Upgrading from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 is a significant step for website owners and developers looking to leverage the latest advancements in the Drupal ecosystem. This guide will help you step by step in upgrading from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 without errors.
What is Drupal 11?
Drupal 11 is the latest iteration of the open-source content management system, which was officially released on August 2, 2024. Building upon its predecessors, Drupal 11 introduces enhanced features to improve user experience, security, and performance. Its modular design allows developers to create versatile and scalable web applications, catering to various industries and use cases.
Key Features of Drupal 11
- Enhanced CKEditor Integration: The upgraded CKEditor 5 now includes automatic formatting capabilities, allowing for a more intuitive content editing experience.
- Workspaces: The Workspaces feature enables effective content staging by allowing multiple changes to be published simultaneously. This facilitates better collaboration and content management across teams.
- Single Directory Components (SDC): Now stable and included in the core, SDC simplifies front-end development by consolidating all files needed to render an interface component into a single directory. This approach makes it easier to locate, reuse, and create components.
- Performance Improvements: Faster page loading times are achieved through technologies like BigPipe and lazy loading of images.
- Symfony 7 Integration: With this update, Drupal 11 utilizes Symfony 7, enhancing performance and security measures.
- Experimental Recipes API: This new feature allows developers to create pre-packaged solutions that can be easily implemented within a site.
Removed Features
As part of the transition from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11, several core modules and themes have been deprecated in Drupal 10 and subsequently removed in Drupal 11. This streamlining helps reduce the size of the core system and improve maintainability. You still can use them if needed.
- Actions UI
- Book
- Tracker
- Forum
- Statistics
- Tour
Why Should You Upgrade to Drupal 11?
- Improved Performance: The enhancements in page load speeds and overall site performance make it a worthwhile upgrade for any website seeking better user engagement.
- Security Enhancements: With automatic security updates and improved underlying technologies, your site will be better protected against vulnerabilities.
- Streamlined Development Processes: New tools and workflows in Drupal 11 simplify the development process, making it easier for developers to create and maintain high-quality digital experiences.
- Future-Proofing Your Site: As support for Drupal 10 will end in mid-to-late 2026, upgrading ensures that your site remains supported with the latest features and security updates.
Steps to Upgrade from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11
1. Backup Your Site
Before upgrading, ensure you have a complete backup of your site’s database, files, and configuration.
2. Update to the Latest Drupal 10 Version
Ensure your site is running Drupal 10.3 or later, as this is a prerequisite for upgrading to Drupal 11.
3. Check Platform Requirements
Drupal 11 requires PHP 8.3 and updated versions of databases and browsers. Ensure your hosting environment meets these requirements.
4. Run a Deprecation Scan
Once your environment is prepared and your site is updated to the latest version of Drupal 10, it’s time to assess your site’s code for deprecated elements. Install the Upgrade Status module on your site, which will generate a report detailing any deprecated code that needs addressing before upgrading. This tool is essential for identifying potential issues that could arise during the upgrade process.
5. Update Contributed Modules
Before upgrading to Drupal 11, you must ensure that all contributed modules are compatible with the new version. Check each module’s project page on Drupal.org for updates or compatibility notes. If any modules are not yet compatible, you may need to wait for updates or consider alternatives. Updating these modules while still on Drupal 10 will help mitigate issues during the transition.
6. Upgrade Custom Module Code
If your site utilizes custom modules, review and update their code to eliminate any deprecated functions or features identified in the previous steps. This may involve rewriting portions of your codebase to align with the new standards set by Drupal 11. Utilizing tools like Drupal Rector can assist in automating some of these updates, making it easier to ensure compliance with the new version’s requirements.
7. Perform the Core Upgrade
You can now proceed with upgrading the core of your Drupal installation. Use Composer’s dry-run feature to preview the update and resolve any dependency conflicts identified during this check. Once ready, execute the core update using Composer commands, followed by running database updates and clearing caches.
8. Test Your Site Post-Upgrade
After successfully upgrading to Drupal 11, it’s vital to thoroughly test your site for functionality and performance issues. Check all features, including custom functionalities and contributed modules, ensuring everything operates as expected. Pay particular attention to areas where deprecated code was previously identified and modified, as these are often where issues may arise post-upgrade.
Need for Professional Assistance
Transitioning from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 may seem straightforward however, it often involves complexities that require professional expertise.
- Professionals understand the complexities of the upgrade process and can navigate potential issues effectively.
- Ensuring that custom modules are compatible with Drupal 11 can be challenging. Experts can assess your current setup and make necessary adjustments.
- A professional can help plan the upgrade process meticulously to minimize downtime and ensure a seamless transition for users.
- After upgrading, having access to professional support ensures that any post-launch issues are addressed promptly.
If you’re considering upgrading to Drupal 11, low cost websites and stores offer expert assistance to ensure a seamless migration. Our experienced professionals are equipped to handle all aspects of the upgrade process, providing you with a secure and efficient transition. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can support your Drupal upgrade.