Gutenberg is the code name for the new block based editor introduced in WordPress 5. It replaces the classic WordPress editor which is built on TinyMCE. It is a significant change in how content is created.
With Gutenberg, you can add multiple media types and arrange the layout within the editor using blocks.
Why change the WordPress Editor?
WordPress is changing the editor to make it more approachable to non-coders.
The [Gutenberg] editor will endeavor to create a new page and post building experience that makes writing rich posts effortless, and has “blocks” to make it easy what today might take shortcodes, custom HTML, or “mystery meat” embed discovery.
– Matt Mullenweg, WordPress Founder
Can I still use the Classic Editor?
On UCI Sites, we have installed the WordPress Classic Editor plugin that restores the classic editor functionality. As of September 2019, new sites will have the Block editor on by default.
If the Block Editor is not your current default, you can enable or turn on the Block Editor to start using it. We wanted to allow you to opt-in when you are ready. However, the Classic Editor plugin will not be available forever. WordPress will officially support the Classic Editor plugin until December 31, 2021.
Gutenberg also includes a Classic WordPress Editor block so you can continue to compose with the TinyMCE formatting options within Gutenberg.