Custom fields have long been a cornerstone of WordPress development, allowing users to add extra, flexible information to posts, pages, and custom post types. Two major plugins stand out in this area—Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and Secure Custom Field (SCF). While ACF became a go-to choice for developers due to its robust feature set, it was recently taken over by WordPress and rebranded as SCF. This guide will explore the Advanced Custom Fields vs Secure Custom Fields and help you decide which plugin best suits your WordPress needs.
The Dispute Between WordPress, WP Engine, and ACF
The path from ACF to SCF was far from smooth, as it involved a heated conflict between major players in the WordPress ecosystem: WordPress itself, WP Engine, and the ACF development team.
Here’s how the drama unfolded:
- The Rise of ACF: Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) started as a third-party plugin, created by Elliot Condon in 2011. It quickly gained traction due to its ability to easily add custom fields to WordPress content. Developers loved it for its intuitive interface and flexibility.
- WP Engine Steps In: In 2022, WP Engine, a prominent managed WordPress hosting company, acquired ACF as part of a broader acquisition of Delicious Brains, the company behind several popular WordPress tools. WP Engine aimed to consolidate its hold over the plugin market, especially as ACF was widely used by many developers on WordPress sites hosted on its platform.
- WordPress’s Response: This acquisition triggered concern within WordPress.org, the organization behind WordPress, about a single hosting provider controlling such a widely-used plugin. WordPress feared that WP Engine’s commercial interests might steer ACF in a direction that would not align with the open-source spirit of the platform. WordPress also worried that future versions of ACF could favor WP Engine customers or lock certain features behind a paywall.
- The Fallout: To protect its ecosystem and ensure that ACF remained available to all users, WordPress took steps to take over ACF, transitioning it into a more tightly integrated WordPress plugin. As part of this transition, WordPress rebranded ACF to Secure Custom Field (SCF), highlighting the importance of security in the evolving WordPress landscape.
This move stirred debates in the WordPress community. Some argued that the takeover ensured fairness and transparency, while others claimed WordPress was exerting too much control over the ecosystem. Despite the controversy, SCF is now the official successor to ACF, with WordPress managing its future development.
Why Was ACF Taken Over by WordPress and Renamed to SCF?
The acquisition of ACF by WordPress was not just about the dispute with WP Engine but also about securing the plugin’s future in line with WordPress’s vision.
Here are the main reasons why ACF was rebranded to SCF:
- Security Concerns: WordPress recognized the importance of custom fields in handling sensitive data like user information, product details, or business data. A key factor in renaming ACF to SCF was to emphasize a greater focus on security. WordPress wanted to ensure that the data stored in custom fields was secure from external threats, particularly in enterprise-level projects where data integrity is crucial.
- Better Integration with WordPress Core: WordPress has been moving toward a more integrated approach with its core platform, particularly with the introduction of the block editor (Gutenberg). Renaming ACF to SCF allowed WordPress to revamp the plugin to work seamlessly with newer WordPress features and ensure long-term compatibility with future updates.
- Open-Source Control: By taking over ACF, WordPress was able to prevent potential fragmentation or the introduction of commercial interests that might disrupt its open-source community. The renaming to SCF also gave WordPress the opportunity to reintroduce the plugin under its own development philosophy.
As of now, SCF continues to offer most of ACF’s popular features, but with tighter security measures and improved integration into the WordPress core system.
What is the Difference Between ACF and SCF?
ACF and SCF both offer tools to create custom fields, but there are some critical differences. ACF was a highly popular plugin in the WordPress ecosystem, known for its ease of use and flexibility in creating custom fields. After being acquired by WordPress, it was renamed Secure Custom Field (SCF) with some improvements in security and compatibility. However, some users still prefer the original version.
Key differences include:
- User Interface: ACF has a familiar interface that many developers prefer, while SCF features slight modifications to align with WordPress’s newer design language.
- Security: SCF has enhanced security features, focusing on protecting data in custom fields.
- Integration: ACF has a broader range of third-party integrations, although SCF is catching up due to its deep integration with WordPress core.
Advanced Custom Fields vs Secure Custom Field
Both plugins have their strengths. If you’re looking for maximum compatibility with WordPress’s latest features and prioritizing security, SCF might be the better option. However, ACF still remains a preferred choice for those who want a more customizable and developer-friendly experience.
When considering which plugin to use, evaluate:
- The complexity of the custom fields you need.
- Your website’s security requirements.
- The level of support and community resources available for the plugin.
ACF and SCF Alternatives
If neither ACF nor SCF fits your needs, there are other alternatives to consider:
- Pods Framework: Ideal for creating custom content types, including fields, taxonomies, and relationships.
- Meta Box: Known for its extensive options and flexibility, Meta Box is another robust alternative.
- Toolset: This is a more advanced option, suitable for building complex websites with custom post types, fields, and views.
These ACF alternatives provide viable options for users looking for specific features that may not be available in ACF or SCF.
How to Use the Original ACF Plugin
Since ACF has a long-standing history as a top plugin for adding custom fields, many users may still prefer using the original version before it was rebranded as SCF. Please follow the official guidelines provided on the ACF website to update or install the original ACF plugin.
Secure Custom Field WordPress Plugin: An Overview
SCF was designed to improve security and compatibility with the latest WordPress updates. It integrates seamlessly with WordPress and provides a familiar experience for developers who are accustomed to ACF.
Features of SCF:
- Enhanced Security for sensitive field data.
- Improved performance and integration with WordPress’s block editor (Gutenberg).
- Automatic updates via the WordPress repository.
Summary
The choice between Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and Secure Custom Field (SCF) depends on your site’s security requirements and whether you prefer using a plugin with deeper WordPress integration. SCF offers enhanced security and better compatibility with the latest WordPress features, while ACF still provides great flexibility for developers. Additionally, you can explore alternatives like Pods, Meta Box, and Toolset for more specialized needs.
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