WordPress 5.2 is now available for installation and upgrade via Softaculous. If you have auto update for Major versions enabled, your site will be updated automatically to WordPress 5.2. If you have selected auto update for Minor versions only or you have not selected to auto update you will need to go to Softaculous enduser panel and update WordPress. You can refer to the guide here.
This release is an administrator-focused update which makes it easier to fix your site when something goes wrong and to identify and fix configuration issues and fatal errors .
Major changes in WordPress 5.2
PHP Version Requirement : From this version WordPress requires PHP 5.6.20. PHP 5.6.20 has been around for more than 3 years, however if your server is still running an older version of PHP you should ask your web host for an updated version of PHP. Until your PHP is updated you can install WordPress 5.1.x branch via Softaculous. Here is an article on how to install WordPress 5.1.x
Site Health Check : Two new pages have been added to help debug common configuration issues. It also adds space where developers can include debugging information for site maintainers.
PHP Error Protection : Safely fix or manage fatal errors without requiring developer time. It also features better handling of the so-called “white screen of death,” and a way to enter recovery mode, which pauses error-causing plugins or themes.
Improvements in WordPress 5.2
Accessibility Updates : Improved contextual awareness and keyboard navigation flow for those using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
New Dashboard Icons : Thirteen new icons including Instagram, a suite of icons for BuddyPress, and rotated Earth icons for global inclusion.
Plugin Compatibility Checks : WordPress will now automatically determine if your site’s version of PHP is compatible with installed plugins. If the plugin requires a higher version of PHP than your site currently uses, WordPress will not allow you to activate it, preventing potential compatibility errors.
Good News for Developers
Advantage of Features in PHP 5.6 : The minimum supported PHP version is now 5.6.20. As of WordPress 5.2*, themes and plugins developers can safely take advantage of namespaces, anonymous functions, and more!
Privacy Updates : A new theme page template, a conditional function, and two CSS classes make designing and customizing the Privacy Policy page easier.
New Body Hook : WordPress 5.2 introduces a wp_body_open hook, which lets themes support injecting code right at the beginning of the element.
Building JavaScript : With the addition of webpack and Babel configurations in the wordpress/scripts package, developers won’t have to worry about setting up complex build tools to write modern JavaScript.
Start your new blog with WordPress Hosting services.
If you need any assistance in installing/upgrading WordPress via Softaculous feel free to contact us by submitting a Support Ticket.
