Websites are an essential part of any business today, and the platform that powers them is just as important. For digital business owners, using an open-source content management system can be a great way to easily manage their websites. Drupal is one of the most popular platforms available and is used across a variety of industries such as universities and colleges, government agencies, healthcare institutions, non-profits, and other sectors. With the launch of Drupal 10, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful CMS packed with revolutionary features. By automating updates, increasing security, and taking advantage of the latest features, you can make sure your website is running smoothly and securely.

Whether you are brand new to the Drupal world or a longtime user, we’re glad to help you better understand and prepare for the latest major version of Drupal, Drupal 10. Upon its release on December 14, 2022, Drupal 10 includes all the best features and functionalities of Drupal 9 while continuing to enhance the overall web experience for its users. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to Drupal 10, its features, the various advantages of using Drupal 10, and how to prepare for an update.

Introduction to Drupal 10

Drupal 10 is the latest version of the popular CMS, and it boasts a range of new features that make it easier for developers and users to build and manage websites. Developed by the Drupal community, Drupal 10 is an open-source platform that is free to use and modify. It comes with an intuitive interface, making it easy to use, even for novice web developers. The platform's wide range of features makes it ideal for businesses of all sizes and has a number of advantages such as improved customization and scalability options, as well as robust security and performance. These features make Drupal 10 one of the best CMS options for businesses looking to build and manage their websites.

What’s New in Drupal 10?

Drupal 10 has a number of new features that make it stand out from previous versions. One of the key features is its built-in support for the latest version of the PHP programming language. This allows developers to take advantage of the latest features and technologies when building and managing websites with Drupal 10. Additionally, it’s a great option for businesses looking to build websites that are optimized for mobile devices as the platform has been optimized for mobile usage, and its interface has been completely redesigned making it easier to use.

Drupal 10 also includes a range of new modules and plugins that make to further customize websites. This includes modules for SEO optimization, content creation, and analytics. Let’s dive into the benefits a bit further.

Drupal 10 User Interface and Design

One of the key features of Drupal 10 is its redesigned interface. The platform includes a range of new design tools including tools for creating custom page layouts and themes, as well as tools for creating responsive designs. Additionally, the interface has been designed to be intuitive, making it easy for even novice web developers to use. The platform has been optimized for mobile devices, making it easier for users to use and manage websites on the go. The platform includes a range of mobile-friendly modules and plugins such as the new Claro theme which offers a cleaner, more accessible, and responsive administrative interface to manage your site on any device.

Drupal 10 Performance and Security Features

Drupal 10 has a range of features that make it one of the most secure CMS platforms out there. The platform includes a range of built-in security measures, making it difficult for hackers to access and exploit websites built with Drupal 10. The Automatic Updates Module provides an easy and secure way to automatically update Drupal core and contributed modules, ensuring your site stays up to date with the latest security and performance fixes. The scalable platform also includes a range of performance-enhancing features. It has been optimized to ensure fast loading times and includes caching and asset optimization making it easier to improve website performance.

Drupal 10 Content Creation and Management

Content creation and management is one of the key features of Drupal 10. The platform also includes a range of content management tools, making it easier to keep website content up to date. This includes tools for creating and managing user accounts, as well as tools for publishing and moderating content. In addition, there are updated tools for managing that content such as blog creation and managing images, videos, and other media such as the Improved CKEditor5 - a new version of the popular content editor that offers improved performance and enhanced accessibility to create and manage rich text content. These new updates make it easy for businesses to build and manage their websites.

Drupal 10 Modules and Plugins

Drupal 10 includes a range of modules and plugins that make it easier to customize websites. These include modules for SEO optimization, content creation, and analytics. Additionally, the platform includes a range of modules and plugins for creating custom page layouts and themes such as the new StarterKit feature. This is a streamlined template that provides a starting point for creating new themes, offering a simple and organized codebase for faster and easier theme development, making it easier for a user of various levels to customize websites with Drupal 10.

Drupal 10 SEO Optimization

SEO optimization is an important part of any website, and Drupal 10 includes a range of features that make it easier to optimize websites for search engines. These include tools for creating meta tags and titles, as well as tools for creating optimized content. Additionally, the platform includes a range of modules and plugins for creating custom SEO strategies, making it easy to improve website rankings.

Upgrading From Previous Versions of Drupal

The platform includes a range of tools for migrating websites from previous versions to Drupal 10. If you're installing Drupal 10 for the first time, you're in luck. However, if you're upgrading from a previous version, you may need to perform a site migration. To assist you, we've compiled some tips and tools. Let's start by determining your starting point:

Upgrading from Drupal 9

Upgrading from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 requires a few key steps to ensure a smooth transition. Firstly, it's important to install and enable the Upgrade Status Module, which will run an environment readiness check and provide a list of necessary actions. Next, follow the upgrade instructions and update any necessary modules. Finally, upgrade the Drupal Core to Drupal 10. To resolve any compatibility issues with custom code, consider using the Drupal Rector tool or follow the manual fixes provided in the documentation. It's recommended to work with a Drupal developer or agency to assist with the upgrade process and ensure a successful outcome

Upgrading from Drupal 8

Drupal 8 reached its end of life in November 2021. Because of how the major upgrade paths are built, there’s no direct upgrade path to Drupal 10. Upgrading to Drupal 10 requires updating to Drupal 9 first and utilizing the Upgrade Status Module to assess your site’s upgrade readiness. With over 9,000 supported projects available on Drupal 9 and the ability to automate custom code updates with Drupal Rector, the transition to Drupal 9 and then Drupal 10 is smooth and straightforward.

Upgrading from Drupal 7

In order to upgrade from Drupal 7, a full site migration to either Drupal 9 or 10 is necessary. To simplify the process, Acquia offers the Acquia Migrate Accelerate tool for Drupal 7 migrations. If you are not on the Acquia Cloud, you can use the Upgrade Status Module to determine which of your projects have compatible releases and manually migrate your content and configuration using the Migrate module suite. The decision to migrate to Drupal 9 or 10 will depend on your project timeline. If your updated site launch is not imminent, considering Drupal 10 may be the better option.

Upgrading from other CMS platforms to Drupal 10 requires proper planning and execution. Start by making a backup of your existing website and researching Drupal 10's features. Then, choose a migration method, either manual or automated, and evaluate your current site's content, structure, and custom code to determine what needs to be transferred. Import your site's content into Drupal 10 and transfer your custom code and themes. Finally, test your upgraded Drupal 10 site to ensure everything is functioning properly and launch your site- enjoy its improved performance, security, and scalability. With the right approach, upgrading to Drupal 10 can be a positive experience for your website and users.

If you’re looking for a powerful CMS platform with a range of revolutionary features, then Drupal 10 may be the best choice for your business. With its intuitive interface and robust performance and security features, it’s the ideal platform for businesses looking to build and manage their website. Additionally, the platform has been designed to be secure and scalable, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. If you are ready to update, it’s recommended that users work with a Drupal developer or agency to assist with the process and ensure a successful outcome- and we are happy to help.