Drupal 8 - modules, themes, distributions ...

Introduction

Thanks to this brief introduction to Drupal, we have a basic idea of what its strengths are and when it makes sense to start thinking about Drupal. Now we'll take a closer look at the cornerstones of any site built on Drupal.

Drupal core = necessary foundation

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/core/basic-structure-of-drupal-8

Drupal core is the foundation that provides the basic functionality. Think of it as a basic board for building Lego (Lego is a common simile used for Drupal).

Drupal core modules = a basic set of modules

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/core/modules

The core itself is the bare basics that need to be extended with additional functionality. This is done by using a core set of modules, called Code modules. Most of these modules are enabled by default installation, but turning them off/on or installing without them is preferred by most more experienced users who already have experience and know what they want.

For example, why have a multilingual module enabled for a monolingual site. It's like getting a Lego box with blocks, in one case already assembled, in the other case the blocks are extra.

Drupal contributed modules = extension modules

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/modules/, https://www.drupal.org/project/project_module/index?project-status=full…

I'll start by comparing it to legos - modules are like expansion bags with wheels, movers ... Something for everyone, depending on what they're building. There are tons of possible combinations, sometimes it's hard to choose the right combination, especially when different modules do the same/similar things.

Drupal core themes

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/core/themes

There are several core themes in Drupal, both for the frontend and backend (administration). The classic Drupal theme for the frontend is Bartik, and for the backend is Seven. Bartik will probably only serve as a test theme, the admin theme Seven is fine to work with.

Drupal contributed themes = extensible themes

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/themes, https://www.drupal.org/project/project_theme 

Like contrib modules, there are community-created themes. Some better, some worse, but you can find a few usable ones. You'll probably pick a few to suit your needs anyway, or create some of your own. You can also definitely recommend trying to create a subtheme of an existing design.

Attention: themes mean JavaScript, among other things, so beware of cheat codes for Bitcoin mining, etc. Especially themes downloaded from various unofficial portals can cause mischief.

Drupal distributions = installation including already prepared modules, configurations ...

https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/distributions

If you add your own selected modules, various additional libraries, their configuration and settings to the base Drupal, you have actually a custom Drupal installation, i.e. a distribution.

Often mentioned distributions include

• Open Social - Open Social is a Drupal 8 distribution for building social communities, intranets, portals and any other social project you can dream of.
• Thunder - A distribution for professional publishing by Hubert Burda Media
• deGov - deGov is the first Drupal 8 distribution focusing on the needs of (German) governmental organisations.

You can already see from the descriptions that these are not amateur projects, but large and solid projects.

By way of conclusion

Before we get into anything more complex, we need to go over the basics. So Drupal core and its basic modules.