The Drupal platform is globally renowned for its robust security measures, speediness, and scalability. The release of Drupal 10 on December 14, 2022, has heralded a new era in this open-source CMS, promising an array of features and upgrades that make it even more powerful than ever. This blog post will explore the remarkable differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 10, the benefits of upgrading to the latest version, and why Upthrust is your perfect ally in navigating this transition.

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Understanding Drupal’s Evolution: Key Differences Between Drupal 9 and Drupal 10

Release Timeline

Unlike the four to five years it took for Drupal 8 to follow Drupal 7, the time gap between the release of Drupal 9 and Drupal 10) has been much shorter. This rapid succession signifies that Drupal’s development cycle is becoming more streamlined:

• A Solid Foundation: Built upon improvements made in versions eight and nine.
• An Innovative Leap: Introducing refined components while maintaining its core strengths.

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Embracing Evolution: Why Drupal 10 is Your Next Big Step

The Drupal platform, globally renowned for its robust security measures, speed, and scalability, is the trusted choice of over 1 million users worldwide. The release of Drupal 10 on December 14, 2022, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of this open-source CMS, introducing an array of new features and enhancements that make it more powerful than ever.

This blog post will explore the key differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 10, the benefits of upgrading to the latest version, and why Dignify is your perfect ally in navigating this transition.

Drupal 9 vs. Drupal 10: Unpacking the Differences

To fully grasp the advantages of migrating to Drupal 10, it is essential to understand the key distinctions between it and its predecessor, Drupal 9. Here, we break down the critical differences that make Drupal 10 a compelling upgrade.

Release Timeline

Unlike the extended gap between Drupal 7 and Drupal 8, the transition from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 has been relatively swift. Drupal 10 builds upon the solid foundation of Drupal 8 and 9, incorporating refined and reinvigorated components to push the boundaries of what a CMS can achieve.

Updated Dependencies and Deprecated Code

Continuing the pattern established by Drupal 9, Drupal 10 includes significant updates to its dependencies and the removal of deprecated code. This approach aligns with Drupal’s commitment to maintaining compatibility and delivering an optimized platform for all users.

Key Feature Upgrades

Several critical features set Drupal 10 apart from Drupal 9:

• Administration Theme: Drupal 10 introduces the new Claro administration theme, replacing the Seven theme used in Drupal 9. Additionally, the front-end theme has been upgraded from Bartik to Olivero, providing a modern and responsive user experience.
• CKEditor Upgrade: Drupal 9 utilized CKEditor 4, while Drupal 10 upgrades to CKEditor 5, offering a more robust and flexible content editing experience.
• JavaScript and PHP Support: Drupal 10 includes advanced JavaScript components and supports PHP 8.2, enhancing performance and extending support beyond the jQuery and older PHP versions used in Drupal 9.
• Symfony Framework: With Drupal 9 relying on Symfony 4, a dependency approaching its end-of-life in 2023, Drupal 10 transitions to Symfony 6, ensuring long-term support and stability.

Why Should You Upgrade to Drupal 10?

Upgrading to Drupal 10 provides access to new features and tools designed to enhance the user experience, improve security, and streamline operations. Here are some of the key benefits of making the switch:

1. Automatic Updates

For many developers, updating Drupal sites has been a daunting task. Drupal 10 simplifies this process with automatic updates that are secure and straightforward, provided the installation meets all necessary requirements. This feature significantly reduces the risk associated with manual updates and is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises.

2. Enhanced User Experience

Drupal 10 introduces the Claro administration theme, which includes an efficient layout builder and a comprehensive media library. These tools simplify the process of creating and managing content, providing a better experience for web admins, editors, and site builders.

3. Enhanced Decoupled Menus

With its improved decoupled menus, Drupal 10 redefines the landscape of headless CMS solutions. This feature enables developers to build JavaScript projects with ease and allows content creators to make menu changes directly through the user interface without requiring coding skills. Changes made are dynamically updated on the frontend, ensuring a seamless experience for traditional and headless CMS configurations.

4. New Front-End Theme

The introduction of the Olivero theme provides a fresh, modern look for Drupal sites, replacing the older Bartik theme. Olivero is designed to appeal to a broad audience with its sleek design, integrated media player, and advanced layout builder, offering an improved visual and interactive experience.

5. Extended Support

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to Drupal 10 is the extended support timeline. While Drupal 9 will reach its end-of-life (EOL) on November 28, 2023, Drupal 10 will continue to receive updates and support until August 2, 2024. This ensures your website remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period.

Why Dignify Is Your Ideal Drupal Migration Partner

At Dignify, we recognize that upgrading from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 is not just about accessing new features; it’s about strategically enhancing your digital ecosystem. Our Digital Product Studio is fully equipped to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption. Here’s why Dignify is your perfect partner for this journey:

• Expertise: Our team has a deep understanding of Drupal’s architecture and the intricacies of the upgrade process.
• End-to-End Support: From planning and executing the migration to providing ongoing support post-launch, we handle every aspect of the process.
• Custom Solutions: We offer tailored migration solutions that align with your specific business needs and objectives.
• Proven Track Record: Our portfolio of successful projects and satisfied clients speaks to our commitment to quality and excellence.
• Continuous Improvement: Beyond migration, we help you leverage the full potential of Drupal 10’s features to keep your website at the forefront of digital innovation.

Conclusion

Transitioning from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 is more than a mere upgrade; it is a strategic move towards a more robust, efficient, and user-friendly digital presence. By choosing Dignify as your migration partner, you ensure a smooth, hassle-free transition that enhances your website’s capabilities and keeps you ahead of the competition. Contact Dignify today to start your migration journey and unlock the full potential of Drupal 10.

Koen Claes Rouire