Blog Post Explains Drush Installation Method Preserving Database Integrity for Drupal

A recent blog post on Drupal Jedi Master highlights an innovative approach to installing Drupal with Drush while preserving the existing database. Typically, the 'drush site:install' command reinitializes the database, wiping out any stored data. However, developers may sometimes need to keep the current database intact—particularly in collaborative or continuous integration scenarios—where data integrity and configuration consistency are paramount.

The post provides a step-by-step guide to achieving a non-destructive Drupal installation. Key steps include preparing the development environment, ensuring the settings file connects to the existing database, and using the 'drush site:install --existing-config' command to bypass database deletion. This '--existing-config' flag instructs Drush to use the configurations already available, allowing developers to retain essential data while performing site installations.

The guide concludes by emphasizing the importance of verifying the installation and backing up data before initiating these commands. This method allows developers to streamline their workflows, safeguard data continuity, and save time on repeated setups. This non-destructive installation method offers a valuable solution for maintaining stable development environments without compromising data integrity.