There are important reasons why you should update your plugins regularly:
- Introduction of new functions and improvements.
- Increase in speed.
- Correction of errors.
- Closing security gaps.
- Ensuring compatibility with current PHP versions.
Let’s take a closer look at these reasons:
New functions
At first glance, the introduction of new functions through plugin updates may seem unimportant. But in reality, these updates can be crucial to keeping your website up to date and meeting the ever-changing demands of users and technology.
A well-chosen plugin that was originally installed to fulfill specific needs or increase user-friendliness can become even more effective with regular updates. New functions can, for example, enable integration with other tools and platforms, which extends the reach and functionality of your website.
In addition, new features often enable innovative ways to present content or create interactions on the page, which not only improves the user experience but also helps your website stand out from the competition. It is also an opportunity to take on board and implement feedback from users, which can increase visitor satisfaction and loyalty to the site.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, such updates can also be critical to keep pace with new digital trends. They help to make your website agile and adaptable so that it can react quickly to new market requirements.
Improved speed
Regular optimization of the code can result in your site loading a few milliseconds faster. While these improvements are often barely noticeable to the end user, they can improve the overall user experience and SEO performance.
Troubleshooting
Wherever programming takes place, mistakes happen. Most updates fix bugs that affect specific cases that you’ve probably never heard of. But even small bugs can disrupt the user experience and should not be underestimated.
Fixing security vulnerabilities
Some bugs are serious and can give attackers the opportunity to penetrate your website. Even if a security vulnerability does not appear critical at first glance, it can still pose a serious threat in certain scenarios.
Compatibility
As programming languages such as PHP evolve, the software on your website must also keep pace. Many web hosting environments have long since switched from PHP 5.6 to more recent versions, which can render older WordPress versions unusable on newer servers.
The dilemma of updates
There is an old IT adage: “Never change a running system.” However, every new or updated plugin can potentially bring new problems with it, such as bugs or incompatibilities with other plugins.
Normally, updates run smoothly, but exceptions prove the rule. That’s why every update can bring new challenges.
Update frequency: a pragmatic approach
The answer to the question of how often you should update depends on several factors. For smaller, simpler websites where backups are created regularly, the automatic update can be a good solution. For larger sites with extensive functions, a monthly update cycle is recommended – unless there are important security updates that need to be installed immediately.