This section provides a deeper look at how Varbase 11.0.x is structured and how its recipe-based architecture works.
Varbase 11.0.x is built entirely on the Drupal Recipes system. Instead of using a traditional Drupal installation profile with bundled modules, Varbase uses composable recipes that can be applied to a Drupal site to configure features, install modules, set permissions, and establish default configurations.
Varbase's architecture consists of three layers of recipes, each building on the one below it:
The foundational layer provided by Drupal core itself. These recipes handle basic Drupal functionality such as standard content types, user roles, and core module configuration.
The second layer comes from the Drupal CMS 2.0 initiative. These recipes provide common website features that most sites need:
Admin UI enhancements
Anti-spam and CAPTCHA protection
Authentication and login management
Form building tools
Media management
Privacy and compliance
SEO configuration
Accessibility tooling
The top layer consists of Varbase-specific recipes that build on the Drupal CMS foundation to provide enterprise-grade features and configurations. These include enhanced media handling, editorial workflows, AI integration, ECA automation, and the Vartheme BS5 theme system.
The varbase_starter recipe is the main entry point for Varbase. When applied, it orchestrates the application of all necessary recipes in the correct dependency order, resulting in a fully configured Varbase site.
Learn the fundamental concepts behind Drupal Recipes, how they differ from traditional modules and profiles, and how Varbase uses them.
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