
Drupal’s strong configuration Synchronization system assists developers in easily importing and exporting setups between multiple Drupal website instances. The synchronizer will assist you in several ways, such as allowing you to manage and deploy configuration changes across different environments in a structured and efficient manner.
Now, if you are looking for best practices or strategies related to Drupal configuration synchronization then you are at the right place. Read through the article to learn more about the Drupal configuration synchronizer.
Drupal Configuration Synchronization
Drupal Setup The Drupal content management system has a feature called synchronization that makes it possible to efficiently and methodically manage and distribute configuration changes across several settings. The basic module of Configuration Manager helps manage all configuration-related tasks. Drupal configuration refers to the settings, content types, views, fields, and other components that define how your website will function and appear.
What is the configuration of Drupal?
It’s important to know what “configuration” actually means before getting into configuration synchronization. A Drupal site’s configuration includes elements like fields, views, content types, site settings, and other components that define its behavior and structure. The division of content and configuration enables more effective site element administration.
How To Configure A Management System in Drupal?
The core system for managing configuration changes in Drupal is the Configuration Management System. It makes it easier to export, import, and deploy configurations between several Drupal site instances. A smooth transfer of settings and structures between different contexts (such as from a development environment to a staging or production environment) is ensured by this methodical approach.
It is advised to have the configuration files outside of the root directory. The locations of the configuration files are mapped in the settings.php file.
$settings[‘config_sync_directory’] = ‘../config/sync’;
Configuration Workflow
Modifications are usually made on a development site, exported, and then imported into other environments as part of the configuration cycle. Maintaining a uniform setup across all contexts is the aim to guarantee a seamless and reliable user experience.
Configuration Export
Drush (Drupal Shell) or the Drupal admin interface can be used to export configuration changes. Version-controlled and human-readable YAML files contain the exported configuration.
Enter the following command in your root directory.
drush cex
The configuration files you have worked on are listed by the aforementioned command, and they will be exported as YML files.

source: specbee
Saying ‘yes’ to this command will generate all of the configurations as YAML files. After that, you’ll need to add those configurations and use Git or another version control tool to send them to the staging environment.
Configuration Import
It is possible to import configuration onto a different Drupal instance, like a production or staging site. This procedure guarantees configuration synchronization between several settings. You can use Drush or the admin interface to import configuration.
Drush cim:
We may import all of our configurations from the development environment into the staging or production environment with the use of the aforementioned command.

source:specbee
We will import all of those configurations into the appropriate environment as soon as we respond ‘yes’ to this command.

Source:specbee
Review and Deployment
Utilize the Configuration Management Interface to examine and apply configuration changes on a selective basis. You must take this step to maintain control over what is applied to each setting.
Drupal offers tools for managing and tracking configuration changes. You can selectively evaluate and apply configuration changes using the Configuration Management Interface.
This figure depicts the differences in arrangement between the various habitats. It is located here: /admin/config/development/configuration.
Configuration Synchronization Strategies
You can select several configuration synchronization mechanisms based on the requirements of your project. For instance, you may adopt a more dispersed strategy where each environment creates and synchronizes its changes, or you could use a single master environment to make configuration changes and sync them to other environments.
Master Environment in One Place
Create a single master environment where you can perform all configuration adjustments. Then, synchronize the changes with other environments to ensure consistency across all of them.
Dispersed Development
Permit each environment to modify its settings in a synchronized manner. This methodology affords greater independence to specialized teams focusing on particular project components.
Best Practices For Configuration Synchronization
It is imperative to adhere to recommended methods for configuration synchronization, including:
- Version Control: To monitor and handle configuration changes, use version control systems such as Git. This makes it easier for developers to work together and gives them a history of changes.
- Documentation: Record any changes to the settings. This documentation clarifies the objective of each modification, facilitating developer collaboration and troubleshooting.
- Frequent Testing: Testing helps detect possible problems early in the process and guarantees that modifications won’t interfere with the live site.
- Selective Synchronization: To prevent unexpected outcomes when deploying settings, choose selective synchronization. This makes it possible to apply adjustments in a more precise and controlled manner.
Conclusion
The Drupal Configuration Synchronizer is crucial for efficient configuration management in Drupal websites. By leveraging its features and benefits, businesses can ensure seamless synchronization of configuration changes across different environments, leading to smoother development workflows and enhanced website stability.
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