Within WordPress

Milana Topp, a WordPress contributor and engineer known for her dynamic workshops, dives into the world of advanced WordPress topics. She discusses the power of WP-CLI, sharing tips to ease the transition from GUI to command line. Milana also sheds light on the Interactivity API's potential to enhance block development and emphasizes the importance of clear documentation in navigating WordPress. With her unique perspective, she encourages incremental learning and adapting to the evolving block editor landscape.

In this episode of 'Within WordPress,' I sit down with Kevin Geary, CEO of Digital Gravy, to discuss the future of WordPress development. Kevin introduces 'Etch,' a new visual development environment that integrates coding and design, geared towards professionals and aspiring professionals. We explore the limitations of current page builders, the importance of a unified workflow, and the game-changing potential of Etch. Kevin also shares insights on the current state and future needs of WordPress, including UI improvements and deeper CMS functionalities. Join us for a comprehensive look into how Etch aims to redefine web design and development in the WordPress ecosystem. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:36 Kevin Geary's Background and Role01:15 Understanding Visual Development Environments03:23 The Ideal User for Etch06:16 Challenges with Traditional Page Builders08:18 Etch's Unique Features and Benefits13:02 Component Functionality in Etch20:39 Educational Approach and Market Fit32:28 The Genesis of Stable Sites33:18 Adapting and Rebuilding Themes34:09 Challenges with Complex Sites35:29 Custom Block Development36:05 The Role of JavaScript and AI38:29 The Future of WordPress46:09 AI in Development Workflows54:38 The Need for UI and CMS Improvements01:02:37 Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we welcome back Ian Svoboda from the Generate Press team to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in WordPress block editing. Dive deep into the advancements made in Generate Blocks 2.0, from enhancing usability with global and local styles to overcoming technical debt. Ian shares how the team navigated limitations within the block editor, their unique solutions, and insights for developers looking to extend WordPress functionalities. Tune in to understand how you can push the boundaries of the WordPress block editor and deliver more powerful, adaptable solutions. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back00:24 Discussing the Block Editor00:48 Introducing the New Product Release02:35 Technical Challenges and Solutions04:04 Global Styles and Local Blocks06:51 Version 2.0: A Major Overhaul12:51 Developer Insights and Advice26:49 Interactivity API and Implementation30:28 Custom Pagination Solutions31:39 Performance Optimization Techniques33:09 Standardizing UI Components38:31 Font Library Feature41:15 Creative Problem Solving with APIs48:55 Guiding Principles in Development52:45 Future Hopes for Core Development54:59 Conclusion and Recommendations

In this episode of Within WordPress, we sit down with Wes Tatters, the mastermind behind Rapyd Cloud, to talk about what really goes into top-tier WordPress hosting. Wes shares his journey through the tech world—from the early days of the internet with platforms like BuddyBoss to building high-performance hosting solutions tailored for WordPress. We break down the real challenges of handling high-traffic WordPress sites, the common pitfalls that slow them down, and how Rapyd Cloud is working to make scalable, efficient hosting a reality. Along the way, Wes takes us on a nostalgic ride through the evolution of the web, reminiscing about Netscape, AOL, and the days when HTML and JavaScript were just getting started. If you love geeking out over tech, performance, and the future of WordPress, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 01:05 Meet Wes Tatters: From Rapyd Cloud to BuddyBoss02:15 The Evolution of WordPress and Hosting Challenges04:14 A Journey Through Early Computing and Media09:17 Navigating the Internet: From CompuServe to Netscape15:29 The Rise of JavaScript and Web Development25:53 BuddyBoss: Transforming WordPress Communities31:30 From Microsoft ASP to WordPress34:34 Discovering WordPress and Initial Challenges35:06 Understanding Dynamic Sites and Hosting Needs36:12 The Problem with Traditional Hosting Solutions37:50 Addressing Hosting Challenges with Rapyd Cloud39:50 The Race to the Bottom in Hosting42:25 Innovations in Hosting Technology50:17 The Complexity of WordPress Data Structures56:09 Solving Root Problems in WordPress Hosting01:02:51 The Future of WordPress and Hosting01:06:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Within WordPress, we feature Christos, a performance engineer at Presidium. Join us as we explore the intricate details of WordPress caching. From backend layers like Redis and Varnish to the front-end optimizations using plugins such as WP Rocket, we cover it all. Learn about the challenges and strategies for achieving optimal performance in WordPress websites, including handling logged-in users, capacity planning, and more. Whether you're a developer or a site owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you fine-tune your WordPress site's speed and reliability. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Christos' Background and Early Career01:23 Getting Serious with WordPress03:06 Performance Engineering at Presidium03:54 Load Testing and Capacity Planning04:28 Understanding K6 and Protocol-Based Testing05:17 Challenges in Performance Metrics07:50 Real User Behavior and Testing09:32 Caching Strategies and Issues17:49 Advanced Caching Techniques21:35 Varnish vs. Cloudflare28:43 Redis and Object Caching36:16 Cache Invalidation and Browser Caching40:22 Understanding Static Sites and Caching40:55 Challenges with Long-Term Caching41:46 Performance Optimization Insights42:33 Plugin Warnings and Best Practices43:27 Caching Solutions and Preferences44:48 Advanced Caching Techniques46:15 Client-Specific Performance Strategies48:50 The Role of CDNs in Performance54:10 Fragment Caching and Collaboration57:21 Final Thoughts on Performance Optimization  

Dive into the world of WordPress development with Derek Ashauer, a seasoned developer since 2005. From starting with static HTML sites to creating comprehensive plugins like Sunshine Photo Cart and Conversion Bridge, Derek shares his journey, insights, and the passion that drives his work. Learn about the evolution of his development process, the intricacies of conversion tracking, and how his products aim to simplify complex tasks for agencies and developers alike. Whether you're a developer or simply interested in WordPress, this conversation is packed with valuable information and inspiration. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup01:23 Meet Derek Ashauer01:50 Journey into WordPress02:32 From Client Work to Plugins03:08 Building Sunshine Photo Cart03:59 Challenges and Learning in Plugin Development06:19 Transitioning to Product Development17:45 The Birth of Conversion Bridge26:55 The Birth of a Unified Analytics Plugin28:03 Defining Conversions in Analytics29:24 Simplifying Conversion Tracking30:09 Challenges and Solutions in Conversion Tracking32:58 The Importance of Data in Client Success41:43 Favorite Plugins and Tools44:08 Embracing the Block Editor49:36 Custom Themes and Static Sites54:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Within WordPress,' we sit down with Tammy, a key figure in the WordPress community. Tammy shares insights from her extensive journey spanning over 12 years, discussing the evolution of BuddyPress, her pivotal role in the Gutenberg project, and her latest venture as a co-founder of Guildenberg. We delve into the challenges of theme development, the importance of usability testing across cultures, and the excitement surrounding new WordPress features like data views. Tammy also sheds light on the current state and future goals of Guildenberg, aimed at helping businesses grow within the WordPress ecosystem. Whether you're a WordPress enthusiast or a product builder, this episode is packed with invaluable knowledge and future aspirations for WordPress. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:26 Guest Introduction: Tammy02:40 BuddyPress Discussion16:51 Theming and WordPress Challenges17:39 Gutenberg Project Insights26:00 Current Projects and Guildenberg32:33 Understanding the Rules of Engagement33:39 Exciting Prospects for the Coming Year34:10 Setting Goals and Resolutions36:48 Adapting and Evolving Strategies38:29 Focusing on Personal Projects40:44 Exploring Data Views in WordPress44:25 Challenges and Considerations47:58 Improving User Experience and Performance53:57 Future Directions for WordPress01:06:01 Concluding Thoughts

Join us in this episode of 'Within WordPress' as we dive deep into the world of WordPress performance and AI with Felix Arntz, a senior software engineer at Google and WordPress core committer. Felix shares his insights on crucial topics including how he and his team work to improve WordPress performance, contribute to existing plugins, and advocate for new features. Discover how large-scale data sets like Crux and HTTP Archive are utilized to gauge and enhance site performance, and explore the exciting opportunities and challenges AI brings to WordPress—from content creation assistance to optimizing back-end functionalities. Whether you're a developer or an end-user, get ready to learn about the future paths for better, faster, and smarter web experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup00:20 Welcoming Felix Arntz01:05 Felix's Background and Role at Google01:47 Collaborations and Performance Initiatives04:44 Performance Lab and Site Kit Plugins07:24 Data-Driven Performance Improvements12:30 Challenges in Measuring Performance23:28 Adoption of Performance Lab Features into Core35:08 Balancing Performance and New Features35:44 Optimization Strategies for Web Performance36:34 The Challenge of Video Content and Sustainability39:06 Introducing the AI Services Plugin43:52 Standardizing AI Integration in WordPress47:07 Exploring AI's Potential in Content Creation52:03 The Future of AI in WordPress Development01:03:57 AI and Performance: A Synergistic Approach01:08:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

In this insightful episode of 'Within WordPress,' we welcome the illustrious Nathan Wrigley from WPBuilds, a very well-recognized figure in the WordPress podcasting world. Nathan shares his passion for the WordPress ecosystem. We learn how he got sucked in the world of WordPress, but we talk a great deal about his evolution of his podcasting career, gear preferences, and the challenges and triumphs of creating engaging content. We also touch a bit on the future of WordPress and pioneering projects like Playground. Whether you're a WordPress enthusiast or a budding podcaster, Nathan's journey offers a treasure trove of valuable insights. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:12 Meet Nathan Wrigley02:28 Journey from Drupal to WordPress04:36 WordPress vs. Other CMS15:20 Gutenberg and WordPress Evolution24:59 Podcasting Beginnings27:54 Current Podcast Ventures31:34 Editing Podcast Audio with Descript32:22 Transition to Full-Time Podcasting32:55 Starting with Basic Equipment33:39 Acquiring Gadgets Over Time34:13 Recording on the Go34:39 Podcasting Gear Comparison38:26 Importance of Audio Quality39:46 The Role of Descript in Podcasting44:48 Setting Up a Dedicated Recording Space49:09 Future Plans and New Ventures53:25 Exploring WordPress Playground59:24 Conclusion and Farewell

James Kemp, the Core Product Manager for WooCommerce and founder of IconicWP, shares insights from his journey in the e-commerce space. He discusses the future of WooCommerce, emphasizing the 'More in Core' initiative, which integrates essential plugins directly into the core product. James highlights the importance of community feedback in deciding core features and maintaining a balance between functionality and extensibility. He also touches on WooCommerce's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience, making 2025 a pivotal year for merchants.