Starshot at Barcelona: 10 Sessions on Drupal CMS You Shouldn't Miss
DrupalCon Barcelona 2024, happening from September 24-27, will feature several sessions focused on the Drupal Starshot Initiative, a project aimed at simplifying Drupal while incorporating advanced technologies like AI, no-code tools, and browser-based development. These sessions will dive into how Starshot is set to transform the way users build and manage Drupal sites, offering a glimpse into the platform's evolving future. Here’s a look at 10 key sessions that will provide valuable insights into Drupal’s next steps.
1. DRIESNOTE: The Starshot Initiative Update
Tuesday, September 24, 13:45-15:00
Drupal’s founder, Dries Buytaert, will kick things off with an update on Starshot’s progress since its launch at DrupalCon Portland. This much-anticipated keynote will include a product demo, strategy insights, and guidance on how the community can get involved in the initiative. Expect to hear about the new tools and features Starshot brings to Drupal.
2. Experience Builder Initiative
Tuesday, September 24, 16:30-17:15
In this session, Lauri Timmanee will introduce the Experience Builder, a feature designed to enable site builders and content creators to craft custom pages using low-code/no-code tools without leaving the browser. This session will update the project's development and highlight how it will change users' interactions with Drupal.
3. Project Browser: Making In-Browser Features a Reality
Tuesday, September 24, 17:30-18:15
Christopher Wells and Leslie Glynn will discuss the Project Browser, an essential part of Starshot that allows users to select entire site templates and additional features during installation. This session will explain the challenges faced in building the Project Browser, what’s next for this tool, and opportunities for contributors to get involved.
4. Building the Future of Drupal: 11, 12, and Starshot
Wednesday, September 25, 11:30-12:15
As Drupal 11 continues to roll out, Gábor Hojtsy and Tim Plunkett will explore how Starshot connects Drupal 11 to future versions, including Drupal 12. The session will explain how Starshot integrates with Drupal Core, discuss its long-term benefits for both new and existing sites, and examine how it will simplify site building while maintaining full control.
5. The Web APIs Powering the Starshot Experience
Tuesday & Wednesday, 17:15-17:35
In this session, Matt Glaman will delve into the web APIs that make Starshot’s seamless experience possible. He will walk through the technical process behind running Drupal in a browser using PHP in WebAssembly. This could radically change how users get started with Drupal, eliminating the need for complex server setups.
6. Where Have the Drupal Hobbyists Gone? (Can Starshot Bring Them Back?)
Tuesday, September 24 & Thursday, September 26, 14:15-15:00
James Shields will lead an open discussion on the decline of hobbyist Drupal users and whether Starshot could spark a resurgence. Drupal once had a thriving hobbyist community, and Shields will explore whether the initiative’s ease of use could attract new hobbyist developers and foster future professionals.
7. Drupal AI Module and Starshot: Exploring New Possibilities
Tuesday, September 24 & Thursday, September 26, 15:15-16:00
James Abrahams will showcase how AI is being integrated into Drupal through Starshot. The session will cover the AI module's features, such as automated content creation and intelligent workflows, and explain how these tools can be leveraged for web development. Attendees will also learn how to contribute to this evolving area of Drupal.
8. Drupal AI: Once again leading the way with the new golden era of the web - The AI Module and Starshot
Wednesday, September 25, 12:30 to 13:15 CEST
Marcus Johansson and James Abrahams will take a closer look at how Drupal's AI capabilities are setting new standards for web development. This session will cover the evolution of the AI module, focusing on its integration with Starshot and how AI is reshaping Drupal’s role in building smarter, more efficient websites.
9. Gin Admin Theme: The Road to a Stable Release
Wednesday, September 25, 17:40-18:00
Sascha Eggenberger will provide updates on the Gin Admin Theme, a core component of Drupal’s user interface, which is close to a stable release. Sascha will walk attendees through recent developments, ongoing challenges, and how the Gin ecosystem has grown, all while highlighting how this theme enhances Drupal’s administrative experience.
10. Drupal Recipes Initiative Update
Thursday, September 26, 09:30-10:15
Martin Anderson-Clutz and Mark Casias will give an update on the Drupal Recipes Initiative, which allows users to apply prepackaged sets of functionality like blogs or calendars to their Drupal installs. Recipes aim to lower the complexity of building Drupal sites, making them easier for newcomers while offering flexibility for seasoned developers.