WordPress 3.2 was released today bringing with it many new features and stricter requirements. Version 3.2 of the WordPress software will require a server to be running more recent versions of PHP and MySQL as well as requiring the administrator to use a more recent browser than Internet Explorer 6 with Internet Explorer 7 beginning its end-of-life cycle for WordPress support.
The highlighted features from the Version 3.2 entry into the WordPress Codex include:
- Refreshed Administative UI – Admin redesign
- New Default Theme “Twenty Eleven” – Uses the latest Theme Features
- Full Screen Editor – Distraction free writing experience
- Extended Admin Bar – More useful links to control the site
In addition, the WordPress code was further optimized and gained increased speed with this update. The stricter requirements (PHP 5.2.4 or greater, MySQL 5.0.15 or greater) may have allowed code to become faster and obsolete functions removed. Actually in front of the scenes, the Admin UI was updated with a new style. The admin bar gained more menus and links to direct pages. Finally, the editor has a new function allowing it to go full screen for a less distracting writing experience. (So far, it looks pretty good.)
The Dashboard’s new look is both refreshing yet still familiar enough. The tweak in style seems like it helps fit more on the screen but some elements like the blog name, which links to the public side, has become smaller.
On the Editor toolbar, you’ll find a button allowing you to go full screen.
This removes some of the “noises” that distract while writing and seems to make it quite a nice experience. If you change your habits to use keyboard shortcuts or do your formatting at the end, I could see using the full screen mode as the primary mode for authoring longer articles.
The visual changes might take some getting used to but it is advised to update if you meet the new server requirements. You can review all the changes made with this update at the Version 3.2 Entry in the WordPress Codex.