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 major new feature and version 5.0 of the Gutenberg plugin is here. We also have tips on load time optimization and show you why it's worth attending WordCamp in 2019.
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 before, 2019 is the perfect time. Not least because the second largest WordCamp in the world - WordCamp Europe - is taking place in Berlin this year. 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 be offering live indexing thanks to a collaboration with Google and Bing. The new feature will ensure that publishing, updating and deleting your posts will be reflected in the Google and Bing index in near real time. The update is planned 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. Version 5.0 of the Gutenberg plugin will not support WordPress versions older than 5.0. You can find more information 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 and covers various areas such as WordPress blogs and magazines, business sites as well as e-commerce and classified ads.
Performance
What you should know about load time optimization
SEO expert Britney Muller from MOZ explains the most important metrics, hurdles and potential for improvement that you should know about the speed of your website in a 9-minute video. She also has some helpful optimization tips for you.
Security
5 security myths debunked
Are statements like "You have to hide your WP admin area" or "Your site is too insignificant to be hacked anyway" really true? Our colleagues at iThemes Security debunk five common WordPress security myths and reveal what you should do instead.
