WordPress is currently at version 2.6 and version 2.7 is expected to be released by the end of 2008.  In amongst that will likely be several minor version updates to fix security vulnerabilities and other serious bugs.

For WordPress users this can mean an almost endless cycle of testing and upgrading to new versions.  I will describe the pros and cons of three WordPress upgrade methods.

Method #1 - Manual Upgrade

This method involves downloading the latest version of WordPress, unzipping it on your computer, and then using your FTP client to upload the files to your web host.

Pros: allows complete control over which files are updated, allowing you to preserve customised files.

Cons: 100% manual process, slow and tedious.

Method #2 - Fantastico Upgrade

If you installed WordPress with Fantastico you can use Fantastico to perform all of your upgrades as well.

Pros: quick and easy automated installation.  Backs up your files for you before upgrading.

Cons: can take days after a new version is released before the Fantastico upgrade script is available.  Wipes out any customised files as well as sometimes your .htaccess file.  Doesn’t back up your database for you before upgrading.

Method #3 - Wordpress Automatic Upgrade Plugin

The WPAU plugin strikes a middle ground between the two previous methods.

Pros: allows you to upgrade sooner than Fantastico in many cases.  Backs up both your files and your database and allows you a chance to download the backup zip files before the upgrade takes place.

Cons: sometimes not compatible with latest WordPress release causing you to have to wait for the plugin to be updated first.  Wipes out customised files.