So many web developers are excited about next version of Drupal, in this case Drupal 8. Drupal 7 had long live as long term support version. My opinion was a step back from Drupal 6 - very similar to one of the most powerful programing language (Python), a lot of modules were not compatible with previous version or were discontinued. Recently we've written Drupal 7 review and listed some of the downsides, but let's see what v8 is going to offer.
Now before we start looking at whats new, probably we should take a look on migration options. I've read some positive improvements in this direction. Many trusted blogs claimed that upgrading to Drupal 8 from 7 would be an easy process, though I have to admit that I haven't test this personally.
I will keep this preview short as v8 already started making titles in the news and there are a lot of resources, including list of features and improvements on official website:
https://drupal.org/drupal-8.0 .
Drupal 8 Features and Improvements
Authoring
A long awaited WYSYWYG is here. Drupal 8 comes with inbuilt CKEditor WYSIWYG editor. In-place editing of content without having to use the full edit form, as well as draft saving made easier.
Mobile First
All responsive – even the admin area. Mobile first is a major step into new era of web development.
Configuration Management
Offering detailed “log” on every change done in admin back-end. Completely configurable management kept in database.
Multi-lingual capabilities
Major improvement on multi-lingual management and capabilities that are inbuilt in Drupal 8 core.
Build-in Web Services
Seamless way to build mobile apps with Drupal as the data source, or even post back to Drupal from the client. Drupal 8 implements state-of-the-art “Hypertext Application Language”(HAL).
HTML5
Drupal now has proper native input tools on mobile for fields like date, e-mail, and phone.
For the full list of improvements please visit: https://drupal.org/drupal-8.0.
Spark Drupal 8
Spark is a Drupal distribution which aims to work out solutions to authoring experience problems based on latest Drupal 8 core improvements. Quite suitable for blogging platform with “super-extended” flexibility and content construction features.
Drupal 8 Release Date
I wish I can tell you when Drupal 8 will be released. Unfortunately “Coming Soon” page is in place since September 2013!!!
Being realistic, all these features and improvements that Drupal 8 is going to offer when released are already included in WordPress and Joomla, in stable releases that are available to use in the 6 months.
Drupal certainly keep the old problem with clear development cycle and this without a doubt will disappoint many web developers.
