New WordPress 5 is coming soon. There are a lot of changes that are coming up with the upgrade of WordPress 5.0. Before you click the update button, it's a good idea to verify that your WordPress will survive the upcoming update and that everything will be working correctly.

Most WordPress users are not prepared for what will happen when they upgrade to version 5.0. so be up to date and read the article.

WordPress 5.0 is set to be released soon, and this time it’s going to be something more than just another upgrade. It comes the replacement of the Tiny MCE editor, change to the WordPress framework, back-end, and the way content is rendered.

In a shortcut, WordPress 5.0 will be not the same WordPress anymore, and you should know that it does not have to be compatible with WordPress themes or plugins you currently use.

Gutenberg WordPress editor revolution

Gutenberg is the codename for the new post builder, and it will be included in the WordPress 5.0 release (integrate with WordPress core). It changes everything related to the post editor experience. It will replace TinyMCE as the default content editor. All the features used before are still there, but the way of using them is entirely different.

Your WordPress website content will get various content blocks and page builder-like functionality. For article review, you’ll be forced to move blocks (a lot of blocks to choose from). There will be no copy-paste feature like before - your content is put into separate blocks – every single paragraph.

If you decide to disable the Gutenberg, you will have to use a third-party plugin (Classic Editor) and install it.

Gutenberg test drive 

Gutenberg is a WordPress plugin, so you don’t have to wait for the WordPress 5 release, but download the Gutenberg plugin from WordPress.org repository and test it! You can check how it works and if there are any issues/bugs you can disable the plugin. The plugin is still being developed; another version can work better. It is worth remembering and gives yourself time to get used to the new editor.

It should be added that the Gutenberg project was not well received by users. At the beginning after the premiere of the Gutenberg plugin, 1-star reviews dominated. The list of things that were pointed out to the amendment is quite long. Subsequent updates have improved the situation a bit, but there are still many doubts.

Where is the main problem? Well, the WordPress offers various custom integrations that rely on the TinyMCE editor and current WordPress configuration. It allows WordPress to be flexible and able to perform many different types of sites and tasks.

WordPress 5.0 offers the same but through blocks. That is the basis of the risk of breaking existing WordPress themes and plugins.

What to do if You do not like Gutenberg?

Do not have to use Gutenberg. If you prefer the Classic Editor plugin simply install it to use the classic post editing experience. 

Before you start upgrading to WordPress 5.0

Before you start upgrading to WordPress 5.0, you should think about a few things.

First of all, as it was mentioned already, it’s possible to test the Gutenberg plugin only. Simply do it, get familiar with Gutenberg or not.
Do not make the upgrade to 5.0 immediately, remember about the WordPress website backup before the irreversible upgrade. Why it’s so important? The WordPress 5.0 can break your theme or plugins installed. It's possible that WordPress plugins you're using will change the way they are currently working. If you have any doubts, you should wait for a WordPress theme or plugins update or ask Your WordPress theme provider. 

We suggest waiting even a few months after the WordPress 5 stable release before upgrading to be completely sure all your WordPress website items will work correctly.

What can you do more? You can report bugs on Github and add your voice to the WordPress community.