New public alpha version of new GD Star Rating 2.0 is (finally) here. Number of bugs from previous alpha are fixed, libraries are updated, many things are improved. Rating methods and objects are expanded, support for modules improved, and bbPress support module active.
If you are not ready to deal with plugin that is still not finished and unstable, please wait until Beta or Final release before downloading. This release is for experienced users only. Database schema is not final in this version, and any votes gathered during Alpha stage might be lost later. As for information about using the new plugin, functions, shortcodes, all that is in the preparation phase, and will be available at the later date.
New version has a long changelog. Bugs fixed from previous alpha include: problems with panels (saving, rendering), problems with auto insertion, various rendering issues, problems with templates and bunch of PHP notices and warnings. Plugin now uses latest gdr2 and gdT3 libraries. Also, jQueryUI is updated to 1.9.1. Many plugin areas are improved, with focus on stability of the plugin admin side interface and auto insertion of the rating code.
Different Rating Blocks
From the rating standpoint, standard single stars rating is improved, loader displayed when vote is saved, and now you don’t need to use stars at all. Plugin supports switching stars display to: plain text links, radio items or dropdown list. This way you can style the block anyway you want, and you can use it for different things that don’t necessarily need you to show graphics. Also, stnadard thumbs rating is also working, and it also features display using text links, radio items or dropdown list.
There are some known issues with some of the admin panels that will be fixed soon. I am not going to give any definitive dates about next releases, but development is now back on track, and it shouldn’t be too long for next alpha. Plan for next alpha is to expand on rating methods and improvements to rating objects, templates and rendering. I hope to finish all core elements with 2 more alpha releases, followed by Beta.
bbPress module (internal) will be completed for next Alpha #4. BuddyPress module is planned for Beta #1. Previously announced modules and graphic packs will be available from Beta #1.
