WordPress is ever changing. Just like the internet itself is. I love that. I’m largely motivated in life by learning (new stuff). The things I work with (and most likely you as well) are ever-changing. Sometimes in big steps!
Starting at the beginning of this month, we have been able to watch something happen on the internet that I consider a once a decade type-of-thing. Of course, I’m talking about the launch of ChatGPT. If you’re not up to speed on what that is, this is how it describes itself:
I am a large language model trained by OpenAI to assist with a variety of tasks. I can provide information on a wide range of topics and can help with research, writing, and answering questions. I am constantly learning and improving my ability to understand and generate human-like text. I am a fast and reliable source of information and assistance.
ChatGPT
So, the “answering questions” part is a bit modest, I’d say. This newsletter has a strong focus on WordPress & ChatGPT. What it can do, what it promises, and what are current limitations. Let’s jump in!
🗞 WordPress News
As mentioned, “answering questions” is a very generic way of looking what ChatGPT offers. It does a helluva lot more than just that!
- ChatGPT can write code, debug code, create a virtual machine, create browser plugins, recommend performance optimizations, and yes, it can create WordPress plugins. For a general overview of what it can do, besides code related things, check out this thread.
Now, that’s not to say it only produces perfect answers. It does not. It’s why StackOverflow is no longer accepting answers based on ChatGPT‘s answers. But, as with all new AI tools, it will learn and it will become better. So, we better start accepting it’s going to be part of the future of anyone building with WordPress. Just as AI in general can be used inside of WordPress already.
- If you’re curious how to actually use ChatGPT (by OpenAI) inside your WordPress PHP project, there’s a project on Github just for you.
In other words, the best time to get on board with what ChatGPT can do was when it was launched. The second best time is right now. Create an account, find its limitations and make it work for you and your workflow.
- PHP version 8.2 was released this week. Kudos to SiteGround for offering it already on their platform!
I’m happy to see PHP continually improve and introduce new versions. At the same time, I’m a little sad about how slow WordPress fully adopts compatability with the latest version. At this moment in time with WordPress 6.1, we’re still not 100% compatible with PHP 8.1. And now we have to play catch up to 8.2.
There’s a great library that will help you find compatibility issues with your WordPress site, btw. Check it out if you’re wanting to move forward, but don’t know where to start.
Big shout out to Juliette Reinders Folmer for doing her part in pushing us to that 100%, though. It’s an area for which I lack the skills and I’m happy there’s folks who do have that skill and put in the time and effort 👏🏻.
- Lastly, I just wanted to highlight a nifty (yes, I am that old) little plugin that brings Cloudflare’s Turnstile to WordPress and some of its forms. I’m not a fan of ReCaptcha, for which Turnstile is a perfect replacement. Turnstile solves pretty much all my reservations about ReCaptcha. Check out the plugin.
💡 Interesting finds
- Using iframes is as old as the internet, well almost, but I was never aware of there being an alternative solution to it. Apparently you can use the Shadow DOM as well for this.
📖 What I am reading
I’m not reading anything in particular as I’m fully focusing my spare time on writing and recording my soon to be launched WordPress & Performance courses.
🎁 Bonus
I’m enjoying Matt Meideros’ WP Minute Podcast episodes. Maybe you do too?
That’s it for this week’s ramblings. How did you like this format compared to last week’s? Thanks for reading!
Best,
Remkus
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