Migration Guide: v2.x → v3.0.0

Overview

Version 3.0.0 is a major update that brings WP Render Blogroll Links into the modern WordPress and PHP ecosystem. The original plugin was abandoned and has been taken over and updated by Douglas LaMar – Sensible Websites.

What's New in v3.0.0

Breaking Changes

PHP 8.4 Compatibility Changes

The following PHP changes were addressed in v3.0.0 to ensure clean operation on PHP 8.4:

1. Removed extract() Usage

PHP 8.4 deprecates extract() with EXTR_SKIP flag in certain contexts. v3.0.0 replaces all extract() calls with explicit variable assignments from the parsed arguments array.

// Before (v2.x)
$r = wp_parse_args( $args, $defaults );
extract( $r, EXTR_SKIP );

// After (v3.0.0)
$r = wp_parse_args( $args, $defaults );
$show_updated = $r['show_updated'];
$show_description = $r['show_description'];
// ... explicit assignments for each variable

2. Deprecated screen_icon() Removed

The screen_icon() function was deprecated in WordPress 3.8 and triggers errors on PHP 8.4+. It has been removed from the admin settings page.

// Before (v2.x)
screen_icon('options-general');

// After (v3.0.0)
// Removed — no longer needed in modern WordPress admin

3. Numeric Capability Level Replaced

WordPress deprecated numeric user level capabilities. The admin menu registration now uses the string-based 'manage_options' capability.

// Before (v2.x)
add_options_page('WP Render Blogroll Links', 'WP Blogroll Links', 8, ...);

// After (v3.0.0)
add_options_page('WP Render Blogroll Links', 'WP Blogroll Links', 'manage_options', ...);

4. Implicit Nullable Parameters

PHP 8.4 deprecates implicitly nullable parameters. Function signatures have been updated to use explicit nullable type declarations where default values of null are used.

5. Strict Type Handling

PHP 8.4 enforces stricter type comparisons. String-to-integer comparisons and null parameter handling have been updated throughout the codebase.

Upgrade Steps

Step 1: Verify PHP Version

Ensure your server is running PHP 8.0 or higher (PHP 8.4 recommended). You can check this in your hosting control panel or via Tools → Site Health in WordPress.

Step 2: Back Up Your Site

1. Create a full backup of your WordPress files and database
2. If you have customized the plugin files directly, save a copy of your changes

Step 3: Deactivate the Old Version

1. Go to Plugins in your WordPress admin
2. Click Deactivate on WP Render Blogroll Links

Step 4: Delete the Old Version

1. After deactivating, click Delete to remove the old plugin files
2. This ensures no old files conflict with the new version

Step 5: Install v3.0.0

1. Download wp-render-blogroll-links.zip
2. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
3. Upload the zip file and click Install Now
4. Click Activate Plugin

Step 6: Verify

1. Visit any page or post with [wp-blogroll] shortcodes
2. Confirm links render correctly
3. Check the admin settings page at Settings → WP Blogroll Links

Shortcode Compatibility

The following shortcode parameters all continue to work as documented:

Custom Code Updates

If you have customized the plugin's PHP file or written code that interacts with the plugin's functions, review the following changes:

walk_bookmarks_plus()

The function signature and behavior remain identical. Internal variable extraction has been modernized, but the function accepts the same parameters and produces the same output.

wp_list_bookmarks_plus()

Same as above — the function signature is unchanged. Internal use of extract() has been replaced with direct array access, but output is identical.

renderlinks_tc_hnd()

The main shortcode handler function continues to accept all the same shortcode attributes and produce the same HTML output.

Testing & Verification

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Post-Upgrade Verification

1. Check link output — Visit every page/post with [wp-blogroll] and verify links display correctly
2. Test all parameters — If you use parameters like catid, showdesc, showhide, etc., confirm they still work
3. Check the admin page — Go to Settings → WP Blogroll Links and confirm it loads without errors
4. Check error logs — Review your PHP error log for any deprecation notices or warnings
5. Test the bookmarklet — If you use the "Add to Blogroll" bookmarklet, verify it still functions
6. Verify CSS styling — Confirm your custom CSS still applies correctly (class names are unchanged)

Troubleshooting

Migration FAQ