Level Up

A collection of resources for WordPress Developers, written and curated by experts

Recent Posts

Taming the Heartbeat API: Preventing `admin-ajax.php` Overload

When it comes to WordPress® performance, we often focus on the big metrics: page load speed, database query optimization, and asset minification. However, there is a silent pulse running in… Read more

Mike Davey

Feb 17, 2026

The Art of the WordPress Transient: Performance, Persistence, and Database Bloat

In the hierarchy of WordPress® data storage, transients often occupy a misunderstood middle ground. They aren’t quite as permanent as options, yet they aren’t as ephemeral as a standard PHP… Read more

Mike Davey

Feb 10, 2026

Debugging WP-Cron With WP-CLI

It’s a common situation. You schedule a backup for 2 a.m., but when you log in the next morning, the file isn’t there. Or perhaps a scheduled post missed its… Read more

Mike Davey

Feb 3, 2026

The Anatomy of theme.json: A Developer’s Cheat Sheet

For a long time, the logic of a WordPress® theme lived primarily in functions.php. If you wanted to add support for a custom logo, wide alignment, or editor styles, you… Read more

Mike Davey

Jan 27, 2026

Delicious Brain Bytes: WordPress 7.0 Roadmap, Gutenberg 22.3, and the Rise of the Agentic Web

In this issue of Delicious Brain Bytes, we explore the brand-new Gutenberg 22.3 features, look ahead to the WordPress® 7.0 release and its updated PHP requirements, discuss WP Engine’s strategic… Read more

Mike Davey

Jan 20, 2026

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How the Self-Hosting Trap Costs You Innovation

Digital presence is more than just a marketing channel. It’s often the primary driver of revenue, customer experience, and competitive differentiation. This critical asset demands enterprise-grade performance, rigorous security, and… Read more

Mike Davey

Nov 20, 2025

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The Ultimate Savings Event for WordPress Professionals

It’s the time of year when we roll out delicious savings! We’re offering new customers big savings on the essential plugins trusted by top developers and agencies worldwide. Whether you’re… Read more

Mike Davey

Nov 17, 2025

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Delicious Brain Bytes: WordPress 6.9 RC1, FAIR’s Security MVP, and Finding Hidden Gems

In this issue of Delicious Brain Bytes, we track the final progress of WordPress 6.9 RC1 and the new Abilities API, explore the security advancements of the FAIR/Patchstack collaboration, preview… Read more

Mike Davey

Nov 13, 2025

Minimizing DNS Propagation Issues With a Reverse Proxy

Migrating servers is a complex process that involves many moving parts. One of the most challenging aspects of server migration is dealing with DNS propagation. When you update your DNS…

Mike Davey

Nov 4, 2025

Delicious Brain Bytes: FAIR 1.0 Arrives, ACF Survey Results, and Hosting a Site on a Disposable Vape

In this issue of Delicious Brain Bytes, we dive into the game-changing FAIR 1.0 decentralized package manager, explore the key data from the ACF Annual Survey, see how one developer… Read more

Mike Davey

Oct 2, 2025