Preparing for Drupal 11: What Website Owners Need to Know Now
Drupal 11 – Potential Release Dates
Drupal 11 could be released in either July or December 2024 as per the Drupal Core blog post. The exact date depends on the completion of beta requirements. To have a trouble-free upgrade to Drupal 11, you must be on 10.3 or later1 . This also gives you time to update contributed modules and themes for compatibility. Drupal 10.3.0 is planned for release on the week of June 17th, 2024.
Semantic Versioning and Continuous Upgrades
Drupal's shift to semantic versioning means major updates are now more manageable. Instead of complex overhauls, moving from one version to another becomes a smoother process. Staying current with minor versions helps make the transition to the next major version even easier.
Drupal Website Maintenance
The key to seamless Drupal upgrades is continuous maintenance. This means:
- Replacing Deprecated Modules: Always replace deprecated modules (code marked for removal) before the next major release to prevent disruptions.
- Supported PHP Versions: Ensure your website is running on a supported version of PHP for security and compatibility with Drupal updates.
Long-Term Support (LTS)
From the release of Drupal 10 onwards, there is a Long-Term Support (LTS) available. After Drupal 11's release, Drupal 10 will continue to receive maintenance and security updates, as well as select backported features from Drupal 11. Support for Drupal 10 is expected to last until late 2026 or even 2027. But you still need to update the minor versions which are backward compatible.
Drupal 10 will be the first release to receive Long-Term Support (LTS). After Drupal 11's release, Drupal 10 will continue to receive maintenance and security updates, as well as select backported features from Drupal 11. Support for Drupal 10 is expected to last until late 2026 or even 2027. Note that you'll still need to update to the latest minor versions within Drupal 10 to keep your website secure and updated.
When Should You Upgrade to Drupal 11?
If you're on Drupal 10, you have ample time until its end-of-life in 2026. However, with Drupal evolving rapidly as a DXP, staying ahead of the curve is advantageous. Keep your website updated with all minor releases and aim to upgrade to the next major version (Drupal 11) either upon its release or within six months. This allows time for contributed modules to become compatible and ensures a smoother transition. Remember, consistently updating your Drupal 10 installation will pave the way for an effortless upgrade to Drupal 11. Plan proactively, prioritize maintenance, and your website will remain modern, secure, and future-proof.
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