All you need to know to get started in Drupal

Starting to work in a new technology never is easy but it is worth it to try Drupal! 

In La Drupalera, we have professionals of all types: frontend, backend, designers, etc. and they all have different levels of experience.  This guide is based on the beginning of each one of us and includes useful advice if you want to open break into the Drupal universe.

How you can get started in Drupal

Do it official: Drupal.org

In drupal.org you will find all the information you need to start doing Drupal like a professional.  The first and most important thing is to create a profile on that website.  Why? Seniority is valued on these types of platforms, and additionally, if you want to contribute to the core and register you progress, it is essential that you have an account.  

When in Rome...Local Groups

Something that you can do to help surround yourself with Drupal fans is to attend the monthly meeting of your local group.  These meetings will help you stay up to date with the news, attend interesting talks, and give you the opportunity to exchanges views with professional designers.  

In the search bar of drupal.org, you can look for information about you city´s group and contact them.  You simply write your city and mark the box, ‘Groups.’

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Commits

In our team we have various experimental committers, and they all recommend beginning with something sensible like translation or documentation before leaping into something more complex.  

However, there are many ways to contribute to Drupal: you can revise the commits of other people, you can create tests, do translations, make or revise documentation, etc.  There are not excuses or limits to stop you from helping Drupal continue to grow.  

Backstage in Drupal: IRC

In IRC you can find various official channels that allow the discussion of relevant topics or in which you can remove your doubts and propose ideas.  

The principal channels where you can participate are:

#drupal-contribute: this is the right place to be if you want to contribute to the core.  The golden rule is: if you are on drupal.org and you want to work on the core, this is the place to be.  

#drupal: Here you can talk about everything related with Drupal that does not require privacy: new features, updates, quick questions, patches that you need, etc.

#drupal-es (Spanish): Everything related to Drupal, but in Spanish.  

#drupal-support: The destination for more extended discussions than those you will find on #drupal.  

Be social my friend: Who you should follow

On of the best parts about the digitalized world is that you can stay informed about everything related to Drupal through social media such as Twitter and follow drupalers who will share interesting information on your timeline.  Here you have our Twitter reference list that will get you on your feet.

Global Training Days

The Global Training Days are an official initiative of the Drupal Association whose objective is to bring Drupal closer to those that are just beginning.  It is organized in small events across the world in collaborations with associated businesses, local groups, and Drupal professionals that serve to train and orient the participants.  

Here are the next dates:

• September 9 - 10, 2016

• December 2 - 3, 2016

Drupal Ladder

This initiative consists of a series of resources and entertainment materials oriented at the users that learn everything about Drupal and how to contribute to the Community.  The ladders allow you to get to know Drupal from the uses of Drush to site-building through different levels and exercises that will put your skills to the test.  As you can see, there is nothing stopping you from becoming an expert drupaler.  

An informed drupaler is worth twice as much: Blogs, tutorials and essential resources

The La Drupalera team is always watching the key sources of information so that we don´t miss any important news.

• If you are going to program, follow the coding standards.

• You can learn a lot from the guides on the official documentation.

• The Forcontu manual for Drupal 7 is free, and it can help with the less know Drupal terms.  

• The tutorials can be a great help to you, even more so if they are video from.  In this YouTube channel you will find every type of resource to start from scratch.  

• If you have not been able to attend a DrupalCamp, you can see the old sessions in the AED Vimeo channel.  

• Remove your doubts in this expert forum.  

As you already know, you shouldn´t be afraid to start something new.  Drupal is a great community that keeps working every day to get better and is always available to help with whatever you need.  Don´t worry, be Drupal!