Just before the well-deserved weekend, we have the latest WP news for you: Our new plugin makes your database faster, Yoast SEO announces a new big feature and version 5.0 of the Gutenberg plugin is available. In addition, we have tips for load time optimization and we show why a WordCamp visit in 2019 is worthwhile for you.
WordCamps in 2019 & why you shouldn't miss them
Every year, numerous local WordCamps take place around the world where WordPress enthusiasts meet, discuss new trends in the WordPress ecosystem, share their experiences and tips, and network. If you've never been to a WordCamp, 2019 is the perfect time. Not least because this year the second largest WordCamp worldwide - WordCamp Europe - will take place in Berlin. That's why we're showing you today what to expect at a WordCamp and which WordCamps are taking place near you in 2019.
WordPress
New plugin: Add Index To Autoload
With our new plugin "Add Index to Autoload" you can improve the speed of your database. The plugin adds an index to the autoload field in the options table. This significantly reduces the query time to this table and brings it to a constant, very low "maximum".
Yoast announces live indexing
The makers of the popular SEO plugin Yoast have announced that they will soon offer live indexing thanks to a collaboration with Google and Bing. The new feature will ensure that publishing, updating and deleting your posts is reflected in the Google and Bing index in near real-time. The update is scheduled for the end of March.
Gutenberg 5.0 brings exciting features
Version 5.0 of the Gutenberg plugin was released on February 6. The highlights of the update: an RSS block, an Amazon Kindle Embed Block and a Cover Focal Point Picker. The Gutenberg-plugin version 5.0 will not support WordPress versions older than 5.0. You can get more info about the Gutenberg update here.
11 versatile WordPress plugins
There are over 54,000 plugins listed in the official WordPress plugin directory. It's easy to lose track! WordPress trainer Birgit Olzem presents eleven of her favorite plugins, covering different areas such as WordPress blogs and magazines, business sites as well as e-commerce and classifieds.
Performance
What you should know for load time optimization
SEO expert Britney Muller from MOZ explains in a 9-minute video the most important metrics, hurdles and improvement potentials you should know about the speed of your website. She also has some helpful optimization tips for you.
Security
5 Security Myths Debunked
Are statements like "You need to hide your WP admin area" or "Your site is too insignificant to be hacked anyway" really true? The colleagues at iThemes Security debunk five common WordPress security myths and reveal what you should do instead.
