As WordPress users, we’ve been trained to keep all components of our WordPress install – plugins, themes, core, etc – completely up-to-date to avoid security issues. In fact, the number one question I get about JointsWP is: how do I update JointsWP and/or Foundation?
Here’s the answer: you shouldn’t.
The Case for Not Updating
JointsWP is meant to be the foundation (pun not intended) of your WordPress theme. If you were building a house, JointsWP would be the bricks and wood that hold the house together. If a new type of brick came out, would you completely tear down your house just to use the new type of brick? Highly unlikely.
When starting a new project, you should always use the most up to date version of JointsWP and Foundation. However, when working on existing projects, there is absolutely no need to update. Unlike WordPress and WordPress plugins, there is no security threat to running older versions.
I have many, many websites that are running Foundation 5 using older versions of JointsWP. These websites will never see updated versions of JointsWP/Foundation unless they are completely rebuilt.
Clarification Note: Updating Foundation is extremely easy in JointsWP and you should totally do it if you are experiencing Foundation related bugs. However, migrating a website between major versions (for example from Foundation 5 to Foundation 6) is not recommended.
Build on.