Streamlined Workflow for Contrib Modules with Composer Dependencies

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Efficient Composer Workflow for Drupal Contrib Development with Dependencies

Source: Method for cloning and working on Drupal contrib projects by Michael Anello (September 4, 2025)

Michael Anello outlines a Composer-based workflow for contributing to Drupal contrib projects with dependencies. For modules like Markdown Easy and Smart Trim, a direct clone into web/modules/contrib/ isn’t sufficient when Composer packages are involved. Instead, Anello recommends cloning modules into a top-level /modules directory and updating composer.json to include a "path" repository pointing to ./modules/*.

This setup allows contributors to use composer require drupal/project_name, triggering dependency resolution and symlinking into the contrib directory. The approach enables clean Composer workflows across multiple contrib projects and is a staple in Anello’s training during DrupalEasy office hours.

Reference: Method for Cloning and Working on Drupal Contrib Projects by Michael Anello, DrupalEasy (4 September 2025)

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