Thoughts & Insights

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On software development, web technology, and building for the web.

10 Jun 2019

Doc Pop’s News Drop: Can AI Make Commenters More Compassionate?

Doc Pop’s WordPress News Drop is a weekly report on the most pressing WordPress news. When the news drops, I will pick it up and deliver it right to you. Ian Dunn has created a new WordPress plugin that uses neural networks to help identify “toxic” comments. If a comment scores poorly, a message will …

Accessibility & StandardsGutenbergWordPress

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6 Jun 2019

5 Reasons the New WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) is Great

There is a lot of hate out there directed at the new WordPress block editor (aka Gutenberg). I’ve been frustrated with aspects of it myself. And change is difficult. Much of the frustration may stem from familiarity with the old editor and having to learn new ways of doing things in the block editor. As …

Development

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5 Jun 2019

First Look: What You’re Likely To See In WordPress 5.3

After the release of WordPress 5.2, the community has been waiting excitedly for WordPress 5.3. You can have a look right now to see what to expect with new and improved features in the Gutenberg page editor. Here are three things we are very likely to see when version 5.3 becomes a reality. 1. The …

Interviews & Features

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4 Jun 2019

2019 WordCamp Europe Works to Empower Future Developers

This year’s WordCamp Europe is putting on a focus on the future of WordPress by holding a session for kids to create their own sites. This will be on top of the regular childcare services during the conference. The kids’ workshop will take place on the 20th of June during Contributor Day and is open …

Community & EventsInterviews & Features

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4 Jun 2019

Are WordPress Page Builders Still Relevant in the Post-Gutenberg World?

Unless you’re brand new to WordPress, chances are you’ve heard about the platform’s new editor. It’s obviously here to stay, but what’s less clear is whether it’s the right choice for every website. The ‘Block Editor’ is hardly based on a new concept. It uses the same basic design and elements that popular page builder …

Development

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30 May 2019

9 of the Very Best FTP Clients for WordPress Users (Windows and Mac)

There are a few things that should be part of the WordPress developer’s toolbox. Besides a good code editor and the number for their hosting provider’s tech support on speed dial, an FTP client is definitely among them. However, what are the best FTP clients for WordPress users? If that is a question that’s also …

Community & Events

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30 May 2019

Why Start a Business Blog? And How to Do It

A blog can help your business grow, and this post will help you get started. First, you’ll learn why a blog makes sense for your business, then get six early blogging steps to take. A Business Blog Helps You Cement Your Status as a Thought Leader Thought leadership sets you apart from competitors. It helps …

Tutorials & Guides

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29 May 2019

Happy New PHP: A Look at WordPress’ Recent Jump in Minimum PHP Requirements

As far as programming languages go, PHP gets major updates fairly often. This means that as time goes on, WordPress needs to update the minimum required PHP version to keep up with those updates and provide users with a better experience. While you’re reading this, WordPress is making a jump to PHP version 5.6. It’s …

DevelopmentInterviews & Features

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22 May 2019

How to Use Chatbots to Free Up Your Clients’ Customer Support Time

Automated website features are a hot topic, and that includes chatbots. One of your clients’ biggest concerns will be how to balance their customer support requirements against the need to develop their businesses and product lines. When it comes to solving this dilemma, automation is an ideal solution. While there are plenty of other uses, …

Marketing & BusinessDevelopment

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21 May 2019

Why and How to Create a Content Style Guide for Your WordPress Blog

Are you tired of haphazard, unprofessional-looking content? Dissatisfied with the mixed formatting of your blog posts? Trying to corral multiple writers into producing one coherent online publication? A blog style guide is the answer to all of these problems and more. Below, we will discuss how concrete content guidelines can help with the creation process. …

Tutorials & Guides

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21 May 2019

WordPress For Professionals: Free White Paper

Since its inception, WordPress has grown from a blogging platform into a CMS that powers some of the biggest websites in the world. This free White Paper looks at how you can use WordPress to power your large-scale, professional site. Download Free White Paper Here Learn about the ease of use, customizability, and security of …

Development

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20 May 2019

5 Common Problems You Can Avoid by Opting for Dedicated WordPress Hosting

It can be easy to focus on your website’s users and front-end design, while overlooking the importance of behind-the-scenes factors such as your web hosting. However, choosing your hosting provider and plan carefully can prevent many problems for your site down the line. Fortunately for WordPress users, there are several providers that offer dedicated WordPress …

Tutorials & Guides

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