Introduction
As we venture into 2024, the world of Drupal development continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. With new technologies emerging and user expectations soaring, staying up to date with the latest trends has become crucial for Drupal developers. In this article, we will explore the top Drupal development trends to watch in 2024 and beyond.
1. Decoupled Drupal
Decoupled Drupal has gained significant momentum in recent years, and its popularity is expected to continue growing in 2024. Decoupled architecture separates the presentation layer (frontend) from the content management system (CMS) backend. This architectural approach allows for greater flexibility as developers can use various frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js. Decoupled Drupal also enables organizations to deliver better user experiences by leveraging the power of headless CMS.
2. GraphQL Integration
GraphQL is a query language for APIs that enables more efficient data retrieval and reduces over-fetching and under-fetching of data. In Drupal development, GraphQL integration is becoming increasingly popular as it offers more precise data queries and eliminates unnecessary API requests. With its ability to retrieve multiple data sources in a single request, GraphQL helps improve performance and user experience. Expect to see more projects embracing GraphQL as a key component of their Drupal architecture.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been revolutionizing various industries, and Drupal is no exception. In 2024 and beyond, expect Drupal developers to leverage AI and ML technologies to build smarter and more personalized websites. AI-powered chatbots, automatic content tagging, and predictive analytics are just a few examples of how AI and ML can enhance the Drupal development process.
4. Accessibility-First Development
Inclusive web experiences are no longer optional. Accessibility-First Development is a trend that focuses on creating web applications and websites that are accessible to all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. In 2024, Drupal developers will continue to prioritize accessibility by utilizing WCAG 2.x guidelines, incorporating accessibility auditing tools, and adhering to best practices. Creating accessible digital experiences will not only improve site usability but also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
5. Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) offer a seamless user experience by combining the best features of both websites and native mobile applications. PWAs are fast, reliable, and work offline, making them an attractive choice for Drupal development in 2024. With service workers and other web technologies, Drupal developers can transform traditional websites into PWAs to provide enhanced performance and engagement.
6. Automated Testing and DevOps
Efficiency and reliability are key factors in successful Drupal development. To meet these demands, automated testing and DevOps practices are becoming increasingly important. Automated testing helps ensure code quality while DevOps streamlines development, deployment, and maintenance processes. In 2024, Drupal developers will embrace tools like Drupal Console, Behat, and GitLab CI/CD to automate testing and deployment, resulting in faster development cycles and improved code stability.
Conclusion
The Drupal development landscape is constantly evolving, and these trends point towards a future driven by innovation and improved user experiences. Embracing decoupled architectures, integrating GraphQL, leveraging AI and ML, prioritizing accessibility, adopting PWAs, and implementing automated testing and DevOps practices will position Drupal developers for success in 2024 and beyond. Stay ahead of the curve by keeping a close eye on these trends and incorporating them into your Drupal projects.
Lakshya Sharma
View More PostsDigital Marketing Lead
