Drupal Salaries and Rates in 2024

Drupal

As Drupal Development Evolves

Drupal is an Open Source software PHP based project released under GNU Public License. You can build anything from a simple websites to complex web applications. But still no other Content Management Systems have the innate qualities as Drupal does. For example, the platform Drupal can be downloaded for free, and users can adapt it to their needs; the software grows with the user, since it is open-source and any individual or company can create free themes and modules to attract one’s desired web audience and expand the website community.

What are Drupal’s key features?

With Drupal, there are features you’ll keep learning the more you use the software and leverage its full power. The latest version of Drupal has more features that make it easier to use than the previous ones. For example, its new locations and fields tool can be used in a form. If that’s not enough, it uses the CKeditor to post those contents.

Among its new features, we have a helpful tour and quick edits.

• Editing and authoring: It has a WYSIWYG editing and authoring front-end that makes it easy to look up content, draft, edit, publish and update.
• Layout building: A layout builder is a no-code user interface that allows a site author to easily build interactive pages with drag-and-drop controls and templated layouts. With these many features, Drupal is a good choice for content-rich websites.
• Customizable workflow: This helps you monitor content updates and preview previous versions. Supporting local video, audio, files, images and remote content via social media Its media support.
• Media library: Allows the user to incorporate existing media into a website and upload files.
• Caching systems: Drupal uses performance-optimized caching systems to improve a business’ scalability and performance. Theming -It is based on a theme engine, allowing users to build a unique front end and choose a framework based on brand policies. It also provides responsive design support.
• Form builder: Drupal’s form builder allows you to create multiple types of forms, like contact forms or complex application forms.
• Plug-in: It features a scheduler that helps you determine the next date of your next piece of content and recommends optional plug-ins.
• Meta-Tagging: It has customizable and user-friendly URLs and metatags for each content.
• Search integration: Drupal has extensive search integration with enterprise-grade search engines.
• Data migration: It uses a mature migrating system that can help you to migrate data to the Drupal database easily.
• Accessibility: It uses a multilingual UI and content that can foster accessibility compliance

As drupaldom explodes in developmental explosions, the need for ‘Drupal Developers’ continues to rise. But what exactly is a ‘Drupal Developer’? Simply put, it’s someone who knows Drupal, right?

There has always been a fuzzy line around job titles and required skills in the Drupal world. This is especially true with the way some recruiters, managers, and clients approach hiring for positions.

In reality, there are three main skill categories in the Drupal world:

Drupal Site Builder

A Drupal site builder constructs Drupal sites using the admin UI through point-and-click actions, with minimal custom code. They configure Drupal core and contributed modules extensively, understanding how they integrate to solve problems. Site Builders handle content types, taxonomy, navigation, image presets, and more.

Drupal Themer / Frontend Developer

A specialist frontend developer in Drupal should excel in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and have deep knowledge of the Drupal theme layer. They transform UI designs into functional themes and implement responsive designs.

Drupal Module Developer / Backend Developer

Module Developers write PHP and other server-side languages to handle complex backend tasks like custom modules, automated tests, web service consumption, and deployments. They may also work with advanced aspects of the theme layer.

Contributing and Collaboration Note: Collaboration and contribution are core to Drupal’s ethos. Site Builders, Module Developers, and Themer collaborate within the Drupal community to share solutions and documentation.

The Three Disciplines

More often than not, a Drupal developer might specialize in one area but possess skills across all three.

Drupal Generalist / Jack of All Trades

Many Drupal developers cover multiple disciplines, balancing strengths and weaknesses in each.

Not a Drupal Developer: A PHP developer is not automatically a Drupal developer. Understanding Drupal’s APIs, standards, and ‘the Drupal way’ is essential to avoid pitfalls and maintenance issues.

Drupal Developers, where to Go from Here?

Transitioning into Drupal development requires a tailored approach based on existing skills:

• Developer from Another Technology: Start with site building, then progress to module development after grasping Drupal fundamentals.
• Site Builder: Transition to backend development by learning Drupal APIs and basic programming.
• Themer: Focus on frontend expertise but consider exploring modules to deepen Drupal knowledge.
• Module Developer: Expand into solutions architecture or explore other PHP frameworks like Laravel or Symfony2.

Where Do You Fit In?

Identify your role: Site Builder, Themer, Module Developer, or perhaps a combination. Share your goals and challenges in the comments!