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Meet our Drupal Developer community
Braintrust is a user-owned talent platform created by and for the world’s top talent. This includes a talented network of experienced Drupal Developers available for hire.
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How to hire Top Drupal Developers
Overview
When it comes to hiring a Drupal developer, there are several factors to consider, from technical skills to the type of employment arrangement that best suits your needs.
Technical prowess in Drupal and related technologies is of paramount importance. This includes expertise in Drupal’s framework and its API, a solid understanding of PHP, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript, and a strong grasp of databases that work with Drupal. Familiarity with version control systems like Git is crucial for maintaining code integrity. You should also look for strong problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and a portfolio that showcases the candidate's past projects and contributions to the Drupal community.
Hiring a Drupal developer for a startup versus a larger company can present different challenges and requirements. In a startup, a developer may need to wear multiple hats, working on varied tasks from site building to custom module development and theme design. They may also need to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
On the other hand, a larger company may require a more specialized skill set. The developer might focus solely on back-end development or front-end theming. Larger organizations may also require more experience with team-based workflows, more formalized development practices, and possibly experience with enterprise-level Drupal distributions.
The choice between full-time and hourly employment largely depends on your project's needs. Full-time developers may be a better fit for long-term projects with consistent workloads, and they can provide a degree of stability and continuity. This arrangement also allows the developer to become more deeply integrated into your team and business, which can lead to better results over time.
Hourly or contract-based developers can be a good choice for short-term projects, fluctuating workloads, or when you need specialized skills that aren't required on a consistent basis. This arrangement provides more flexibility and can be more cost-effective for certain projects. However, it may require more management effort to coordinate with the developer and integrate their work into your larger project.
Hiring a Drupal developer involves a balance of technical skills, understanding the project's and company's requirements, and choosing an employment arrangement that fits your needs. Making thoughtful decisions in each of these areas can help ensure the success of your Drupal development project.
Expertise in Drupal
Having expertise in Drupal means the developer possesses a deep understanding of the platform and its underlying architecture. They should have a strong knowledge of Drupal's core, modules, themes, and distributions, and how to use them effectively. They should be well-versed in writing custom modules, theming, using Drupal's hook system, and utilizing key Drupal modules like Views and CCK (Content Construction Kit). Understanding the Drupal Form API, which enables creation of complex forms, is another useful skill. The developer should also be aware of Drupal's security practices, as Drupal is known for its robust security measures. Expertise with Drupal 7, 8, and 9 is valuable, with Drupal 9 being the most current at the time of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
PHP, HTML/CSS, JavaScript Skills
These are the fundamental languages for any Drupal developer. PHP is especially important as Drupal is built on PHP, so proficiency in PHP 7 and above is expected. This includes an understanding of object-oriented PHP, namespaces, traits, and similar concepts. In addition, they should be competent with HTML5 and CSS3 for effective theming and front-end development. This includes an understanding of responsive design principles for mobile optimization. JavaScript knowledge is also important; while Drupal can function without it, interactive features generally require it. Familiarity with JavaScript libraries or frameworks, such as jQuery, Vue.js, React.js, or Angular.js, can be a huge bonus.
Understanding of Databases
Since Drupal uses a database to store most of its content and configuration, a good Drupal developer should understand how to interact with databases. This includes designing database schemas, writing SQL queries, and optimizing database performance. They should be familiar with at least one of the databases that Drupal supports, such as MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. An understanding of database abstraction layers would also be beneficial, as Drupal uses this kind of software to simplify database interactions. Developers who understand how to use tools like phpMyAdmin to manage MySQL databases, or similar tools for other databases, will have a significant advantage.
Familiarity with Version Control Systems
Using version control systems (VCS) like Git is a key part of modern web development. Git allows developers to track changes, revert to earlier versions of the code, and work collaboratively without overwriting each other's changes. In the context of Drupal, a developer would ideally be familiar with creating patches with Git, as this is a common way of contributing to the Drupal community. They should also be comfortable using Git in conjunction with Drupal.org's project management system. A developer who can leverage features like branching and merging in Git will be a valuable asset to your team, especially if you're working on a large or complex Drupal project.
Experience with Drupal's API
Drupal has a comprehensive API that allows developers to extend and customize the functionality of the platform. A knowledgeable Drupal developer should be comfortable using this API to create custom modules, themes, or distributions. They should be familiar with key aspects of the API, such as the Form API, which is used for creating and managing forms; the Database API, which abstracts database queries; the Entity API, which is used to manage content entities; and the Render API, which is used to build and render page components. The developer should also be aware of Drupal's caching system and how to leverage the Cache API for optimal site performance. Experience with Drupal's API also implies an understanding of Drupal's hooks system, which allows modules to interact with each other and with Drupal core.
Problem-Solving Skills
Effective problem-solving involves critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness. In Drupal development, problem-solving can come into play in various scenarios, such as debugging a module, optimizing website performance, or making a site more user-friendly. Developers often need to research and apply new technologies to meet project requirements. A strong developer will be adept at debugging (using tools like Xdebug for PHP), refactoring code, and using best practices for software development like Agile or Scrum. They'll have a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, and the ability to quickly adapt to changes, which is essential in the fast-paced world of web technology.
Communication Skills
Communication is essential in a development project. A Drupal developer needs to effectively communicate with clients, project managers, designers, and other developers. This involves expressing complex technical concepts in clear, non-technical language, understanding and clarifying project requirements, providing regular updates, and receiving feedback. Effective communication leads to fewer misunderstandings, a smoother development process, and ultimately a product that better meets the needs of the end users. Additionally, a developer who participates actively in the Drupal community—through forums, issue queues, or Drupal events—can bring valuable insights and connections.
Past Projects and Portfolio
A Drupal developer's past work can give you a clear idea of their capabilities. This can include custom Drupal modules they've created, complex themes they've designed, or large-scale websites they've developed. Reviewing these past projects can help you gauge their expertise in Drupal, their problem-solving abilities, their attention to detail, and their ability to complete projects on time. Additionally, contributions to the Drupal community, such as modules or patches contributed to Drupal.org, can indicate their level of expertise and engagement with the platform. A developer who can provide references or testimonials from past clients or coworkers can also be a good sign.
Expert Resources for Hiring Drupal Developers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a Drupal developer?
The cost of hiring a Drupal developer varies significantly based on several factors, including the developer's level of experience, location, and the complexity of your project. A junior Drupal developer in the United States might command a salary between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while a senior developer with extensive experience could demand $100,000 or more. Contract developers typically charge an hourly rate, which could range from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the same factors.
Where can I hire a Drupal developer?
Drupal developers can be found on a variety of platforms. You can post a job ad on Drupal.org, the official site for the Drupal community. You might also look on general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. There are also several freelance platforms, such as Braintrust, where you can hire Drupal developers on a contract basis. Finally, you might consider working with a development agency that specializes in Drupal.
How do I recruit a Drupal developer?
Recruiting a Drupal developer involves a combination of advertising your position in the right places and offering an attractive employment package. Post your job listing on Drupal.org and other job platforms that developers frequent. Your listing should clearly state the required skills and experience, the nature of the project, and any perks or benefits of the role. Attending Drupal events or meetups can also be a great way to meet potential candidates. For higher-level positions, you might consider working with a recruitment agency that specializes in tech talent.
How much does a Drupal programmer charge per hour?
The hourly rate of a Drupal programmer can vary widely based on their experience, location, and the complexity of the work. A Drupal developer in the United States might charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour. Developers in other countries, particularly those with lower costs of living, may charge less. Keep in mind that while higher rates may initially seem more expensive, experienced developers can often complete work more quickly and with fewer errors, potentially saving money in the long term.
Is it hard to find good Drupal developers?
Finding a skilled Drupal developer can be challenging due to the specialization and experience required to effectively work with this powerful platform. Drupal has a steep learning curve and requires proficiency in a variety of related technologies. However, the Drupal community is vast and active, with many experienced developers contributing to its ecosystem. The key is to look for developers who have proven experience with Drupal, as demonstrated by their portfolio, contributions to the Drupal community, and knowledge of key Drupal concepts and APIs.
What types of applications do Drupal developers typically work on?
Drupal developers typically work on building and maintaining websites and web applications. Drupal is particularly well-suited to complex, content-heavy, and highly customized sites. This can include corporate websites, news portals, educational websites, e-commerce platforms, social networking sites, community portals, and more. Developers might also work on creating custom modules to extend Drupal's functionality, designing themes to control the site's appearance, or building distributions that provide a pre-configured Drupal setup for a particular use case.
Why hire a Drupal developer?
Hiring a Drupal developer can bring significant benefits if you're working with this powerful platform. A skilled Drupal developer can effectively leverage the platform's capabilities to create a robust, scalable, and secure website or web application. They can help with everything from initial site setup and configuration, to designing custom themes, to building complex functionality with custom modules. Moreover, by understanding Drupal's best practices, they can ensure that your site remains maintainable and performant in the long run.
Is Drupal still in demand?
Yes, Drupal is still in demand. Drupal is known for its robustness, security, and scalability, which makes it a preferred choice for many large and complex websites. While it's not typically chosen for smaller, simpler sites due to its learning curve and complexity, it's a powerful choice for large organizations, government entities, and universities. The Drupal community remains active, with regular updates and improvements to the platform. Keep in mind that technology trends can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to do some recent research to confirm the current demand.
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