EP474 – Building Custom WordPress Blocks Because You Have To

On this episode of WPwatercooler, the panel, consisting of Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, Jason Cosper, and Nyasha Green, delves into the necessity of building custom WordPress blocks, a task propelled not just by choice but by the evolving needs of WordPress itself. They share personal anecdotes, challenges, and successes in navigating the block-based landscape of WordPress, emphasizing the importance of embracing blocks for future-proofing and enhancing WordPress projects. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of block technology for developers, users, and the WordPress community, highlighting the continuous learning and adaptation required to stay relevant and effective in the WordPress ecosystem.

Panel: Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, Nyasha Green, Jason Cosper

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
00:26 Greetings and Lottery Dreams
02:33 The Inevitability of Building Blocks in WordPress
04:17 Nyasha Green’s Journey into Block Development
07:48 The Challenges of Naming and Explaining Blocks
10:25 Discussing User-Friendly Design Tools vs. WordPress
13:00 The Necessity of Custom Blocks and Developer Frustrations
15:09 Nyasha’s Approach to Teaching Block Development
17:23 The Rapid Evolution of WordPress and Its Impact on Users
20:25 Nyasha’s Favorite Custom Block Project
22:39 The Importance of Learning Basics Before Diving into Dynamic Blocks
25:40 Building in Public and the Value of Sharing Mistakes
27:02 Closing Thoughts and Mini Golf Plans

What is WPwatercooler? WPwatercooler is streamed live and recorded as the self-titled show on the WPwatercooler Network. Our objective with the show since the beginning has been to help people in this industry have a place to hear people, much like themselves, talk about the technologies and methods we all use on a daily basis. We named WPwatercooler to be that, the watercooler that WordPress folks can gather around and participate in the conversation, or just sit back and learn from the discussion. Our listeners and contributors come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We strive to make this place as welcoming and accessible as we can. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler

What is Dev Branch? Dev Branch is streamed live and recorded monthly on the first friday of the month as the developer-focused discussions of the WPwatercooler Network. Dev Branch is released on its own podcast feed and made available live and on-demand in video format on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/devbranch

WordPress from Install to Publish. WPwatercooler is a live video and audio roundtable discussion from WordPress professionals from around the industry who offer tips, best practices, and lively debate on how to put the content management system to use. WPwatercooler is part of the WPwatercooler Network Hosted by WordPress developer Jason Tucker, the weekly panel includes the following WP experts as well as over 500 guests since 2012. ∙ Jason Tucker - podcast host, web developer, and IT Director ∙ Sé Reed - web developer, speaker, small business advocate and Internet geek. ∙ Jason Cosper - Sr. Performance Engineer at Liquid Web Feedback for our shows can be provided here: https://www.wpwatercooler.com/feedback/