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Changelog ​

Complete version history and changes for Better Robots.txt plugin.

Version 2.0.3 - Latest ​

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Enhanced Physical File Functionality (Pro): Improved physical file generation for better PageSpeed Insights compatibility
  • Enhanced Freemius Integration: Updated to SDK v2.13.0 for improved security and performance
  • Cron-based Monitoring: Hourly license verification with automatic file management

🛡️ Security & Reliability ​

  • User File Protection: Prevents accidental deletion of user-modified robots.txt files
  • Dual Protection System: Combines immediate hooks with hourly backup cleanup
  • File Ownership Tracking: Advanced hash and signature verification for safe file management

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed physical file cleanup not triggering in some license deactivation scenarios
  • Resolved WP-CLI compatibility issues with cron execution
  • Enhanced error handling for file operations

Version 2.0.2 ​

🆕 New Features ​

  • Physical File Generation (Pro): Generate actual robots.txt files for better PageSpeed Insights compatibility
  • Enhanced Freemius Integration: Updated to SDK v2.12.0 for improved security and performance

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed compatibility issues with WordPress 6.8
  • Resolved caching problems with some CDN providers
  • Fixed plugin activation on multisite networks

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Updated default robots.txt rules for better SEO
  • Improved performance monitoring and logging
  • Enhanced security with updated validation methods

Version 2.0.1 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Security Fix: Updated Freemius SDK with latest security patches
  • Fixed layout issues on high-DPI displays
  • Resolved JavaScript conflicts with popular themes

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Better mobile responsiveness in admin interface
  • Improved error handling for file operations
  • Enhanced validation for custom rules

Version 2.0.0 - Major Update ​

🚀 Major New Features ​

  • Complete UI/UX Overhaul: Modern Vue.js-based interface
  • ChatGPT Bot Blocker (Free): Previously Pro-only feature now available in free version
  • Ads.txt & App-ads.txt Support: Free version includes ads.txt crawlability settings
  • Enhanced Security: Improved CSRF protection and input validation

🎨 Interface Improvements ​

  • Redesigned settings page with better organization
  • Real-time preview of robots.txt changes
  • Improved accessibility and mobile support
  • Enhanced onboarding experience

🔧 Technical Updates ​

  • Refactored codebase with MVC architecture
  • Updated to modern JavaScript (ES6+)
  • Improved performance with lazy loading
  • Better error handling and debugging

Version 1.5.2 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed class initialization errors on some server configurations
  • Resolved issues with plugin activation sequence
  • Fixed warning messages in PHP 8.2+

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Better compatibility with WordPress 6.7
  • Improved handling of special characters in custom rules
  • Enhanced memory usage optimization

Version 1.5.1 ​

🔥 New Features ​

  • ChatGPT Bot Blocker: Block OpenAI's GPTBot from crawling your content (Pro version)
  • Improved Bot Management: Better control over specific crawler access
  • Enhanced UI: Modernized interface with better visual feedback

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Encapsulated radio switch buttons for better styling
  • Refactored code for improved maintainability
  • Enhanced documentation and tooltips

Version 1.5.0 ​

🔥 Major Pro Features ​

  • AI-Recommended Bad Bot Settings: ChatGPT-4 optimized bot blocking rules
  • Selective Backlink Protection: Choose which SEO crawlers to block
  • Moz Bot Migration: Moved Moz bots from bad bots to backlink protector list

🛡️ Security Enhancements ​

  • Enhanced validation for user input
  • Improved sanitization of custom rules
  • Better protection against XSS attacks

📊 Intelligence Features ​

  • ChatGPT-4 integration for rule recommendations
  • Advanced bot categorization and management
  • Improved backlink analysis protection

Version 1.4.7 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Removed deprecated COVID-19 movement feature
  • Fixed PHP warnings in PHP 8.1+
  • Resolved conflicts with security plugins

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Updated default bot lists with latest threats
  • Better handling of multisite configurations
  • Improved plugin deactivation process

Version 1.4.6 ​

🛡️ Critical Security Update ​

  • CSRF Protection: Added nonce verification for all form submissions
  • Input Sanitization: Enhanced protection against code injection
  • PHP 8.2 Compatibility: Fixed undefined index warnings

🔧 Technical Improvements ​

  • Better error handling and logging
  • Improved database query optimization
  • Enhanced plugin performance monitoring

Version 1.4.5 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed PHP warning: undefined index in multiple locations
  • Resolved issues with plugin activation on fresh WordPress installs
  • Fixed layout problems with certain admin themes

Version 1.4.4 ​

🛡️ Security Fix ​

  • Critical Security Patch: Fixed potential vulnerability in file handling
  • Enhanced validation of user inputs
  • Improved protection against unauthorized access

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Updated dependency libraries
  • Better handling of edge cases in rule generation
  • Enhanced error reporting

Version 1.4.3 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed text alignment issues in admin interface
  • Resolved translation conflicts with certain languages
  • Fixed plugin activation warnings

Version 1.4.2 ​

🆕 New Pro Features ​

  • Default WordPress Sitemap Support: Add WordPress native sitemaps
  • All in One SEO Sitemap Integration: Support for AIOSEO plugin
  • Enhanced Sitemap Detection: Improved automatic sitemap discovery

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Resolved sitemap integration issues
  • Fixed compatibility with latest SEO plugin versions
  • Improved handling of custom sitemap URLs

Version 1.4.1 ​

🔥 New Pro Features ​

  • Search Engine Visibility: Control search engine indexing at granular level
  • Image Crawlability: Manage how search engines access your images
  • Advanced Crawler Control: Fine-tuned bot access management

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed sitemap detection with popular SEO plugins
  • Resolved conflicts with caching plugins
  • Improved handling of special characters in URLs

Version 1.4.0 ​

🎨 Major Interface Update ​

  • Complete UI Redesign: Modern, clean interface design
  • Improved User Experience: Better navigation and intuitive controls
  • Enhanced Visual Design: Professional styling and icons
  • Mobile Responsiveness: Better support for mobile devices

🔧 Code Refactoring ​

  • MVC Architecture: Restructured code for better maintainability
  • Improved Performance: Optimized database queries and caching
  • Enhanced Security: Better input validation and sanitization
  • Better Error Handling: Improved debugging and error reporting

Version 1.3.2.4 ​

🛒 WooCommerce Enhancements ​

  • Added new rules for WooCommerce performance optimization
  • Better handling of product variation URLs
  • Enhanced cart and checkout URL blocking

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Updated Freemius SDK to v2.4.2
  • Better compatibility with latest WordPress version
  • Improved plugin loading performance

Version 1.3.2.3 ​

🔄 Improvements ​

  • Tested and compatible with WordPress 6.3
  • Fixed "Get Pro" URL in admin interface
  • Enhanced compatibility with popular themes

Version 1.3.2.2 ​

🔧 Technical Updates ​

  • Updated Freemius SDK to v2.4.1
  • Improved plugin update mechanism
  • Better handling of license validation

Version 1.3.2.1 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed "Call to undefined method" error
  • Resolved plugin activation issues on some servers
  • Fixed undefined function calls

Version 1.3.2.0 ​

🛡️ Security Updates ​

  • XSS Vulnerability Fix: Addressed security issues in user input handling
  • Non-static Method Fixes: Resolved PHP compatibility issues
  • Enhanced Validation: Improved input sanitization and validation

🔄 Compatibility ​

  • Tested with WordPress 6.2
  • PHP 8.0+ compatibility improvements
  • Better support for modern hosting environments

Version 1.3.1.0 ​

👌 Admin Improvements ​

  • Permanent Notice Dismissal: Admin notices now stay dismissed per user
  • Top-Level Menu: Better WordPress integration with dedicated menu item
  • Enhanced UX: Improved user experience and navigation

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed styling conflicts with Norebro theme
  • Resolved undefined variable PHP errors
  • Better handling of plugin settings across WordPress versions

Version 1.3.0.7 ​

🔥 Promotional Features ​

  • Added WP Google Street View plugin promotion
  • Enhanced partner plugin recommendations
  • Improved marketing integration

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed minor text issues in admin interface
  • Resolved translation problems
  • Better error handling

Version 1.3.0.6 ​

👌 SDK Update ​

  • Updated Freemius to latest version v2.3.2
  • Enhanced security and performance features
  • Better license management

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Resolved minor issues with settings saving
  • Fixed compatibility problems with certain themes
  • Improved error reporting

Version 1.3.0.5 ​

🌍 Community Feature ​

  • COVID-19 Movement: Option to join worldwide movement against Coronavirus
  • Enhanced community engagement features
  • Improved promotional content

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed PHP undefined index notices for Step 7 and 8 options
  • Resolved issues with MENUS settings
  • Better handling of plugin settings

Version 1.3.0.4 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed PHP undefined variable for $active_tab
  • Corrected typos in admin interface
  • Improved error handling

Version 1.3.0.3 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed PHP notice for $host_url variable
  • Improved logging and debugging capabilities
  • Better handling of server configurations

Version 1.3.0.2 ​

🛡️ Security Updates ​

  • Enhanced Security: Fixed multiple security vulnerabilities
  • Backlink Protection: Added new rules to block more SEO analysis tools
  • Multisite Improvements: Better multisite notification management

🔧 Pro Features ​

  • Multisite notifications now permanently dismissed once closed
  • Improved network-wide plugin management
  • Better handling of multisite configurations

Version 1.3.0.1 ​

📺 Promotion ​

  • VidSEO Recommendation: Added integration with VidSEO plugin
  • Enhanced partner ecosystem
  • Improved cross-plugin compatibility

Version 1.3.0.0 ​

🎯 Major Rule Updates ​

  • 5 New Default Rules: Added comprehensive WordPress protection
  • 4 Removed Rules: Eliminated problematic rules causing WPML conflicts
  • Enhanced Search Rules: Better crawler trap prevention
  • Improved Spam Protection: Expanded spam backlink blocker

🛡️ Security Enhancements ​

  • Fixed critical security issues
  • Enhanced input validation
  • Better protection against malicious bots

🔄 Compatibility ​

  • Improved WordPress 6.0+ compatibility
  • Better support for multisite installations
  • Enhanced plugin ecosystem integration

Version 1.2.9.3 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed undefined index error while saving MENUS
  • Removed deprecated "noindex" rule for individual posts
  • Google stopped supporting noindex in robots.txt in September 2019

Version 1.2.9.2 ​

🔧 Technical Updates ​

  • Updated Freemius SDK to v2.3.0
  • BIGTA Integration: Enhanced compatibility with BIGTA recommendations
  • Improved performance and stability

Version 1.2.8 ​

🔔 Notification Management ​

  • Extended Dismissal: Notifications disabled for 4 months
  • Fixed minor issues with admin notices
  • Better user experience for promotional content

Version 1.2.7 ​

🌏 Regional Features (Pro) ​

  • Chinese Search Engines: Added Baidu, Sogou, Soso, Youdao support
  • Social Media Crawling: Enhanced social media bot management
  • Regional Optimization: Better support for specific regions

🔧 Technical Improvements ​

  • Enhanced bot detection and categorization
  • Improved multilingual support
  • Better handling of regional search engines

Version 1.2.6.3 ​

📝 Text Improvements ​

  • Fixed text formatting issues
  • Improved translation support
  • Better user guidance

Version 1.2.6.2 ​

🔧 Multisite Bug Fix ​

  • Fixed Critical Issue: Resolved Yoast sitemap problems on multisite networks
  • Better handling of network sitemaps
  • Improved multisite compatibility

Version 1.2.6.1 ​

🔧 Multisite Enhancement ​

  • Multisite Fix: Resolved critical multisite functionality issues for Pro users
  • Better network-wide rule management
  • Improved multisite performance

Version 1.2.6 ​

🛡️ Security Update ​

  • Security Patched: Updated Freemius SDK with latest security fixes
  • Enhanced protection against vulnerabilities
  • Improved input validation

Version 1.2.5.1 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed minor issue with crawl-delay settings
  • Resolved layout problems in admin interface
  • Better handling of edge cases

Version 1.2.5 ​

🔧 Improvements ​

  • Fixed crawl-delay issues in high-traffic environments
  • Updated translations for better international support
  • Enhanced compatibility with caching plugins

Version 1.2.4 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed a critical bug affecting robots.txt generation
  • Improved error handling and logging
  • Better compatibility with various server configurations

Version 1.2.3 ​

🔥 New Feature ​

  • Hide from SERPs: New option to hide robots.txt from search engine results pages
  • Enhanced privacy and security features
  • Improved SEO control

📝 Text Improvements ​

  • Better user guidance and explanations
  • Enhanced documentation and tooltips
  • Improved admin interface text

Version 1.2.2 ​

🐛 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed bugs causing errors in Google Search Console
  • Improved compatibility with latest Google guidelines
  • Enhanced text clarity and documentation

Version 1.2.1 ​

🔥 Major Pro Features ​

  • Multisite Support: Complete multisite network management
  • Network Rules: Apply rules across entire multisite network
  • Bulk Operations: Single-click rule application
  • Network Sitemaps: Automatic sitemap detection for all sites

🔧 Technical Improvements ​

  • Added version timestamp for asset management
  • Better handling of multisite configurations
  • Improved performance for network environments

Version 1.2.0 ​

🔥 Game-Changing Feature ​

  • Post Meta Box: Disable individual posts, pages, and WooCommerce products from search engines
  • Granular Control: Add specific Disallow rules per content item
  • WooCommerce Integration: Specialized product and category control
  • SEO Impact: Better management of thin content and duplicate pages

🎯 SEO Enhancement ​

  • Individual page exclusion for better SEO strategy
  • Control over landing page and thank you page visibility
  • Management of dynamic content and calendar pages
  • Prevention of crawler traps in specific content

Version 1.1.9.6 ​

🚀 Growth Hacking ​

  • 150+ Growth Tools: Comprehensive list of online growth tools
  • Enhanced marketing integration
  • Better resource recommendations

🎨 Interface Improvements ​

  • Fixed layout bugs in admin interface
  • Enhanced visual design
  • Better mobile responsiveness

Version 1.1.9.5 ​

🔧 SEO Enhancements ​

  • Yandex Integration: Added clean-param support for Yandex bot
  • Backlink Analysis: Enhanced ask backlinks feature for Pro users
  • Crawler Prevention: Improved avoid crawler traps feature
  • Updated Rules: Enhanced default robots.txt rules

Version 1.1.9.4 ​

🐛 Critical Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed default robots.txt file issue on first activation
  • Resolved PHP error when saving settings and permalinks
  • Code Refactoring: Improved code structure and maintainability

Version 1.1.9.3 ​

📖 Improvements ​

  • Fixed readability issues in admin interface
  • Enhanced documentation and help text
  • Better user experience for new users

Version 1.1.9.2 ​

🖼️ Image Enhancement ​

  • Alt Tags Boost: Enhanced support for image alt text optimization
  • Better integration with image SEO plugins
  • Improved media file handling

Version 1.1.9.1 ​

🛒 Bug Fix ​

  • Fixed critical bug in disallow rules for WooCommerce
  • Resolved issues with e-commerce site optimization
  • Better handling of product and category pages

Version 1.1.9 ​

🔥 WooCommerce Focus ​

  • Loading Performance: Specialized optimization for WooCommerce stores
  • E-commerce Rules: Block cart, checkout, and account pages
  • Performance Boost: Reduce server load on WooCommerce sites
  • Better SEO: Focus crawler attention on product pages

Version 1.1.8 ​

🔧 Technical Enhancement ​

  • XML Sitemap Detection: Automatic detection of XML sitemaps
  • Plugin Integration: Better compatibility with SEO plugins
  • Enhanced text and translation support
  • Improved sitemap functionality

Version 1.1.7 ​

🚀 New Features ​

  • SEO Performance Tools: Curated list of top SEO performance plugins
  • Notification Management: Improved admin notice system
  • Cache Busting: Enhanced stylesheet loading with cache invalidation
  • Internationalization: Added Spanish and Portuguese language support

🌍 Language Support ​

  • Added Russian and Chinese (Simplified) translations
  • Enhanced international user experience
  • Better multi-language support

Version 1.1.6 ​

🌍 International Expansion ​

  • Language Support: Added Russian and Chinese (Simplified) languages
  • Bug Fix: Resolved redirection issue when activating other plugins
  • Enhanced translation framework

Version 1.1.5 ​

🔧 Technical Feature ​

  • Physical File Detection: Detect and handle physical robots.txt files
  • Auto-deletion: Automatically remove conflicting files when permissions allow
  • Enhanced server compatibility

Version 1.1.4 ​

🎨 Customization Features ​

  • Personalization: Add custom signatures and text to robots.txt
  • SEO Tools Integration: Direct links to SEO optimization tools
  • Enhanced Branding: Professional robots.txt customization options

Version 1.1.3 ​

🐛 Bug Fix ​

  • Fixed critical bug affecting plugin functionality
  • Enhanced stability and reliability
  • Improved error handling

Version 1.1.2 ​

🛡️ Security Enhancement ​

  • Spam Backlink Blocker: New feature to prevent spam backlinks
  • Enhanced protection against malicious SEO tactics
  • Improved comment spam prevention

Version 1.1.1 ​

🐛 Bug Fix ​

  • Fixed bug causing performance issues
  • Enhanced code reliability
  • Improved user experience

Version 1.1.0 ​

🔥 Major Update ​

  • Enhanced Options: Changed allow/off to allow/disallow/off for better control
  • Improved Interface: Major improvements to user experience
  • Better Translations: Enhanced text and French translation
  • Advanced Rules: More sophisticated robots.txt management

Version 1.0.2 ​

🎨 UI Improvements ​

  • Fixed minor styling issues
  • Improved overall text quality
  • Enhanced translation support

Version 1.0.1 ​

🔧 Bug Fixes ​

  • Fixed plugin directory URL issue
  • Enhanced text content and user guidance
  • Improved initial setup experience

Version 1.0.0 ​

🎉 Initial Release ​

  • Core Functionality: Basic robots.txt generation and management
  • WordPress Integration: Seamless WordPress admin interface
  • SEO Optimization: Default rules for WordPress SEO
  • Bot Management: Basic search engine bot control
  • Simple Interface: User-friendly configuration options

Upcoming Features ​

Version 2.1.0 (Planned) ​

Expected Release: Q1 2025

🚀 Anticipated Features ​

  • Advanced Analytics: Detailed bot traffic analysis and reporting
  • AI-Powered Recommendations: Smarter rule suggestions based on site content
  • Cloud Integration: Export/import configurations via cloud services
  • Enhanced Multisite: Improved network management capabilities
  • Performance Monitoring: Real-time performance impact tracking

🔧 Technical Improvements ​

  • Enhanced API: RESTful API for third-party integrations
  • WordPress 6.9+: Full compatibility with latest WordPress features
  • PHP 8.3+: Optimized for latest PHP versions
  • Gutenberg Integration: Block editor integration for better UX

Note: This changelog reflects the evolution of Better Robots.txt from a simple WordPress robots.txt plugin to a comprehensive SEO optimization tool with advanced features for e-commerce, multisite networks, and enterprise environments.

© 2025 Pagup. Better Robots.txt. AI-Ready, Advanced WordPress Robots.txt Management for SEO.