# Drupaltools Onboarding

> Step-by-step onboarding checklist for Drupal newcomers covering basics, local setup, community engagement, and learning resources. Use this skill when the user is new to Drupal, asks "how do I start with Drupal", "I'm a Drupal rookie", wants an onboarding guide, or needs a beginner checklist for learning Drupal development.

- Skill: `drupaltools/drupaltools-onboarding` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add drupaltools/drupaltools-onboarding`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/drupaltools/drupaltools-onboarding/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: drupaltools (https://skillmd.com/u/drupaltools)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/drupaltools/drupaltools-onboarding

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# Drupal Onboarding Guide

A step-by-step, opinionated checklist for Drupal rookies starting their journey.

Source: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/theodorosploumis/notes/refs/heads/master/drupal/start-drupal.md

## Overview

This skill guides complete beginners through the foundational knowledge and setup required to become a Drupal developer.

## Phase 1: Technical Prerequisites

Before touching Drupal, ensure you know these basics:

- [ ] **PHP** - The programming language Drupal is built on ([php.net](https://www.php.net))
- [ ] **MySQL** - Primary database used by Drupal ([mysql.com](https://www.mysql.com))
- [ ] **Composer** - PHP dependency manager ([getcomposer.org](https://getcomposer.org))
- [ ] **Git** - Version control system ([git-scm.com](https://git-scm.com))
- [ ] **CLI** - Comfortable using command-line interfaces ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command-line_interface))
- [ ] **Markdown** - Documentation format ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown))
- [ ] **YAML** - Configuration file format used extensively in Drupal ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YAML))
- [ ] **IDE** - Integrated Development Environment (PhpStorm recommended, or VSCode)

## Phase 2: Drupal Fundamentals

Core Drupal concepts and tools:

- [ ] **Drupal.org navigation** - Understand project versions, issue queues, and contribution workflow
- [ ] **Drush** - Drupal's command-line tool for administration and development
- [ ] **Drupal installation** - Can install Drupal 9.x+ using modern tools (recommend [DDEV](https://ddev.readthedocs.io) from [drupaltools.com](https://drupaltools.com))
- [ ] **Admin UI** - Enable/disable modules, configure settings through the web interface

## Phase 3: Local Development Environment

Complete your machine setup:

- [ ] **Developer tools** - Install all required software following the [Drupal Developer Setup](developer-setup.md) checklist
- [ ] **Local server** - Working local environment (Apache/Nginx, PHP, MySQL/PostgreSQL)
- [ ] **Debugging tools** - Xdebug, IDE configuration for breakpoints

## Phase 4: Community Engagement

Join the Drupal ecosystem:

- [ ] **Drupal.org account** - Create account at [drupal.org](https://www.drupal.org)
- [ ] **Drupal Slack** - Join [drupal.slack.com](https://drupal.slack.com) for real-time community chat
- [ ] **Drupal StackExchange** - Account at [drupal.stackexchange.com](https://drupal.stackexchange.com) for Q&A
- [ ] **Local community** - Find and join your local Drupal user group at [drupal.org/community](https://www.drupal.org/community#connect-nearby)
- [ ] **Scholarship program** - Learn about the [Discover Drupal scholarship](https://www.drupal.org/association/discover-drupal) for career changers and underrepresented groups

## Learning Resources

### Getting Started
- [How to Become a Drupal Developer - Drupalize.me, 2021](https://drupalize.me/blog/how-become-drupal-developer)
- [Drupal.org - Overview of Drupal](https://www.drupal.org/docs/understanding-drupal/overview-of-drupal)
- [Drupal Lessons](lessons.md) - Structured learning path

### Recommended Next Steps

After completing this checklist:
1. Build a simple "Hello World" custom module
2. Create a content type and view
3. Contribute to an issue on Drupal.org (documentation, testing, or code)
4. Attend a local Drupal camp or meetup

## Using This Skill

When a user says they're new to Drupal or asks how to get started:

1. **Assess their background** - Do they know PHP/Git/Composer already?
2. **Guide through phases** - Start with Phase 1 basics, don't skip prerequisites
3. **Recommend DDEV** - For local setup, emphasize DDEV as the easiest path
4. **Encourage community** - Drupal has a welcoming community; joining accelerates learning
5. **Point to resources** - Share the official docs and community spaces

Ready to start your journey with Drupal!