Upgrading Magento 2.1.x to Magento 2.4.x involves several steps, including using Composer and running command-line scripts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to upgrading Magento 2.1.x to Magento 2.4.x using code and commands:
Before You Begin:
- Backup: Create a complete backup of your current Magento 2.1.x store, including the database and files. This is crucial to prevent data loss in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.
- Review Compatibility: Make sure your current extensions and themes are compatible with Magento 2.4.x. You may need to update or replace some of them to ensure compatibility.
- System Requirements: Verify that your server meets the system requirements for Magento 2.4.x, including PHP version, MySQL version, and other dependencies.
Upgrade Steps:
- Set Up a Test Environment:
- Create a test environment that mirrors your production environment. This will allow you to perform the upgrade without affecting your live store.
- Upgrade Magento with Composer:
- Open a terminal and navigate to your Magento 2.1.x root directory.
- Update the
composer.json
file to require Magento 2.4.x. Edit the file like this:"require": { "magento/product-community-edition": "2.4.*" }
- Run the following Composer commands:
bash composer require magento/product-community-edition=2.4.* --no-update composer update
- Clear Cache:
- After Composer updates, clear the Magento cache:
bash php bin/magento cache:clean
- Upgrade Database Schema:
- Run the following commands to upgrade the database schema:
bash php bin/magento setup:upgrade
- Compile Code:
- Compile Magento’s code:
bash php bin/magento setup:di:compile
- Deploy Static Content:
- Deploy the static content:
bash php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
- Reindex Data:
- Reindex all data:
bash php bin/magento indexer:reindex
- Optimize Performance:
- Optimize the performance of your Magento 2.4.x store by configuring caching, enabling production mode, and setting up a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
- Security Enhancements:
- Implement recommended security enhancements for Magento 2.4.x, including security patches and settings to protect your store.
- Test the Upgrade:
- Thoroughly test your test environment to ensure that everything is working correctly. Test all functionalities, including product catalog, checkout process, and any custom features.
- Backup Again:
- Take another backup of your test environment after completing all the steps to ensure you have a clean and working version to use in case anything goes wrong during the final migration.
- Go Live:
- Once you are confident that your test environment is working correctly and all data has been successfully migrated, plan a scheduled downtime for your live store, repeat the process on your production server, and switch to the upgraded version.
- Monitor and Debug:
- After the upgrade, closely monitor your live store for any issues and debug any problems that may arise.
Remember that upgrading a Magento store is a complex process, and it’s crucial to follow best practices, test thoroughly, and have a rollback plan in case something goes wrong. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from experienced Magento developers or consulting Magento experts if you’re not comfortable with the process.