Wordpress "development mode"

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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?
#website design #development mode #wordpress
  • 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.
  • 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 ; - )
  • 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.
    • [1] reply
    • 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.

      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.
  • There is a backup plugin you can use.
  • I also use BackupBuddy from ithemes.com and it kicks Ass! you can make a clone site so easy and test your upgrades first.
  • 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.
  • 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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    Wordpress "development mode"

    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.