CKEditor 5 for new text editing experience
Drupal 10 introduces a new text editing experience with the upgrade to CKEditor 5.
This version boasts a modern and refined look, with a simplified interface that prioritizes user experience.
CKEditor 5 does away with right-click menus, making it more touch-friendly than its predecessor.
However, it should be noted that the number of options for editing links and images may be more limited in comparison to version 4.
This specialization is geared towards content editors, rather than site builders, and is seen as a positive step forward in this area.
New admin theme Claro
Drupal 10 also introduces a new admin theme, Claro, which offers an improved user experience and a more modern appearance.
While the Olivero theme is primarily used as a placeholder in most projects, the Claro theme is where users will spend most of their time.
The previous admin theme, "Seven," had become outdated by 2022 and the new Claro theme is a significant upgrade.
Additionally, the team behind Claro also maintains a sub-theme called "Gin," which includes even more modern features that are not yet ready for Drupal core.
New workflow for theming Drupal 10
Drupal 10 brings significant improvements for front-end developers, particularly those new to the platform.
Customizing the CMS to match a design and branding is often the first step for developers, and in the past, this process has been known to be a painful experience.
However, with Drupal 10, the process has been made much easier.
Instead of sub-theming the Classy theme, developers can now copy the starter kit theme and customize it.
This eliminates the need to rely on an outdated base theme that is frozen in Drupal core.
Additionally, this change is also beneficial for themers as it allows them to keep all the files in one convenient place within their custom theme folder, rather than having to search for the files in the Classy theme and copying them over.
Better front-end performance with jQuery phased out
Drupal 10 phased out the use of jQuery, leading to more efficient use of native functions.
The core team is taking a phased approach to the removal of jQuery from Drupal 10.
They are focusing on removing plugins that are easy to remove before tackling more complex areas.
Progress includes the removing the "jQuery once" plugin and significantly reducing UI plugin usage in the core.
Challenges that lie ahead include replacing jQuery's event handling and AJAX features with plain Javascript.
Anonymous visitors will not load jQuery in Drupal 10, but it may take a few more years for its complete removal for editors and site builders.
