November 19, 2024 — The Block Bindings API, first introduced in WordPress 6.5, allowed the connection of custom fields (or any data) to Core blocks. However, this was just the beginning. Substantial improvements had been made by WordPress 6.7, enabling block attributes to be directly bound to custom fields from the Editor using an intuitive UI and a newly available public JavaScript API.

In this Developer Hours session, an overview of the Block Bindings API and how it works was provided, including major changes in the API since WordPress 6.5. The session demonstrated how to use the new Editor UI for binding attributes and work with the new JavaScript API. Whether you are new to Block Bindings or have already started using them in their projects, the session offered valuable insights for everyone.

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September 10, 2024 — WordPress 6.7 will include a new template registration API, letting you register custom block templates in your plugins. This long-needed feature lets you create default front-end output that plays nicely with themes while also being customizable from the Site Editor by users.

In this Developer Hours session, we looked at:

– The basics of registering templates for your plugin.
– Working with the template hierarchy and themes.
– Building custom templates for custom post types and taxonomies.
– Taking your templates to the next level by integrating them with custom fields, block variations, and more.
– Creating templates for entirely custom URLs built with the Rewrite API.

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June 25, 2024 — WordPress 6.6 will be released on July 16, 2024, bringing many exciting new features for theme developers. In this session, we explore how these updates can enhance your themes and streamline your development processes. Key highlights include:

– Major upgrades to the block style variations system
– New color and typography-only style presets
– Enhanced grid layout options in the Group block
– Specificity changes for Core styles
– And more…

While we weren’t able to cover everything in just one hour, you’ll have a solid overview of the most impactful changes and a wealth of resources to explore further on your own.

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April 30, 2024 — WordPress 6.5 introduced the Block Bindings API, which lets you connect custom fields (or any data) to Core blocks. In this session, we discussed how this fits into the bigger picture of the block system and how you can combine it with existing features, laying the groundwork for much more advanced and dynamic site builds.

You’ll learn everything you need to know to start using the Block Bindings API.

Presentation Slides »

March 12, 2024 — WordPress 6.5 is launching the Interactivity API, a standardized feature set for building interactive front-end experiences, such as lightboxes, sliders, and more.

After a couple of years of exploring, designing, and implementing it, the Interactivity API will be officially opened to developers to build on top of. This is a significant milestone that will enable the creation of seamless, dynamic interactions that are readily accessible for all WordPress developers. And it’s all possible through an experience that is familiar and compatible with the block ecosystem.

During the session, we examined the API’s surface and demonstrate its full potential with some detailed examples. We also answered audience questions throughout.

February 27, 2024 — This one-hour session focused on theme development will explore how to craft web layouts using WordPress blocks. This talk is perfect for those who want to learn about block composition–the skill of assembling various blocks to create unique and effective web designs. We’ll look at a range of non-block web layouts, including some submitted by the community, and demonstrate how to convert them into WordPress blocks.

In the second half of our session, we’ll discuss practical aspects such as when to introduce custom CSS, how to add unique block styles, and when to package your design as a pattern. This will give you a better understanding of how to customize layouts while maintaining a clean and functional design. Whether you’re new to WordPress or an experienced theme developer, this talk will provide you with valuable insights into creating modern and responsive websites using the power of blocks.

December 19, 2023 — In the final installment of Developer Hours for 2023, we explored how the wp-scripts package has become an essential tool for modern WordPress development, such as when building blocks and block themes. If you are looking to streamline your development process, harness the power of build tools, and simplify tasks such as checking for compliance with WordPress coding standards, this session recording is for you.

November 2, 2023 — WordPress 6.4 is set to launch on November 7, 2023, and with it, a new default theme for the upcoming year. This discussion focused on the development and design of the new Twenty Twenty-Four theme. Jessica Lyschik led the presentation, which was followed by a Q&A session.

The presentation included a demo/walkthrough of Twenty Twenty-Four, showing what the theme is capable of. We also shared some background information and tips and tricks on the new features and how to make it your own.

October 12, 2023 — A casual conversation about the most important and exciting developer-related changes coming to WordPress 6.4. Learn more about Blook Hooks and improved Editor flows as well as the new Twenty Twenty-Four theme.

August 17, 2023 — During this Hallway Hangout, we had a casual conversation about how you can create custom design tools for blocks from a theming perspective.

Based on Justin’s latest article series for the WordPress Developer Blog, attendees learned when to move beyond the Block Styles API and create their own custom controls. We also discussed the current limitations of theme development and how block development can be used to extend block themes.