Drupal 11 and 10 Updates Require Composer: A Paradigm Shift for Drupalists

In a recent blog post on SvetCMS, a major change in Drupal's functionality has been highlighted, signaling a turning point for users accustomed to the traditional ways of managing modules and themes. With the release of Drupal 11.1.0 and 10.4.0, the ability to install modules and themes directly via the administrative interface has been removed, making Composer the mandatory tool for these tasks.

The shift underscores Composer’s growing importance as a reliable package manager in modern PHP development. This decision aligns Drupal with contemporary web development practices, ensuring compatibility with shared third-party code and dependencies. However, the change might come as a shock to those who relied on outdated workflows, such as FTP uploads and administrative interface installations.

The blog emphasizes the need for Drupal users to adapt, recommending upgrading to Composer-compatible hosting environments and learning Composer basics. For users transitioning to the Composer-based workflow, resources and guides are available, including detailed instructions on Maxiorel.cz. While the change demands effort, it promises to streamline Drupal’s integration with modern PHP ecosystems, ensuring long-term scalability and security.