New Features in WordPress 2.3 for Bloggers
Filed in: WordPress — September 26th, 2007
WordPress 2.3 has been released. The new release includes many improvements and new features over version 2.2 such as native tagging support, plugin update notification, better URL handling, and more.
Here are some notable features for WordPress bloggers:
- Native tagging support — WordPress now natively supports tagging on posts. If you are using tag plugin for your blog, there are tag importers for Ultimate Tag Warriror, Jerome’s Keywords, Simple Tags, and Bunny’s Technorati tag plugins. (screenshots)
- Update notification — you will be notified when there is a new release of WordPress or plugin update available. Only your blog URL, plugins, and version information will be send to
api.wordpress.orgto check for updates. (screenshots) - Better URL handling — WordPress 2.3 implements better URL handling for better SEO optimization. Based on your choice (WWW or no-WWW), WordPress automatically redirect the other to your blog address. Partial post URLs (e.g. URL cut off in email) should find and redirect to the full URL. Changed Post Slug (post URL)? WordPress now redirect the old URL to the new one.
- Pending Review — A great new feature for multi-author blogs. Authors can label drafts that are ready for review (by editor or administrator) before publishing. (screenshot)
- Advanced Visual Editor buttons — the Visual Editor now include a button to show advanced toolbar which is previously hidden. (screenshots)
- Updated default blogroll — No more personal blogs on WordPress default blogroll. WordPress 2.3 default blogroll now links to useful WordPress resources. (screenshots)
Native tagging support and Update notification are 2 of the most wanted features by WordPress users.
WordPress 2.4 is planned to release at December 12, 2007.
Before you upgrade to WordPress 2.3
As you see, there are quite number of changes on version 2.3. Unlike previous minor upgrade, this time you must take extra caution. Ask help from a WordPress expert if you are not confident.
First of all, backup your blog as always. There are a few of different WordPress backup methods.
Then, check your installed WordPress plugins for the latest versions and the list of known compatible and incompatible plugins with 2.3. Upgrade outdated plugins and deactivate incompatible plugins.
Lastly, proceed to WordPress Upgrade and hopefully everything goes smoothly.
(optional) If you can’t wait for theme update, you can modify your theme to add tag support.
My two cents
I love the version 2.3 new features but I am afraid that my existing plugins might conflict with it, therefore I do not upgrade to WordPress 2.3 as soon as it released. I need to schedule a time for upgrade preparation, probably this coming weekend.
Have you upgraded to WordPress 2.3? Please share your upgrade experience such as errors encountered, plugins incompatibility, etc.
Or, if you need help to upgrade your blog, other readers here might help you. 
Related book: WordPress For Dummies
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September 26th, 2007 at 1:03 am
Some plugins MAY not work properly, due to the change of database structure.
For example, WP-slimstats that I’m using suddenly shows a bunch of MySQL errors. So what I did was modify a part of the code and that’s it. (yes, I do PHP / MySQL programming)
btw i was using 0.9.2 version. Last i know there was 0.9.4 but heck I haven’t download and all, fastest way instead of registering in a forum would be to edit the code.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:47 am
Hi liew….Did you already upgrade? any impact to the plugin that you are using now?Im wonder to upgrade, worried its will spoiled all my plugin and my blog…
September 26th, 2007 at 2:03 am
I have done it on three blogs including my Make$ Money$ blog. I deactivated all the plugins and activated one by one. None gives me problems and the dashboard even notifies me of newer versions of plugins.
I also added the tags code to my sidebar and single php. All went smoothly.
September 26th, 2007 at 3:13 am
if you are very careful you will face no problem.i do like lilian
September 26th, 2007 at 3:51 am
In no way am I mad enough to update my blog to wordpress 2.3
Tagging support still no meta keywords? thats crap don’t you think
I am happy with WP 2.2 and UTW for now
September 26th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Second new technology is the best. 2.3 is still in a infant mode and not reliable until somebody have fix the bugs. Every newest technology will have a lot of bugs. Let other people do the fixing task for us. And we will enjoy the result in next few weeks.
Just a safe-playing style of mine!
September 26th, 2007 at 9:11 am
liew, after you upgrade to 2.3 , please let us know the status so that I also can consider for the upgrade ( I also very worry about my plugins) . Thanks
September 26th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Second new technology is the best.
September 26th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Upgrade to 2.3 was a bliss. There isn’t much problems, only the tagging part is not so good
September 26th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I upgraded using the Automatic Upgrade plugin which gets me 2.3 easy and breezy without having any problems. None of the plugins have problems as I removed or upgrade them before I upgrade my 2.3
September 27th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
I think its better still stick with my current version !
–blog for dream–
October 5th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Hi liew! Second new technology is the best!
October 16th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I’m using 2.3 version. However, i missed out the UTW, looking for UTW-like plugin that suits 2.3 now. Sad, sad.. Just like WinXP –> Win Vista case..
October 18th, 2007 at 1:06 am
Upgrade to Wordpress 2.3
I already upgrade my blog to version 2.3. Lucky, I am not encounter any problem .
I just upload all new files except for wp-config.php file and run /wp-admin/upgrade.php. That’s it.
Maybe you need to read liewcf post before you want to upgrade yo…