Drupal Starshot – What is It and How Can It Help You Build a Website?

Drupal Starshot is a new Open-Source project introduced by Driest Buytaert – Drupal’s founder. It is based on the Drupal core. It offers the system’s best solutions and adds new features.

Drupal Starshot aims to provide users with an accessible solution with low requirements. It allows editors with limited Drupal knowledge to create and optimize their websites.

Starshot simplifies the website creation process by offering several features, including:

• a guide for website creators – it speeds up the installation of ready-made solutions. Site configuration will not be a problem, even for beginners. Quick configuration – Starshot shortens the configuration process to the minimum, ensuring efficient customization,
• quick configuration – Starshot shortens the configuration process to the minimum, ensuring efficient customization,
• quick transition from installation to deployment – after installation, the website is ready and equipped with the necessary modules. It uses pre-configured extensions and recipe functions that automatically apply predefined settings, so it does not require additional configuration.

Starshot is a promising system that introduces many exciting features. Here are the most interesting ones.

Experience Builder

It expands functions related to creating and managing websites by combining the best features of existing Drupal modules – Layout Builder, Paragraphs, and Single Directory Components. Thanks to this solution, Drupal Starshot has become even more accessible to website creators without advanced technical skills.

Recipes

This function was introduced in the 10.3 version. It is a predefined configuration set that allows you to introduce settings and functions quickly. You do not need to manually configure each element separately, making the configuration process more efficient and time-saving. Importantly, you do not have to limit yourself to just one configuration set; you can activate more than one recipe.

Integrated Modules

Starshot includes several key modules, including Pathauto, Token, Metatag, Scheduler, and Coffee. Most of them are installed by website builders, and the fact that they are provided out-of-the-box in Starshot makes it easier for new and experienced users to use.

Project Browser

This feature facilitates browsing and installing modules without using the CLI or leaving the website, making it perfect for new Drupal users.

Automatic Updates

Drupal Starshot aims to implement a secure and automatic update system for Drupal-based websites. It will help reduce the total site management cost, improve security, and simplify access to Drupal.

Testing Directly in the Browser

Part of the Starshot philosophy is facilitating a trial version launch. Drupal Starshot introduces the Launch option, which allows you to test Drupal directly in your browser using WebAssembly (WASM). After testing, you can export your project to your hosting provider.

Starshot focuses on simplifying the website creation and management process, increasing accessibility for new users, and providing support for the community. Essential elements include integrating popular modules, providing new features, and improving the tools. Currently, a demo version is available. The official first version is to be released by the end of 2024. The most important directions of the project’s development are:

• function expansion – further Recipes development and expanding the Experience Builder,
• integration with new technologies – Drupal Starshot will possibly integrate with AI to automate many content creation, personalization, and data analysis processes.

Drupal Core remains a strong foundation for advanced users who prefer complete control and personalization. Drupal Starshot, on the other hand, is aimed at less experienced users and has the potential to increase Drupal’s user base significantly.

Moreover, new functions used in Starshot can engage the Drupal community. More users switching to Starshot can increase engagement and development of new functions and modules. The Starshot initiative aims to keep Drupal at the forefront of web technologies, achieving this through continuous innovation and updates.

From information at DrupalCon, we know what Drupal Starshot will initially look like.

You will see the change at the installation stage. You will have two options: Drupal Starshot and Drupal Core. The Drupal Associate decided to promote Drupal Starshot as the preferred version for most users.

Instead of building all functions from scratch, Starshot offers a selection of ready-made recipes. You choose the ones that best suit your needs and focus on other aspects of website creation.

Starshot uses the Gin theme, which features a simple and intuitive interface.

Here is what Drupal Starshot’s home page looks like:

Drupal Starshot introduces innovations that can change the way you use Drupal. Whether you are familiar with the CMS or not, Starshot will be perfect. Enriching Drupal with new features and simplifying the configuration creates a groundbreaking product. With the release of Drupal Starshot, we can expect to enter a new era of Drupal website development.