How to use the command 'drupal' (with examples)

The drupal command is a powerful tool that allows developers to generate boilerplate code, interact with, and debug Drupal projects. It provides various subcommands that enable developers to perform specific tasks related to Drupal. In this article, we will explore some of the common use cases of the drupal command.

Use case 1: Install a module

Code:

drupal module:install module_name

Motivation: Installing a module is an essential task when working with Drupal. Modules extend the functionality of a Drupal site, and using the drupal module:install command allows developers to easily add new modules to their projects.

Explanation: The module:install subcommand is used to install a module in a Drupal project. The module_name argument represents the machine name of the module being installed.

Example output:

The following module(s) will be installed:
 - example_module
Would you like to continue? (yes/no) [yes]:

Use case 2: Uninstall a module

Code:

drupal module:uninstall module_name

Motivation: Sometimes, it is necessary to remove a module from a Drupal project. The drupal module:uninstall command simplifies the process of uninstalling modules by handling the necessary cleanup tasks.

Explanation: The module:uninstall subcommand is used to uninstall a module from a Drupal project. The module_name argument represents the machine name of the module being uninstalled.

Example output:

Uninstalling module example_module.
Do you really want to continue? (yes/no) [yes]:

Use case 3: Clear all caches

Code:

drupal cache:rebuild

Motivation: Clearing the caches of a Drupal site is often necessary after making changes to the site’s configuration or other components. The drupal cache:rebuild command provides a convenient way to clear all caches in a single command.

Explanation: The cache:rebuild subcommand is used to clear all caches in a Drupal project. It rebuilds various caches, such as the render cache, plugin cache, and routing cache.

Example output:

Rebuilding cache(s), wait a moment please.
Cache rebuild complete.

Use case 4: View current Drupal installation status

Code:

drupal site:status

Motivation: Checking the status of a Drupal installation can be helpful when troubleshooting issues or verifying the health of a site. The drupal site:status command provides an overview of the current Drupal installation.

Explanation: The site:status subcommand is used to view the status of a Drupal installation. It displays information about the Drupal version, site name, database connection, available update status, enabled modules, and more.

Example output:

Drupal version 8.9.15
Site path: /var/www/html

Conclusion:

The drupal command provides developers with a wide range of capabilities for working with Drupal projects. By understanding and utilizing its various subcommands, developers can efficiently manage modules, clear caches, and check the status of their Drupal installations. This article has provided examples of several common use cases of the drupal command, showcasing its flexibility and usefulness in Drupal development.