Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 - Everything You Need to Know

What’s New In Drupal 10?

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The above table highlights the key differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 10. Let us delve further into what these updates truly imply:

Symfony 6.2 :

Symfony 6.2 is a mature and versatile PHP framework that is renowned for its reusable components, modular architecture, and robust testing framework. Thus integrating this with Drupal 10 enhances Drupal’s core functionality, allowing developers to leverage the strengths of both platforms to create powerful, scalable, and customized web applications.

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Claro Administration Theme :

With its clear and concise UI, the claro admin theme was introduced to provide site admin or content editors with better content management experience. In contrast to its predecessor, the seven theme, this tool is significantly more convenient, providing greater flexibility for customizing and managing content.

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Olivero Default Theme :

Originally brought in as an experimental theme, Olivero has evolved to become Drupal 10’s default front-end theme, boasting a modern and intuitive design. This theme adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA level, offering new features such as second-level navigation options, a built-in media player, and an advanced layout builder.

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CKEditor 5 :

In programming terms, CKEditor 5 stands apart from its previous version, as it was entirely built anew. The improved UI/UX not only enhances the authoring experience and provides more contemporary editing tools but also incorporates collaborative features such as Track Changes, Comments, Review History, Real-time Collaboration, and more, simplifying the content publishing workflow.

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Theme Starterkit Tool :

This is a command line tool that provides a starting point for developers to build custom themes without duplicating the base theme. Unlike the regular tool, this tool helps in avoiding replication of the entire base template, allowing for creation of bespoke themes for businesses. This tool also works well with popular contributed modules and follows Drupal core updates, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues.

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Advance Javascript Components :

As part of its JS Modernization Initiative, some JQuery modules have been replaced with advanced javascript components. These components align with contemporary standards, offering a more modern and future-proof approach compared to jQuery modules. This ensures that Drupal 10 remains in par with evolving web development practices.

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PHP 8.1 :

PHP 8.1 introduces various performance improvements and optimizations. Drupal 10 benefits from these enhancements, potentially leading to better overall system performance, faster execution of code, and improved response times for web requests.

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Other updates in Drupal 10 :

• Drupal 10 has introduced other significant enhancements, including decoupled menus for easier website menu management from the admin panel, simplifying tasks for those utilizing front-end frameworks.
• Automatic updates ensure a user-friendly experience by extending support to security, core, and minor updates.
• With Drupal 10, deprecated code is a thing of the past. The platform has embraced a forward-looking approach by replacing outdated elements with updated, supported APIs and features.
• Moreover, a new module browser with one-click installation streamlines the process, making Drupal more accessible for beginners with intuitive filtering and commonly used modules.

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Understanding Drupal 10 System Requirements

Now, let’s explore the key components necessary for Drupal 10 installation.

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Web Server :

To run Drupal 10, you need a web server with adequate PHP support. The recommended web servers include Apache 2.4.7 or higher, Nginx 1.1 or higher, or any other server compatible with PHP.

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Data Base:

Drupal 10 supports various database management systems. The following versions are recommended:

• MySQL 5.7.8 (or greater)
• MariaDB 10.3.7 (or greater)
• Percona Server 5.7.8 (or greater)
• PostgreSQL 10 (or greater)
• SQLite 3.26 (or greater)

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Memory Requirements :

For smooth operation, Drupal 10 has minimum RAM requirements of 1GB, ensuring Composer functions properly. However, if your website involves multiple modules or memory-intensive tools like Solr or Memcache, you might need more memory. PHP memory requirements include a minimum size of 64 MB, with production systems typically using 128 MB or 256 MB.

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PHP :

Drupal 10 requires at least PHP 8.1, with PHP 8.1.6 being the recommended version. Additionally, certain PHP extensions are necessary for optimal functionality, including PDO, XML, GD-library, OpenSSL, JSON, cURL, and Mbstring.

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Disk Space :

Ensure your server has a minimum of 100MB of disk space to accommodate the Drupal 10 installation. If you plan to install additional modules or themes, or if your site involves media, backups, and other files, you'll need more disk space.

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How To Upgrade From Drupal 9 to 10

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Step 1: Plan your update and Backup :

Start by creating a robust update plan and, most importantly, perform a thorough backup of your Drupal site.

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Step 2: Install and Enable Upgrade Status Module :

Streamline your upgrade process by installing and enabling the Upgrade Status Module. Conduct an environment readiness by accessing a comprehensive checklist within the module's user interface for a detailed overview of your site's readiness.

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Step 3: Upgrade Modules and Custom Code :

Efficiently upgrade your modules and custom code by following provided instructions. Utilize the Drupal Rector tool for automated resolution of most custom code incompatibilities, enhancing efficiency. For issues that require manual intervention, refer to the documentation for guidance on resolution.

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Step 4: Update Drupal Core to Version 10 :

Once modules and custom code are upgraded, proceed to update the Drupal core to version 10. Follow standard procedures for core updates, ensuring a seamless transition. This step is critical for leveraging the latest features, improvements, and security enhancements offered by Drupal 10.

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Step 5: Test :

Conduct comprehensive testing on your updated site to identify and resolve any potential issues. This step helps ensure that your website functions optimally and that any unforeseen complications are addressed before making the upgrade live.

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Recap

All in all, Drupal 10 emerges as a game-changer, introducing a whole new level of user experiences and simplified workflows. From Symfony 6.2 integration to the introduction of the Claro Administration and Olivero Default themes, as well as the shift to CKEditor 5 and advanced JavaScript components, and several other upgrades and enhancements, Drupal 10 is set to elevate your web development experience.

Ready to elevate your website with Drupal 10? Contact our Drupal experts today for a smooth Drupal 10 migration process.