The latest developments in Drupal
Drupal has long been one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) worldwide, beloved by developers for its flexibility, scalability, and extensive ecosystem. As the digital world evolves, so does Drupal, continuously innovating to meet modern demands. In this blog, we dive into the latest developments in Drupal and what they mean for you as a developer.
The shift to Drupal 10
Drupal 10 has arrived! Released in December 2022, this latest version introduces significant improvements. Here are some key highlights:
Symfony 6 and PHP 8.1
Built on Symfony 6, Drupal 10 delivers enhanced performance and modern coding standards. It also requires PHP 8.1, encouraging developers to work with a faster, more secure version of PHP.
CKEditor 5
The trusted CKEditor has been upgraded to CKEditor 5, offering content editors an improved experience with features like real-time collaboration, advanced drag-and-drop functionality, and a more user-friendly interface.
Starterkit themes
The traditional "Classy" theme is being phased out in favor of the new Starterkit initiative. This allows developers to clone and customize themes without worrying about overwriting changes during updates.
Modern front-end tooling
Drupal 10 embraces modern tools like ESLint, Stylelint, and Vite, making it easier for developers to adopt contemporary workflows and standards when building themes.
Automation with Composer and project templates
Composer has become an indispensable tool in the Drupal ecosystem. With the introduction of new Project Templates, setting up new projects is now more streamlined than ever, enabling you to get started quickly without spending time configuring the basic structure.
With these templates, you can:
- Launch new sites faster.
- Leverage recommended modules out-of-the-box.
- Easily manage updates and installations using Composer scripts.
Focus on headless and decoupled Drupal
The trend toward headless and decoupled CMS solutions is growing, and Drupal is leading the way. With robust REST APIs and support for JSON:API and GraphQL, building frontends with frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Svelte has never been easier.
Key improvements include:
- Content modeling: Drupal simplifies managing and delivering structured data to multiple channels.
- Multichannel capabilities: From websites to mobile apps and IoT, Drupal provides a solid foundation for omnichannel content strategies.
Drupal’s ecosystem: new modules and tools
The Drupal community continues to thrive, bringing exciting new modules and tools to the ecosystem. Here are some standout options:
Automatic updates
This module automates security and core updates, enhancing safety and reducing manual workload.
Claro admin theme
The Claro theme offers a modern, accessible user interface, designed for an intuitive admin experience.
OpenAI integration
With new modules integrating AI capabilities like OpenAI, developers can leverage AI for content creation, automated translations, and more.
Security and accessibility: ongoing priorities
Drupal has always placed a strong emphasis on security and accessibility. These priorities remain central to its evolution, with WCAG 2.1 standards now integrated into the core and ongoing security updates ensuring the platform meets the highest standards.
Developers can also access new tools and resources, such as:
- Security checklists: Quickly identify vulnerabilities.
- Accessibility tests: Built-in tools to ensure websites comply with international standards.
The power of the Drupal Community
The Drupal community remains one of the most vibrant and supportive tech communities globally. Recent initiatives include:
- DrupalCon events: Perfect for networking and learning from fellow developers.
- Community projects: New modules and solutions continue to emerge, thanks to volunteer efforts.
Getting involved in the community—contributing to modules, debugging issues, or participating in discussions on Drupal.org—can significantly enhance your expertise and impact.
What’s on the horizon?
With its focus on innovation, the Drupal community anticipates more integrations with AI, enhanced multichannel support, and performance optimizations in the coming years. Specific trends to watch include:
- More AI-driven tools: From personalization to automated analysis.
- Improved developer experience: Tools like DDEV and Lando simplify local development.
- Faster iterations: Shorter release cycles keep Drupal agile in an ever-changing digital landscape.
What are you waiting for?
The latest developments in Drupal make the platform more powerful and user-friendly than ever. Whether you're a seasoned Drupal developer or just starting, the opportunities to innovate and create outstanding digital experiences are endless.
Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in Drupal by actively participating in the community and leveraging the many tools and resources available.
Got questions about implementing the latest Drupal functionalities in your projects? Feel free to contact us. Our experts are ready to assist you!