introduction of colors to indicate the editable parts of the template, making it easier to locate the parts that need editing. Additionally, WordPress 6.2 will allow users to add custom CSS to their entire theme or specific blocks, and users can manage menus using a sub-panel under the navigation block.
These changes will help users create and manage their websites more efficiently, making the full-fledged website editor a more user-friendly and intuitive tool for website design. Overall, WordPress 6.2 promises to be a major upgrade that will provide users with many new features and enhancements.
In WordPress 6.2 RC1, there are a number of new features and improvements. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Refreshed Site Editor: The Site Editor has been redesigned to provide a more user-friendly experience for browsing templates, making it easier to customize your website.
2. Sticky Positioning: This new feature allows you to keep important blocks fixed in place when scrolling, ensuring that they remain visible and easily accessible to visitors.
3. New Sidebar Experience: The sidebar has been revamped, offering a more intuitive interface for managing blocks and settings while editing your content.
4. Reorganized Block Settings: The block settings have been reorganized, with separate tabs for different options. This improvement makes it easier to find and configure the settings you need.
These are just a few of the enhancements and fixes included in WordPress 6.2 RC1. There are also around 900 other improvements and bug fixes aimed at enhancing performance and inspiring users.
It's important to note that as this is a release candidate version, it is still undergoing testing and may contain bugs. It's recommended to test it on a non-production website to ensure the stability of your site.
WordPress 6.2 RC1 is a bloated release, with nearly 900 "enhancements" that will likely introduce more bugs than fixes. I'm skeptical about the team's ability to deliver a stable release, given the rushed timeline and lack of transparency in the development process. The emphasis on "faster performance" is just a marketing gimmick, and the new features, such as sticky positioning, are just a rehash of existing functionality. I'll be testing the RC1 version, but I'm not holding my breath for a seamless experience.