From time to time, WordPress will release new version with bugs fixed of the previous version. If you are a WordPress.com user, worry not as they will do any necessary updates for you, if needed. But if you host your own WordPress blog in your own domain, you must update your WordPress blog all by yourself, or the so-called “admin” of your blog.
But when?
When you see the above message appears in your Dashboard, you know that there’s a new release. By clicking the “Please update now” hyperlink, you will be directed to the download page.
How?
[1] Download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org. You can choose to download either in .zip format or .tar.gz format.[2] Backup critical files such as your theme and plugins. (Disable your plugins first) [3] Extract and upload all content of the downloaded WordPress file to your host. Overwrite everything. You can use FTP for easier upload.
[4] Login to http://your-domain/wordpress/wp-admin/upgrade.php (this is just an example) to upgrade your current WordPress and follow the instruction to finish the upgrade process. (optional, especially for minor changes. ie. update from version 2.3.1 to version 2.3.2)
How to know whether you have successfully update your WordPress? Scroll down to the end of your Dashboard and you know you have finished updating (look at the Version) once you see something like this:
*From the above message, I know that my blog is currently Version 2.3.2*
Why?
You think it is troublesome to update WordPress? Maybe you need to know why is an update important.
- New release normally fix bugs that were found in the previous version. Be it a security hole or syntax error.
- Usually more stable.
- New features or bonus features may be introduced in new release.
However, before updating your WordPress, you need to bare in mind the followings:
- Plugins compatibility.
- Backups of critical files such as your blog theme, plugins and database (especially for major updates such as upgrading from version 1 to version 2)
Have you updated your WordPress?
Happy blogging =)
By johnny on Jan 5, 2008
I just update mine~!~
By – c H i E n – on Jul 15, 2008
NO! I don’t know how to update. The last time I tried I lost everything. So I am super scared to update now! The thing is i don’t know how to back up my files. It’d be helpful if you can a post on how to back up the files. Thanks!
