As technology continues to evolve, so do content management systems (CMS) like Drupal. With the release of Drupal 9, website owners and developers are presented with an opportunity to enhance their digital experiences. However, migrating from Drupal 7 or Drupal 8 to Drupal 9 may seem like a daunting task. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the Drupal 9 migration process step by step, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Drupal Version
Before diving into the migration process, it’s crucial to assess your existing Drupal version. Ensure that your current modules, themes, and custom code are compatible with Drupal 9. Drupal provides a handy tool called “Upgrade Status” that can help identify deprecated code and modules that need attention.
Step 2: Update Contributed Modules and Themes
Drupal’s strength lies in its vast community and the availability of numerous contributed modules and themes. Check the compatibility of your existing modules and themes with Drupal 9. If any are not ready, search for alternatives or reach out to the community for guidance. Staying updated on module and theme versions is key to a successful migration.
Step 3: Code Refactoring
Drupal 9 uses Symfony 4 and removes deprecated code from previous versions. Review your custom code and make the necessary adjustments. Drupal’s automated tools can help identify deprecated code, but manual review and refactoring may be required for a seamless transition. Consider using static analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the process.
Step 4: Update Core and Dependencies
Ensure that your Drupal core is up to date. Drupal 9 requires a minimum core version of Drupal 8.8.3. Additionally, update any third-party libraries or dependencies used by your website. Keeping everything current will help in maintaining a secure and stable environment.
Step 5: Data Migration
Migrating content and configuration from your old Drupal site to Drupal 9 is a crucial step. The Drupal Migrate module, along with other migration tools, simplifies this process. Develop a migration plan, map content types, and test the migration process thoroughly to avoid data loss or inconsistencies.
Step 6: Testing
Thorough testing is essential before deploying the updated site. Perform functional and regression testing to ensure that all features work as expected. Test different user roles, workflows, and integrations to catch any issues that might arise during or after the migration.
Step 7: Back Up and Deployment
Before initiating the Drupal 9 migration, take a complete backup of your website, including files and databases. In the event of unforeseen issues, having a backup ensures that you can quickly revert to the previous version. Once confident in your testing, proceed with the deployment of the updated site.
