System Updates & Version Management

Keeping Your Headless System Current

The Updates page helps you maintain your headless WordPress system with the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes.

System Update Section

Check for Updates Button

What it does: Queries the update server to see if a newer version is available.

When to use:

• Weekly check as part of maintenance routine
• Before starting a new project or major content push
• When you hear about new features you want
• After security announcements

How it works: Compares your current version against the latest release on GitHub/npm registry.

Current Version

Shows: The version you currently have installed (e.g., v1.1.68)

Version numbering explained:

v1.1.68 breaks down as:

• 1 = Major version (breaking changes, major new features)
• 1 = Minor version (new features, backward compatible)
• 68 = Patch version (bug fixes, small improvements)

Understanding version changes:

• Patch update (1.1.68 → 1.1.69): Safe to update anytime, just bug fixes
• Minor update (1.1.x → 1.2.0): New features added, test before production
• Major update (1.x.x → 2.0.0): Breaking changes, read migration guide carefully

Latest Version

Shows: The newest version available for download.

When it matches Current Version: You're up to date! (Green 'Up to Date' status)

When it's higher: An update is available. Review release notes before updating.

Status Indicator

Up to Date (Green checkmark): You're running the latest version. No action needed.

Update Available (Yellow warning): A new version exists. Consider updating soon.

Critical Update (Red alert): Security patch or critical bug fix. Update immediately.

Release Information

'No releases found' Message

What it means: The system couldn't fetch release information from the repository.

Possible causes:

• Network issue: Your server can't reach GitHub
• API rate limit: Too many requests to GitHub API
• Repository private: Access credentials missing
• Development mode: Running a custom or fork version

Troubleshooting:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Wait 10 minutes and try again (rate limit reset)
3. Verify GitHub access token if using private repo
4. Check system logs for detailed error messages

About Section

The bottom section displays project metadata:

Application

Shows: 'Headless WordPress'

What it is: The name of the software/framework you're using.

Version

Shows: Current installed version (matches 'Current Version' above)

Repository

Shows: Link to GitHub repository

What you can do there:

• View source code
• Report bugs via Issues tab
• Request features via Discussions
• See full changelog and release notes
• Contribute improvements via Pull Requests

License

Shows: MIT

What MIT license means:

• Free to use: Commercial and personal projects
• Free to modify: Customize as needed
• Free to distribute: Share with clients, sell as part of service
• No warranty: Use at your own risk
• Must include license: Keep copyright notice in code

Update Best Practices

Before Updating

1. Backup everything: Database, files, and configurations
2. Read release notes: Know what's changing
3. Check compatibility: Do you need to update WordPress, PHP, or Node.js too?
4. Test on staging: Never update production directly
5. Plan for downtime: Updates may require brief offline period

During Update

1. Enable maintenance mode: Show visitors a 'We'll be right back' message
2. Follow official upgrade guide: Don't skip steps
3. Run database migrations: If required by the update
4. Clear all caches: After update completes
5. Regenerate build: Rebuild Next.js production bundle

After Updating

1. Test core functionality:
   • Can you create/edit posts?
   • Do menus work?
   • Forms submitting?
   • Images loading?
2. Check integrations: Are plugins still working?
3. Review error logs: Any new warnings or errors?
4. Test on multiple devices: Desktop, mobile, different browsers
5. Monitor for 24-48 hours: Watch for issues users report

Update Frequency Recommendations

Security patches: Immediately (within 24 hours)

Bug fixes: Within 1 week

Minor features: Within 1 month

Major versions: Plan carefully, update within 3-6 months

When NOT to Update

• During high traffic periods: Wait for slow hours
• Before major launches: Don't introduce unknowns
• Without backups: Never risk data loss
• Without testing: Staging environment is essential
• If it ain't broke: Sometimes stable > latest (for production)

Staying Informed

To know when updates are available:

• Watch GitHub repository: Get notifications for new releases
• Join Discord/Slack community: Announcements posted there
• Subscribe to newsletter: Monthly digest of updates
• Follow on Twitter: Real-time release announcements
• Check this page weekly: Make it part of your routine