--- title: "#WCUS, Gutenberg 19.2, Plugin + Data, Playground Guides -- Weekend Edition #304" date: "2024-09-14" author: "Birgit Pauli-Haack" url: "https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/" categories: ["Block Plugins", "For Developers", "News", "Themes", "Updates", "Weekend Edition"] --- Hi there, WordCamp US is upon us, even for those of us not going: We can watch talks on [the livestream](https://www.youtube.com/@WordCampUS/streams), depending on the timezones. We can shut down our social networks to avoid FOMO (Fear of missing out). We can enjoy the calm on other platforms, and start testing a few things [coming to WordPress 6.7](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/09/03/roadmap-to-6-7/), or we can catch up on [Learn.WordPress](https://learn.wordpress.org/) interactive learning paths. On a different note, I have been diving more into AI Essentials, prompt design and the testing of various tools. It’s such a brave new world. I had excellent results in making some of my work easier by using an AI tool: a draft outline of a presentation in a second language ([Claude](https://claude.ai/)) , getting a tailored list of sightseeing activities in a new city ([Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/)) , or correcting code examples to WordPress Coding Standards ([ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/)), are only three examples of well executed AI assistance. I also took a glimpse at [Google’s AI Studio](https://ai.google.dev/aistudio), that allows you to build apps or integrations that tap into Google Gemini AI. All very fascinating, I found. My latest go-to AI tool replaces Google search for me. Google gives me short snippets and the links, I still have to weed through and spend some time finding the right information. [Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/) provides the answer with details and sources. No further trip around the Internet necessary. What is your day-to-day experience with AI? What did you test lately? Please let me know in the comments or hit reply on the email. And now back to regular programming…. Have a lovely weekend, and if you are traveling to Portland, Oregon, have a safe trip. Yours, 💕 *Birgit* **Table of Contents** 1. Developing Gutenberg and WordPressUpcoming Events 2. WordPress 6.6.2 3. Gutenberg 19.2 [WordCamp US Showcase talks](https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/#wordcamp-us-showcase-talks)[Plugins, Themes, and Tools for #nocode site builders and owners](https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/#0-p)[Theme Development for Full Site Editing and Blocks](https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/#2-word-press-6-0-1-and-6-1-scheduled)[Building Blocks and tools for the Block Editor](https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/#3-building-themes-for-fse-and-word-press)[WordPress Playground](https://gutenbergtimes.com/wcus-gutenberg-19-2-plugin-data-playground-guides-weekend-edition-304/#wordpress-playground) ## Developing Gutenberg and WordPress This year, the [State of the Word](https://wordpress.org/state-of-the-word/) will take place on December 16, 2024, at 09:00 UTC and will be live-streamed from Tokyo, Japan. Matt Mullenweg will provide a retrospective of 2024, demos the latest in WordPress tech, and comments on the future of the WordPress open-source project. This week, the design team published the landing page for the event, where you can request an in-person ticket for the [Tokyo Node Hall](https://tokyonode.jp/about/hall/index.html). Soon you can find a list of local watch parties. I saved the date in my calendar to watch the live stream from my living room, a week before Christmas. --- **Lauren Stein** invites you to [Tour the New Learn WordPress](https://wordpress.org/news/2024/09/tour-the-new-learn-wordpress/) site. In her post she offers a 2- min YouTube video and student testimonials about the new site and the ever-growing learning path courses and tutorials. --- **Joen Asmussen** posted his [Design Share #63 (Aug 26-Sep 6)](https://make.wordpress.org/design/2024/09/09/design-share-63-aug-26-sep-6/) to update us all on the wonderful work the WordPress design team produces. He highlighted: - Image Block: Surface autocomplete width options - WP.org 2fa improvements - Twenty Twenty-Five Patterns - Style Book in Classic/Hybrid Themes - Five for the Future refresh - Lesson learning flows ![Screenshot Stylebook for classic themes](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-14-at-18.38.12.png?resize=648%2C338&ssl=1) --- In this month’s edition of the [What’s new for developers? (September 2024)](https://developer.wordpress.org/news/2024/09/10/whats-new-for-developers-september-2024/)  on the WordPress Developer Blog, I highlighted for several key updates in WordPress Core, Gutenberg, and Playground. You’ll also find details on upcoming developer-focused events and resources. *[Subscribe to the Developer Blog](https://developer.wordpress.org/news/subscribe/), and you’ll never miss a post again.* ### Upcoming Events **September 19, 13:00 UTC:** [WordPress Playground Block code editor theme support](https://www.meetup.com/learn-wordpress-online-workshops/events/303332585/) with Jonathan Bossenger. **September 24, 15:00 UTC** **[Developer Hours: An Introduction to Data Views](https://www.meetup.com/learn-wordpress-online-workshops/events/303330393/?eventOrigin=group_events_list) **with JuanMa Garrido, André Maneiro and Nick Diego As a reminder, **JuanMa Garrido** published recently [Using Data Views to display and interact with data in plugins](https://developer.wordpress.org/news/2024/08/27/using-data-views-to-display-and-interact-with-data-in-plugins/) on the WordPress Developer Blog. ![](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dev-hours-Sep24-DataViews.webp?resize=600%2C338&ssl=1) ### WordPress 6.6.2 The [maintenance and security release of WordPress 6.6.2](https://wordpress.org/news/2024/09/wordpress-6-6-2-maintenance-release/) came out on Tuesday of this week. **Jyolsna JE** has the skinny for you in [WordPress 6.6.2 Released with 26 Bug Fixes](https://wptavern.com/wordpress-6-6-2-released-with-26-bug-fixes) on the WPTavern. --- ### Gutenberg 19.2 The latest version of the Gutenberg plugin was released on September 11, 2024. 193 PRs, 58 bug fixes, 59 Enhancements by 54 contributors, 6 of them first time contributors. Release lead, **Vicente Canales**, highlighted in his release post [What is new in Gutenberg 19.2 (11 September)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/09/12/what-is-new-in-gutenberg-19-2-11-september/) - Block Bindings UI - Preview options API - Other notable highlights. ![Extensible Preview Dropdown](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gb-19-2-extensible-preview-1024x576-1.png?resize=652%2C367&ssl=1) --- **[Jyolsna JE](https://x.com/JyolsnaJE)** also covered the release for the WPTavern in [Gutenberg 19.2 Released with Enhancements and Bug Fixes](https://wptavern.com/gutenberg-19-2-released-with-enhancements-and-bug-fixes).”One of the most significant updates in Gutenberg 19.2 is removing the experimental flag from the Block Bindings UI. This feature, now fully integrated into the editor, allows users to link block attributes with external data sources seamlessly. ” she wrote. --- This week we also recorded an episode of the **Gutenberg Changelog podcast (107**), My special guest, **Maggie Cabrera** and I enjoyed chatting about WordPress 6.6.2, Roadmap 6.7, the next default theme, Design systems and Gutenberg 19.2. The episode will drop into your favorite podcast app on Sunday. If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please write us a review on any of the podcast directories (Spotify, PocketCasts, [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gutenberg-changelog/id1469294475) etc.) ![Maggie Cabrera and Birgit Pauli-Haack, recording the Gutenberg Changelog podcast episode 107](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-14-at-17.11.43.png?resize=652%2C185&ssl=1) 🎙️ The latest episode is [Gutenberg Changelog #131 – Gutenberg Plugin Releases 23.1 – 23.3, Calls for Testing for 7.1 and more](https://gutenbergtimes.com/podcast/gutenberg-changelog-131/) ![](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-05-at-17.56.38.png?resize=652%2C280&ssl=1) ## WordCamp US Showcase talks It’s more and more difficult to glen from session description how relevant certain talks will be for Gutenberg enthusiasts. It’s become so mainstream that most talks about WordPress will include block related content. The [full WordCamp US schedule](https://us.wordcamp.org/2024/schedule/) (in PDT) is available on their site. There are way over 50 talks scheduled for this year’s WordCamp US and the time difference is nine hours for me. If you wish to put your own list together, you’ll find the respective livestream links for the three days and four rooms on the official [WordPress YouTube Channel > Live](https://www.youtube.com/@WordPress/streams). The many hours of livestream out of each room will be online for a couple of weeks, until the AV team manages to separate each talk into individual videos. The video of Matt’s Q & A will probably online within the hour and available the next day. Many talks will be past my bedtime. I will wait for the individual videos to show up and catch up in the following weeks. **Birgit Personal Watch List **(as per 9/14) With below list, I leaned into my self-centered personality and publish my personal watch list. haha. The times are in UTC. This is not a list of all the talks I want to watch. These are the talks I might be able to watch on the live stream. The links under “Room” point directly to the YouTube Live stream for this room on the particular day. ## Plugins, Themes, and Tools for #nocode site builders and owners **Bud Kraus** has good news for you! In his post for GoDaddy Pro, [A primer on WordPress block markup for the non-programmer](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/a-primer-on-wordpress-block-markup-for-the-non-programmer), he wrote: “Understanding the fundamentals of any WordPress block is not as difficult as mastering PHP as you would have back in the pre-Gutenberg era.” Following along you’ll learn about the various concepts of the modern WordPress theme, template and patterns, and of course, blocks. Then he continues to give you a glimpse under the hood and shows you some block markup code and teaches you what attributes are. It feels similar to when my dad showed me how to exchange spark plugs on my car or start my car with a jumper cables or replace a tire. I never aimed to be a car mechanic, but having a bit of knowledge can save you when you get stranded in a foreign place with no cell phone reception. Although you are not a programmer, knowing a bit about the underlying code base, can go a long way. --- **Kathryn Presner** and **Helena Artmann** recorded their online workshop on [Exploring the Query Loop block](https://wordpress.tv/2024/09/12/exploring-the-query-loop-block/). “The Query Loop block might sound bland, but it’s actually the driving force behind the layout of modern WordPress blogs. Dive into this critical block together with Presner and explore ways to show off your content and learn how to configure it to get the result you want. They also cover the different types of blocks you might want to nest inside it. Finally, you uncover some lesser-known ways to use the Query Loop block, to display pages and other types of content besides posts.” --- **Mike McAlister** from Ollie WP just dropped a cool tutorial on how to [build smarter and faster with synced patterns](https://olliewp.com/start-building-smarter-and-faster-with-synced-patterns/). He shows how you can use synced patterns in WordPress to make site building a breeze. With these patterns, you can tweak multiple parts of your site at once, making your workflow smoother and keeping your design consistent. --- The number of [Block themes in the Themes directory](https://wordpress.org/themes/tags/full-site-editing/) was** 942** this morning. You find now a great collection of themes for businesses, writers, photographers, agencies, and products. The newly released pattern browser you can use when clicking through a single theme page gives you a great insight in how various parts of your website will look, when using a theme. Many themes showcase, services, FAQ, content form, or about us patterns, that, make building a site a streamlines process. The latest five Themes approved were: [Hello Blocks](https://wordpress.org/themes/hello-blocks/) by Md Ataur Rahman of Wpmet, builder of the [GutenKit](https://wordpress.org/plugins/gutenkit-blocks-addon/) and other WordPress plugins. This is their first theme in the WordPress Repository. [Margarethe](https://wordpress.org/themes/margarethe/) by the theme builders at Automattic and built for site owners in the interior design space. It’s the latest of 209 block themes built by Automattic’s designers. [Happening](https://wordpress.org/themes/happening/), also out of the workshop at Automattic, designed for events and ceremonies. [TributeToGovPress](https://wordpress.org/themes/tributetogovpress/) by Tommaso G. Scibilia from Italy it’s his second block theme published in the repository within the last few weeks. This theme seems to be the block theme version of one of his favorite themes: [Gov Press ](https://wordpress.org/themes/govpress/)by Govfresh, that hasn’t been updated since August 2019. [Eternal](https://wordpress.org/themes/eternal/) by Uxl themes, a theme, opinionated about its design and suitable for all screen sizes and the patterns offer design for business websites, like services, price lists, process steps or for the about page. It’s the 23rd theme from Uxl in the repository and their eighth block theme. ![Block themes in the WordPress Themes directory](https://i0.wp.com/gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-14-at-13.10.07.png?resize=652%2C393&ssl=1) --- On WordPressTV, Wes Theron posted a new video [Use the Create Block Theme plugin for exports, and theme variations](https://wordpress.tv/2024/09/10/use-the-create-block-theme-plugin-for-exports-and-theme-variations/). You’ll learn how to use the [Create Block Theme plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/create-block-theme/) to customize, save, and export a WordPress theme. You’ll explore how to apply changes to colors, fonts, and layouts and export your modified theme as a zip file for use on other websites. --- **Adam Jones**, HumanMade, identified [Five key features for enterprise users](https://humanmade.com/wordpress-for-enterprise/wordpress-6-7-five-key-features-for-enterprise-users/) in the upcoming version of WordPress 6.7. Those are: - Streamlined site management with the Template Registration API - HEIC image support for optimized media management - Zoom-out editor for patterns for a high-level view of content creation - More flexibility in content display with the enhanced Query Loop block - Performance improvements & developer enhancements ## Theme Development for Full Site Editing and Blocks [Simone Maranzana](https://x.com/simo_m), co-creator of Advanced Columns, built the [Figma plugin Block Flow](https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/1413558555785810030/blockflow) that “allows you to easily convert your designs into WordPress blocks. This plugin is designed to simplify the process of transforming your visual projects into functional WordPress code. The exported blocks do not contain inline styles and rely solely on the logical attributes of the supported blocks. You can read [more details in her X-Thread](https://x.com/i/bookmarks/all?post_id=1830627524071612726). --- ** [“Keeping up with Gutenberg – Index 2024”](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index/) ** A chronological list of the WordPress Make Blog posts from various teams involved in Gutenberg development: Design, Theme Review Team, Core Editor, Core JS, Core CSS, Test, and Meta team from Jan. 2024 on. Updated by yours truly. The previous years are also available: **[2020](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index-2020/) | [2021](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index-2021/)** | **[2022](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index-2022/)** | **[2023](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/keeping-up-with-gutenberg-index/gutenberg-index-2023)** ## Building Blocks and tools for the Block Editor In this week’s Developer Hours, **Justin Tadlock** and **Nick Diego** took [a first look at the Template Registration API in WordPress 6.7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65DM6qt7pYo&list=PL1pJFUVKQ7ETApyQQlt3pLNjPx2HrQwl5&index=1&t=24s&pp=iAQB) and explored how to 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. --- **Alex Standiford **shared publicly [how he made his WordPress Archive style different post formats](https://www.alexstandiford.com/articles/essays/tutorials/how-i-made-my-wordpress-archive-style-different-post-formats/), using the Block Visibility plugin and a short code snippet. More in his post. There is also a discussion on the topic [Bring post formats to block themes](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/53049) on GitHub, you can follow along and chime in. --- **Siddharth Thevaril**, working for 10up, shared his experience in **[Building an extendible WordPress admin Settings page with Gutenberg Components](https://thewpvoyage.com/building-an-extendible-wordpress-admin-settings-page-with-gutenberg-components/).** Thevaril covered setting up a custom settings page, using React for the interface, and integrating Gutenberg UI components for a clean, responsive design. The tutorial includes code snippets and practical tips for developers. --- [Ajit Bohra,](https://x.com/ajitbohra) an early Gutenberg contributor, [announced](https://x.com/ajitbohra/status/1834309493707898918) the latest project he has been working on with the team of Lubus, a web development company out of Mumbai. **[WPUI ](https://wpui.lubus.in/) **is “a design pattern library built upon WordPress components which gives you the building blocks you need to build your react-powered WordPress plugin or app” (quoted from their site). The project is built in public and [available on GitHub](https://github.com/lubusIN/wpui/). “It was born to avoid the mundane task of assembling UI for WordPress.” Bohra tweeted. --- **[Daniel Bachhuber](https://x.com/dbchhbr)**, CEO of WordPress.Com (the commercial WordPress hosting company) [announced on X (former Twitter)](https://x.com/dbchhbr/status/1833109693415211321) a new prototype of plugin that offers building **Custom Content Models** from within the Block Editor. [The plugin is available on GitHub ](https://github.com/Automattic/create-content-model)from Automattic’s repository. It’s open-source and can be extended or forked. It’s more a proof of concept rather than production-ready code, and for the developers it seems to be just an exercise, of “would it be possible” than actually geared towards getting into WordPress Core? --- **Brain Coords** tells the story around his contribution to the **Custom Content Model** in his video [Custom fields and post types inside the block editor – with WordPress.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLB3OkgNOT). WordPress.com invited Coords to explore and build the prototype. In his video, Coords takes you through the genesis of the project and the approach the development took. He also gives you a demo and answers audience questions. --- **Matt Medeiros** sat down with **Mark Szymanski** in their episode 65 of the *WPMinute* podcast to discuss [Was The Create Content Model Prototype Good Enough?](https://thewpminute.com/was-the-create-content-model-prototype-good-enough/) --- ## WordPress Playground **JuanMa Garrido** [announced](https://x.com/juanmaguitar/status/1834236988301414735), that three new [guides](https://wordpress.github.io/wordpress-playground/guides) published in the WP Playground Docs - Providing content for your demo with WordPress Playground - WordPress Playground for Theme Developers - WordPress Playground for Plugin Developers The hope is that these resources can help inspire and guide theme and plugin developers to fully take advantage of WP Playground’s potential. **[Need a plugin .zip from Gutenberg’s master branch?](https://gutenbergtimes.com/need-a-zip-from-master/)** Gutenberg Times provides daily build for testing and review. Now also available via [WordPress Playground](https://playground.wordpress.net/?blueprint-url=https://gutenbergtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/playnightly.json). There is no need for a test site locally or on a server. Have you been using it? [Email me ](mailto:pauli@gutenbergtimes.com)with your experience ![](https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/bph/gutenberg/total?style=for-the-badge) *Questions? Suggestions? Ideas? * *Don’t hesitate to send [them via email](mailto:pauli@gutenbergtimes.com) or* * send me a message on WordPress Slack or Twitter @bph*. --- For questions to be answered on the [Gutenberg Changelog](http://gutenbergtimes.com/podcast), send them to [changelog@gutenbergtimes.com](mailto:changelog@gutenbergtimes.com) --- Featured Image: --- **Don’t want to miss the next Weekend Edition? ** Type in your Email address to subscribe.Subscribe We hate spam, too, and won’t give your email address to anyone except Mailchimp to send out our Weekend Edition Thanks for subscribing. ---