Drupal 7 to Drupal 9 Migration Process: How to Plan

As we already know, Drupal has served big brands featuring increased functionality websites as one of the most prevalent CMS platforms choices for various enterprises. Drupal 7 does not cater to the current and emerging needs of the enterprises due to disruptive market trends. Businesses need to evaluate their move from Drupal 7 to Drupal 9, with its end-of-life in November 2022.

Essential tips for Drupal 9 migration:

Organizations need to choose one option out of the two options available.

Option 1: Migrating directly from D7 to D9

Option 2: Migrating first from D7 to D8 and then from D8 to D9.

Option 2 is the ideal path for organizations willing to migrate to D9. Migrate to D8 after fulfilling the pre-requisites and workflows for content migration with the help of migration scripts.

Choose from among the two approaches to get it done:

Option 1: Build an entire new Drupal website from scratch

Option 2: Build a new Drupal 8.9 site and migrate the existing content from D7. Then upgrade to D9.

Crucial steps to follow:

• Before undergoing the migration plan, organize architecture for source and destination sites.
• Create an Excel file for the migration plan.
• Rely on the migration planner to get queries from the database.
• Allow site abilities to migrate with the content automatically.
• If your existing site has a lot of custom code, choose either standard contributed fields or a custom migration strategy.
• Use migration processors and add Drush support for non-core fields.
• Investigate all the platform requirements before migrating.

Planning Strategies used for Migration to D9:

Once you decide to migrate from D7 to D9, there are some considerations taken into account, which are as follows:

1. Ensure thorough preparation:

Undertaking a migration process from D7 to D9 does not involve a lot of complications. Update Drupal 7 to the latest version along with its extensions. Make sure to have a backup ready of the present site before starting the migration process. The fresh installation should enable migration modules and stability.

2. Content structure and modules identification:

Identify the content types, structures, and modules used in the migration process with site configurations. Install and enable all the modules, as they are not the same as in previous versions. The migration scripts mainly depend on the data used and the content catalog. After this, map the content types to the new version.

3. Using Drush Method for D8:

Use the Drush method for data migration with a prompt status delivery message. Define the database connection and import data from D7. Set up a migration process with the help of Migrate Manifest Module. List in random orders but execute them based on perceived dependencies.

4. Upgrading site to D9:

Update the contributed modules to D9 themes after migrating to D8. Upgrade to D9 with the help of contributed modules with patches when needed. Ensure the code is compatible with D9. Remove any deprecated APIs and use composer from D8 to manage dependencies.

5. Skillset needed for migration process:

The migration process depends on a team of expert Drupal developers. The migration will work if they are capable of upgrading themselves. Use a Drupal development agency such as Infozion technologies that understands your workflows and has prior migration experience.

6. Time and budget constraints:

Set out a budget and relevant timeline for the migration process. Consider the factors such as business goals and opt for phased upgrades. Assess the design aspects and figure out whether the site promises a great UI/UX experience or not.

7. Check for feature updates:

Before allowing a nod for the migration process:

• Perform a comprehensive audit
• Assess the content types fit for removal
• Utilize futuristic taxonomy
• Merge content types during the D9 upgrade
• Checking dynamic front-end features
• Assessing the site leading to rigorous checks and balances

Wrapping up:

The migration process involves a lot of phased approaches starting from a sound migration plan to the experienced skillset team. However, once you have decided to opt for D9, you need to have an experienced team of Drupal developers to carry a smooth migration process. Infozion technologies is one of the leading Drupal development agency that will help your business and organization with the Drupal Migration Process.