Product Update: LearnDash LMS 4.20.1 and 4.20.1.1

At LearnDash, we’re committed to delivering a better LMS experience with every update. Recently, we released LearnDash 4.20.1, bringing new features, important fixes, and security improvements. Shortly after, we issued a follow-up release, 4.20.1.1, to resolve an issue that needed immediate attention.

Here’s what’s new and what’s next.

LearnDash 4.20.1 was Packed with Enhancements

Version 4.20.1 introduced several updates to enhance performance, improve security, and streamline compatibility. Here’s a quick overview:

New Features

• Webhook Auto-Configuration for Stripe
  Setting up Stripe is now easier than ever with automated webhook configuration, saving time and ensuring smoother integrations.

Fixes

• PHP Deprecation Warnings
  Fixed an issue causing PHP warnings when editing courses.
• Quiz Resume Functionality
  Resolved a problem where quizzes couldn’t be resumed if answers included single quotes, ensuring learners can pick up where they left off without issues.

Security Improvements

• PayPal IPN Security
  We strengthened the integrity of communication with PayPal Instant Payment Notifications (IPN) to enhance transaction security.
• PayPal Notification Updates
  Improved HTTP status codes returned to PayPal to prevent unnecessary retries of IPN notifications.

Tweaks and Compatibility

• Updated system requirements, including a minimum WordPress version of 6.1 and PHP version of 7.4, to ensure LearnDash continues running on secure and supported environments.
• Deprecated older classes and functions, like LearnDash\Core\Payments\Provider, to keep the codebase clean and developer-friendly.
• Added actions and constants for greater extensibility, such as learndash_coupon_attached and learndash_coupon_detached.

What was in 4.20.1.1?

Following the 4.20.1 release, we quickly addressed an issue with quiz resumption:

• Special Characters in Quiz Answers
  Resolved a bug where quiz resume functionality broke if answers included line breaks or other special characters.

Additionally, we deprecated the learndash_prepare_quiz_resume_data_to_js function, continuing our efforts to modernize the platform and make it easier for developers to build integrations.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, we’re focusing on:

• Enhancements and Maintenance
  Look for more improvements to LearnDash LMS Core and Groups Plus in our next releases. Both are receiving bug fixes and enhancements, including the addition of privacy policy and terms checkboxes to the new modern style Registration Page.
• A New Modern Course Page Style
  We’re also developing a fresh course page design that’s more intuitive for learners and easier for developers to customize with hooks and integrations. This is a little further away from release, but currently in active development.

With these updates, we’re making LearnDash better for course creators and developers alike. Stay tuned for more improvements, and as always, we’re here to hear your feedback!