# FCA Widgets Data Migration Information

## Overview

Starting with version 1.0.5 of FCA Widgets, we've changed how sidebar menu data is stored.
Previously, this data was stored in a JSON file within this directory (data/sidebar-menu-data.json).
Now, it's stored in the WordPress options table for better reliability and compatibility.

## Migration Process

When you update to version 1.0.5 or later, the plugin will automatically:

1. Check for old data in sidebar-menu-data.json
2. Check for old data in wp_options table under 'fca_sidebar_menu' or 'fca_sidebar_items'
3. Convert this data to the new format if needed
4. Save it in the WordPress options table as 'fca_sidebar_menu_items'
5. Show a notification about the successful migration

## For Developers

If you've extended or modified the sidebar menu functionality, you should know:

- The data structure has been updated to support more features
- The data is now stored in the WordPress options table with the key 'fca_sidebar_menu_items'
- The old JSON file should be preserved with a '.migrated' extension after migration
- Migration logic is located in class-migration-manager.php

## Manual Migration

If the automatic migration fails for any reason, you can manually trigger it by:

1. Going to your WordPress database
2. Finding the value of 'fca_widgets_version' in the wp_options table
3. Setting it to a value lower than '1.0.5' (e.g., '1.0.4')
4. Refreshing any admin page in WordPress

This will force the migration process to run again.

## Support

If you experience any issues with the sidebar menu after updating, please contact our support team at https://www.fluentcommunityaddons.com/contact/

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Last updated: 2023 