If you’re using WordPress to power your blog, you should be thinking and planning about upgrading that’s because WordPress version 3.8 (Major) has just been released.
I have updated and the Admin UI is completely redesigned. Version 3.8 introduces a new and modern design that brings fresh new look to the entire admin dashboard.
While WordPress 3.7 focused on the WordPress core by introducing automatic updates, and revision control, 3.8 is all about facelift. The new WordPress dashboard has a new design the embraces ‘clarity and simplicity’.
WordPress 3.8 also introduces a clear typography that’s optimized for both desktop and mobile devices with refined contrast. As with every major release, this one comes with fresh new theme called Twenty Fourteen, a sleek new magazine style theme.
If you haven’t upgraded yet, you might just want to. I am running it on this blog and it’s perfect. Since the release isn’t about changing the core product, it should work well with existing plugins and themes.
For those who have root access to their server, the can upgrade by running the commands below. Before you attempting to upgrade, you should backup your WordPress database and content.
Here’s a blog post about backing up WordPress databases.
When you’re ready, run the commands below to download WordPress latest.
wget http://wordpress.org/latest.zip
Next, run the commands below to unzip the archive.
unzip latest.zip
Finally, copy all the content in the wordpress folder to your WordPress root directory to overwrite exiting files and folders.
cp -rf wordpress/* /var/www/wp-root
Restart your web server and sign on to WordPress admin page. You should be prompted with an upgrade button to upgrade WordPress database.
Do it and you’re set!
If you can upgrade from the admin portal, you should see an alert when you logon to the admin dashboard. Use the upgrade button to upgrade from there. You should also backup your database before upgrading from the admin portal.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new features in Wordpress 3.8 'Parker'?
Wordpress 3.8 introduces a completely redesigned Admin UI with a modern look, clear typography optimized for desktop and mobile devices, and a new theme called Twenty Fourteen.
How can I upgrade to Wordpress 3.8?
To upgrade to Wordpress 3.8, backup your database and content, download the latest Wordpress version, unzip the archive, copy the content to your Wordpress root directory, restart your web server, and follow the upgrade prompt in the admin page.
What should I do before attempting to upgrade to Wordpress 3.8?
Before upgrading to Wordpress 3.8, make sure to backup your Wordpress database and content to prevent data loss in case of any issues during the upgrade process.
Can I upgrade to Wordpress 3.8 if I don't have root access to my server?
If you don't have root access to your server, you can still upgrade to Wordpress 3.8 through the admin portal by following the prompts in the Wordpress admin dashboard.
Is it necessary to upgrade to Wordpress 3.8 if I'm happy with the current version?
While upgrading to Wordpress 3.8 is not mandatory, it is recommended to stay updated with the latest version to benefit from new features, improved security, and bug fixes.
Will existing plugins and themes work with Wordpress 3.8?
Wordpress 3.8 is designed to work well with existing plugins and themes, so you should not encounter compatibility issues when upgrading to the latest version.
What is the significance of the new Wordpress theme 'Twenty Fourteen'?
Twenty Fourteen is a new magazine-style theme introduced in Wordpress 3.8 that offers a sleek and modern design, providing users with a fresh look for their websites.
How can I check if my current Wordpress version is compatible with Wordpress 3.8?
You can check the compatibility of your current Wordpress version with Wordpress 3.8 by visiting the official Wordpress website or community forums for information on supported versions and upgrade recommendations.
