Drupal 6 for developers

New and improved tools for the Drupal developer

intro

Performance, performance, performance

Conditionally load .include files and split up many core modules, loading less code per page.

A JavaScript aggregator plus compressor and block-level caching were added, improving performance for both authenticated and anonymous users significantly.

Drupal now works correctly when running behind a reverse proxy like Squid or Pound.

Schema API
A new Schema API provides built-in support for core and contributed modules to work with databases other than MySQL.
Batch API
Refactored update.php to a generic batch API to be able to run time-consuming operations in multiple subsequent HTTP requests.
Scripting from the commandline
Added scripts/drupal.sh to execute Drupal code from the command line.
Better file handling
Files are now keyed to a user instead of a node. New reusable validation functions to check file sizes, extensions and resolution. Create and remove temporary files with cron.
Extended logging
New hook_watchdog function can be used by any module to route log messages to various places. Watchdog is now an optional module called dblog and enabled by default. There are now 8 security levels as defined in RFC 3164.

Drupal 6 for website administrators

Administer your sites with ease

And keep your users happy. A great effort has been made to incorporate usability improvements for both users and administrators.

More precise permissions
User and role permissions have been further refined. Manage your user's privileges with ease and precision.
Teaser splitter
How to cut a long story short. You decide if the teaser is seperate, or part of the full version.
Sticky table headers
These scroll along with you up and down the page. Check.
Better polls
Quickly add and manage poll options
Forum improvements
Any node type may now be posted in a forum.
Better passwords
Dynamically check password strength. With suggestions on how to make your password more secure
Pretty signatures
Signature support is now optional and can be themed.
Email notifications
Send administrators email when users are approved, blocked, or deleted.
Easier alias management
Quickly find the aliases you are looking for with powerful filters.
Custom date formats
Precise control over how dates are presented.

Drupal 6 for IT-managers

The platform for your online business

Drupal is the platform of choice for today's companies of any size. Drupal is free, easy, and incredibly flexible.

The freedom advantage
Drupal is free to use without any license fees. Allow your business to grow without painful restrictions.
True community
The Drupal community has a vibrant marketplace of ideas. Have a two way conversation with the community to share, refine, and implement your ideas. Try that with commercial software…
One platform, many sites
Drupal supports multiple sites so you can keep adding new sites easily and only have to maintain one installation.
Advanced permissions and access
Drupal has fine grained acces control. Define privileges for business roles from anonymous users to chairwoman of the board of directors. Drupal works the way your business works.
24/7 global workforce
There's a strong and global community of developers you can rely on to replace your internal development and reduce the risk and cost of keeping your websites up.
Modular and extensible
Strong community features and flexible and extensible module system means it's likely that the building blocks for your new business idea are already available or can be developed inexpensively.