Learn about resources to guide you through the process of updating a module or theme to the latest version of Drupal.
In Drupal’s core library there are a number of utility functions and classes that, as a module developer, you will find make your task easier or less tedious.
Plugins (Plugin API)
TopicPlugins are one of the ways that module developers can write code that extends Drupal. The Drupal Plugin API allows a module to provide functionality in an extensible, object-oriented way.
Upgrading is the process of moving your site from a previous major version of Drupal to a newer version, for example from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8 or Drupal 9 to Drupal 10.
The Migrate API can be used to import content from an older Drupal site (Drupal 7 or older), or any other data source, into the current version of Drupal.
The Render API consists of a standard format for describing data using structured arrays and a process for converting those arrays into the HTML a user sees when interacting with a Drupal site.
Drupal Core Modules
TopicA module is a set of PHP, JavaScript, and/or CSS files that extends site features and adds functionality. The Drupal core software comes with a set of modules that provide a range of features.
Development Environments
TopicDevelopment environments provide a sandbox where you can work on your application without affecting the live site.
Back up Your Drupal Site
TopicA reliable backup will allow you to restore your site if something goes wrong.
Drupal Coding Standards
TopicCoding standards provide a set of rules for how your code should be formatted, and best practice guidelines for naming conventions and the location of files.
Content Types
TopicA content type is a subtype of the [content entity](link to Entity topic). When a content creator goes to add new content to the site, they are presented with a list of content types to choose from to get the appropriate form to fill out.
Drupal's content moderation and workflow tools allow you to configure and support a flexible multistep publication process.
An overview of some of our favorite Drupal documentation resources.
Drush
TopicDrush is a command line interface that enables you to interact with your Drupal site without clicking around the graphical user interface (GUI).
Fields and the Field API
TopicFields are the building blocks of Drupal's powerful content modeling system. The Field API allows for the development of custom field types to suit almost any data display and collection needs.
JavaScript in Drupal
TopicJavaScript files are included by a module or a theme by creating an asset library. Using this asset library system you can selectively choose which files to load, overwrite existing files, or customize them to suit your needs.
PhpStorm
TopicThe PhpStorm integrated development environment (IDE) contains dozens of useful features that make working with a Drupal codebase easier.
Many sites require the ability to upload, manage, and display various assets like files, images, videos, and audio.
Menus
TopicA site’s main navigation elements, whether they be in the header, footer, or sidebar, are composed of links built using Drupal's menu system. Drupal allows site administrators to build menus while also allowing module developers to add and alter menus in code.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your online content, so that your content will rank higher in organic (non-paid) search engine results.