Modules to work with databases in Drupal
Working with databases can be challenging and cumbersome.
Luckily, there are useful Drupal modules that make complicated tasks easy (or even possible at all). Of course, the best way to get the results you want is to rely on Drupal development and DevOps services by Drudesk. In the meantime, we are sharing great modules for working with databases in Drupal with you.
Some challenges with databases in Drupal
When you are working with databases, you may need to:
- store your data in a database that Drupal does not support by default (i.e. other than MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite)
- connect to multiple external databases
- quickly back up, restore, or migrate your database between the environments
- set up the database search
and much more.
Modules for working with databases in Drupal
MongoDB
The MongoDB module allows you to store your Drupal data not in the “classic” SQL database but in MongoDB — a popular, document-based distributed database.
The module offers website administrators a user-friendly interface with database logs. It provides fast database logging and easily handles external logging mechanisms (for example, Elastic Stack).
MongoDB takes the load off your SQL database server and does not require complicated settings or coding from site admins. However, it is also a joy for developers to work with thanks to a Drupal-standard API, handy Drush and Drupal Console commands, PSR-3 implementation, detailed documentation, and much more.
Drupal driver for SQL Server and SQL Azure
Here is a Drupal driver for working with the database engines of Microsoft SQL Server — a famous relational database management system. The module supports:
- SQL Server of version 2008 and newer
- Azure SQL of version 12 and newer
The Drupal driver module is modern in everything — including the fact that it only supports PHP7 or later versions, with older ones to be used at your own risk. The MSSQL PDO extension is compatible with Windows and Linux.
The module’s Drupal 8 version is fresh and new, with the latest update in September. The 8.2’s branch of the SQL Server driver is tested by means of the AppVeyor service.
Oracle Driver
Another popular relational database management system, Oracle, can become the primary backend of your Drupal website thanks to the Oracle Driver Drupal module.
The module allows you to create Drupal nodes from Oracle tables, store your website’s files in Oracle, and more.
It should be noted that the module is minimally maintained and its Drupal 8 version is a release candidate. However, it can be a nice example of a module connecting Drupal to a particular third-party database system.
Search API Database Search
The drupal.org website itself uses the Search API Database Search module, which is the best “promo” possible. However, please note that the module is only ready for Drupal 7.
The module provides a backend for the Search API module known as a great foundation for creating the search setup on Drupal websites. Search API Database Search uses a classic database for data indexing.
This is a simple and cheap option for websites that are not so large and/or do not need a super-powerful search backend — for example, the Solr engine.
Views Database Connector
It can be incredibly useful to be able to pull data from external databases and display it to your users as a Drupal view. It is possible with the Views Database Connector module.
Drupal Views get full access to the external database tables that are found in your Drupal installation’s settings. To provide effective data pulling, the module needs an information_schema table for MySQL or PostgreSQL and sqlite_master for SQLite.
Thanks to this module, you get a new view type on the “Show” menu to select. All items generated by the module have a [VDC] prefix.
Backup and Migrate
Everyone knows about the importance of regular backups. Restoring your Drupal database from a backup can become a rescue in critical situations.
Luckily, there is the Backup and Migrate module that backups and restores databases, files, and code. The module downloads your database as a file or saves it on the server. It supports various compression types (zip, gzip, and bzip).
It can back up all the database tables or the ones you select. Automatic scheduled backups are also supported.
Let us help you manage your databases in Drupal
The modules described above — and others — can be helpful for working with databases in Drupal. However, this area requires a technical background from the person who performs the tasks.
Contact our Drupal development and support team for any help in managing your databases in Drupal. If this requires add-on modules, we will select and configure them for you, or create custom modules that will match your requirements more exactly.
We want to make sure your databases in Drupal are perfect and serve you well