In preparation for the final release of WordPress 5.8 on July 20, 2021, an RC One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see alpha (beta). 4 has been packaged and released to fix some late-discovered blocking issues. The following changes have been made since RC 3:
- Block Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. Editor: Backport A port is when code from one branch (or trunk) is merged into another branch or trunk. Some changes in WordPress point releases are the result of backporting code from trunk to the release branch. fixes targeted for WordPress 5.8 RC4 ([51445] for #53397).
- Media: When resizing, WebP images set the compression to “lossy” by default. It Fixes a bug A bug is an error or unexpected result. Performance improvements, code optimization, and are considered enhancements, not defects. After feature freeze, only bugs are dealt with, with regressions (adverse changes from the previous version) being the highest priority. where the compression was set to “lossless” when the uploaded WebP images have extended file format (
VP8X) ([51437] for #53653). - Media: Fix JS JavaScript, a web scripting language typically executed in the browser. Often used for advanced user interfaces and behaviors. error in Media Library when infinite scroll enabled ([51441] for #53672).
- Media: Document edge cases with the new
image_editor_output_format filter Filters are one of the two types of Hooks https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks. They provide a way for functions to modify data of other functions. They are the counterpart to Actions. Unlike Actions, filters are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output. ([51444] for #53667, #53668, #35725). - Privacy: Ensure the copy button actually copies the suggested privacy policy text ([51433] for #53652).
- Widgets: Prevent widgets unintentionally being moved to the inactive sidebar A sidebar in WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content area, footer, header, or any where in the theme. ([51439] for #53657).
“Release Candidate” means the new version is ready for release, but with thousands of plugins and themes and differences in how the millions of people use WordPress, it is possible something was missed. WordPress 5.8 is slated for release on July 20, 2021, but your help is needed to get there—if you have not tried 5.8 yet, now is the time, we have one week to go!
How to Help
Test RC 4
You can test the WordPress 5.8 release candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see alpha (beta). 4 in any of these three ways:
- Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin (select the
Bleeding edge channel and then Beta/RC Only stream) - Directly download the release candidate version (zip)
- Use WP-CLI WP-CLI is the Command Line Interface for WordPress, used to do administrative and development tasks in a programmatic way. The project page is http://wp-cli.org/ https://make.wordpress.org/cli/ to test:
wp core update --version=5.8-RC4
Thank you to all of the contributors who test the Beta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. and RC releases and give feedback. Testing for bugs is a critical part of polishing every release and a great way to contribute to WordPress.
If you think you have found a bug, you can post to the Alpha/Beta area in the support forums. We would love to hear from you! If you are comfortable writing a reproducible bug report, file one on WordPress Trac, where you can also find a list of known bugs.
Test your plugins and themes
Please test your plugins and themes against WordPress 5.8 and update the Tested up to version in the readme file to 5.8. If you find compatibility problems, please be sure to post to the support forums so we can try to solve them in time for the final release.
For a more detailed breakdown of the changes included in WordPress 5.8, check out the WordPress 5.8 beta 1 post. The WordPress 5.8 Field Guide, which is particularly useful for developers, has info and further links to help you get comfortable with the major changes.
Translate the release
Can you speak and write in a language other than English? Help us translate WordPress into more than 100 languages!
Props to @webcommsat, @cbringmann for peer-reviewing!
Happy testing, folks
Next a smooth, final release
And a new Jazzer
#5-8
