WordPress has stepped up its game with version 6.6, nicknamed “Dorsey”! Deployed on July 16, 2024, this update brings a host of new features and improvements, but also a small technical hiccup.
In this article, we'll explore the newly introduced features and address the bug that surprised many users. Get ready to discover how these changes will affect your WordPress experience!
The main new features and improvements in WordPress 6.6
Let's start with the standout improvements offered by WordPress 6.6! From block flexibility to advanced style management, each new feature is designed to enrich your website.
Improved grid block
Introduced in version 6.3the Grid block has been optimized. It is now possible to modify the grid layout in manual mode. In addition, each item can span multiple rows or columns.
An optimization that gives developers and designers more flexibility, allowing them to create dynamic, customized layouts.
Performance improvements
WordPress 6.6 significantly improves performance thanks to various optimizations. For example, it reduces redundant WP_Theme_JSON calls, disables auto-loading for some heavy options, introduces the data-wp-on-async directive, removes unnecessary polyfill dependencies, and reduces template rendering time in the editor by 40%.
Canceling automatic updates
Users can now roll back to a previous version of a plugin after an automatic update. This feature is important for site stability, as it allows quick fixes for update-related issues without waiting for an official patch.
Background images
Users can set site-wide background images via the theme.json file and the site editor. This ability to unify the design's appearance improves overall aesthetics and visual consistency, which benefits brand identity.
Pre-configured colors and typography
Block-based theme developers can now enhance their creations with a multitude of customizable color palettes and font styles. This ability to add options provides deeper customization without altering the site's overall style, ensuring visual consistency while expanding graphic options within a single theme.
New composition management for classic themes
Traditional themes now benefit from an improved template-creation experience via WordPress's site editor. This update offers more complete and feature-rich template management for users.
Negative margins
It is now possible to apply negative margins in the Blocks' Dimensions section. This feature provides better control over spacing between elements, enabling more precise and creative designs.
Custom shadows
WordPress 6.6 allows modification of the position, spread, and intensity of drop shadows. Web designers can thus add depth and relief to graphic elements, making sites more attractive and modern.
The underlined links bug: an unwelcome glitch
However, despite these improvements, a significant bug was discovered shortly after the WordPress 6.6 update was deployed. Many users reported that it caused unwanted underlines to appear on all the links of their sites.
In this regard, the WordPress community reacted with mixed feelings to this update. While some of the new features were well received, the link-underlining bug caused disruptions for many users.
On the support forums, some community members proposed temporary fixes, notably by adding custom CSS rules to remove the unwanted underlines.
If you need help fixing this issue on your site, hire a freelance WordPress developer on Codeur.com!
Steps WordPress has taken to fix the 6.6 bug
In response to the complaints, the WordPress development team quickly acknowledged the problem and is actively working on a solution. They published temporary instructions to help users manage the link-underlining bug while waiting for a corrective update.
According to Jean-Baptiste Audras, a Core team representative, a minor release to fix this bug is in development and should be deployed shortly.
Our recommendation for installing the WordPress 6.6 update
WordPress 6.6, while rich in new features and improvements, has been marked by a notable bug that affects many sites. Although the team has been responsive, the issue is not yet resolved. We recommend waiting for the final fix before installing this update.
However, if you want to install WordPress 6.6 as soon as possible, Hire a developer on our freelance platform, Codeur.comThey can ensure your themes and plugins are fully compatible with this update while anticipating the link-underlining bug!
