Hire remote Drupal developers that you can trust

Drupal is a powerful open-source content management system (CMS) used for building websites and web applications. Known for its flexibility and scalability, Drupal allows developers to create highly customized digital experiences. With a robust community and a wealth of contributed modules, Drupal is particularly favored for complex sites that require extensive functionality, such as e-commerce platforms, social networking sites, and large corporate websites.

Drupal is a highly versatile content management system (CMS) that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some of its primary use cases:

1. Corporate Websites: Many businesses use Drupal to create robust corporate websites that require strong content management capabilities, scalability, and security. Drupal’s modular architecture allows organizations to build complex features tailored to their specific needs.

2. E-commerce Platforms: With the help of modules like Drupal Commerce, businesses can build fully functional e-commerce sites. Drupal supports product catalogs, shopping carts, and payment gateways, making it a solid choice for online retailers.

3. Educational Institutions: Schools and universities often utilize Drupal for their websites due to its ability to manage large volumes of content. Educational institutions can create portals for students, faculty, and parents, offering a centralized place for resources and announcements.

4. Community Platforms: Drupal’s user management features and customizable workflows make it ideal for building community forums and social networking sites. Organizations can create membership sites where users can interact, share content, and participate in discussions.

5. Government and Nonprofit Websites: Many government agencies and nonprofits choose Drupal for its emphasis on security and compliance. Drupal enables them to provide transparent and accessible information to the public while ensuring the site’s integrity.

A variety of tools can enhance the efficiency of Drupal development. Here are some essential ones:

1. Composer: This dependency management tool is crucial for managing libraries and packages in Drupal projects. It simplifies the process of keeping Drupal and its modules up to date.

2. Drush: Drush is a command-line interface for Drupal that allows developers to perform administrative tasks quickly, such as clearing the cache, running updates, and installing modules.

3. Drupal Console: Similar to Drush, Drupal Console provides a command-line interface but focuses more on generating boilerplate code and scaffolding new modules and themes.

4. PHPStorm: This IDE is popular among Drupal developers for its robust support for PHP and excellent features such as code autocompletion, debugging, and version control integration.

5. Git: A version control system that is essential for collaborative development, allowing developers to track changes, manage code versions, and collaborate effectively.

6. Acquia Dev Desktop: This local development environment simplifies the process of setting up a Drupal installation on a local machine, allowing developers to work offline before deploying to a live server.

A Drupal developer is responsible for building, customizing, and maintaining websites using the Drupal platform. They work closely with designers and stakeholders to translate project requirements into functional websites. Key responsibilities include module development, theming, performance optimization, and ensuring the site meets security standards.

Drupal developers typically engage in the following tasks:

• Module Development: Creating custom modules to extend Drupal’s functionality.
• Theming: Designing and implementing themes to provide a unique look and feel to the site.
• Site Maintenance: Regularly updating the Drupal core and modules to ensure security and performance.
• Performance Optimization: Analyzing site performance and implementing improvements to enhance load times and user experience.
• Collaboration: Working with project managers, designers, and other developers to align development efforts with business goals.

When hiring Drupal developers, consider the following skills:

• Proficiency in PHP: As Drupal is built on PHP, a strong understanding of this programming language is essential.
• Experience with Drupal Core and Modules: Familiarity with Drupal’s architecture and commonly used modules is crucial for effective development.
• Frontend Skills: Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is important for theming and user interface development.
• Database Management: Understanding of SQL and database management systems to work with Drupal’s data structures.
• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with tools like Git for code management and collaboration.

Here are some critical hard skills assessment questions that can help evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in Drupal development:

1. Drupal Architecture

• Question: Can you explain the key components of Drupal architecture, including nodes, modules, and themes?
• Expected Response: Candidates should discuss how Drupal is structured, detailing how content types (nodes) store data, the role of modules in extending functionality, and how themes determine the site’s appearance.

2. Module Development

• Question: Describe your experience with developing custom Drupal modules. What are some key considerations you keep in mind while doing so?
• Expected Response: Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with the Drupal API and best practices for module development, including hooks, services, and ensuring compatibility with core updates.

3. Theming and Front-End Development

• Question: What tools and techniques do you use for theming in Drupal? Can you provide an example of a custom theme you have developed?
• Expected Response: Candidates should mention their experience with Twig, CSS preprocessors like Sass, and front-end frameworks. They should also discuss their approach to responsive design and accessibility.

4. Database Management

• Question: How do you interact with the database in Drupal? Can you explain the role of entities in data management?
• Expected Response: Candidates should explain how Drupal uses entities to represent various types of data and how they utilize the Database API for CRUD operations.

5. Performance Optimization

• Question: What strategies do you implement to optimize the performance of a Drupal site?
• Expected Response: Candidates should cover techniques such as caching strategies (using Drupal’s caching system), optimizing images, minimizing HTTP requests, and leveraging content delivery networks (CDNs).

6. Security Best Practices

• Question: How do you ensure the security of a Drupal website? Can you list some common vulnerabilities and how to address them?
• Expected Response: Candidates should discuss their understanding of security best practices in Drupal, including regular updates, using the Security Review module, and avoiding common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

7. Version Control

• Question: Describe your experience with version control systems like Git in the context of Drupal development. How do you manage branching and merging?
• Expected Response: Candidates should showcase their familiarity with Git workflows, such as feature branching, pull requests, and collaboration practices.

When hiring Drupal developers, it’s essential to consider their experience levels, as this can significantly impact the quality of the work and the complexity of the projects they can handle. Here are the typical experience levels you might encounter:

1. Junior Drupal Developers: These developers are usually new to the field, with limited experience (less than two years) working with Drupal. They are often eager to learn and may require guidance and mentoring from more experienced team members. While they can handle simple tasks and assist with larger projects, they may struggle with complex implementations.
2. Mid-Level Drupal Developers: With two to five years of experience, mid-level developers have a solid understanding of Drupal’s architecture and are capable of building and maintaining moderate to complex applications. They can manage projects independently, work with custom modules, and troubleshoot issues effectively.
3. Senior Drupal Developers: These experts typically have five or more years of experience. They possess deep knowledge of Drupal’s inner workings and can lead large projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to high-level architectural decisions. Senior developers are often skilled in optimizing performance, ensuring security, and integrating third-party services.

When writing a job description for a Drupal developer, clarity and specificity are crucial to attract the right candidates. Here’s a structure to follow:

1. Job Title: Use clear titles such as “Drupal Developer” or “Drupal Expert.”

2. Overview: Provide a brief introduction about your company and the team they will be joining. Highlight the significance of the role in your projects.

3. Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain Drupal-based applications and websites.
• Collaborate with designers and project managers to deliver projects on time.
• Customize modules and themes to meet project specifications.
• Perform site maintenance, including security updates and troubleshooting.

4. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Experience with Drupal 7/8/9 and related technologies.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
• Knowledge of web standards, accessibility, and best practices.

5. Experience Level: Specify the desired experience level (junior, mid-level, senior) based on your needs.

6. Application Instructions: Include how candidates should apply, whether by submitting a resume, portfolio, or project samples.

When it comes to hiring Drupal developers, the right choice depends on your specific project needs and budget constraints. Here are three common hiring options to consider:

• Freelancers: Ideal for short-term projects with clear objectives, freelancers can provide specialized skills without the long-term commitment of full-time hires. However, they may juggle multiple projects, potentially impacting their availability and focus on your project.
• In-house Developers: In-house Drupal experts are well-suited for organizations needing continuous support and development. They bring a deep understanding of the company’s goals and product evolution, ensuring a more integrated and responsive development process. While this option can be costlier due to salaries and benefits, their commitment and expertise can lead to higher quality outcomes.
• Outsourced Programmers: Hiring outsourced Drupal developers can offer significant cost savings while accessing a global talent pool. These developers can help alleviate the shortage of skilled resources and bring diverse experiences to your project. However, working with an external team may result in less control over the development process compared to in-house solutions.

Salaries for Drupal developers can vary based on factors such as location, experience level, and the specific requirements of the job. In the United States, the average salary for a Drupal developer ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, with senior developers and specialists earning higher. In Latin America, salaries tend to be lower, with averages around $30,000 to $60,000 annually, making it an attractive option for companies looking to outsource. Eastern Europe offers a similar range, with salaries typically between $40,000 and $70,000 for skilled developers, reflecting the region’s growing talent pool and demand for Drupal expertise.