To upgrade or switch
the Drupal dilemma
The right choice for 2025
With Drupal 7 reaching end of life next month many companies are still to decide on what route they should take to upgrade. The move to newer versions of Drupal from 7 is no small task, and many of you will be thinking ‘is Drupal even the right vehicle to consider given the options available in the market?’
Adappt has a long history in Drupal and been a major supporter in the past (and still are), but it isn’t always the correct solution.
So here we are taking a quick look at how Drupal compares to Remix (if you are unfamiliar with it, it’s what OpenAI is built on), which will hopefully answer a few questions – here goes:
Drupal vs. Remix:
A Comparative Analysis
Drupal and Remix are two powerful options when it comes to web development, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. We have written this article to explore the key differences between them and provide you with guidance on when to upgrade Drupal or migrate to Remix.
Let’s begin the battle
Overview and use cases
Drupal is a robust, open-source content management system (CMS) known for its flexibility and scalability. It is widely used for building complex websites and applications, particularly those requiring extensive content management capabilities.
Key features
Content management:
Drupal has advanced content creation, editing, and publishing tools.
Customisation:
The Drupal community provide and extensive module library for adding functionality.
Scalability:
Drupal can readily cope with large-scale websites with high traffic.
Security:
It supports strong security features and receives regular updates.
Community support:
Drupal has a large, active community providing support and contributions.
Use cases for upgrading Drupal to a newer Drupal version
Enhanced Performance:
If you are on one of the more recent Drupal versions, then upgrading to the latest version can improve site performance and speed. However, If you are on Drupal 7 there is a massive leap to the next version, and so it would be wise to look at other options first.
Security:
Newer versions continuously offer better security features and patches for vulnerabilities, but Drupal is also heavily targeted.
New Features:
Drupal is supported by a large community who are service with access to the latest modules which increases functionalities.
Compatibility:
Drupal continues to improve compatibility with modern web technologies and standards, but in an era of AI, Drupal still has some catching up to do.
Support:
There is a large support base and updates from the Drupal community are regularly posted.
Disadvantages
Steep learning curve:
Those that have used it will know that Drupal can be complex and difficult to learn, especially for those without a background in web development. This can slow down the development process and require more training for new developers, so client-side Drupal might not always be appropriate.
Higher hosting costs:
Drupal often requires a more powerful server setup than some other content management systems, which can lead to higher hosting costs, latest technologies can prove to be far more efficient.
Slower performance:
Drupal is often reported as being slower than other CMSs, particularly when running complex modules and on shared hosting environments. This can affect the user experience, especially for high-traffic sites, something that is worth considering when looking at your next platform that will hopefully last years to come.
Higher development costs:
I Customising Drupal may be more time-consuming and costly than other platforms. This can be a disadvantage for organizations with limited budgets.
Complex upgrades:
Upgrading Drupal to a new major version can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring significant changes to the codebase and custom modules.
Overview and use cases
Remix is a modern, full-stack web framework that focuses on providing a seamless developer experience and optimised performance. It leverages React for building user interfaces and offers a unique approach to routing and data fetching. It is not surprising therefore that the most heavily invested in platform on the planet ‘Open AI’ chose Remix to build on. In short, where appropriate to use, Remix really does set you up for the future.
Key features
React integration:
Built on top of React, Remix readily allows for component-based development.
Optimised performance:
Remix is fast and we mean FAST. It is highly efficient and has incredible data loading and rendering performance, resulting in faster/better user experiences.
Developer experience:
Unlike Drupal, Remix is a joy to work with and has simplified routing and data management.
Server-Side Rendering (SSR):
Improved SEO and initial load times.
Flexibility:
Remix is suitable for both small and large applications.
Use Cases for Migrating to Remix
Modern development practices:
If your team prefers React and modern JavaScript frameworks, then Remix should be strongly considered.
Performance:
If your application requires fast load times and efficient data handling, Remix is light years ahead of Drupal in terms of performance.
SEO:
Remix has enhanced SEO capabilities through server-side rendering.
Simplified development:
Streamlined routing and data fetching significantly speeds up development.
Scalability:
Suitable for projects that need to scale efficiently with user growth, just look at OpenAI.
Disadvantages
Newer Framework:
Less mature compared to Drupal, potentially fewer community resources.
Learning Curve:
Developers need to be familiar with modern JavaScript frameworks like React.
Migration Complexity:
Migrating from Drupal to Remix can be complex and may require a phased approach.
OUR
conclusion
Choosing between Drupal and Remix depends on your specific project requirements and goals, and there are benefits to both. Upgrading Drupal may be your best option if you need robust content management, security, and scalability, and are on Version 8 or higher.
However, you might want to consider migrating to Remix if you are looking to gain all the benefits of modern development practices, performance, and a seamless developer experience, regardless of what Drupal version you are currently using.
Both platforms have their strengths, and the decision should be based on the unique needs of your project and team. Adappt has a wealth of experience in both for some pretty big organisations, so if you have any further questions or need more detailed guidance, feel free to ask one of our very talented team.