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Get Startedwith DrupalAN INTRODUCTORY GUIDEFollow us!
Contents03040507081013Why not build a website from scratch?Drupal 101Overview of Drupal functionalityKey Drupal terminologyPlanning your Drupal projectAdopting DrupalResources
Why not build a websitefrom scratch?If you take any random selection of websites, you’ll see the same types of interfaces and featuresappearing again and again. Most websites have menus to navigate content, unique URLs forindividual pages, and features for content editors to log in and build new pages, and upload imagesthey work and look as you want them to.The solution lies somewhere in the middle: you want a framework that supports your developmentefforts without restricting them and gives you a baseline set of functionality that you can take and runGet started with Drupal - An introductory guide3
Drupal 101What is Drupal?on steroids.Like other platforms, Drupal does more than just let you build websites—it also integrates with your “Create once, publish anywhere” approach Innovation, powered by a massive, engaged communityof project you can dream of.Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide4
Overview of DrupalfunctionalityFlexible features for building a rich user experience: Views Customizable blockspromotional cards, featured content items, etc. that content editors can use to build pages Role-based security Built-in multilingual support allows you can install Drupal in any language, or enable Flexible navigation systemnavigation menus as needed Drupal’s search moduleintegrated with Views so that any list of content becomes a search interfaceGet started with Drupal - An introductory guide5
Content management features that content editors will love: A WYSIWYG authoring and editing tool with the ability to add rich media Layout Builder: Authoring tools allow content editors and admins to easily search for, draft, edit, preview,archive, publish and update content and approvals, as well as revisions, so that you can track everycontent update and revert back to a previous version Media supportsVimeo, Twitter, etc. Media Libraryitems directly into the libraryFeatures that make Drupal secure, accessible, andenterprise-ready Migrate system allows you to feed data into Drupal Accessibility Performance Theme systemaccording to your brand guidelines and using your framework of choice Recommended add-on (contrib) modules Webform: Scheduler: Schedule when your content is published in advance Pathauto: Metatag: Search API:Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide6
Key Drupal TerminologyHere are some common terms you’ll come across when readingfull glossary over at Drupal.org. Node:of content. Usually, every node has a unique URL. Content type: Taxonomy: View: Module: Code that you can add to your Drupal website to enable new functionality Theme: Block: Permission: Role: Drupal core: Contrib module: Custom module:Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide7
Planning your DrupalprojectMake your goals clear, rather than prescribing a solutioncontent editing features that you can take advantage of, so it’s well worth taking the time to properlyassess your needs. Rather than creating detailed specs or wireframes for every authoring feature youOne way to do this is to create a prototype of your project, starting with Drupal’s core functionality,and then evaluate where your gaps are. Don’t be afraid to workshop things and try out some ofDrupal.orgLeave time to research, test, and evaluate modulesSometimes, the best option isn’t the most obvious. Drupal lets you do basically anything you want,Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide8
Bring your team up to speed with DrupalEveryone on your team should have a foundational understanding of key notions like accessibility,information architecture, and basic content management, in addition to being comfortable withof skills different members of your team should acquire when moving to Drupal.Project managers Front-end developers Digital best practices, technologies,and trends HTML, JavaScript, SASS Agile & web deployment processes Twig templating Drupal content management tools Creating Drupal themes Atomic designContent editors & marketers Content accessibility SEO best practices Content style guides Drupal content management toolsSite builders Selecting modules Selecting modules Information architecture &content strategy Back-end developers Drupal modules Testing and applying patches Media and image styles Interested?Check out our upcoming course listing!Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide9
Adopting DrupalDon’t start with your biggest build! instructions here) PantheonSpend time on design and user experienceGet started with Drupal - An introductory guide10
Create a set of best practices for your designers, developers,and content editorsIf you’re getting started with Drupal, think of it as a clean slate.of work, but it’s always worth it.Create environments for staging, development and production from the beginning.road, guaranteed.Need help with this?Sign up for our next in-depth training sessionfor Drupal.maintain, and facilitate onboarding for other developers who areworking on your website.Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide11
Test and apply security updatespromptly release patches when necessary. All you need to do is, well, apply those patches in a timelymanner—but only after testing them in a staging environment, just to be safe.Invest in the right infrastructure to get the most out of DrupalOur partners at Acquia and Pantheon and other complementary tools Automated backupsSimilarly, if you decide to work with an agency to develop or redesign your website, pick one that hasDid you know?Cloud hosting can reduce the time it takes to deploy your website, make yoursite easier to maintain, and facilitate onboarding for other developers who areworking on your website.Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide12
Useful resourcesSome Drupal essentials for your bookmarks folder.Drupal Evaluator GuideThe Weekly Drop newsletterDrupal Sun/r/Drupalblog, resource libraryand YouTube channelTwitter accounts to follow:@drupal, @dries, @drupalcon,@DrupalAssoc, and of course@EvolvingWebFollow Us!
API-rst architecture means that you can feed data from Drupal to third-party systems . Easy-to-use form builder to create anything from a simple contact form or survey to complex, multi-step application forms . Get started with Drupal - An introductory guide 8 Planning your Drupal project Make your goals clear, rather than prescribing a .
