2024 Year in Review: Website Projects and 2025 Goals

Last January, I outlined my website endeavors for 2024 and set some ambitious goals. Since that post resonated with readers, I'm sharing an update—though I'm not sure if this constitutes an annual tradition just yet!

My 2024 objectives included:

1. Develop a custom Drupal theme for Symfony Station. (Delayed due to the Drupal Starshot launch, discussed below.)
2. Create a custom Drupal module. (Also postponed for the same reason.)
3. Explore alternative Symfony-based CMS platforms.

Regarding point 3, I successfully migrated my Mobile Atom Code site to Grav CMS. This, coupled with my expanding Drupal experience on Symfony Station, significantly advanced my Symfony expertise, particularly my Twig skills. Goal achieved!

I also transitioned my Mobile Atom Media site from a Drupal distribution to a Gutenberg-based Drupal site. This was indirectly related to goal #1.

Here's a summary of my 2024 accomplishments:

2024 Accomplishments

My biggest achievement was transitioning from 50% to 85% retirement. The flexibility is fantastic!

My technical goals from last year were delayed by the introduction of Drupal Starshot/CMS. However, I'm enthusiastic about the project's direction and potential. In fact, it launched today! I'm happy to wait for its stabilization before tackling goals 1 and 2. So, minimal Drupal progress in 2024.

I did, however, build two new PHP websites (non-Symfony) with custom themes.

I replaced MailChimp and launched The Payload website as the new home for the Symfony Station newsletter. It's a WordPress site integrated with the Fediverse.

I also spun off most of Symfony Station's democracy-focused content into a new project, Battalion. This project helps manage my depression and streamlines Symfony Station's communications—a win-win! It's also WordPress-based to include a forum, a feature I haven't yet implemented in Drupal. My hosting provider's security policies also prevented Fediverse integration on my existing Drupal sites.

I continued my Drupal learning and, as mentioned, began working with Grav CMS. Mastering both platforms remains a long-term goal, aiming towards becoming a Symfony developer for passion projects during my full retirement in Europe.

Finally, I liquidated my real estate holdings in 2024, freeing up more time for my 2025 tech goals and significantly reducing back pain.

2025 Goals

My work this year begins in March or later, allowing time for home projects during Florida's pleasant weather. I'll continue weekly publishing for Symfony Station and Battalion.

Here are my goals:

1. Migrate Symfony Station to Drupal CMS

Once automatic updates are reliable, I'll migrate Symfony Station to Drupal CMS. I'm attending the Florida Drupal Camp's Drupal CMS workshop to prepare. I may wait for the Experience Builder's release in a future Drupal CMS update.

Drupal CMS's recipe system for content types is appealing, particularly the potential for content automation. The media library integration and improved workflow capabilities are also promising. Converting the S.S. calendar into event entities will be a significant improvement. The Project Browser and content accessibility features are equally attractive.

2. Continue Experimenting with Mobile Atom Media

Mobile Atom Media, a Gutenberg-based Drupal site, is still in beta. I'll continue experimenting, treating it as a playground for techniques I might use on Symfony Station later.

3. Customize the Mobile Atom Code Theme

My article, "Building a Simple Grav CMS Theme with Twig, PHP, and CSS," documented my learning process for this goal. This is a client-facing project, so I'll approach it seriously.

4. Migrate The Payload Newsletter to Ghost?

Matt Mullenweg's actions in 2024, my 85% retirement, and having only one remaining WordPress client have soured me on WordPress. Its Fediverse integration is subpar, and I need robust Fediverse functionality to grow The Payload.

I'm considering Ghost as The Payload's new home. While it's Node.js-based, it offers better Fediverse integration. My recent purchase of "Javascript for Dummies" obligates me to confront my coding bootcamp trauma and utilize some of its contents.

5. Migrate Battalion from WordPress?

Moving Battalion away from WordPress is more likely a 2026 goal, but we'll see. Sulu CMS is a potential replacement, requiring me to further develop my Symfony skills.

Conclusion

Like last year, a significant portion of my time will be dedicated to learning Portuguese for my Portuguese visa application and refining my French for Symfony-related purposes. Liquidating my real estate has created more time for these website projects. I aim for greater accomplishments in 2025 and aspire to full retirement by 2026, allowing for more ambitious projects and the enjoyment of learning and leisure.

This was a personal, non-evergreen post. Thank you for reading. I hope it inspires you to explore new technologies for your websites.

Keep learning/coding, Symfonistas!

Author

Reuben Walker Founder Symfony Station

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