Upgraded To WordPress 2.5
I wrote this post in the new version of WordPress, 2.5. It’s a major upgrade, especially in regards to the user interface on the back end.
The look is best described as cleaner, with a lighter blue and attention paid to usability that was absent before, through work with Happy Cog. Some new features are improved embedding of media (say, YouTube videos), image galleries, and an improved uploader.
I have admit, after regular use of WordPress for the past two years, some changes are rather bewildering. My physical mouse memory moves to click “edit” for a post but this now requires a click on a post’s title instead.
But many of these changes seem made for usability reasons. For example, the “timestamp” setting requires a click on “Edit,” no longer requiring the terminology “timestamp”. Tabs more commonly used (Write, Manage) appear at the top left, and the less used Settings, Plugins, Users, and Choices appear at the right and appear in smaller type.
Other changes will take getting used to. The category check boxes now appear beneath a post, requiring more scrolling. The options for various plug-ins seem corralled under “Settings.”
My upgrade was reasonably smooth, except I had to update many plugins in preparation, and I messed up the upload to two folders containing the heart of WordPress. But all is now working fine.
For the full list of what’s new, please read Matt Mullenweg’s announcement.
Thanks for the information , i am also going to upgrade my wordpress version soon
I’ve kind of fallen in love with the new design, I’ve been using the RC’s and have gotten used to the slightly strange(IMHO) placing of some links.
Despite all the talk on the wp-hackers list, I find I have a much better workflow now.
I think plugin authors need to catch up though, most plugins I uses haven’t been updated, so look a little strange.
I’ve written a post on how to update your styles: http://epicalex.com/wordpress-25-plugin-style-g…
Just upgraded a friend’s blog to WP 2.5. I like it. Overall, some really nice changes.
The interface is definitely going to take some getting used to — I really liked the old theme better. Blue, black and white go so nicely together.
Someone made a point that this is easier to grasp for newer users, and I can certainly believe that. In that case, I’m happy to see the changes. I’ve been using WordPress for so long, that it’s hard to think like a new user sometimes.
As for composing, may I recommend MarsEdit? It’s a Mac app for composing and publishing posts to many different blogging systems.
I like the lighter blue but the red-orange color is bugging me.