Handling Configuration Updates

Varbase utilizes Drupal's configuration management which made it extremely resilient to manage update paths for configuration changes in Varbase versions.

Change or Update Types

In Varbase, we categorize configuration changes and updates into 4 types:

Update Type	Description	Examples
Forced Update	We have a new module that became a dependency, a configuration "fix", or a database table alter. This is forced and will always be executed through hook_update.	Increasing the "Maximum length" of a field of type "Text" Enabling a low-risk module that will become a standard in Varbase
Forced Update if Unchanged	Mostly a configuration change. Using Update Helper module config, in the hook_update we check if this setting remained the same before we do the update, so we don’t override user’s setting. If the user has overridden it, it becomes an “Optional Update” - see below.	Changed a checkbox default value. Added a new CKEditor button to the a text format toolbar configuration.
Optional Update	A nice enhancement that we recommend users to use or an update that failed to apply - see "Forced Update if Unchanged" above. There’s no hook_update for this. Instead it is communicated through Update Helper module checklist integration in Drupal UI. The UI would give instructions to the users on how to apply this update (mostly using a Drush command that reads Update Helper config) or manually by liking to release notes or help articles.	Introduced an updated view with more exposed filters for admins to manage content.
No Update	Only new installs would get this change.	A new theme has been introduced.

Varbase Update Changelog UI

Varbase uses the Update Helper module (a module made by Thunder team) which provides a UI using the Checklist API. This is a good tool as it shows the site admin, developer, or maintainer what new updates are available from inside the site itself.

How to Access Varbase Updates Changelog UI

You can navigate to http://my.varbase-site.local/admin/config/development/update-helper (where my.varbase-site.local is the URL for your website) or go to Administration \ Reports \ Checklists \ Varbase Updates to learn about the new changes and updates introduced in your Varbase site.