WordPress version 2.1 is scheduled to be released tomorrow. 2.1 is the first major release since the 2.0 line was started. Not only will 2.1 include security and bug fixes, it will introduce tons of cool new features.

So what’s new in WordPress 2.1?

Auto-save Posts
WordPress 2.1 adds an autosave function that is automatically implemented when writing a new post. This functionality uses AJAX so the page doesn’t have to reload.

Updated Image Upload
Uploading images in 2.0 can be difficult and confusing. The process is really just harder than it should be. Thankfully, 2.1 takes a step back and simplifies image uploads.

WordPress Migration Tool
It’s almost a shame that WordPress 2.1 wasn’t here sooner. I had to migrate Ontora from WordPress.com to my host last month. Importing all of the posts via RSS didn’t really work so I basically ended up adding everything manually. Thankfully, 2.1 will include a pure WordPress migration tool.

MySQL Version
Most people are running MySQL 4.0+ these days, but some are still using MySQL 3. WordPress 2.1 will only be compatible with MySQL 4 and newer.

New Visual Editor Interface
My biggest complaint with the WordPress 2.0 line is the Rich Text Editor (RTE) powered by TinyMCE. The rich text editor was a good idea, but it sacrificed compatibility to function. Thankfully, the developers have listened to the concerns about RTE in WordPress 2.0 and have significantly improved it. Most noteable is a new tab that allows you to quickly switch between the RTE and Raw Code view.

Keep it private
Most bloggers wont find this useful, but WordPress 2.1 will allow you to block search engines from indexing you. It will allow you to password-protect your blog, so only your friends and family can read it.

Plugin Compatibility
The downside to a major release candidate such as this is compatibility. Many plugins, and even some themes, will not work with WordPress 2.1 due to changes in database structure. Fortunately, WordPress developers have been working hard to make sure their add-ons will be compatible with the new version. In some cases you may need to redownload your plugins when you update.

Updating to WordPress 2.1 is not mandatory by any means. WordPress 2.0 will be supported and updated for several more years. So if 2.1 is not your thing, feel free to stick with 2.0. The new version is bound to have bugs, so you may even be better off if you wait this one out for a few weeks.