WordPress 2.3 is was released earlier today and is ready for download at the WordPress website.

Here are the highlights of the new version, named “Dextor” for the great tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon:

• Tagging is now built into WordPress; tags entered with existing non-WordPress plugins may be imported into the native tagging system.
• WordPress now will notify you if a new version has been released.
• Cleaner URLs with anonical URLs. New URL system allows redirection.
• New workflow step, “Pending Review”, allows posts written by a writer to be read and approved by an editor.
• “Advanced WYSIWYG” mode optionally unlocks TinyMCE editing features previously hidden.
• Under the covers of 2.3 is full and complete Atom 1.0 support.

WordPress recommends reading “Preparing for 2.3” before attempting to upgrade your own installation of WordPress.