As a seasoned web design and development agency, we understand that transitioning from one major version of a content management system to another can be a daunting task. The migration from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9 is no exception. However, with Drupal 9 offering enhanced features, improved performance, and more robust security, the upgrade is well worth the effort. In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about migrating from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
Understanding the Need for Migration
Drupal 9, released in June 2020, builds upon Drupal 8’s powerful foundation, offering a more refined and optimized experience. Unlike previous upgrades, transitioning from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9 is not about reinventing the wheel but rather about removing deprecated code and updating dependencies to ensure a future-proof and more secure platform.
Key Reasons to Migrate to Drupal 9
End of Life for Drupal 8: One of the primary reasons for migrating is the end of life (EOL) for Drupal 8, which occurred in November 2021. Post-EOL, Drupal 8 no longer receives official support or security updates, making websites running on it vulnerable to security risks.
Improved Performance and Security: Drupal 9 offers enhanced performance, better security, and more modern libraries and dependencies. This upgrade is crucial for maintaining a secure, efficient, and high-performing website.
Easier Future Upgrades: Drupal 9 has been designed to make future upgrades more straightforward and less disruptive, ensuring your website can easily adapt to future changes and innovations in the Drupal ecosystem.
Preparing for the Migration
Audit Your Current Site
Begin by auditing your existing Drupal 8 site. Check your site’s modules and themes to identify which ones are compatible with Drupal 9 and which need updating. This step is crucial for planning the migration process.
Update to the Latest Drupal 8 Version
Before migrating, ensure your site is running on the latest version of Drupal 8. This update will make the migration process smoother, as Drupal 9 is more closely aligned with the later versions of Drupal 8.
Identify and Update Deprecated Code
Drupal 9 has removed deprecated code that was still in Drupal 8. Use tools like Drupal Check or Upgrade Status to identify and update any deprecated code in your custom modules and themes.
Review Third-Party Integrations
Examine all third-party integrations and external libraries for compatibility with Drupal 9. Ensure that any APIs, external databases, or custom integrations will continue to work post-migration.
Executing the Migration
Backup Your Drupal 8 Site
Before initiating the migration, backup your Drupal 8 site. This backup includes your database, code, and assets. Having a complete backup ensures that you can restore your site to its original state in case of any issues during the migration.
Update Core and Contributed Modules
Update Drupal core and any contributed modules to their latest versions. Many contributed modules have releases that are compatible with both Drupal 8 and Drupal 9, making this step crucial for a smooth transition.
Custom Code Compatibility
For custom modules and themes, update the code to be compatible with Drupal 9. This process involves removing deprecated API use and ensuring code adheres to the latest Drupal coding standards.
Migrate to Drupal 9
With everything updated and compatible, you can now proceed with the migration to Drupal 9. This process typically involves updating the codebase to Drupal 9 and running database updates.
Testing Post-Migration
Functional Testing
Once the migration is complete, thoroughly test your site for functionality. Ensure that all features, custom modules, and integrations are working as expected in the Drupal 9 environment.
Performance Testing
Test the site’s performance to ensure that it meets your standards. This testing might involve checking the site’s response time, load time, and the ability to handle concurrent users.
Security Testing
Conduct a comprehensive security review to ensure that the migration has not introduced any vulnerabilities. This review can include penetration testing and checking for proper configuration of security modules.
Post-Migration Steps
Monitor the Site
After the migration, closely monitor the site for any issues. Pay attention to performance metrics and user feedback to identify and resolve any post-migration problems quickly.
Update Documentation
Ensure that all documentation is updated to reflect the changes made during the migration. This documentation is crucial for ongoing maintenance and future development work.
Plan for Continuous Drupal Updates
Stay on top of future Drupal updates and security releases. Regularly updating Drupal ensures your site remains secure and takes advantage of the latest features and improvements.
Conclusion
Migrating from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9 is a strategic move that will position your website for long-term success. By following this guide, you can ensure that your migration process is well-planned, smooth, and effective. The upgrade not only enhances your site’s security and performance but also prepares your digital platform for future advancements in the Drupal ecosystem.
Remember, while the migration process requires careful planning and execution, the benefits of being on the latest version of Drupal – in terms of security, performance, and future-readiness – are immense. With Drupal 9, you are not just upgrading your CMS; you are future-proofing your digital presence.