Updating Your WordPress Core with Ease Using WP-CLI

WordPress is a popular content management system that powers millions of websites around the world. One of the crucial aspects of managing a WordPress site is keeping it up to date, including its core files. WordPress updates are important as they usually contain bug fixes, new features, and security patches that ensure the site remains secure, stable, and up to date.

The conventional way to update WordPress is by using the WordPress dashboard. However, this method can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging to complete. Fortunately, there is an easier and more efficient way to update WordPress core files using WP-CLI.

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on updating WordPress core files using WP-CLI.

What is WP-CLI?

WP-CLI is a command-line interface for WordPress. It allows users to manage their WordPress site from the command line, which can be more efficient than using the graphical interface. WP-CLI can help you do a variety of tasks, such as updating WordPress core files, installing and updating plugins and themes, managing users, and creating new posts and pages.

Updating WordPress Core Using WP-CLI

Updating WordPress core files using WP-CLI is easy and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Backup Your Site

Before updating WordPress core files, it is important to back up your site, including your database and files. This ensures that you can always restore your site to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the update.

Step 2: Access Your Site via SSH

Next, access your website through a terminal program using Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. SSH is a secure and encrypted protocol that allows you to access your server’s terminal securely. If you don’t know how to access your site via SSH, contact your web host provider for assistance.

Step 3: Navigate to the WordPress Root Directory

Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress site using the cd command in the terminal. This directory contains all the WordPress files and folders, including the wp-admin, wp-includes, and wp-content folders.

Step 4: Check for Updates

To check if there are updates available for WordPress core files, use the following command:

wp core check-update

This command will display the current version of WordPress you are running and if there are any updates available.

Step 5: Update WordPress Core

To update WordPress core files, use the following command:

wp core update

This command will update your WordPress core files to the latest version available.

Step 6: Verify the Update

After updating WordPress core files, verify the update by visiting your website and checking if everything is working correctly.

Conclusion

Updating WordPress core files is essential to keep your site secure and up to date. By using WP-CLI, you can update your WordPress core files with ease and efficiency. With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently update your WordPress core files using WP-CLI and keep your website running smoothly and securely.