Updating PrestaShop is a crucial step in ensuring the security, stability, and access to new features of your e-commerce store. However, many users hesitate to update due to fears of losing their custom modifications and personalizations. This article will guide you through the update process while keeping all your custom modifications intact.
Backup First
Before starting any update, it is essential to create a full backup of your e-shop and database. This step ensures that in case of any issues, you can quickly restore your site to its original state.
Use a Child Theme
One of the best ways to protect your modifications during an update is by using a child theme. All your style modifications, template changes, and function customizations should be made within this child theme. This way, when updating the parent theme or PrestaShop itself, your modifications will not be overwritten.
Modules and Customizations
When working with modules and custom modifications, make sure all changes are compatible with the new version of PrestaShop. Before updating, it is recommended to check for updates for all used modules and update them if necessary.
Manual Changes
If you have made any manual changes directly in the code, it is important to document all these changes. After updating PrestaShop, you will need to manually reapply these modifications. To manage these changes more easily, it is advisable to use a version control system, such as Git.
Testing on a Staging Environment
Before applying the update to your live e-shop, it is highly recommended to perform the update on a testing (staging) environment. This allows you to identify and resolve any issues or conflicts without risking your production environment.
Update Process
For the actual update, you can either use the automatic update tool available directly in PrestaShop or perform the update manually. If opting for a manual update, carefully follow the instructions provided by PrestaShop to ensure a successful update.
Updating PrestaShop does not have to be stressful if planned and executed properly with preservation of custom modifications in mind. The key is thorough preparation, including backup, using a child theme, and testing in a staging environment. With these steps, you can keep your e-shop secure, stable, and up-to-date without having to sacrifice your unique modifications and customizations
