WordPress is the big one. In fact, around 23% of all active websites are powered by WordPress. If you are a WordPress user and things seem to be running smoothly, you might ask, ‘Do I need the latest WordPress updates?’ or ‘What are the pros and cons of updating?’ The fact is, you should always be using the latest version. We’ll discuss the reasons below and also show you how to apply WordPress updates smoothly and safely.
1. WordPress Updates for Security
This may be the most important reason to keep current with WordPress updates. With 62% of the CMS market share, WordPress is a popular target for hackers and data thieves. As a result, each update aims to close any security holes that are detected. And it’s an ongoing process as cyber-criminals become ever more sophisticated.
WordPress is Open Source. This means that anyone can read the code. Fortunately, there are more good-guy hackers than bad. This means they contribute towards security fixes. Remember that plugins can have security vulnerabilities too so make sure everything is kept up-to-date.
2. Cool Stuff and Better Speed
New features and improvements are driven by the WP community. So, it makes sense to update to enjoy the benefits. Not only that, but WP help forums etc will all assume you have the latest version. As for speed, the developers are always aiming for improvements. Moreover, because website loading speed is an important SEO marker, you should update.
3. Bug Fixes and Compatibility
Every major update is thoroughly tested but occasionally a bug gets through. Consequently, this is why the minor update releases are important. Chances are, they’ll fix most issues you may be experiencing.
Compatibility issues with plugins and themes may develop after an update. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a WP backup.
