Joomla is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) used for building websites and web applications. With its ease of use, flexibility, and scalability, Joomla has become a favorite among web developers and users alike. However, like any software, Joomla versions have a lifecycle, and it’s essential to understand when a particular version is still supported and when it’s time to upgrade. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of Joomla 3.7 support and what it means for your website.
Understanding Joomla’s Version Lifecycle
Joomla follows a versioning system that includes major, minor, and patch releases. Major releases (e.g., Joomla 3.x, Joomla 4.x) introduce significant new features, improvements, and changes. Minor releases (e.g., Joomla 3.7, Joomla 3.8) typically include new features, bug fixes, and security patches. Patch releases (e.g., Joomla 3.7.1, Joomla 3.7.2) focus on fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities.
Joomla’s version lifecycle typically includes the following stages:
- Active Development: The version is actively maintained, and new features, bug fixes, and security patches are released regularly.
- Security Support Only: The version is no longer actively maintained, but security patches are still released to address vulnerabilities.
- End of Life (EOL): The version is no longer supported, and no further updates, including security patches, are released.
Joomla 3.7 Release And Support Timeline
Joomla 3.7 was released on April 25, 2017, as a minor release in the Joomla 3.x series. At the time of its release, Joomla 3.7 introduced several new features, including custom fields, a new routing system, and improved security.
Initially, Joomla 3.7 was actively maintained, with regular patch releases addressing bugs and security vulnerabilities. However, as new versions of Joomla were released, the support for Joomla 3.7 gradually shifted to security support only.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 25, 2017 | Joomla 3.7 released |
| August 2018 | Joomla 3.8 released, marking the beginning of security support only for Joomla 3.7 |
| December 2019 | Joomla 3.9 released, further reducing support for Joomla 3.7 |
| August 2021 | Joomla 3.10 released, marking the end of life for Joomla 3.7 |
Is Joomla 3.7 Still Supported?
As of August 2021, Joomla 3.7 has reached its end of life (EOL). This means that no further updates, including security patches, will be released for this version.
While Joomla 3.7 is no longer supported, it’s essential to note that existing websites built on this version will continue to function. However, without security patches and updates, these websites may become vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues.
Risks Of Using An Unsupported Joomla Version
Using an unsupported Joomla version like Joomla 3.7 can expose your website to several risks, including:
- Security Vulnerabilities: Without security patches, your website may become vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
- Compatibility Issues: As new technologies and browsers emerge, your website may experience compatibility issues, affecting its performance and user experience.
- Performance Degradation: Unsupported versions may not receive performance optimizations, leading to slower page loads and decreased user engagement.
Upgrading From Joomla 3.7
If you’re still using Joomla 3.7, it’s highly recommended to upgrade to a supported version, such as Joomla 4.x. Upgrading will ensure that your website remains secure, compatible, and performant.
Before upgrading, consider the following:
- Backup Your Website: Create a full backup of your website, including files and database, to ensure a smooth upgrade process.
- Check Extensions and Templates: Verify that your extensions and templates are compatible with the new Joomla version.
- Plan for Downtime: Schedule downtime for your website to minimize the impact of the upgrade on your users.
Benefits Of Upgrading To Joomla 4.x
Upgrading to Joomla 4.x offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Security: Joomla 4.x includes enhanced security features, such as improved password hashing and better protection against SQL injection attacks.
- Enhanced Performance: Joomla 4.x is optimized for better performance, resulting in faster page loads and improved user experience.
- New Features and Improvements: Joomla 4.x introduces new features, such as a redesigned backend, improved media management, and enhanced accessibility.
Conclusion
Joomla 3.7 is no longer supported, and it’s essential to upgrade to a supported version to ensure the security, compatibility, and performance of your website. While upgrading may seem daunting, the benefits of using a supported Joomla version far outweigh the risks of using an outdated version.
By understanding Joomla’s version lifecycle and the risks associated with using an unsupported version, you can make informed decisions about your website’s maintenance and upgrades. If you’re still using Joomla 3.7, it’s time to plan your upgrade to Joomla 4.x and take advantage of the latest features, security patches, and performance optimizations.
Is Joomla 3.7 Still Supported?
Joomla 3.7 is no longer supported by the Joomla project. It was released in April 2017 and reached its end-of-life in December 2018. This means that the Joomla project is no longer providing bug fixes, security patches, or updates for this version.
As a result, using Joomla 3.7 on your website can pose security risks and make it vulnerable to attacks. It is highly recommended to upgrade to a supported version of Joomla to ensure the security and integrity of your website.
What Is The Lifecycle Of Joomla Versions?
The lifecycle of Joomla versions typically consists of several stages, including the release of a new version, the active development phase, the security and bug fix phase, and the end-of-life phase. During the active development phase, new features are added, and bugs are fixed. In the security and bug fix phase, only security patches and bug fixes are provided.
Once a version reaches its end-of-life, it is no longer supported by the Joomla project, and users are encouraged to upgrade to a supported version. The Joomla project typically supports the latest two major versions of Joomla, and each major version is supported for at least two years.
How Often Does Joomla Release New Versions?
Joomla typically releases new versions every 6-12 months. These releases can include new features, bug fixes, and security patches. The Joomla project follows a release cycle that includes alpha, beta, and release candidate versions before the final release.
The frequency of releases allows the Joomla project to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and security standards. It also provides users with regular updates and new features to improve their websites.
What Happens When A Joomla Version Reaches End-of-Life?
When a Joomla version reaches its end-of-life, it is no longer supported by the Joomla project. This means that no further security patches, bug fixes, or updates will be provided for that version. Users are encouraged to upgrade to a supported version to ensure the security and integrity of their website.
Using an unsupported version of Joomla can pose security risks and make your website vulnerable to attacks. It is essential to keep your Joomla version up-to-date to prevent potential security issues.
How Do I Upgrade My Joomla Version?
Upgrading your Joomla version is a relatively straightforward process. You can upgrade directly from the Joomla administrator dashboard or manually by downloading the latest version from the Joomla website. Before upgrading, it is essential to back up your website and ensure that all extensions and templates are compatible with the new version.
It is also recommended to test your website after the upgrade to ensure that everything is working correctly. If you encounter any issues during the upgrade process, you can seek help from the Joomla community or a professional developer.
What Are The Risks Of Using An Unsupported Joomla Version?
Using an unsupported Joomla version can pose significant security risks to your website. Without security patches and bug fixes, your website can become vulnerable to attacks, and sensitive data can be compromised. Additionally, unsupported versions may not be compatible with the latest browsers, extensions, and templates, which can affect the functionality and performance of your website.
It is essential to keep your Joomla version up-to-date to prevent potential security issues and ensure the integrity of your website. Regular updates can also improve the performance and functionality of your website.
How Can I Stay Up-to-Date With Joomla Version Releases?
You can stay up-to-date with Joomla version releases by following the Joomla project’s blog, social media channels, and newsletter. The Joomla project typically announces new releases and end-of-life dates for versions on these channels. You can also check the Joomla website for the latest information on version releases and support.
Additionally, you can enable the Joomla update notification feature in your administrator dashboard to receive notifications when a new version is available. This feature allows you to stay informed about the latest releases and updates.