Drupal enthusiasts, we hate to break it to you, Drupal 9 has officially reached its end of life as of November 1st, 2023. But what does that mean for you? While the end of life might sound daunting, it signifies the beginning of a brighter future for Drupal upgrades. In this blog, we'll discuss the significance of Drupal 9's end of life, the importance of upgrading, and the available options for those currently on deprecated Drupal versions.
What Does End Of Life Mean?
First things first - what does “end of life” really mean? In simple terms, this means that Drupal's core maintainers, as well as the broader community, will no longer provide updates, security patches, or official support for a certain version of Drupal - in this case, Drupal 9.
Drupal 9 relies on several other software projects, including Symfony, CKEditor, and Twig. With Symfony 4's end of life, CKEditor 4's end of life, and Twig 2's end of life all coming up soon, Drupal 9 went end of life on November 1st, 2023. There will be no further releases of Drupal 9.
While this may seem like a cause for concern, it's actually an exciting opportunity to embrace the next chapter in Drupal's evolution!
What Does It Mean For Your Website?
If your website is built on Drupal 9, it means that your site will continue to function as normal but will develop increased security risk with each passing day after November 1, 2023. In a nutshell, your site is now vulnerable to (not limited to):
- Increased security risk
- Increased page load times
- Malfunctioning site as Symphony 4 is at end of life
- Deprecated Modules and Themes
- Limited compatibility with evolving technologies
Okay, But What Now?
Enter Drupal 10. We think it’s the perfect chance to embrace the brighter future of Drupal upgrades! Upgrading might sound daunting, especially with larger dependencies like editors and Symphony, but trust us—it's easier than you think.
Why Upgrade To Drupal 10?
Remaining on Drupal 9, now that it's reached its end of life, puts your website at significant risk. You may encounter data loss, and functionality issues, and become vulnerable to security breaches, potentially compromising your users' data and trust.
Moving from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 might seem like a substantial step, but it's one that's worth taking up to date. However, it's not just about staying current; it's also about seizing a game-changing opportunity that gives you access to many more features like:
- Improved Content Management: Drupal 10 offers an even more user-friendly and efficient content management system, making it easier for marketers to create, edit, and organize content on your website.
- Improved security: With Drupal 9 no longer receiving security updates, your website could become vulnerable to threats. Upgrading to Drupal 10 ensures that your site stays secure and protected.
- Enhanced Performance: Drupal 10 comes with performance optimizations, ensuring faster page loading times. This is crucial for keeping users engaged and improving SEO rankings.
- Personalization: Drupal 10 provides robust tools for content personalization, allowing marketers to deliver tailored content and experiences to different user segments, increasing engagement and conversions.
- A new front-end theme (Olivero): Drupal 10 Olivero has a modern, minimalistic look. It utilizes whitespace, legible fonts, and vibrant colors. Olivero is built with accessibility in mind, meeting the WCAG Level AA standard
- Upgrades to CKEditor: CKEditor 5 brings exciting new features and a fresh experience to Drupal 10. The updates to CKEditor provide an interface similar to Microsoft Word and Google Docs, which means many users will find it easier to navigate. Some remarkable features include improved collaboration tools, like comments, suggested edits, and version history.
- Starterkit theme generator: In Drupal 10, Starterkit provides a safer approach to theme building compared to Drupal 9's runtime inheritance, as it allows developers to create a "fork" from a compatible theme and work on their own copy while retaining the version they copied from. This makes it easier to review and apply any changes and ensure its stability.
- Automatic updates: Drupal 10 will feature a game-changing update: automatic updates! With just one click, Drupal will take care of all the tasks associated with updates that users typically dread - downloading files, readiness checks, staging copies, and performance checks.
Options For Sites On Deprecated Drupal Versions
If you're currently on Drupal 9 or any other deprecated Drupal version, you have several options to consider:
Upgrade to Drupal 10: This is the recommended path to ensure your website remains secure, up-to-date, and competitive. It might require some effort, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Consider a Rebuild: If your website is highly customized and an upgrade isn't feasible, you may want to consider rebuilding your site on Drupal 10. This allows you to take advantage of the latest features and best practices.
Seek Expert Guidance: Partnering with experienced Drupal developers and agencies can make the upgrade or rebuild process smoother and more efficient. They can provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 Resource Hub
We understand that upgrading to Drupal 10 might feel like a complex journey, and that's why we've curated some valuable resources to assist you. These carefully selected resources aim to make your Drupal 10 upgrade process more accessible and less intimidating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading to Drupal 10: This comprehensive guide provides you with a clear and detailed roadmap for upgrading to Drupal 10. It breaks down the process into manageable steps, making the transition smoother and less daunting.
How Long Will Drupal 9 Be Supported: This resource on Drupal.org explains the timeline and support for Drupal 9's end of life, helping you understand the urgency and importance of the upgrade.
Exploring Drupal 10: Basic Brilliance: Dive into the foundational brilliance of Drupal 10, exploring its essential features and what they mean for your website's future.
All You Need to Know About Drupal 10: Get a comprehensive overview of Drupal 10, including its benefits, key features, and why it's the right choice for your web development journey.
Keep Your Drupal Site Updated: Explore this additional resource to ensure you're informed about keeping your Drupal site up-to-date and secure.
Let’s Take A Deep Breath & Recap
The end of life for Drupal 9 may seem like navigating a technical maze, but with the right expertise, this phase can be a seamless transition. If you find yourself facing challenges or uncertainties, remember that we've got your back. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance and guidance. Upgrading to Drupal 10 opens doors to improved features and enhanced security, ensuring your website's continued success in the ever-evolving world of web development.
Remember, Drupal's bright future is just a click away!
