Mastering Gutenberg: Tips and Tricks for WordPress Developers
As a PHP developer, diving into the world of Gutenberg, WordPress’s new editor, can be daunting. It requires a deep understanding of React, JavaScript, and other modern technologies. I’ve been there, and I’m still learning. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and tips on how to navigate the complexities of Gutenberg.
Learn from the Experts: Study the Gutenberg Codebase
The best way to learn Gutenberg is to study its codebase. The Gutenberg team has done an excellent job of providing a layer of abstraction on top of the libraries it depends on. However, this means that some functionalities only work in a specific way within Gutenberg. Take the time to explore the code, especially when you’re unsure about how to implement a particular feature.
Get Familiar with the WordPress Editor
The WordPress editor is your playground when it comes to Gutenberg. Experiment with its features, and discover what you can reuse in your own plugins. For instance, I stumbled upon the welcome screen, which inspired me to create a similar feature in my plugin.
Navigate the Documentation
Gutenberg’s documentation is a work in progress, but it’s still a valuable resource. Be prepared to dig deep, and don’t be afraid to explore the codebase when the documentation falls short. The Block Editor Handbook is a good place to start, but keep in mind that it’s not yet comprehensive.
Scaffolding New Blocks with @wordpress/create-block
The @wordpress/create-block package is a lifesaver when it comes to scaffolding new blocks. It sets up the basic structure for your block, including the necessary files and dependencies. I’ve written about how to use this package in my previous article, Setting up your first Gutenberg project.
Blocks vs. Components: Know the Difference
Gutenberg is built on React, which means you’ll be working with components. However, not everything in Gutenberg is a block. Knowing when to use a block versus a component can save you a lot of headaches. Take the time to understand the differences between the two.
Reusing Gutenberg Components
Gutenberg provides a wealth of reusable components, from buttons to modal windows. Take advantage of these components to speed up your development process. You can browse the available components in the @wordpress/components package.
Styling with Sass
Sass is the default CSS preprocessor used in Gutenberg. It adds scripting features to your CSS code, making it more efficient and flexible. When scaffolding a new block, you’ll get two separate stylesheets: one for the editing experience and one for the presentation on the page.
Customizing Webpack
Webpack is at the heart of Gutenberg, and understanding how to customize it can be a game-changer. You can override the default configuration by adding a webpack.config.js file to your project. This allows you to import assets, such as images or Markdown files, into your application.
Keeping Your Blocks Up to Date
Gutenberg is constantly evolving, with new features and updates being released every two weeks. To keep your blocks up to date, you’ll need to monitor the CHANGELOG for each package and adjust your code accordingly. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential to ensure your blocks continue to work smoothly.
Before You Start: Consider Legacy WordPress Code
Finally, before diving into Gutenberg, consider whether legacy WordPress code can already satisfy your needs. While Gutenberg offers a lot of benefits, it’s not always necessary. Take the time to evaluate your project requirements and decide whether Gutenberg is worth the investment.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Gutenberg and creating amazing blocks for WordPress. Happy coding!