In reply to Phillip Hawley.

There is standardization. But standards aren't static. They evolve and change over time. It's software, not a physical product.

The perfect example to illustrate this is jQuery. WordPress makes extensive use of jQuery and properly developed themes and plugins also use the jQuery library that is bundled with WordPress core.

As WordPress evolves so does jQuery and the version of jQuery that is bundled with WordPress is updated to make sure it's running the latest. This sometimes does necessitate changes to themes and plugins to maintain compatibility with the new version of jQuery.

If you use GOOD plugins and a GOOD theme this shouldn't be a problem. The developers of quality themes and plugins will be on top of it and release the necessary updates to maintain compatibility.

If your plugins or theme breaks because WordPress updated then instead of blaming WordPress you should take a long hard look at the plugins and themes you are using. There are thousands of them and they can't be policed by the WordPress core team, nor can their quality and maintenance be policed by the WordPress core team. You have to use reputable plugins and themes that are actively being maintained.

WordPress, WordPress themes and WordPress plugins are NOT static. They are constantly evolving. As WordPress evolves so do the themes and plugins that run on WordPress.

It isn't a "set it and forget it" platform. You have to keep plugins and themes updated just like you need to keep WordPress updated.

Use good themes and plugins and this issue won't arise.