Weekly WordPress News: WordPress 5.3.1 Released with Security/Bug Fixes

Howdy WordPress friends, this week brought us a brand new WordPress release. WordPress 5.3.1 is a maintenance and security release, so you’ll want to update as soon as possible to keep your site secure and functioning.

Beyond that, Zero BS CRM released its first major release since being acquired by Automattic, and we’ve also got some great tutorials and reviews for you.

Let’s get to all of this week’s news…

WORDPRESS NEWS AND ARTICLES

• WordPress 5.3.1 Includes Security and Bug Fixes – details on the latest release.
• Zero BS CRM 3.0 Improves UI, Changes Database Structure, and Becomes More Extendable – Zero BS CRM just dropped its first major release since the Automattic acquisition.
• Introducing ShareABlock: Brand New Way to Share and Download Free Gutenberg Block & Template Designs – a neat new tool if you use the block editor. We’re a few weeks late on this, but found it worth the share.
• Progress on WordPress’ 2019 Projects Sets 2020 Roadmap – Justin details some of WordPress’ goals/projects from 2019.
• The State of the WordPress Economy – Vlad digs into the state of the economy…of WordPress.

TUTORIALS AND HOW-TOS

• Using A WordPress Poll Plugin: How To Get Feedback From Your Site Visitors – how to gather feedback on WordPress.
• The Complete Guide to WordPress REST API Basics – Kinsta takes you through the REST API.
• WooCommerce Gift Card Tutorial: How to Sell Gift Cards at Your Store – how to offer gift cards at your store.
• A Better, Cleaner Way to Render HTML with JavaScript – for the devs.
• Stripe Connect, and what it means for you! – Gabor digs into Stripe Connect in WordPress plugins.
• How I made WordPress Faster with 1KB JavaScript – an interesting read.
• Automating WordPress updates with Bedrock using Dependabot – another dev-focused tutorial.
• EU VAT for Easy Digital Downloads: Complete Guide – Barn2 explains EU VAT for EDD stores.
• How to Create a WordPress Members Area (Including WooCommerce) – Cozmozlabs shows you how
• Complete Guide to Gravity Forms WooCommerce Integration – supercharge your online store using Gravity Perks

RESOURCES

• HostPulse Review: Managed WordPress Hosting at Affordable Prices – check out our review of HostPulse.
• Simple Social Buttons AppSumo Deal – a lifetime deal for a social share button plugin.
• Missing WPWeekly podcast, YoastGate, and 2020 plans! – a new Matt Report, including YoastGate discussion.