New Features in WordPress 2.3 for Bloggers

ByLiew Cheon-Fong

WordPressWordPress 2.3 has been released. The new release includes many improvements and new features over version 2.2 such as native tagging support, plugin update notification, better URL handling, and more.

Here are some notable features for WordPress bloggers:

  • Native tagging support — WordPress now natively supports tagging on posts. If you are using tag plugin for your blog, there are tag importers for Ultimate Tag Warriror, Jerome’s Keywords, Simple Tags, and Bunny’s Technorati tag plugins. (screenshots)
  • Update notification — you will be notified when there is a new release of WordPress or plugin update available. Only your blog URL, plugins, and version information will be send to api.wordpress.org to check for updates. (screenshots)
  • Better URL handling — WordPress 2.3 implements better URL handling for better SEO optimization. Based on your choice (WWW or no-WWW), WordPress automatically redirect the other to your blog address. Partial post URLs (e.g. URL cut off in email) should find and redirect to the full URL. Changed Post Slug (post URL)? WordPress now redirect the old URL to the new one.
  • Pending Review — A great new feature for multi-author blogs. Authors can label drafts that are ready for review (by editor or administrator) before publishing. (screenshot)
  • Advanced Visual Editor buttons — the Visual Editor now include a button to show advanced toolbar which is previously hidden. (screenshots)
  • Updated default blogroll — No more personal blogs on WordPress default blogroll. WordPress 2.3 default blogroll now links to useful WordPress resources. (screenshots)

Native tagging support and Update notification are 2 of the most wanted features by WordPress users.

WordPress 2.4 is planned to release at December 12, 2007.

Before you upgrade to WordPress 2.3

As you see, there are quite number of changes on version 2.3. Unlike previous minor upgrade, this time you must take extra caution. Ask help from a WordPress expert if you are not confident.

First of all, backup your blog as always. There are a few of different WordPress backup methods.

Then, check your installed WordPress plugins for the latest versions and the list of known compatible and incompatible plugins with 2.3. Upgrade outdated plugins and deactivate incompatible plugins.

Lastly, proceed to WordPress Upgrade and hopefully everything goes smoothly.

(optional) If you can’t wait for theme update, you can modify your theme to add tag support.

My two cents

I love the version 2.3 new features but I am afraid that my existing plugins might conflict with it, therefore I do not upgrade to WordPress 2.3 as soon as it released. I need to schedule a time for upgrade preparation, probably this coming weekend.

Have you upgraded to WordPress 2.3? Please share your upgrade experience such as errors encountered, plugins incompatibility, etc.

Or, if you need help to upgrade your blog, other readers here might help you. :)

Related book: WordPress For Dummies

blog, wordpress

Share this:

Similar Posts