Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 - Everything You Need to Know

What’s New In Drupal 11?

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The above table highlights the key differences between Drupal 10 and Drupal 11. Let us delve further into what these updates truly imply:

Symfony 7 :

Symfony 7 is a powerful and modern PHP framework that builds upon its predecessors with enhanced performance, improved developer experience, and a host of new features. By leveraging native PHP types, Symfony 7 allows for better error handling and debugging, making the development process more efficient. This version also introduces components such as Clock, Webhook, and Scheduler, which provide developers with versatile tools for managing time-based tasks and responding to external events.

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Gin Theme :

With its bold and sleek design, the Gin theme was developed to enhance the administrative experience for Drupal users, providing a modern interface that significantly improves content management. Unlike its predecessor, the Claro theme, Gin introduces innovative features such as sticky action buttons, dark mode options, and extensive customization capabilities, allowing site administrators to tailor their environment to better suit their workflow.

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Olivero Default Theme :

With its modern and user-friendly design, the Olivero theme was introduced as the default front-end theme for Drupal, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of Drupal-powered websites. In contrast to its predecessor, the Bartik theme, Olivero offers new features such as second-level navigation options, a built-in media player, and an advanced layout builder.

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CKEditor 5 :

In programming terms, CKEditor 5 stands apart from its previous version, as it was entirely built anew. The improved UI/UX not only enhances the authoring experience and provides more contemporary editing tools but also incorporates collaborative features such as Track Changes, Comments, Review History, Real-time Collaboration, and more, simplifying the content publishing workflow.

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SDC (Single Directory Component) :

Single Directory Components (SDC) is a powerful approach introduced in Drupal to streamline the theming process for developers. This method organises all files necessary for rendering a web component, such as Twig templates, CSS styles, and JavaScript, into a single directory. Unlike traditional methods, which often require multiple directories and file types to be scattered throughout a project, SDC simplifies management by consolidating everything into one easily accessible location.

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Modern Javascript Components :

Drupal 11 introduces significant enhancements in its approach to JavaScript, particularly through the adoption of modern JavaScript components. This shift aims to replace older jQuery UI components with more efficient and streamlined JavaScript solutions, aligning with contemporary web development practices.

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PHP 10 :

As of January 2025, Drupal 11 has officially transitioned to requiring PHP 8.3 as its minimum version, rendering PHP 10 a topic of future consideration rather than immediate relevance. This shift aligns with modern web development practices and aims to enhance performance and security within the Drupal ecosystem.

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Other updates in Drupal 11 :

• Faster real and perceived page performance includes enhancements in interface previews and the implementation of lazy loading, resulting in a smoother user experience.
• The New Experimental Recipes API allows developers to utilize pre-packaged functionality kits, streamlining the site-building process and enhancing flexibility.
• Single Directory Components (SDC) simplify the creation and management of UI components, promoting better organization and reusability across the site.
• The improved decoupled menu support with Linkset support simplifies menu management for headless architectures, facilitating more dynamic content presentation.
• Automatic formatting in content editing streamlines the process for content creators, enabling them to produce well-structured content effortlessly.
• Management of menus, taxonomy, blocks, and permissions is made easier in Drupal 11, reducing complexity and improving the user experience for site administrators.

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Understanding Drupal 11 System Requirements

Now, let’s explore the key components necessary for Drupal 11 installation.

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Web Server :

To run Drupal 11, you need a web server with adequate PHP support. It does not support using Microsoft IIS. The recommended web servers include Apache 2.4.7 or higher, Nginx 1.1 or higher, or any other server compatible with PHP.

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Data Base:

Drupal 11 supports various database management systems. The following versions are recommended:

• MySQL 8.0 (or greater)
• MariaDB 10.6 (or greater)
• Percona Server 5.7.8 (or greater)
• PostgreSQL 16 (or greater)
• SQLite 3.45 (or greater)

Memory Requirements :

For smooth operation, Drupal 11 has minimum RAM requirements of 1GB, ensuring Composer functions properly. However, if your website involves multiple modules or memory-intensive tools like Solr or Memcache, you might need more memory. PHP memory requirements include a minimum size of 64 MB, with production systems typically using 128 MB or 256 MB.

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PHP :

Drupal 11 requires at least PHP 8.3. While the minimum is PHP 8.3, it is advisable to use the latest stable version of PHP for optimal performance and security. Additionally, certain PHP extensions are necessary for optimal functionality, including PDO, XML, GD-library, OpenSSL, JSON, cURL, Mbstring, and Zlib. 

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Disk Space :

Ensure your server has a minimum of 100MB of disk space to accommodate the Drupal 11 installation. If you plan to install additional modules or themes, or if your site involves media, backups, and other files, it is advisable to allocate more space, ideally 200MB to 300MB.

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How To Upgrade From Drupal 10 to 11

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Step 1: Plan your update and Backup :

Start by creating a robust update plan and, most importantly, perform a thorough backup of your Drupal site.

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Step 2: Install and Enable Upgrade Status Module :

Streamline your upgrade process by installing and enabling the Upgrade Status Module. Conduct an environment readiness by accessing a comprehensive checklist within the module's user interface for a detailed overview of your site's readiness.

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Step 3: Upgrade Modules and Custom Code :

Efficiently upgrade your modules and custom code by following provided instructions. Utilize the Drupal Rector tool for automated resolution of most custom code incompatibilities, enhancing efficiency. For issues that require manual intervention, refer to the documentation for guidance on resolution.

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Step 4: Update Drupal Core to Version 11 :

Once you have upgraded your modules and custom code, proceed to update the Drupal core to version 11. Follow standard procedures for core updates to ensure a seamless transition, which is essential for accessing the latest features, improvements, and security enhancements that Drupal 11 offers.

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Step 5: Test :

Conduct comprehensive testing on your updated site to identify and resolve any potential issues. This step helps ensure that your website functions optimally and that any unforeseen complications are addressed before making the upgrade live.

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Recap

Drupal 11 is a transformative leap forward in web development, setting new standards for user experience and operational efficiency. 

With seamless integration of Symfony 7, an enhanced Field UI, and the innovative Single Directory Components (SDC), Drupal 11 streamlines workflows and boosts performance like never before. Its intuitive interface simplifies content management, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Ready to elevate your website with Drupal 10? Contact our Drupal experts today for a smooth Drupal 11 migration process.