New Features
Your hosting or local development environment is probably not based on PHP 7 yet, but it would certainly be in future. It's good to know that Joomla is compatible with PHP 7 from this version. If you have opportunity to run your site on the latest PHP release, from Joomla 3.5 you can enjoy all enhancements and new features of PHP.
Joomla default editor finally got a significant update. You could insert modules into the articles in older Joomla versions by entering code snippets manually. Now, you can do it much easier. Just click on the new + Module and select a module that you like to insert. You can also insert images from your computer directly to the Joomla article. Simply drag and drop them into the editor. It's another long-awaited feature that's finally added.
Keeping Joomla up-to-date is crucial. Joomla 3.5 includes a new core plugin that will send you an email whenever new version of Joomla is available. Make sure that system plugin Joomla! Update Notification is enabled if you need this feature. Also, make sure that you entered email addresses of the site administrators in the plugin settings.
Another system plugin Joomla! Statistics now shows the most important parameters of the system where you host your Joomla. You can use these parameters when you need help with your Joomla. This will help tech persons to resolve your problem easier. The statistic data about your Joomla installation also can be shared with Joomla community for statistical purposes. After upgrade to Joomla 3.5, you will be asked to allow collection of such data.
Compatibility With Our Templates And Modules
We have tested our products thoroughly against release candidates of Joomla 3.5. There are no issues with Sparky Framework that powers all our newer templates. We have tested all options in backend and also front-end output. There are no issues with older templates as well, so you can feel free to upgrade.
We noticed small issues though. Due to changes in Bootstrap, you are advised to check your contact form after update. It probably have grey background and border after upgrade. If you don't like it, edit file /templates/hot_template_name/css/joomla.css and delete background color and border properies for .well class.
There's also problem with language selector in Joomla Hostel template. If you are using this template in multi language environment, before upgrade to Joomla 3.5, do the following:
- Make folder /templates/hot_hostel/html/mod_languages
- Copy file /modules/mod_languages/tmpl/default.php to this new folder.
- Now you can upgrade to Joomla 3.5
If you are using Joomla's core contact component with our templates, you are advised to check this page after upgrade to Joomla 3.5. In some templates, a light grey background color will be added to the contact form after upgrade. If your contact form doesn't look good after this change, you can reset it. Edit file /templates/hot_template_name/css/joomla.css and find class .well
Delete these properties from this class:
background-color: #f5f5f5;
border: 1px solid #e3e3e3;
-webkit-border-radius: 4px;
-moz-border-radius: 4px;
border-radius: 4px;
-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
box-shadow: inset 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
Make Backups Before Upgrade
We have tested all templates and modules. We didn't experience any major problems after upgrade to Joomla 3.5. However, each Joomla installation is a different story. So, before upgrade it's highly recommended to backup all your files and database.