Leveraging the New JSX Transform in WordPress 6.6

WordPress 6.6 introduces an exciting update for developers: the ability to use the new React JSX transform that was first released in React 17. This article will guide you through the process of implementing the new JSX in WordPress 6.6, discuss build tool compatibility, and highlight the performance improvements.

How to Use the New JSX in WordPress 6.6

To utilize the new JSX in WordPress 6.6, follow these steps in your build scripts:

1. Add Dependencies:
   • Ensure react-jsx-runtime is included in your script dependencies.
2. Configure Output:
   • Use ReactJSXRuntime.jsx as the output of your JSX calls.
3. Automate Transformations:
   • Utilize build tools such as @wordpress/scripts, @wordpress/babel-preset-default, and @wordpress/dependency-extraction-webpack-plugin. These npm packages have been updated to apply the necessary transformations automatically.

Build Tools Compatibility and Upgrade Path

For developers using JSX syntax in their codebase, it is important to understand the compatibility and upgrade path:

1. Current Compatibility:
   • If you don’t update your development dependencies, your plugin and built files will remain compatible with WordPress 6.5, earlier versions, and WordPress 6.6.
2. Updating Dependencies:
   • When you are ready to support WordPress 6.6 exclusively, update the following npm packages to incorporate the new JSX transform:
     • @wordpress/scripts from version 28.
     • @wordpress/babel-preset-default from version 8.
     • @wordpress/dependency-extraction-webpack-plugin from version 6.

Performance Improvements

The new JSX transform in WordPress 6.6 comes with significant performance enhancements and optimizations. By adopting this new transform, developers can expect faster build times and more efficient rendering of React components.

 

Key Takeaways

1. New Feature: WordPress 6.6 introduces the React JSX transform from React 17.
2. Implementation: Developers need to add react-jsx-runtime and configure their build tools.
3. Compatibility: Existing code remains compatible if development dependencies are not updated.
4. Upgrade Path: Update specific npm packages to fully leverage the new JSX transform.
5. Performance: The new transform offers performance improvements and optimizations.

Conclusion

The introduction of the new JSX transform in WordPress 6.6 is a significant step forward for developers. By updating build tools and dependencies, developers can take full advantage of the performance enhancements and optimizations that come with this new feature. Stay up to date with the latest updates to ensure your WordPress plugins and themes remain compatible and optimized.