Step by Step Guide for Updating WordPress Plugins Properly
Update plugins regularly. For security reasons and seamless performance, it is imperative that you keep updating your plugins regularly. In this post, we will be taking a look at some of the things you need to do when managing plugin updates.
Why update the plugins?
WordPress plugins are simply apps for WordPress websites. They are installed to add more features and functionality to a website such as sliders, photo galleries and contact forms. One thing you should understand is that these plugins are created by third parties. The third parties keep improving their plugins by improving the code quality, adding new features as well as improving security. The improvements are released as updates. When you update plugins, you will get to improve your website’s performance and security.
How to update the plugins properly
WordPress has a system that checks for updates automatically. You will be notified of new updates may it be for plugins, themes or the core software. It is also possible to check for updates manually. You do this by going to Dashboard >> Updates page. The plugin menu will have a notification if there is an update available. Install the update by going to the Plugins page.
Bulk update plugins
When updating various plugins, you want to make sure that you do so fast. Visit the Plugins page and select ‘Update Available’ link. This will give a list of the available updates. Select all then ‘Update’.
Before you update
You should not just run every update that you see. Take the time first to review the version details. This will show you what has been changed by the author of the plugin. Unless the update says ‘Security update’, you should wait a week before you update plugins. The reason for this is because updating every time there is an update will take up a lot of your time.
How to undo WordPress plugin updates
There are times when updates lead to performance issues. In this case, the first thing you should do is to deactivate that plugin. Go to the Plugins page, find the faulty plugin and deactivate it. You should then install WP-Roll back plugin. When you activate the WP-Rollback, you will see rollback options on every installed plugin. Select the rollback on the plugin you wish to undo the updates.
Tips for managing your WordPress plugins efficiently
The first thing you should do is to only install plugins that you have confidence in. After that, you can select the automatic update option. This will help update plugins smoothly without taking up a lot of your time. Alternatively, you can select the automatic update option on a select few plugins that you trust.
Last but not least, in all that you do, you must never run an update without first backing up your website. You never know when a new update may cause your website to crash. Make use of an automatic backup plugin. This will ensure there is a fresh version of your website available at all times.