Drupal is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) used by individuals and organizations to build and manage websites. With the release of Drupal 9 in June 2020, many people have been wondering about the differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 8. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two versions of Drupal.
- Compatibility
One of the most significant differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 8 is compatibility. Drupal 8 has a lot of dependencies on outdated third-party libraries that will no longer receive security updates in the future. As a result, Drupal 9 has updated many of these dependencies, such as Symfony and Twig, to ensure that the platform is secure and up-to-date.
- Improved User Interface
Drupal 9 has introduced an improved user interface, making it easier for users to navigate and use the platform. The new interface is cleaner, more streamlined, and provides better accessibility. It has also simplified the process of creating and editing content, making it easier for non-technical users to use the platform.
- Better Performance
Drupal 9 has significantly improved performance compared to Drupal 8. Drupal 9 development uses the latest version of Symfony, which is a PHP framework, resulting in better performance and scalability. Additionally, Drupal 9 includes improvements in caching, which reduces page load times and improves overall website speed.
- Deprecated Code
Drupal 9 has removed several deprecated code and functions from Drupal 8. This is to ensure that Drupal 9 is a clean and optimized platform, which results in better performance and security.
- Migration
Migrating from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9 is relatively straightforward compared to the migration from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8. Drupal 9 is built on the same framework as Drupal 8, making the transition smoother. The majority of modules that work with Drupal 8 are compatible with Drupal 9, but some modules may require updates or replacements.
- Long-term Support
Drupal 9 is a long-term support (LTS) release, which means that it will be supported for the next five years. This gives organizations that use Drupal 9 enough time to plan and prepare for any necessary upgrades or migrations.
Conclusion
In summary, Drupal 9 offers significant improvements over Drupal 8, such as better performance, improved user interface, and enhanced security. It is also easier to migrate to Drupal 9 from Drupal 8, which makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to upgrade their website. Additionally, Drupal 9 is a long-term support release, providing peace of mind for organizations that require a stable and supported platform for their website.
