WordPress – A Week in Review (January 2, 2008) and a New Theme

Once again, the WordPress development team (via: Westi on WordPress) was busy. Changes made during the December 24-30, 2007 period are due to be released as an update for all users in WordPress 2.4, which should be released in about three weeks.

Some notable changes included:

• Improvements to the importer – the ability to import zipped files was added
• Password generation and other areas were changed – allowing them to be overridden using a define
• Speedier load times – specifically within the JavaScript on the admin pages plus updates to JavaScript libraries
• Security features – to avoid possible XSS attacks and changes to ensure the exposure to post password only by the users with rights to edit a post
• Compatibility – changes to magic number for better support of 64bit systems, addition of extra capability checks to APP server and xmlrpc methods, and changes to the validate_file() to improve its traversal attempt detection when running on Windows

View additional updates from WordPress trac.

A preview of the WordPress 2.4 interface is now available. Significant changes have been made to the colors – from shades of corresponding blue, black, and white colors to a more soft feel – small sections of white, combined with a black header, light blue and white for post and content areas. The theme is currently at a ‘testing’ stage – the colors and navigation could change. When I first saw the theme, I didn’t like it. But after using it, I realized the amount of time that went into redesigning it and sticking with the platform that WordPress was known for – making it simple for everyday people to blog. Password strength meter has been integrated in the redesign under Your Profile.

Concepts surrounding the previous Presentation tab have been changed to Design, and the Dashboard has went through a major face lift, a more uncluttered, simplified layout – no more gray text squares. Quick stats such as the unapproved comments will pop-up above the Comments tab and stuff happening right now – the number of posts, comments, plugins used, trackbacks, etc.

Current Interface 

WordPress Dashboard – Updated Theme

Header Area

Write Post/Tiny MCE Editor (mockup)

Settings Page

In the Tubetorial production by SplashPress Media (link), David Peralty shares his thoughts on the new theme and what he thinks should be changed with the design.

Notably called one of the most powerful blogging/content management systems available, the new backend will surely impress many, despite any negative reviews it might be receiving today. What’s your take on the new theme? Do you hate it or adore it? 

[via: Weblog Tools Collection]