Distributions in Drupal
May 23, 2023
In Drupal, a distribution refers to a convenient package consisting of Drupal core, contributed modules, themes, and configurations. It allows for effortless installation, enabling the creation of specific types of websites quickly. Distributions are specifically designed for various use cases, such as building news websites or e-commerce platforms. Examples of popular distributions include:
- Drupal Commerce: This distribution is tailored for creating e-commerce websites. It comes pre-configured with modules and themes that facilitate online shopping functionality.
- Open Atrium: Designed for intranet and collaboration sites, Open Atrium is a distribution that offers essential features like document sharing, project management, and team communication tools.
By utilizing a distribution, developers can save significant time and effort during website construction. Rather than starting from scratch, much of the initial setup and configuration work is already completed. Fully functional distributions are particularly advantageous, as they are ready to use straight away. These distributions typically incorporate commonly required features and functionalities for a specific website or application.
To illustrate the concept, here’s an example of installing the Drupal Commerce distribution using the command line:
$ composer create-project drupalcommerce/project-base mywebshop --stability dev --no-interaction
The above command sets up a new Drupal Commerce website named “mywebshop” by pulling the necessary components from the distribution package.
In summary, distributions in Drupal provide pre-configured packages that expedite the creation of specific websites or applications. They offer convenience and time-saving benefits by bundling together essential components and configurations.
