The new version of WordPress 5.9 currently under development can now be used for testing purposes.
In view of the fact that WordPress 5.9 Beta 1 is not a stable version, developers suggest that the test should be conducted on a test website rather than a real-time website in case of any problems.
WordPress has released a set of detailed instructions for users to follow in order to successfully test.
WordPress 5.9 Beta 1 Test
Eight weeks before the software goes online, WordPress has developed three different ways for users to test WordPress 5.9 Beta 1 on their website.
The first option is to install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plug-in, and select the "Bleeding edge" channel and the "Beta/RC Only" stream.
The second way is to download the beta version directly, and the third way is to use WP-CLI to test: wp core update -- version=5.9-beta1. However, the third option is not recommended for case insensitive file systems.
WordPress said in a blog post that the main reason for these tests is to improve the release in the beta phase. This version already contains 580 enhancements and nearly 450 bug fixes. So far, the contributors have solved 297 WordPress 5.9 problems, including 110 new features and enhancements.
This latest version of WordPress will also introduce WordPress's first block based default theme, 22.
"This is the first block based theme, so it needs to be thoroughly tested," said a WordPress contributor in the detailed guide.
WordPress also provides additional tips for those who want to participate in testing new versions on its website, including testing across different browsers, testing in different languages, and viewing the appearance of new features on different screen sizes.