A great Drupal developer should have:

• Drupal CMS expertise: Deep knowledge of Drupal, including core, themes, and custom modules.
• PHP and MySQL: Strong experience in PHP for back-end development and MySQL for database management.
• Front-end skills: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and libraries like jQuery.
• API integration: Familiarity with integrating third-party APIs and web services.
• Version control (Git): Experience with Git for collaborative and trackable development.
• Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot issues and suggest practical solutions.

A Drupal site builder typically configures a site using existing themes, modules, and tools without custom code, perfect for simpler projects. A Drupal developer, on the other hand, can create custom modules, develop themes, and provide unique functionality through coding, suitable for more complex requirements.

Consider their:

• Portfolio and previous projects: Ask for specific examples of past work in Drupal.
• Certifications: Look for Drupal certifications or other PHP credentials.
• Years of experience: More years generally equate to deeper understanding and more refined skills.
• Technical interview: Include questions or challenges related to Drupal development.
• References: Reach out to previous employers or clients for testimonials.

Drupal is ideal if:

• You need a highly customizable site with complex functionalities.
• Security is a top priority (Drupal is known for its strong security framework).
• Your site will handle heavy traffic or large amounts of data.
• You want flexibility to expand functionalities over time.

If you’re looking for a basic blog or a smaller, static site, WordPress or other CMS options might be more cost-effective.

The cost to hire a Drupal developer varies significantly by region:

• United States: Rates range from $80 to $200 per hour, depending on expertise.
• Latin America: Developers typically charge between $40 and $90 per hour, offering cost-effective options with high-quality work.
• Philippines: Rates are generally $20 to $50 per hour, offering a blend of affordability and quality, especially for long-term projects.

The cost structure can be per hour, project-based, or as part of a dedicated team.

Consider:

• Full-time: Best if you have ongoing work and expect regular updates and maintenance.
• Part-time: Ideal if you need consistent but not constant work on your site.
• Freelancer: Great for one-time projects or periodic site upgrades. However, they may not be available for urgent needs or ongoing support.

Drupal is one of the most secure CMS platforms available, used by government sites and large corporations. Security features include:

• Granular permissions: Allowing custom roles and access levels.
• Regular security updates: The Drupal community releases frequent updates to address vulnerabilities.
• Third-party security: Extensive review processes for third-party modules.
• Built-in defence mechanisms: Protection against common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Key differences:

• Drupal 7: Older, less flexible in terms of modern features, and soon to lose official support.
• Drupal 8: A major upgrade with a modernized codebase, built on Symfony, offering improved performance.
• Drupal 9: Built on Drupal 8, focused on performance, security, and an upgrade path for the future.

New projects should use Drupal 9 for its stability and future-proofing.

Ongoing support is critical to keep your site secure and functional:

• Monthly updates: Regular updates for Drupal core and modules.
• Performance monitoring: Regular checks to ensure fast load times and responsiveness.
• Bug fixes: Address issues promptly to prevent downtime.
• Backup and security checks: Regular backups and security audits.

A good Drupal developer can set up automated processes for many of these tasks.

Typescouts offers a unique advantage for hiring quality Drupal developers:

• Speed: We streamline the hiring process to match you with vetted candidates quickly.
• Quality: Each developer goes through rigorous screening to ensure high standards in Drupal expertise.
• 90-Day Happy Hire Guarantee: We stand behind our placements with a 90-day guarantee, allowing you to onboard with confidence.

By partnering with Typescouts, you gain access to top Drupal talent at competitive rates with the assurance of a high-quality match.