WordPress MU is the multi-user version of WordPress, which basically means that you can run several WordPress blogs within one WordPress MU installation. It is in many ways similar to WordPress, but adds this functionality along with some other small things that is needed for being your very own blog host. The most well known WordPress MU sites are WordPress.com and Edublogs.
And now, finally, WordPress MU and WordPress will merge. The MU lead developer Donncha O Caoimh said this on his blog:
Basically, the thin layer of code that allows WordPress MU to host multiple WordPress blogs will be merged into WordPress. I expect the WordPress MU project itself will come to an end because it won’t be needed any more (which saddens me), but on the other hand many more people will be working on that very same MU code which means more features and more bugfixes and faster too.
Is this good or bad?
It is good.
- I can roll several blogs on one install.
- It means that cool MU projects like BuddyPress will come to the WordPress masses.
- It will strengthen the WordPress platform.
- The former MU users will finally benefit from the swiftness of the single user community.
No, it is bad.
- More stuff within WordPress means more clutter for the user. This is a pro thing.
- The WordPress community will be confused with all the old lingo.
- A lot of unknowns: How will current MU installs convert to the new version, will old MU plugins work, will this force an admin interface revamp?
Personally, I’m positive to this. One of the things I love with WordPress competitor Movable Type is the ability to roll several blogs in one install.
Most likely this code merge will happen in 3.0, which makes sense and feels right. However, it might even be in 2.9, we’ll have to wait and se about that. Meanwhile, there will be a WordPress MU 2.8, and a traditional WordPress 2.8, so for now this is all plans.
Is merging WordPress and WordPress MU into one project a good idea?
