WordPress 5.9 Beta 1 delayed

A new date will be set for WordPress 5.9 BetaBeta 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. 1 so that 5.9’s exciting new features can be delivered in full, together with the intuitive, cohesive user experience. Beta 1 was originally scheduled for release yesterday and tentatively shifted to today to accommodate this. The overall schedule will be updated to reflect this and give contributors more time to collaborate further on the release.

Why postpone the beta?

WordPress has a specific philosophy of development. Its contributors follow the process that deadlines are not arbitrary. Schedules can shift if the results demand it.

Any changes to the proposed timetable are and must be carefully considered, as changes impact users preparing for the release and contributors contributing time and energies to make it happen.

As WordPress is open-source software, you can follow the discussion in real time on the release squad channel in the Make WordPress SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/. group.

So. The choice.

As communicated yesterday (16 November 2021), in #core-editor, a red flag was raised about a blocker to the Beta phase.

There are some others items too. These items could affect the 5.9 Release Candidaterelease 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). (RCrelease 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).) and, likely, the final release. So it is better to allow time to focus on them at this stage.

How long of a delay?

The information that surfaced several hours ago suggests two to three weeks of focused work will produce a significantly better 5.9 version—much better than would a set of quick fixes intended to meet the current schedule.

The release squad is pulling together a revised schedule. Of course, given timezones, the discussion started before some members of the global team were awake for the day. So not every member has had a chance to weigh in. A proposed schedule is pinned in the 5.9 release-leads Slack channel. This proposal could change during the next 24-48 hours.

When will the Beta 1 release happen?

The current best guess is a two-week delay with an additional beta added to the cycle.

What will that do to the rest of the 5.9 release cycle schedule?

Again, please refer to this proposed schedule. A delay in the schedule also has to work with holidays, the end of the year, and the start of 2022.

As always, please add your thoughts to the comments on this post or the Slack discussion. Thank you for everyone’s feedback so far. Together, let’s continue to make WordPress better and better.

Props to @hellofromtonya, @marybaum, @webcommsat and @chanthaboune for collaborating on this update post.

#5-9