In this article, we will take a deep dive into the latest WordPress 5.5 release, discussing its features, tweaks, and tips to make the most out of this update. Managed-WP, as a premium managed WordPress cloud hosting platform, always stays ahead of the curve and ensures that you are aware of the latest advancements in the WordPress ecosystem.
Table of Contents
Features of WordPress 5.5
Before we talk about the tweaks and tips, let’s explore the prominent features that make WordPress 5.5 standout.
1. Enhanced Block Editor
With WordPress 5.5, the block editor has improved significantly, offering users a more refined editing experience. Some highlights include:
- Improved user interface: The block editor is cleaner and easier to navigate, making it more user-friendly.
- Inline image editing: Users can now edit images directly within the block editor, removing the need for additional image editing tools.
- Block patterns: Ready-to-use block layouts that can be quickly added to your content, simplifying the process of designing complex posts and pages.
2. Automatic updates for themes and plugins
WordPress 5.5 introduces the ability to enable automatic updates for themes and plugins. This helps to ensure your site remains up-to-date and secure against potential vulnerabilities.
3. Sitemap feature
WordPress 5.5 includes a built-in sitemap feature that enables search engines to more easily discover and index content on your site. This helps improve your site’s search engine ranking and visibility.
4. Lazy Loading images
Lazy loading is now included in WordPress 5.5 by default. This allows images to load only when they are needed or when they are in a user’s viewport. This helps to significantly speed up page load times and leads to better user experience.
Tweaks in WordPress 5.5
Beyond the key features, WordPress 5.5 also includes various tweaks and improvements that enhance your website’s performance and your experience using the platform.
1. Improved accessibility
Improving accessibility has been a priority for the WordPress community, and version 5.5 offers several enhancements such as:
- Better keyboard navigation: Using the Tab and Shift-Tab keys, users can navigate more easily between blocks and elements.
- Enhanced screen reader support: The block editor now offers better information and support for users relying on screen readers.
- Assistive technology improvements: Improved compatibility with various assistive technologies, leading to a more inclusive experience for all users.
2. Removal of jQuery Migrate
WordPress 5.5 has removed the jQuery Migrate tool from its core. jQuery Migrate helped developers transition their code and plugins from legacy versions of jQuery to newer ones. As a result, you may need to update your themes and plugins to ensure they function properly without jQuery Migrate.
3. XML-RPC support is disabled
WordPress 5.5 has disabled XML-RPC by default, which prevents external apps and services from using your site’s credentials to access your WordPress backend. This enhances your site’s security; however, you may need to enable XML-RPC manually if needed for specific applications or services.
Tips to Maximize Efficiency
Now that we’ve covered the features and tweaks, let’s explore some tips to make the most out of WordPress 5.5.
1. Take advantage of block patterns
Using block patterns can save you time and effort when designing complex pages or posts. Explore the available patterns and customize them to match your website’s overall design.
2. Choose themes and plugins wisely
Since jQuery Migrate is no longer included, you need to ensure that your themes and plugins are up-to-date and compatible with WordPress 5.5. This minimizes the risk of encountering issues or errors caused by outdated code.
3. Enable automatic updates
By enabling automatic updates for your themes and plugins, you can keep your site secure and up-to-date without needing to manually check for updates every time.
4. Monitor sitemap optimization
Although WordPress 5.5 includes a built-in sitemap feature, it’s essential to regularly review and optimize your sitemap. This helps search engines better understand your site structure and ensures your content gets indexed effectively.
5. Leverage lazy loading
Using lazy loading can significantly improve your site’s performance and user experience. Make sure that you properly optimize your images and filenames for SEO, ensuring that lazy loading functions as expected.
Summary
Upgrading to WordPress 5.5 offers numerous benefits such as enhanced performance, built-in sitemaps, improved accessibility, and automatic updates. By understanding its features and tweaks, and making the most out of the tips provided, you can effectively strengthen your site’s presence and enhance user experience. Managed-WP is dedicated to simplifying your hosting experience and offering expert support to help you unleash the potential of your WordPress site.
