Upgrading Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 Using Composer

Drupal, an open-source content management system (CMS), has been powering websites of all scales and types for years. With each new version, Drupal brings in enhanced features, security updates, and improved performance. Drupal 10 is no exception, offering exciting advancements over its predecessor, Drupal 9. If you're currently running Drupal 9 and are eager to benefit from the latest features and improvements, here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to smoothly upgrade to Drupal 10 using Composer commands.

Why Upgrade to Drupal 10?

Upgrading to Drupal 10 offers a range of benefits, including:

1. Latest Features: Drupal 10 introduces new features and improvements that can enhance the functionality and user experience of your website.

2. Security: Upgrading ensures that your website is built on the most secure foundation, protecting it from potential vulnerabilities present in older versions.

3. Performance: Drupal 10 is optimized for better performance, which can result in faster loading times and improved user engagement.

4. Long-term Support: Drupal follows a predictable release schedule, and Drupal 10 will likely have long-term support, ensuring that your website remains stable and secure for an extended period.

5. Developer Productivity: Drupal 10 incorporates modern technologies, making it more developer-friendly and enabling faster development and maintenance.

Preparing for the Upgrade

Before you begin the upgrade process, it's crucial to follow these preparatory steps:

1. Review System Requirements: Ensure that your server environment meets the system requirements for Drupal 10.

2. Backup: Create a full backup of your Drupal 9 website, including the files and the database. This backup will be your safety net in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.

3. Update Contributed Modules: If your Drupal 9 installation includes contributed modules, update them to their latest compatible versions.

4. Check Theme Compatibility: Verify that your current theme is compatible with Drupal 10. If not, consider updating or changing the theme.

The Upgrade Process

The upgrade process involves several key steps using Composer commands:

1. Update to the Latest Drupal 9 Version: Ensure your Drupal 9 installation is running the latest available version. Run the following command:

composer update drupal/core --with-dependencies

1. Review Core and Custom Code: Audit your custom code and contributed modules for compatibility with Drupal 10. Deprecated APIs and functions in Drupal 9 might have been removed in Drupal 10. Update or replace any code that relies on these deprecated elements.

2. Update Contributed Modules and Themes: Update contributed modules and themes to their latest Drupal 10-compatible versions using Composer:

composer update drupal/[module_name]

1. Remove Deprecated Code: Drupal 10 removes deprecated code completely. Review Drupal's documentation for deprecated code removals and ensure your site's codebase doesn't rely on any deprecated features.

2. Test Locally: Set up a local development environment that mirrors your live site. This allows you to test the upgrade process without affecting the production site.

3. Run Update Status: Use the "Update Status" module to identify any issues or updates required for your site's modules and themes.

4. Upgrade to Drupal 10: Follow the Drupal core update process to upgrade from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 using Composer:

   composer require drupal/core-recommended:^10.0 

    

5. Reapply Customizations: If your theme or site had customizations, ensure they're reapplied to the Drupal 10 version.

6. Test Extensively: Thoroughly test your Drupal 10 site's functionality, including content, forms, user roles, and any custom features.

7. Performance Optimization: Take advantage of Drupal 10's performance improvements to optimize your site's loading speed and responsiveness.

8. Security Audit: Perform a security audit after the upgrade to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in the updated components.

Finalizing the Upgrade

Once you're confident that your Drupal 10 site is running smoothly and without issues, it's time to finalize the upgrade:

1. Deploy to Production: If your local testing was successful, deploy your Drupal 10 site to the production server.

2. Monitor: Keep a close eye on your website's performance and functionality in the days following the upgrade.

3. Stay Updated: As updates and security patches for Drupal 10 are released, make sure to promptly apply them to your website.

In Conclusion

Upgrading from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 using Composer commands is a significant step that requires careful planning and execution. By following this step-by-step guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth transition that brings your website up to date with the latest features, security enhancements, and performance improvements offered by Drupal 10. Remember that each website is unique, so adapt these steps to fit your specific requirements and always keep backups handy in case of unexpected issues.