Upgrading Joomla from version 3.x to 5.x requires a careful process to ensure smoothness and stability of the website. Here is an overview of the steps involved:
Back up Your Data: Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your website data, including files and the database. This ensures you can restore your website if any issues arise during the upgrade process.
Check System Requirements: Determine if your website meets the new system requirements of Joomla 5.x. Ensure your server meets the requirements for PHP, MySQL, and other Joomla 5.x requirements.
Check Extension Compatibility: Verify if the extensions you use are compatible with Joomla 5.x. If not, you may need to search for updated versions or suitable alternatives.
Upgrade Safely from Joomla 3.x to Joomla 5.x: With experience in upgrading hundreds of Joomla websites from version 3.x, I recommend upgrading step by step from Joomla 3.x to Joomla 4.x, then from Joomla 4.x to Joomla 5.x. This approach minimizes the risk of errors and ensures the stability of the website after the upgrade.
Upgrading from Joomla 3.x to Joomla 4.x also needs to be done carefully and may involve changes to the structure and functionality of the website. Perform this upgrade on a copy of the website to avoid impacting the live site.
After upgrading to Joomla 4.x, thoroughly test your website before proceeding to upgrade to Joomla 5.x. This ensures that any issues and errors are addressed before moving to the latest version of Joomla.
