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Wordpress "development mode"

by ronrule
8 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
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I tend to get sick to my stomach every time there is a Wordpress update...

More often than not, something doesn't work right afterward. Either the theme is broken, a plugin doesn't function properly, or new compatibility issues pop up. Plugin updates are the worst, as I find myself having to make subtle modifications the original code sometimes to get the desired results, then 6 months later I've forgotten what I did to make it work and the developer releases an "OMG YOU MUST UPDATE NOW OR YOUR SITE WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY TERRORISTS" type of security-related update, which overrides any of my customization.

What do you guys do?

The ideal situation would be a quick one-button solution that makes a backup of everything, and the database, then does the update, then gives you a big fat "UNDO" button where you can one-click restore it back to the way it was if something is broken.

Even better, would be a way to sync a live site and a dev copy, update the dev, review/modify, then "push to live" - but without having to go into the DB to adjust for differences in root folders and paths, etc.

Are there any plugins that do either (or both) of these things?
#development mode #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Are there any plugins that do either (or both) of these things?
    I hope not. Because that would mean handing over the total control of a WP site to a script.

    Interestingly, I rarely experience that "end-of-the-world"-type of feeling when it comes about WP updates. True, I use a minimum number of plugins (and as much as it's possible from very trusted, knowledgeable coders), and themes made by professionals.

    And no, I don't ever care about the "urgent" update messages inside my wp-admin... I know when it's time to update.
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  • Profile picture of the author KingRoyal
    As far as backups are concerned when it comes to one click, I use backup buddy. Its an amazing plugin that has many robust features ; - )
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

    What do you guys do?
    ...
    Even better, would be a way to sync a live site and a dev copy, update the dev, review/modify, then "push to live" - but without having to go into the DB to adjust for differences in root folders and paths, etc.
    You can do that very easily (which is a relative term depending on your experience level) by setting up a webserver environment on your dev machine. Duplicate your site on your local machine- files and database. When you need to test new things, set your local DNS to point at your local webserver for your domain. On a PC, you accomplish this via the hosts file. Don't know how it's done on a Mac.

    When you're done testing, reset the hosts file, flush the DNS cache, and you'll be looking at the live site again.

    Another thing - in plugins and themes, "differences in root folders and paths" should NEVER EVER happen. If a plugin or theme depends on a certain path or URL segment, it is written incorrectly and should be fixed.
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    • Profile picture of the author ronrule
      Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

      You can do that very easily (which is a relative term depending on your experience level) by setting up a webserver environment on your dev machine. Duplicate your site on your local machine- files and database. When you need to test new things, set your local DNS to point at your local webserver for your domain. On a PC, you accomplish this via the hosts file. Don't know how it's done on a Mac.

      When you're done testing, reset the hosts file, flush the DNS cache, and you'll be looking at the live site again.
      I think we have a different idea of "easy", lol. That's actually how my team builds new sites, but it's a bunch of manual steps. I'm hoping to find something that automates that duplication process to the dev server, and automates the push to live after dev is done.

      Another thing - in plugins and themes, "differences in root folders and paths" should NEVER EVER happen. If a plugin or theme depends on a certain path or URL segment, it is written incorrectly and should be fixed.
      Most plugins aren't an issue, but I've had themes completely fail after a Wordpress update before causing the whole site to go down or different parts of it to stop working. One time an update to a newsletter plugin caused a completely unrelated Facebook plugin from a different vendor to break. Rolling back fixed it. I know it "shouldn't" ever happen, but it does. Just kind of frustrating.
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      Ron Rule
      http://ronrule.com

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  • Profile picture of the author mikelmraz
    There is a backup plugin you can use.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tonyk518
    I also use BackupBuddy from ithemes.com and it kicks Ass! you can make a clone site so easy and test your upgrades first.
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  • Profile picture of the author xtrapunch
    If you have a cPanel hosting, just press the backup option before upgrade. WordPress does remind you about it. That said, I have never had any of mys sites down due to WordPress upgrade. I have plenty of websites and most of them use my self-coded themes. For plug-ins, I always go for established plugins from the WP repository.
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  • Profile picture of the author nonin
    My piece of mind is secured by the backup services provided by BlogVault.. if something goes wrong - I can restore a website lightning fast.

    oh yes - I do know how to backup wp sites manually, but you will start experiencing problems with sites that weight more than 1gb
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