Upgrading your old CakePHP application?

This article is part of the CakeDC Advent Calendar 2024 (December 18th 2024)

If you have a CakePHP 1 or CakePHP 2 and want to upgrade to the latest version (CakePHP 5) we have some tips that could be useful for you. This is a significant change due to the architectural changes and improvements introduced in the later versions. For these cases, a full rewrite is typically the best path.

Here are some tips that have been helpful to us when migrating an application from CakePHP 1 or CakePHP 2 to CakePHP 5:

1. Initial Project Setup in CakePHP 5

• Create a New CakePHP 5 Project: Given the differences between CakePHP 1 and CakePHP 5, it is advisable to start with a fresh CakePHP 5 project. This approach allows you to take advantage of the new features and best practices introduced in the latest version. Set up your new project by following the CakePHP 5 installation guide (https://book.cakephp.org/5/en/installation.html#)  and configure your environment accordingly. To configure your local environment you could use DDEV, check here more details 

• Take advantage of different existing plugins to:

  • Manage Login and Registration in 5 minutes CakeDC Users Plugin https://github.com/cakedc/users

  • Optimize Assets https://github.com/markstory/asset_compress

  • In case you need an API this plugin could be useful https://github.com/CakeDC/cakephp-api

  • Manage schema changes in the database https://book.cakephp.org/migrations/3/en/index.html

  • In this link you can find a list to recommended and useful plugins for different purposes like: generate pdf, generate csv, upload files, etc.

2. Rework the MVC Structure

• Rewrite Models to Use ORM: CakePHP 1.x relied on arrays, while CakePHP 5 uses the ORM, which follows an entity-based approach.

  • Define Entity Classes: Each table should have an entity class (src/Model/Entity/) and a corresponding Table class (src/Model/Table/).

  • Adapt Relationships: Refactor belongsTo, hasMany, hasOne, and hasAndBelongsToMany relationships using the ORM’s syntax in the Table classes.

• Controllers and Actions: In CakePHP 1.x, controllers and actions were often more procedural. In CakePHP 5, actions are simplified with conventions that follow REST principles.

  • Rewrite Controller Actions: Use new methods in CakePHP 5’s Request and Response objects. Replace any instance of this->data or this->params with $this->getRequest()->getData() and $this->getRequest()->getQuery().

• Views and Templates: In CakePHP 5, the view layer supports much cleaner, modular, and extensible templating.

  • Refactor Layouts and Templates: Rewrite your .ctp files as .php templates. Consider using reusable templates, layout structures, and components.

  • Use Helper Classes: Rewrite view helpers where needed using CakePHP 5’s built-in helpers. See more details here

3. Refactor Components and Helpers

• Rewrite Custom Components: Refactor any components or helpers from CakePHP 1 to meet CakePHP 5’s standards. https://book.cakephp.org/5/en/controllers/components.html#components

• Replace Deprecated Core Components: Components like PaginatorComponent, AuthComponent, SecurityComponent, EmailComponent, ACLComponent  have modern counterparts in CakePHP 5.  For example instead of Security Componete, there are a set of utilities to improve the security in your application, you check them out here here.

4. Leverage the Upgrade Assistance Tool:

To help manage your migration process, utilize an upgrade assistance tool that allows you to mark files as migrated. This tool can significantly streamline your workflow by providing a clear overview of your progress and ensuring that no files are overlooked. Make it a habit to mark each file as migrated once you have updated and tested it in the new environment.

5. Test Extensively:

Testing is critical in any migration process. As you rewrite and refactor your application, implement new test cases using PHPUnit. Testing each component thoroughly will help you catch and resolve issues early, ensuring a stable and reliable application post-migration.
 

Upgrading from CakePHP 1 to CakePHP 5 is a significant task that requires a complete rewrite due to the architectural changes and enhancements in the latest version. By following a structured approach, you can navigate this transition smoothly. Embrace the new features and best practices introduced in CakePHP 5 to build a more robust and maintainable. If you need help with this process you can contact us here we would be happy to help you.