Gutenberg and the Future of Content in WordPress

Gutenberg and the Future of Content in WordPress

Outline• Content as it exists today

• Requirements of a new post editor

• Introducing Gutenberg

• The future of content in WordPress


The Current State of Content

ThemesThemes define the layout of the pages on

your site. At a minimum, this includes common screens (post list, single page), but a theme may add their own custom

page templates.


Editing ThemesThemes may include their own options screens, or add fields to the Customize

interface to customize the display of the theme.


PostsPosts are the base type of content on your site. Specific post types such as pages or custom post types may have

unique behavior.


Editing PostsBy default, a post includes a set number of fields: title, content, format, author, terms,

and featured image.

Some plugins and themes will implement their own custom fields.


WidgetsThemes may describe areas of the layout

where dynamic content can be added.

Examples: A Twitter feed in the sidebar of your site, or contact details in the footer.


ShortcodesA shortcode is specially formatted content which is transformed into a more visually-

rich display on the front of your site.

Examples: [contact_form], [recipe], [gallery]


https://codex.wordpress.org/Shortcode

EmbedsWhen pasting a URL from a supported

source, they are automatically transformed to a rich preview.

Examples: Tweets, Facebook posts, YouTube videos


https://codex.wordpress.org/Embeds

Custom HTMLAs an administrator, you can insert

custom HTML into the “Text” tab of the content editor.


Why a new editor?

ConsistencyTo manage the content of your site, you may need to navigate between the post

editor, Customizer, settings screens, and finally the front-end to preview the

effects of your changes.

Requirements of a New Editor

DiscoverabilityWhile the current post editor technically supports many different types of content, it’s not easy for new users to understand what’s available to them and how they

access these features.


Types of ContentThe designs of websites today are not the same as they were a decade ago, but our tools have not adapted to support new

types and layouts of content.


The Open WebWordPress encompasses 28% market share of all websites today, but proprietary platforms

loom as a threat to the open web and an individual’s control of their content. A new

editor must guarantee WordPress’ continued relevancy into the future.


Introducing Gutenberg

What is Gutenberg?Gutenberg is a new editor slated to replace

the current post editor. It is currently in open development on GitHub, and you can

download a beta version today from the WordPress plugin repository.


https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/

https://wordpress.org/plugins/gutenberg/

Demo


Composing BlocksWhere in the previous editor you were confined to the single text-based box, Gutenberg seeks to strike a balance of

writing text and arranging content.


Inserting ContentTo add more content, use the new

inserter menu. All supported content types are arranged and listed for you

to select from or search within.


Using the Inserter


FastBuilt with a new technology stack, Gutenberg feels light and highly

interactive. It gets out of your way to allow you to focus on the content.


Fun for DevelopersA formalized concept of a block type

enables developers to quickly and easily prototype new types of content with

convenient editing interfaces for their clients and users.


http://gutenberg-devdoc.surge.sh


For Theme AuthorsFocus less on meeting a checklist of

functionality and more on the overall appearance and structure of a theme with styles and predefined templates.


The Future of Content in WordPress

Blocks for EverythingBy giving plugin authors the tools to

easily implement new block types, the types of contents possible to imagine in

WordPress are infinite.

Future of Content in WordPress

Site BuildingGutenberg sets the foundation for a block-based layout builder where you can build a site from scratch using common layout

pieces (header, navigation, columns).


REST API in ActionGutenberg is the first core WordPress feature

which heavily leverages the REST API features introduced between versions 4.5 and 4.7, and serves as precedent for how

these features can be built.


Questions?


Technology

Gutenberg and the Future of Content in WordPress