Varbase utilizes Drupal 8's configuration management which made it extremely resilient to manage update paths for configuration changes in Varbase versions.
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. In the hook_update we check if this setting remained the same before we do it so we don't override user's setting. | Changed a checkbox default value. |
Optional Update | A nice enhancement that we recommend you to use. We usually communicate this in Release notes. There's no hook_update for this. | 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 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.
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.