As the release date for WordPress 6.5 approaches, contributors are working hard to resolve outstanding issues and bugs. Two key features, Synced Pattern Overrides and the Font Library, have been the subject of intense debate, but now there is a clear path forward.
Firstly, the Font Library has been confirmed to be ready for the core release of WordPress 6.5. This feature had been delayed in previous releases to ensure it was future-proof. The main discussion centered around where fonts should be stored for WordPress websites. The Font Library includes a new directory in wp-content/fonts, but some contributors argued that fonts should be placed within the wp-content/uploads directory to align with other uploads and media. Ultimately, the decision was made to position fonts as a first-class object within WordPress, alongside themes, plugins, languages, and media uploads within wp-content.
While hosts expressed concerns about potential filesystem security issues and complications with caching and distribution of assets, a filter was included to allow hosts to change the location of fonts and have more time to adapt their architecture. The Font Library will now be shipped in WordPress 6.5, with further auditing and development planned to enhance its features.
On the other hand, Synced Pattern Overrides will not be included in the WordPress 6.5 release. These overrides, which allow users to update content within block patterns while keeping the design intact, were seen as a significant advancement for site builders. However, concerns were raised about how these overrides were defined within the underlying structure and user interface. It was deemed crucial to get this feature right due to its importance in achieving future goals for the block editor. While the Block Bindings API, which underlies Synced Pattern Overrides, will still be part of WordPress 6.5, the visible implementation of overrides will not.
These issues have highlighted the challenges faced when developing large new features within the Gutenberg plugin instead of a separate feature plugin. The tradeoffs of this approach to feature development were discussed in a recent Hallway Hangout.
Despite these challenges, work on other issues is ongoing. The release cycle has entered a “string freeze” phase, allowing translators to begin their work. The 6.5 Field Guide, Dev Notes, and Make Core announcements are being prepared for publication. All of this is happening against the backdrop of WordCamp Asia, where key members of the WordPress project are present.
With features like the Font Library, Plugin Dependencies, and the Interactivity API, WordPress 6.5 is shaping up to be an exciting release. The community eagerly anticipates its arrival on March 26, 2024.
