Listing WordPress versions and updates

The syntax and output are very similar to what you get when working with plugins (or themes).

The only basic difference is that you should add –core to your command-line.

e.g. See what version of WordPress is installed on your site:

wordshell mysite --list --core

Example output:

mysite    wordpress    3.4.1      WordPress Core

As with theme and plugin commands, you can use “all” as the site to operate on all sites at once.

e.g. See which sites you have that need an update:

wordshell all --listupdates --core

Example output:

mysite3   wordpress    3.3.2 (3.4.1)      WordPress Core
mysite2   wordpress    3.3.1 (3.4.1)      WordPress Core

When working with WordPress core, WordShell will automatically back up any files it finds in your WordPress directory (excluding everything in wp-content – i.e. themes, plugins plus uploaded content. Themes and plugins are backed up when you are in the relevant mode, e.g. when using –theme). This includes backing up your wp-config.php and any modifications you made to WordPress core (which is not recommended – use/write plugins instead). Thus, if your WordPress site gets damaged, then you can use this backup.

It may be that you have lots of junk or unwanted files in your WordPress directory which will slow WordShell down. If you cannot delete those files, then you can tell WordShell to ignore them by using the switch –justwp whenever you work with core, e.g.:

wordshell all --listupdates --core --justwp

If you wish to remove all previously backed-up files from WordShell’s local backup which are not part of WordPress (i.e. files that were sharing your WordPress installation’s directory), then use –justwpwipeothers (this implies –justwp, so there is no need to use both):

wordshell all --listupdates --core --justwpwipeothers

• Next section: Maintenance mode
• This chapter index: Working with WordPress core