I have used Drupal for a several months. One problem I found is installation system. Actually, it is not real problem for me but my colleagues. They are not programmers or power-users but instead, they are just end-users. In order to install Drupal, I have to place the Drupal source somewhere, initialize database, configure settings.php and then create the first user account. So the most difficult part is to create new database and populate base schema based on what predefined by Drupal’s core. Comparing to Joomla!, it is much more simpler to simplify installation process by wizard style for going through filling the form. So, Drupal is suitable for power-users who want to take control everything and like deploy complex sites. What is complex site? Drupal, not like other Joomla, is designed to reduce core code modification and patch. In other words, it is designed for easier upgrading without conflicts of modification. Your modifications are usually placed in independent directories so that you can update core code anytime you like.

To increase usability of Drupal, installation system should be improved. I also don’t like the way it be right now. The main part is database population. In some cases, I don’t have shell access. What I have is just an ftp access and phpMyAdmin. In other words, it is not easy to populate by command line program in just one step. Drupal installation system should populate database by given user and password. That’s all I want it to be.

Fortunately, CivicSpace is actively improving Drupal Installer by adding wizard style webpage which takes care generating settings.php and also populating database in just one single click. Take a look at its demo!

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