WordPress 3.7 is Available
Updated 10/26/13: Some folks are reporting error messages similar to the one below when they update or install a new plugin. There is a bug with the WordPress SEO plugin conflicting with meta tags and XML elements in WordPress 3.7. Yoast is already working on it and fix should be out soon. Here’s the error message: wpseo_upgrader_process_complete() in public_html/wp-content/plugins/wordpress-seo/inc/wpseo-non-ajax-functions.php on line 259
WordPress 3.7 contains some of the “most important architectural updates we’ve made to date” according to the post about its release on the WordPress.org website.
What’s in 3.7?
Besides the three, big highlights of automatic updates, stronger password recommendations, and localized versions for non-English languages, the developers closed over 400 Trac tickets. These were nagging bug and feature fixes, some of which had been lingering since before version 3.6.
Auto Updates
The most controversial new feature in WordPress 3.7 is the addition of automatic updates. There are a lot of settings for developers to choose what will be automatically updated.
For instance, it can be set to only auto update for minor maintenance and security versions. This would be things like version 3.7.1 to 3.7.2. It would not auto update to version 3.8.
There are “dozens of new checks and safeguards” to make the update process “more reliable and secure”.
While that may be so, and I’ve had no issues with auto updates on my beta sandbox site, I may very well turn this feature off until the first few updates have run. I’m not interested in making a permanent beta tester out of my main site just yet.
Stronger Passwords
You may recall that I made a couple of posts and videos about the way WordPress exposes your login username in various ways, especially in your byline.
That means that your password is really the only thing standing between you and a hacker. It needs to be super strong.
Now WordPress is going to help you do that with a password meter that recognizes “common mistakes that can weaken your password: dates, names, keyboard patterns, and even pop culture references.”
More Complete Translations
Millions of WordPress sites are owned and read by non-English speaking people. WordPress 3.7 has added support for “automatically installing the right language files and keeping them up to date.” That will include the backend admin area too.
After having worked on a couple of translated sites and seeing all the hoops that you have to go through to get both the front and backend translated into your native language, I can tell you first hand that this is going to make a lot of site owners jump for joy. And it’s about time too!
Backup First, Then Update
As will all major changes to your site, always do a full backup first. I use and recommend BackupBuddy. (aff link)
There are a few bug and security fixes in version 3.7, but it is mainly a features release. So, if you feel more comfortable waiting a few days, that’s fine. Just don’t wait too long!
Hi MaAnna,
I just read another article about this WP 3.7 auto updating on another site. I came here next as is my custom to glean your wisdom and hear your perspective MaAnna… AKA… in another galaxy, time and space, W.P Yoda
From what I read, there is a small line of code that can be added to stop these auto updates totally.
It is entered into one of the php files. Me being me and it being Sunday PM, I can’t remember it. Thank goodness for website history. ;)
I personally am not into this auto updating at all. I’m with Caroline Martin. I’m going to wait for a few weeks to see what happens before embracing 3.7. I know you taught me to update quickly, but I am really not convinced about auto updates. Why don’t they just offer, do you or don’t you want this, tick this option?
Anyone, thanks for the heads up and blog post. Great as always.
David, I’ve got a blog post coming out about the auto update feature, and how to set the various filters, or just turn it off.