Drupal 7 to Drupal 10 Migration: Preparing for the 2025 EOL

Migration Checklist: A Step-by-Step Approach

Migrating from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10 involves a structured process that requires careful planning and execution. Here's a detailed guide that website owners can follow to ensure a smooth transition, along with common issues and how to avoid them:

1. Initial Preparation and Strategy

• Site Audit: A comprehensive audit includes a detailed inventory of your site’s components—modules, themes, custom codes, and all types of content. The goal is to determine which elements are essential for migration and which may require updates or replacements. This step is crucial for planning the scope of the migration project.
• Identify Dependencies: This involves cataloging external integrations and services your site depends on, such as payment processors, CRM systems, or third-party APIs. Understanding these dependencies ensures they are accounted for in the new environment.
• Challenge: Custom functionalities in Drupal 7 may not directly transfer to Drupal 10. 
• Mitigation Strategy: Document all site customizations comprehensively. Research Drupal 10 alternatives for each customization, or plan for their redevelopment.

2. Compatibility Assessment

• Module and Theme Updates: Check each Drupal 7 module and theme for a Drupal 10 compatible version on Drupal.org. This step determines which components can be directly migrated and which need alternatives.
• Custom Code Analysis: Review custom code for deprecated functions and compatibility with Drupal 10’s updated APIs and architecture. This might involve refactoring code to ensure it runs smoothly on the new platform.
• Challenge: Some Drupal 7 modules lack direct updates for Drupal 10. 
• Mitigation Strategy: Search for alternative modules that provide similar functionalities. If no alternatives exist, consider developing custom modules tailored to your needs.

3. Environment Configuration

• Drupal 10 Installation: Set up a Drupal 10 instance that meets the site’s server and hosting requirements. This serves as the foundation for your upgraded site.
• Configuration Alignment: Adjust settings in your Drupal 10 setup to support your site’s requirements, such as memory limits, file upload sizes, and URL patterns.
• Challenge: Incorrect configurations can degrade site performance.
• Mitigation Strategy: Follow Drupal 10’s recommended configuration settings. Consult a Drupal expert for optimal setup tailored to your site’s needs.

4. Content and Configuration Migration

• Migration Tools: Use Drupal’s migration modules (Migrate API, Migrate Plus, Migrate Tools) to transfer content, user data, and configurations from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10.
• Data Integrity: Carefully map Drupal 7 fields and configurations to their Drupal 10 equivalents, ensuring no data is lost or corrupted during the migration.
• Challenge: Risk of data loss during migration. 
• Mitigation Strategy: Perform dry runs of the migration process. Validate the integrity and completeness of the migrated data before finalizing the move.

5. Rigorous Testing

• Functionality Verification: Test all site functionalities in the Drupal 10 environment to ensure they work as expected.
• Load Testing: Simulate different levels of site traffic to assess performance and scalability.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Scan the site for security vulnerabilities to address any potential risks.
• Challenge: Functional or performance issues discovered during testing.
• Mitigation Strategy: Develop a test plan that covers every aspect of the site. Perform comprehensive testing, including user role simulations and third-party integrations.

6. Transition to Live

• Content Freeze: Temporarily stop content updates on the Drupal 7 site to ensure data consistency during the final migration.
• Final Data Transfer: Carry out the last migration pass to move the most current data to Drupal 10.
• DNS Adjustment: Update your DNS settings to direct traffic to the new Drupal 10 site, minimizing downtime.
• Challenge: Potential downtime during the transition. 
• Mitigation Strategy: Plan the migration for a period of low traffic. Have a team ready for immediate action should any issues arise.

7. Post-Launch Activities

• Site Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the site’s performance and functionality after going live. Look out for any unexpected issues.
• User Communication: Inform your audience about the upgrade and the new features or improvements it brings.
• Feedback Implementation: Gather and act on user feedback to refine and enhance the site experience continually.

Find Your Drupal Migration Partner

For website owners advancing from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10, this guide presents a clear migration pathway. Despite the technical depth and complex nature of the migration, collaboration with a Drupal professional is recommended. Rollin provides expert services to facilitate this transition, particularly for sites with significant customizations or extensive content.