Recently, Drupal launched its latest version of unsurpassed CMS, Drupal 11. As Drupal developers, our team is eager to help companies navigate the platform. Drupal 11 offers many advanced features that improve the user experience, increase performance, and streamline development processes.

Drupal 11 was released on 29 July 2024. It’s not a coincidence that the Drupal community has been very active recently, with rapidly growing innovations, faster developments, and better functionalities in the releases, which keeps Drupal way ahead of its competition in the content management system.

So, let's explore Drupal 11, its key features, and its tools for improving content management and development efficiency.

Drupal 11 efficiency tools: saving time and money

Automatic updates: simplify your maintenance

Drupal 11 has introduced the ability to perform automated updates for both core and supporting modules directly from the admin panels. Developers no longer have to manually manage everything, thus saving companies time and cutting costs.

Advantages of automatic updates:

• Increased security- Make sure to always keep your site up-to-date with the latest available security patches.
• Greater ease of work- Now, it's all automated; manual interventions were used in the past, which saves time and resources.
• Reliability- With timely updates, your system’s downtime will be minimal.

Automated updates play a pivotal role in ensuring the security and consistent performance of your Drupal site, especially when you are trying to manage multiple sites or complex infrastructures.

Recipes: simplify and reuse configurations

The most notable addition to Drupal 11 is the Recipes module. Thanks to this experimental feature, developers can now automate the installation and configuration of modules and settings using predefined recipes.

Benefits of Recipes in Drupal 11

• Speed and efficiency- This enables quick and easy deployment of new features without starting from scratch.
• Convenience- Easily share and reuse configurations. Enables the ease of sharing and reusability of configuration
• Seamless integration- The increase of compatibility and reduced risk of conflict.

To fully set up a functional e-commerce site or a blogging platform within just a few clicks, thanks to this Drupal 11 feature. With the use of the recipe modules, you not only save time but also you can ensure consistency across multiple projects.

Content management Drupal 11: effortless management and maintenance

Workspaces: Extensive Content Staging

Drupal 11 takes content staging to the next level with the release of the Workspaces modules. This feature allows users to create and manage multiple environments within a single site. For example, content managers will be able to manage multiple pages during a campaign launch entirely within a workspace and then launch them with a single click.

Benefits of Drupal 11 Workspaces

• Higher flexibility- Testing the new features and contents affecting the live site. It would be best to publish only when you’re 100% satisfied.
• Risk reduction- Testing changes thoroughly in a controlled environment will help minimise errors.
• Improved workflow- The content approval process needs to be streamlined to ensure a smooth transition from concept to live.

Navigation management: improved usability

The new navigation admin in Drupal 11 brings a most modern, intuitive experience to site administrators. With a left-aligned vertical toolbar that folds and expands, this update makes managing your site more manageable.

Benefits of Navigation Manager

• User-friendly interface- Simplify your navigation thanks to more intuitive labels and quick links.
• Adaptability- The admin experience has to be tailored to your workflow.
• Efficiency- Quick and easy access to crucial content creation features and tools.

The improved feature takes Drupal's overall UX to the next level, making the CMS even more accessible to non-technical users and streamlining management tasks.

Development tools Drupal 11: simplifying the process

Single directory components: streamline development

Thanks to Single Directory Components, or SDC of Drupal 11, we are revolutionising how we manage component files. You can consolidate all related files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) into one directory, greatly simplifying the development process.

Advantages:

Better organisation-It's all optimised with all component files in one place, making them easier to manage and locate.

Improved code quality-The ease of updating and maintaining your system, thus reducing the chances of errors.

Increased productivity-helps developers focus more on building features than managing files.

This feature is especially advantageous for large, multi-component projects, as everything is neat and accessible.

Conclusion

The significant upgrade that enhances the platform's capabilities includes the innovative recipes module and streamlined Single Directory Components that Drupal 11 comes with. It also provides developers, site administrators, and business owners with a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly experience.

Are you ready to upgrade your site or start a new project with us? Contact our team today to see how Drupal 11 can transform your digital presence.