WordPress has opened the call for volunteers for the Twenty Twenty-Seven default theme, scheduled for release with version 7.2 in December 2026. This post explores the technical challenges of core theme development, the aggressive timeline, and why senior developers should consider contributing to the future of the block-based ecosystem.
Stop using brittle clip-path hacks for beveled or scooped corners. The new CSS corner-shape property provides a native, performant way to transform UI elements like ribbon badges and product cards. Ahmad Wael explains how to implement this Chromium-exclusive feature using progressive enhancement and modern CSS layers to clean up your codebase.
Monikka Spruyt left the corporate world to build Connect Holistic Health. Instead of drowning in DIY technical hurdles, she utilized the WordPress Website Design Service to scale her mission. Learn why professional builds are the ultimate time-for-money decision for solopreneurs looking to launch high-performance membership and e-commerce sites without the burnout.
Gutenberg 22.7 introduces the foundational AI Connectors API, enabling standardized third-party integrations. This release also marks a major milestone by enabling Real-Time Collaboration (RTC) by default, alongside improved style variation previews and developer-focused enhancements like phpMyAdmin support in wp-env. It’s a clear signal of the architectural direction for WordPress 7.0.
Stop using “magic numbers” in your CSS. Senior WordPress developer Ahmad Wael explains why chaotic z-index values break UIs and how to build a scalable, token-based layering system using CSS variables, calc(), and proper stacking context management to ensure your modals and tooltips never disappear again.
WordPress 7.0 finally adds native pseudo-class support (hover, focus, active) directly in theme.json for blocks and variations. Learn how to ditch custom CSS hacks for button states and embrace a declarative styling workflow that keeps your theme maintenance simple and your code clean.
There are several ways to select the html element in CSS, each with different specificity levels. From the standard :root pseudo-class to modern :scope and structural hacks like :not(* > *), Ahmad Wael breaks down which selectors are best for performance and which are just technical curiosities.
Refresh your professional workspace with the March 2026 Desktop Wallpapers collection. Featuring high-resolution designs from global artists via Smashing Magazine, this month’s edition offers a much-needed environmental reset. Learn why environmental maintenance is as crucial for developers as code maintenance, plus technical tips for handling high-res assets in WordPress themes.
WordPress 7.0 introduces the native Breadcrumbs block, finally allowing developers to ditch heavy plugins for site navigation. In this guide, I break down the two new Breadcrumb block filters—block_core_breadcrumbs_items and block_core_breadcrumbs_post_type_settings—to show you how to programmatically control site hierarchy and handle complex taxonomy scenarios without breaking your layout.
WordPress 7.0 introduces Customisable Navigation Overlays, moving mobile menus from hardcoded layouts to the Site Editor. This update allows developers and site owners to build mobile navigation using standard blocks and template parts. Learn the theme.json requirements and the technical limitations of this new core feature.