ExpressionEngine 2.2 Released!
We are pleased to announce that ExpressionEngine 2.2 is now available for download. This is a major release and brings improvements on a number of fronts: a new file module (and related enhancements), speed/code optimization, a developer friendly authorization library, 180+ bug fixes, CP user experience tweaks, and improved documentation. This is a recommended upgrade for all ExpressionEngine installations. See the changelog for a full list of changes. If you’re updating from the current stable version (2.1.3), remember to check the version notes for all relevant versions (2.1.4, 2.1.5 and 2.2). Want more details before you hit the installer? Then read on for the juicy details!
Feature wise, we’ve continued to make big improvements to file handling. There are plenty of small tweaks (limiting a file field to a single directory) as well as a couple of big changes. The File Manager now allows you to edit files to include a caption as well as assign them to categories. The new File Module provides tags to display your files using tags- independent of categories.
The Comment Control Panel received a significant performance overhaul and will load faster and handle significantly more comments.
ExpressionEngine 2.2 eliminates redundant cookies and now features salted passwords for better security.
ExpressionEngine 2.2 squashes over 60 bugs. For ExpressionEngine installs moving from 2.1.3 to 2.2, that means a sum total of 180+ bugs dead. In addition to fixing bugs, we’ve also been working on formalizing our bug response policy to ensure problems are addressed in a timely manner. Expect an update on that prior to the next ExpressionEngine release.
Developers can start using the Authentication library, which simplifies user authentication and aligns ExpressionEngine development closer to PHP 5 coding practices. In order to help simplify you speeding your application up, we’ve added getter and setter methods for accessing the Sessions Library $cache property. The Developer preview invitation was a first step to ensure third party developers remain in the loop on such changes. The Developer Preview program also provides a direct way for devs to request hooks in subsequent releases.
Password salting/hashing has been rewritten from the ground up and provides access to the most secure password hashing algorithm your host provides. This includes md5, sha1, sha256 and sha512. A special thanks to Ty Wangsness from eMarketSouth for presenting his ideas and working with us so that we can continue to keep ExpressionEngine ahead of the curve when it comes to password security.
Documentation has been improved and simplified in areas that could be common sources of confusion. We increased our stated PHP memory requirements to 32M to ensure smooth sailing with add-ons. And there’s now a single set of version update instructions to follow - build updates are a thing of the past!
Overall, 2.2 represents a lot of changes and improvements. We’ve spent the last six months overhauling EllisLab to deliver the EE you want and need. It’s a pleasure working for you. Please let us know what you need next.
