Deep Dive into Drupal Learning

James Shields explains why update-hook testing for Drupal modules often needs database fixtures rather than ordinary test setup. Using Smart Trim as an example, the post shows how maintainers can dump a pre-update database, load it through functional update tests, run Drupal’s update path, and assert that stored configuration now matches the newer schema. It also covers fixture maintenance across Drupal versions, including separate database dumps for current, previous, and future major-version test targets, making the summary practical for maintainers responsible for upgrade compatibility. ...more

Ivan Zugec compares Drupal Canvas and WordPress Gutenberg by building the same hero component in both systems. The post explains how Gutenberg follows a content-first model with ready-made blocks and React-based custom block development, while Canvas uses a component-first model built around Drupal components, including Single Directory Components. ...more

Philip Norton’s second Drupal 11 link directory article continues Hashbang Code’s series on building a screenshot-backed directory. After Part 1 used headless Chromium for screenshots, Part 2 shifts to a Chrome extension and custom Drupal REST resource to capture fixed-size images and send link data back to the site. ...more

Gordon Heydon outlines a Drupal migration pattern that separates managed file records from binary file transfers. The approach registers file entities and URIs first, verifies missing binaries with HTTP HEAD checks, backfills files only when needed, and uses rsync before go-live to move large file stores more predictably. ...more