Options Framework Roadmap

The latest WordPress release (3.8) is scheduled for December 12th. For those following along with core you’re probably aware that this release will bring significant UI changes to the WordPress dashboard.

options-framework-1.7

The Options Framework handles this new dashboard design fairly well. Core styling classes were used as much as possible and styling is fairly minimal- so most of design changes are inherited. The biggest issue I saw with the current version is that checkboxes and radio buttons are a bit warped.

A new beta release of the Options Framework (1.7) available in GitHub for testing. Plugin version and bundled theme version. This release improves styling for WordPress 3.8 and also has a fairly large code refactor to move all functions into classes.

If you notice any issues with this update, please let me know.

Roadmap Forward

I haven’t been actively developing new features for the Options Framework for a while- but this will change over the next couple months. I’m planning a complete rewrite of the code largely based on how the core theme customizer classes are built.

With this rebuilt version it will be possible to add options pages for plugins as well as themes.

Options will be fully extensible. Those long requested option features like sliders, datepickers, multiselects, and google font interface will be possible through add-on extensions.

I’m also planning to tackle some of the deeper legacy issues- like saving the attachment IDS for media uploads and issues with the typography styles and font sizes.

The core framework code will continue to be free and open source.

Standardizing Options in Core

theme-customizer

The theme customizer was a huge step forward in terms of WordPress theme options. The markup output is standardized (but also extensible). It’s easy for developers to set up theme options- even the more complex ones like image uploaders and colorpickers.

I’d love for it to be that easy to create any sort of settings page in WordPress. This rebuilt version of the Options Framework will be designed with enough flexibility to register any of the default WordPress settings pages. I’m not sure that it would ever be a candidate for inclusion in core, but I’m developing it with that idea in mind.

Download and Test

But, enough about the future (and yet to be coded) plans. The current version is ready to test now.

Thanks for everyone who has contributed to this project over the years and/or purchased the Options Framework Kit to support the continued development. I’m excited about working on this next phase.

About Devin

I am a developer based in Austin, Texas. I run a little theme shop called DevPress and help manage a WooCommerce shop with Universal Yums. Find me on twitter @devinsays.

13 Responses

  1. Hi Devin,
    Thanks for the template, it works great and your tutorial video was compact and very informative. This is the first web page I have made and it works!
    I have one question. When I use the mobile version my menu button does not work on my main page, however it works on every portfolio page I go to on my site. The menu is fine on the normal computer version. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Neil

  2. Dmitry

    Hello Devin! Thanks for the great plugin! Tried to update it, but nothing happened, the error falls. When will update the plugin for WordPress 3.8.1 ?)

    After the update plugin gives this error:
    Fatal error: Call to undefined function _optionsframework_options() in /home/site/public_html/wp-content/themes/ayoshop/lib/admin/admin.php on line 24

    thank you! Dmitry

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