The Do's and Don'ts Every Drupal Developer Should Follow

Drupal is a powerful content management system used by many developers worldwide to create dynamic websites and applications. Its flexibility and robust framework allow developers to build versatile solutions, but with this power comes responsibility. To ensure a smooth development process and successful projects, Drupal developers should adhere to certain dos and don’ts. This guide shall help you navigate the complexities of Drupal development with ease.

Understand the Fundamentals

Do: Master the Basics

Before diving into complex projects, ensure you have a solid understanding of Drupal's core principles. Familiarize yourself with its architecture, theme layer, and module system. This foundational knowledge will help you make informed decisions throughout the development process.

Don't: Overlook Documentation

Drupal has extensive documentation available that provides valuable insights and best practices. Neglecting to consult this resource can lead to easily avoidable mistakes. Make it a habit to refer to documentation, especially when working with new modules or updates.

Choose the Right Modules

Do: Use Contributed Modules Wisely

Drupal's rich ecosystem of contributed modules can greatly enhance your site’s functionality. However, choose modules carefully based on project requirements and community support. Evaluate module maintenance status and user reviews to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Don't: Install Unnecessary Modules

Installing unnecessary modules can bloat your site and introduce security vulnerabilities. Only use modules essential to your project’s needs. Regularly audit installed modules and remove those that are no longer required.

Adopt Best Practices for Coding

Do: Follow Coding Standards

Adhering to Drupal's coding standards ensures your code is clean, readable, and maintainable. Use tools like Coder to check compliance with these standards. This consistency makes collaboration easier and helps in maintaining the code in the long run.

Don't: Write Spaghetti Code

In the rush to meet deadlines, developers may write tangled or unorganized code. Avoid creating ‘spaghetti’ code as it complicates debugging and future modifications. Always prioritize clean, structured coding practices.

Optimize for Performance

Do: Implement Caching

Performance is crucial for user experience. Leverage Drupal's built-in caching mechanisms to enhance site speed. Utilize caching modules like Varnish or Memcached for increased performance gains.

Don't: Ignore Site Performance

Neglecting site performance can lead to high bounce rates and dissatisfied users. Continuously monitor performance metrics and resolve bottlenecks promptly to ensure a responsive user experience.

Maintain Security Vigilance

Do: Keep Drupal Core and Modules Up-to-Date

Regular updates are vital for security and stability. Subscribe to security advisories and implement updates promptly to protect your site from vulnerabilities. Use Drush to streamline updating processes across environments.

Don't: Disregard Security Best Practices

Ignoring security practices can have devastating consequences. Implement best practices, such as controlling user permissions, using secure passwords, and configuring SSL, to bolster your site’s defenses.

Effective Site Organization

Do: Leverage Taxonomy

The taxonomy system is one of Drupal's strengths, enabling you to classify and organize content effectively. Utilize taxonomy for navigation, content relationships, and improved search functionalities.

Don't: Mismanage Content Types

Creating too many content types can clutter your site and complicate content management. Identify and implement a clear strategy for content types that aligns with your information architecture.

Engage with the Community

Do: Contribute to the Community

The Drupal community is its backbone. Contribute by sharing your modules, patching existing issues, or participating in forums. Engagement fosters innovation and provides support for learning new tips and tricks.

Don't: Work in Isolation

Avoid the temptation of working in silos. Engaging with the community can lead to new ideas and solutions that enhance your projects.

Testing and Deployment

Do: Test Extensively

Before deploying code, rigorous testing is essential to identify and rectify potential issues. Implement automated testing frameworks such as PHPUnit and Behat for comprehensive test coverage.

Don't: Deploy Without Backup

Deploying without proper backups is risky and can lead to data loss. Ensure you have complete site backups, including databases, to streamline recovery if issues arise during deployment.