Recently, I had the opportunity to build two new WordPress sites for my current employer, Center Centre, using the latest content editing process: Gutenberg Blocks. What are Gutenberg Blocks? Well, I’m glad you asked. According to ChatGPT, Gutenberg Blocks are:
“…individual content elements in the WordPress Gutenberg editor. They include various elements like text, images, videos, buttons, and more, allowing users to create and customize content with ease. Gutenberg runs on the WordPress platform, which is open-source software used for website and blog creation. It is a visual and intuitive content editor that simplifies the process of designing and organizing content, making it accessible to users without coding knowledge.”
Gutenberg Blocks are the real deal for WordPress users and developers, thanks to the awesome React.js framework they’re built upon. The ability to create and reuse blocks is a game-changer, making everything smooth and user-friendly. Non-techies can now dive into design work easily, while seasoned developers get the ultimate customizable tool for full-site editing that’s a total lifesaver.
Working on the latest cool new project for my Web Dev Fellowship has become my favorite pastime. Every new challenge has created the opportunity for me to become intimate with the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the block editing tool in WordPress. There is no “I CAN’T” in the Gutenberg Editor. As I tackle each part of the project design and content, I grow more fascinated by pushing the visual editing tool to its limit. I haven’t found it yet.
During this project, I identified the lack of a specific block or plugin I needed for a section of interest on a page. My CEO requested a radio button form that sends a customer to a link attached to an option in the form. Jetpack didn’t have the answer, and Forminator was at a loss. My solution: create the plugin myself. THIS has opened an entirely new interest for me: building WordPress plugins.
I wrote some quick HTML/CSS/Script to fill the need on each landing page until I can finish building my first WordPress plugin using WordPress create-block. This process is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, it uses React.js, which I’m intimately familiar with.
I’m enamored by this visual editing tool. It has capabilities far beyond what I expected when I campaigned for these sites to use the latest theme in WordPress. I’m looking forward to sharing these wonderful projects with you when they’re finally shipped.
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