Upgrading Magento 2.3.x to Magento 2.4.x: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Magento 2.3.x

Magento 2.3.x is a version of the open-source Magento eCommerce platform. It offers a robust set of features for building and managing online stores, including advanced inventory management, enhanced performance, improved security, and a wider range of customization options, allowing merchants to create highly tailored shopping experiences for their customers. It is considered a significant update within the Magento 2 series, introducing functionalities like GraphQL support, improved Page Builder, and better integration with third-party services.

Key limitations of Magento 2.3.x include:

While Magento 2.3.x offers new features, there are hidden challenges developers should be aware of:

• Increased Complexity: More composer packages mean more potential compatibility issues with existing extensions.
• Choice Overload: New features are optional modules, requiring careful selection to avoid introducing bugs. PWA is not a must-have.
• Difficult Rollbacks: Upgrading to 2.3 is a one-way street due to changes in the setup process. Extensive testing is crucial.
• Search Engine Switch: ElasticSearch replaces MySQL for search, requiring developers to adapt to a new system.
• Product Saving Changes: The catalog_product_super_link table’s handling is different, demanding extra attention.
• Zend Framework Updates: Several Zend Framework dependencies have changed, potentially causing conflicts with custom code and extensions.

If you’re running Magento 2.3.x and want to take advantage of the latest features, improved security, and performance optimizations, it’s time to upgrade Magento. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process to ensure a smooth Magento version upgrade while addressing common Magento 2.3.x issues.

Why Upgrade Magento?

Upgrading to the latest Magento version (2.4.x) provides critical improvements across multiple areas:

Security Enhancements

• Regular security patches and vulnerability fixes
• Enhanced password hashing mechanisms
• Improved CAPTCHA and anti-spam features
• Advanced SQL injection protection
• Enhanced XSS prevention mechanisms
• Improved session handling and management

Performance Optimization

• Advanced caching implementation
• Improved database query optimization
• Enhanced indexing performance
• Better handling of concurrent users
• Optimized checkout process flow
• Reduced server load through improved resource management

API and Integration Improvements

• Enhanced REST API response times
• Advanced GraphQL implementation with improved schema
• Better third-party integration capabilities
• Improved API authentication methods
• Enhanced web API security features
• Better handling of API rate limiting

Scalability Enhancements

• Improved handling of large-scale data:
  • Better management of 100,000+ SKUs
  • Enhanced processing of high-volume orders
  • Optimized customer data handling
  • Improved catalog management at scale
• Advanced database optimization for large datasets
• Better handling of peak traffic periods

Search and Catalog Improvements

• Enhanced Elasticsearch integration
• Advanced search result relevance
• Improved faceted search capabilities
• Better handling of complex product attributes
• Enhanced category management
• Improved product indexing performance

Modern Technology Stack

• Compatibility with PHP 8.1/8.2
• Updated dependency versions
• Modern JavaScript framework support
• Enhanced PWA capabilities
• Improved mobile responsiveness
• Better development tools and debugging capabilities

If you’re considering a Magento 2 upgrade, this guide simplifies the process while addressing questions like how to upgrade Magento or how to check the Magento version.

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

1. Verify Magento 2.4.x Requirements

Ensure your server meets the following requirements:

• PHP: Version 8.1 or 8.2
• Elasticsearch: Version 8.x
• MySQL: Version 8.0

2. Backup Before Upgrading Magento

A reliable backup is critical. Here’s how:

• Use the command:

bin/magento setup:backup --code -–db

• Alternatively, manually back up your database using:

mysqldump -u [username] -p[password] [database_name] > backup.sql

3. Check the Current Magento Version

• Run:

php bin/magento --version

This step ensures you’re upgrading to the current Magento version correctly.

4. Prepare a Staging Environment

Before updating your live store, test the Magento update in a staging environment. This minimizes downtime and avoids unexpected issues during the Magento version upgrade and Magento migration.

Step-by-Step Process to Upgrade Magento 2

Step 1: Enable Maintenance Mode

Prevent access during the upgrade by enabling maintenance mode:

php bin/magento maintenance:enable

Step 2: Update Composer Dependencies

There are two recommended methods to update your Composer dependencies:

Method 1: Command Line (Recommended)

This is the preferred method for updating Magento:

composer require magento/product-community-edition=2.4.x --no-update
composer update

Method 2: Manual composer.json Modification

If you prefer manual modification, you can edit your composer.json file:

{
"require": {
"magento/product-community-edition": "2.4.x"
}
}

After modifying the file, run:

composer update

Note: The command line method (Method 1) is recommended as it reduces the chance of syntax errors and ensures proper version constraints.

Step 3: Verify PHP and Server Compatibility

Check your PHP version to ensure compliance with Magento 2.4.x requirements: php -v 

The output should display PHP 8.1 or 8.2.

Step 4: Run Upgrade Commands

Once the composer update is successful, execute the following commands to complete the upgrade:

1. Update the database schema

php bin/magento setup:upgrade

2. Recompile code

php bin/magento setup:di:compile

3. Deploy static content

php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f

Step 5: Clear Cache

Make sure all changes are reflected by clearing the cache:

php bin/magento cache:clean
php bin/magento cache:flush

Step 6: Test Magento 2 Upgrade

After upgrading, thoroughly test:

• Frontend and backend functionality.
• Custom features, such as the Magento 2.3 page builder.
• Logs for errors in var/log or var/report.

Step 7: Disable Maintenance Mode

Once testing is complete:

php bin/magento maintenance:disable

Post-Upgrade Tasks

Always test your site thoroughly after upgrading, focusing on checkout, search, and any custom functionality.

• Verify Magento Version: Run php bin/magento --version to confirm the upgrade.
• Performance Tuning: Magento 2.4.x introduces performance improvements. Utilize caching mechanisms like Redis and optimize the Elasticsearch setup for better results.

You can also verify the version and upgraded features by logging into the Magento 2 Admin side.

Conclusion

A Magento upgrade is essential to keep your online Magento store secure, functional, and competitive. By following this guide, you can easily update Magento to the latest version. If you find the process difficult or are running short on time, you can get the help of Magento 2 Upgrade Service or Magento upgrade experts.

FAQs