Features: A better way to package stuff in Drupal
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Features is a Drupal module that enables configuration from the database, like content types, views, and contexts, to be packaged into modules called "Features". Features consist of generated code that can be version controlled and deployed between environments. Features allow changes to be managed like code instead of only in the database. When a Feature is enabled, all its dependencies are installed as well. If the Feature is later changed, it becomes overridden and the developer must choose whether to revert or update the code.
Features: A better way to package stuff in Drupal
- 1. Features a better way to package stuff Rob Knight NWDUG February 2010
- 2. About me Drupal developer since version 4.6 Member of the Drupal Association - you should be too! Working in Manchester at PRWD
- 3. Intro Features is a Drupal module created by Development Seed It enables Features to be created which package CCK types, Views, Contexts and more It moves configuration from the database to code
- 4. What is a Feature? A Feature is a special kind of module Features consist of generated code Features are created via the admin UI Features have version numbers
- 5. How a Drupal installation changes Version Level Changes control? Core Rarely Yes Contrib Regularly Yes Custom code Frequently Maybe Database Constantly No Problem: how to manage change in the database?
- 6. The difference Features make
- 7. Example: Packaging a blog Feature Blog Post content type Some views A Context for displaying blocks
- 10. A context
- 11. The resulting blog Text Here we can see the blog content type, the context and the view in action
- 15. Feature contents
- 16. Generated code
- 17. Installing the Feature When the Feature is enabled, all module dependencies will be enabled too
- 18. Changes If any component of the feature is changed, the Feature is overridden. In this case, Ive changed a View
- 19. Viewing a diff I can now choose to revert the changes or update the Feature code
- 20. Version control Because Features are code, they can be managed like source code Updating a Feature is just like updating a module
- 21. Deployment Features are great for additive changes Not so great for destructive changes Complex changes between Feature versions are still tricky
- 22. Feature Servers Imagine running your own drupal.org-style module repository Supports Available Updates monitoring Powerful integration with drush and drush make
- 23. What features doesnt do (yet) Taxonomy Node content and attachments Menus However, alternatives exist and more modules are integrating with Features
- 24. Pitfalls Many contrib modules as yet unsupported Features isnt magic - its just a system for generating code Upgrades still need some manual intervention
- 26. Thanks for listening Features is maintained by Development Seed and is available at http://drupal.org/project/features My site & blog are at http://robknight.org.uk