Release/WDS BT v1.4.0-beta - Block Showcase & Performance Optimization

[khleomix]

⚠️ BETA RELEASE
This is a beta release. Please test thoroughly before using in production. Report any issues via GitHub Issues.

Overview

This beta release introduces the Block Showcase development tool, automatic WebP image generation, performance optimizations to reduce render-blocking JavaScript, and accessibility enhancements for better color contrast compliance.

What's New:

• Block Showcase (admin-only) for block discovery and inspection
• WebP Uploads - Automatic WebP generation for uploaded images
• Performance optimizations reducing render-blocking JavaScript
• Accessibility improvements for link contrast compliance

Key Features

1. Block Showcase (Admin-Only)

A powerful development tool to discover, preview, and inspect all registered blocks with their attributes in an organized, interactive format.

2. Performance Optimizations

• Reduced render-blocking JavaScript
• Image performance improvements (Dominant Color Images, Image Prioritizer)

3. WebP Uploads

• Automatic generation of WebP versions when JPEG or PNG images are uploaded
• Server-side replacement via WordPress filters
• Client-side JavaScript fallback
• Domain validation prevents external images from being converted

4. Accessibility Enhancements

• Link underlines added for better color contrast compliance (WCAG 2.1)
• Improved focus states for keyboard navigation

Testing Instructions

Please test:

1. Block Showcase functionality
2. WebP Uploads - Upload JPEG/PNG images and verify WebP generation
3. Performance improvements - Test page load times
4. Accessibility - Test with screen readers and keyboard navigation
5. Cross-browser compatibility

[elpuas]

@khleomix While testing, I noticed this warning. It only occurs when using the Feature Image block while converting the image to WebP.

cc @ramiwds @thatmitchcanter

[thatmitchcanter]

@elpuas ran a smoke test and found a single warning that pops up in relation to the WebP. We'll fix this on either Athena or this package and will back-merge the fix in appropriately.

I'll approve this in the mean time.

cc @khleomix @ramiwds