Course Overview:
1. Introduction to Drupal
- What is Drupal?: Overview of Drupal, its features, benefits, and use cases.
- Installation and Setup: How to install Drupal on a web server, including setting up a database and configuring basic settings.
- Drupal Dashboard: Introduction to the Drupal administrative interface, including key features and navigation.
2. Understanding Drupal Basics
- Drupal Architecture: Explanation of Drupal’s structure, including nodes, content types, taxonomies, and views.
- Creating Content: How to create and manage content types, nodes, and fields.
- Managing Media: Uploading, organizing, and using media files (images, videos, documents) in Drupal.
3. Designing and Customizing Drupal Sites
- Themes: Understanding Drupal themes, how to install, configure, and customize them to match your site’s design.
- Custom Themes: Basics of creating and developing custom themes using Drupal’s theming system and Twig templating.
- Blocks and Layouts: Managing blocks and creating custom layouts to control the placement of content and widgets on your site.
4. Advanced Drupal Features
- Modules and Extensions: Installing and configuring modules to extend Drupal’s functionality (e.g., SEO, e-commerce, forums).
- Views: Using the Views module to create and display custom lists and reports of content.
- User Management: Setting up and managing user roles, permissions, and access controls.
5. Content Management and Workflow
- Content Types and Fields: Creating and managing different types of content with custom fields and display settings.
- Content Moderation: Setting up content workflows and moderation for managing content approval and publishing processes.
- Taxonomy: Organizing content with categories, tags, and vocabularies using Drupal’s taxonomy system.
6. SEO and Performance Optimization
- SEO Best Practices: Implementing SEO strategies, including meta tags, URL aliases, and sitemaps.
- Performance Optimization: Techniques for optimizing Drupal site performance, including caching, image optimization, and server settings.
- Security Best Practices: Ensuring site security with regular updates, user permissions, and protection against common vulnerabilities.
7. Integration with Other Tools and Services
- Third-Party Integration: Integrating Drupal with third-party services and tools, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and social media.
- Analytics and Tracking: Setting up and using analytics tools to track site performance, user behavior, and engagement.
8. Site Maintenance and Management
- Regular Updates: Keeping Drupal core, modules, and themes up-to-date to ensure compatibility and security.
- Backup and Restore: Best practices for backing up your Drupal site and restoring it in case of issues.
- Troubleshooting: Common issues and troubleshooting techniques for maintaining a smooth-running Drupal site.
9. Real-World Projects and Case Studies
- Hands-On Projects: Building and customizing real-world Drupal sites, such as business websites, community portals, or e-commerce platforms.
- Case Studies: Analyzing successful Drupal websites to understand effective design, functionality, and management strategies.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Web Developers: Developers looking to enhance their skills in building and managing Drupal-based websites.
- Content Managers: Individuals responsible for managing and maintaining website content in Drupal.
- Site Administrators: Administrators who need to configure and manage a Drupal site’s functionality and user access.
- Freelancers and Agencies: Professionals offering website development services who want to use Drupal as part of their toolkit.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you should be able to confidently use Drupal to build, customize, and manage complex websites. You’ll understand Drupal’s core features, how to leverage themes and modules, and best practices for site maintenance, performance, and security.