Migration: Joomla 3.x - prospects of success, problems, opportunities

As of: January 31, 2024

There are some important considerations to take into account when migrating from a Joomla 3.10 website to a newer version. Here is a rating based on the criteria provided:

Is it worth it?

• Yes : Joomla 3.10 serves as a long-term support release (LTS) for the 3.x series and provides a stable transition to Joomla 4.x. Migrating to Joomla 4.4 or 5.0 can provide significant security, functionality and user experience benefits, especially as Joomla 4 introduces a modern, more user-friendly management interface and improved SEO features.

complexity

• Regarding 4.4 : Migrating from Joomla 3.10 to 4.4 is a well-documented process supported by the Joomla community. Although there are some significant changes, particularly in terms of the backend and new technologies, the migration process is doable for most websites. Extensions and templates must be checked for compatibility and updated if necessary.
• Regarding 5.0 : The complexity of migrating to Joomla 5.0 depends heavily on the specific changes that this version brings. Because Joomla 5.0 builds on the changes and improvements of Joomla 4, it can be expected that sites that have already migrated to Joomla 4 will have an easier transition to Joomla 5.0.

Chances of success

• Regarding 4.4 : Good, provided the website uses current extensions and templates that are compatible with Joomla 4 or can be easily updated. Thorough planning and testing is essential.
• To 5.0 : Variable, depending on the specific requirements and changes in Joomla 5.0 as well as the availability of resources and documentation at the time of migration.

It's better to do it completely new

• A complete rebuild is primarily recommended for websites that are severely outdated, no longer conform to current web standards, or require extensive customization beyond a simple migration. For well-maintained and up-to-date Joomla 3.10 websites, migrating to Joomla 4.4 or 5.0 is usually the recommended route.

Security risks

• Migration : Migrating to a newer Joomla version improves security by implementing newer security standards and features. Joomla 4.4 offers improved security mechanisms and regular security updates.
• Rebuild : A rebuild provides the opportunity to work from the ground up with the best security practices and secure the website against current and future threats.

Problems that cannot be solved with a migration

• Design and user experience : A migration does not automatically update the design or user experience of the website. These aspects need to be addressed separately to ensure that the website meets modern requirements.
• Deprecated extensions : Some extensions developed for Joomla 3.10 may not be compatible with Joomla 4.4 or 5.0. This can lead to loss of functionality if no suitable alternatives are available.
• 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 3.10 to a newer version like 4.4 or 5.0 makes sense for most websites to benefit from improved features, security updates, and a better user experience. Joomla 4.4 offers a relatively easy migration path and provides a solid foundation for future updates, including a transition to Joomla 5.0. A rebuild should be considered if the website requires extensive customization or no longer conforms to current web standards.