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Migration: Joomla 1.6 - prospects of success, problems, opportunities

As of: January 31, 2024

Migrating a website from Joomla 1.6 to a newer version has its own peculiarities. Here is a rating based on the criteria provided:

Is it worth it?

  • Short term : Since Joomla 1.6 and 1.7 were relatively short in their lifespan and were quickly replaced by Joomla 2.5, migrating to 1.7 could provide little benefit. Migrating directly to 2.5 or higher would be more beneficial.
  • Long-term : Migrating to Joomla 3.10, 4.4 or 5.0 can provide significant benefits, including improved security, features and a modernized user interface.

complexity

  • Regarding 1.7 : The migration from 1.6 to 1.7 is relatively easy and straightforward, as both versions were released in quick succession and are structurally very similar.
  • Regarding 2.5 : Migrating to Joomla 2.5 is more complex, but still quite doable, since Joomla 2.5 was considered a stable long-term release (LTS) for a long time and there are many resources available for migration.
  • Regarding 3.10, 4.4, 5.0 : The migration to these versions is significantly more complex, as significant changes were introduced with each new major version. Migration requires careful planning, especially when transitioning to Joomla 4.x and 5.0, which involve major changes to the core system and extensions.

Chances of success

  • Regarding 1.7 : High, but with limited added value.
  • Regarding 2.5 : Good, with lots of resources available and relatively large community support.
  • Regarding 3.10 : Good, but requires more effort to adapt extensions and templates.
  • Regarding 4.4, 5.0 : Variable, depending on the availability of compatible extensions and the ability to make customizations. However, offers the greatest long-term benefits.

It's better to do it completely new

  • For websites that have heavily customized features, outdated extensions, or an outdated design, a complete rebuild might be more effective. This enables the use of modern web technologies and designs and offers the opportunity to optimize the structure and content of the website.

Security risks

  • Migration : Migrating to a newer version can close existing security gaps. Joomla 3.10, 4.4 and 5.0 offer improved security features and regular updates.
  • Rebuild : A rebuild provides the opportunity to implement the best security practices from the start and protect the website against current threats.

Problems that cannot be solved with a migration

  • Design and user experience : A migration does not automatically update the design of the website. An outdated design can impact the user experience even after a successful migration.
  • Deprecated extensions : Some extensions used under Joomla 1.6 may not be compatible with newer Joomla versions, which may result in loss of functionality.
  • Technical Debt : Existing issues or bad practices in the codebase cannot be addressed by migration alone and may require refactoring or redevelopment.

Conclusion

Migrating from Joomla 1.6 to a newer version can make sense, especially if the website is actively used and has a solid foundation. Joomla 3.10 offers a good compromise between modern features and migration effort. However, for websites that need a major overhaul or want to benefit from the latest web technologies, a rebuild might be a better option, especially when transitioning to Joomla 4.x or 5.0.

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