The Evolution of WordPress and ClassicPress in 2024
As we move towards the latest WordPress 6.x releases, the platform continues to evolve rapidly. Major updates like full site editing (FSE), block-based themes, and significant performance improvements are now core features. These updates build on the fundamental shift introduced with the Gutenberg block editor in late 2018, which remains the default editor in WordPress.
If you’ve been using WordPress in recent years, chances are you’ve adapted to the block editor. However, if your site predates WordPress 5.0 or if you’ve chosen to stick with the Classic Editor plugin, your workflow might feel more traditional. The Classic Editor plugin remains popular, particularly for developers who prefer a simpler, more streamlined editing experience.
But there’s a catch: WordPress has extended support for the Classic Editor plugin until at least 2024, but as the platform moves forward, its eventual phasing out is inevitable. What does this mean for the millions of users and developers still relying on the classic editing experience?
ClassicPress: A Stable, Developer-Friendly Alternative
ClassicPress, now a well-established fork of WordPress, offers a compelling alternative. Based on WordPress 4.9, ClassicPress retains the old editing interface while ensuring security and technology updates for a more lightweight, stable content management system (CMS).
Also, FX Builder is an improved page builder plugin for ClassicPress that provides visual columns in the post editor without using shortcodes.
ClassicPress has evolved steadily since its launch, providing a predictable, bloat-free experience that appeals to developers looking for stability. Its commitment to long-term support (LTS) and a more community-driven development approach make it stand out as an option for those who find WordPress too fast-paced or resource-heavy.
Key Features That Set ClassicPress Apart:
- No Block Editor: ClassicPress maintains the simplicity of the classic editor, offering a seamless, familiar experience for developers who prefer pre-Gutenberg WordPress.
- Long-Term Support for ClassicPress Plugins: Unlike WordPress, where frequent updates are necessary to stay secure, ClassicPress has committed to supporting version 1.x for years to come. This means compatibility with all plugins and themes that worked with WordPress 4.9, without the need to constantly adapt to major changes.
- Focus on Performance and ‘De-bloat’: ClassicPress aims to keep the CMS lean by removing unnecessary features and keeping core functionality optional. This makes it ideal for developers seeking to build faster, more efficient websites without being bogged down by unused features.
- Feature Petitions and Community-Driven Development: Unlike WordPress’s top-down approach, ClassicPress encourages community input through feature petitions. This allows users to suggest and vote on changes, fostering a bottom-up development model.
Long-Term Support and Stability: The ClassicPress Approach
WordPress continues to release two to three major updates each year, which can be a challenge for developers looking for stability. While new features are exciting, they can also introduce breaking changes or require plugin and theme adjustments, especially when moving from one major version to another.
ClassicPress’s long-term support model eliminates these concerns. By sticking with a stable codebase (WordPress 4.9) and focusing on security updates, ClassicPress offers the kind of predictability many developers crave. It’s similar to how operating systems like Windows or Ubuntu offer LTS versions to provide a stable, long-term foundation.
Leaner, Faster, and More Customizable
WordPress’s expanding feature set has led to a heavier core over the years, and the need for performance optimization has become more apparent. ClassicPress addresses this issue by offering a leaner CMS out of the box, with plans to allow users to customize their installation further by choosing which core functionalities to include. This modular approach is perfect for developers who want to build optimized, lightweight sites without sacrificing security or stability.
Plugins and Themes: Compatibility Concerns
One potential hurdle when moving to ClassicPress is plugin compatibility. Since ClassicPress is based on WordPress 4.9, older plugins and themes that were compatible with WordPress at that time should work seamlessly. However, newer plugins that rely on block editor features or other post-4.9 functionalities may not be compatible.
ClassicPress has mitigated this somewhat by forking key plugins, such as WooCommerce and RankMath SEO (rebranded as Classic SEO). These forks ensure ongoing compatibility with popular functionality without relying on the latest WordPress changes.
That said, ClassicPress’s plugin ecosystem is much smaller than WordPress’s. Developers will need to carefully check plugin compatibility or consider custom solutions to achieve newer functionality. This is especially true if you’re transitioning from a modern WordPress site to ClassicPress—there’s a risk of breaking functionality if your site depends on post-4.9 features.
Security Implications
While ClassicPress offers a stable and familiar experience, developers need to consider the security implications of using older plugins and themes. WordPress’s fast-paced development cycle often addresses newly discovered vulnerabilities, whereas ClassicPress’s LTS model may require you to stay vigilant in monitoring plugin updates.
However, as long as you rely on well-maintained plugins (or the forked versions provided by ClassicPress), your site should remain secure. Always back up your site and test changes in a staging environment before moving live.
When to Choose ClassicPress
For developers maintaining older WordPress sites that are still on version 4.9 or rely heavily on the classic editor, ClassicPress is a great option. It offers a secure, up-to-date platform while preserving the editing experience you’re used to. ClassicPress can also be an appealing choice for new projects if you’re building a lightweight CMS or prefer a more traditional development stack.
However, if you’re already deeply integrated into the WordPress ecosystem and regularly use modern features like full site editing or the block editor, you may find that WordPress remains the better choice, especially as it continues to innovate with performance and user experience improvements.
Conclusion: WordPress or ClassicPress?
For regular WordPress back-end developers, ClassicPress presents a familiar, stable alternative, especially for those who prefer to avoid the block editor and other recent innovations. Its long-term support, commitment to performance, and community-led development approach provide a CMS that focuses on stability rather than the constant change that characterizes modern WordPress.
If you’re working with older WordPress sites or prefer a lean, bloat-free experience, ClassicPress is worth considering. But for those embracing the latest developments in WordPress, including the block editor and full site editing, sticking with WordPress will likely remain the better option.