WordCamp US, one of the biggest events in the WordPress community, recently concluded in National Harbor, Maryland. With nearly 2,000 attendees, the event featured a Community Summit, Contributor Day, and main conference days. For those who were unable to attend, the recordings of the presentations from project leadership provide valuable insights into the future of WordPress.
The Future of WordPress
Josepha Haden Chomposy, the Executive Director of WordPress, delivered a presentation titled “The Future of WordPress.” She emphasized the importance of the project’s mission to democratize publishing and highlighted how the project can continue to thrive and build resilience. Chomposy encouraged the community to expand their learning and connections, urging them to be proactive in their involvement with WordPress.
In her presentation, Chomposy also discussed the impact that WordPress can have on the world. By empowering individuals and businesses to publish their content easily and effectively, WordPress plays a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape.
What’s Next for Gutenberg
Matt Mullenweg, the co-creator of WordPress, gave a presentation titled “What’s Next for Gutenberg.” Gutenberg is the block-based editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. Mullenweg shared some exciting features coming in version 6.4 of Gutenberg, including font management, an image lightbox, and the new default theme called Twenty Twenty Four.
Mullenweg also highlighted the Collaboration phase of the Gutenberg project. This phase aims to enable multiple authors to edit simultaneously and emphasizes the importance of redesigning the admin interface. The upcoming admin redesign will be the first major overhaul since MP6 and is expected to improve workflows for administrators.
New Learning Management System Working Group
During WordCamp US, WordPress announced the launch of a new Learning Management System (LMS) working group. This group consists of representatives from Tutor LMS, Learndash, LifterLMS, and Sensei. They came together to discuss using common data models that would allow users to easily switch between different LMS solutions.
Mullenweg acknowledged the benefits and drawbacks of having multiple plugins in the ecosystem that serve similar purposes. While competition can drive innovation, it can also limit user freedom if plugins are not interoperable. The LMS working group aims to establish industry standards and practical interoperability changes to ensure user freedom and choice.
Standardizing Data Models for Plugins
In addition to the LMS working group, Mullenweg expressed his desire to see more plugins, such as those handling SEO or site builders, agree on common data models. This standardization would result in more performant and standardized products, ultimately benefiting users in the long term.
The presentations and Q&A sessions from WordCamp US are available for viewing on WordPress.org. The Q&A sessions addressed over 80 questions, and any unanswered questions will be addressed in a future post on the official WordPress website.
WordCamp US provided valuable insights into the future of WordPress and its various projects. The event showcased the dedication of the WordPress community and its commitment to improving the platform for users worldwide. As WordPress continues to evolve, these presentations serve as a roadmap for what users can expect in the near future and beyond.
In conclusion, WordCamp US was a resounding success, bringing together WordPress enthusiasts from around the world. The presentations from project leadership shed light on the future of WordPress, including the Gutenberg editor, admin redesign, and the new LMS working group. With these developments, WordPress is poised to continue its mission of democratizing publishing and empowering individuals and businesses to create impactful online experiences.
