From Dev to Live: PrestaShop Data Migration Guide
Introduction
Migrating data from a live site to a development environment and then transitioning the development site to production is a crucial process for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your PrestaShop website. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
Step 1: Create a Development Site (Target Site) with the Desired PrestaShop Version
Before migrating data, you need to have a development site (the target site) set up with the version of PrestaShop you intend to migrate data to. This can be an existing development site or a newly created one.
Steps to Create a New PrestaShop Development Site:
1. Choose and Download the Desired PrestaShop Version:
Download the version of PrestaShop you want to use. We recommend using the latest version to take advantage of the newest features and security updates. You can download all PrestaShop versions here.
2. Create a “dev” Folder:
Under your website’s main directory, create a new folder named “dev.” This will be the location where your development site is hosted.
3. Install PrestaShop on the Dev Site:
Follow the standard installation process to set up PrestaShop in the "dev" folder. Ensure that all necessary configurations are completed for the site to function properly.
Note: Refer to the article Preparation Before Migrating Data to ensure you're ready for the migration process.
Step 2: Migrate data from the live site to the dev site
To migrate data, you will need to connect the live site and dev sites using the Connector modules.
Steps to Migrate Data:
- Install the Connector Module on the Source Site (Live Site): Install the PrestaShop Connector module on your live site. This module will facilitate the connection between the live and development sites. Detailed instructions can be found in the article How to Install PrestaShop Connector Module on the Source Site.
2. Install the MigrationPro Module on the Dev Site: Install the MigrationPro Ultimate module on your dev site. This module will handle the actual data migration.
3. Execute the Data Migration:
- Select Data for Seamless Migration: Choose which data to migrate, ensuring all critical elements are included. See this guide for more details.
- Keep Data IDs During the Migration Process: Maintaining the same IDs for data during migration helps in preserving links and relationships within the database. See detailed instructions here.
- Migrate Images, Attachments, and Files: You can let MigrationPro Ultimate handle the migration of images and files automatically, or you can manually upload them to the target site after the migration. For manual migration, refer to How To Manually Migrate Images From Source Store To Target Store.
- Verify the Configuration on the Dev Site: After the migration is complete, thoroughly check the configuration on the dev site to ensure everything is working correctly and that the site is ready to go live. Follow the checklist in To-Do List After Data Migration to verify all settings.
Step 3: Configure the Dev Site to Become the New Production Site
Once the data migration is complete and the dev site is fully operational, you need to switch it to become the new production site. There are two methods to do this:
Method 1: Move the Dev Folder to the Root Directory
1. Create a “Backup” Folder:
Move all files from the current production site into this “Backup” folder. Your root directory should now only contain two folders: "Backup" and "dev."
2. Move Files from “Dev” to the Root Directory:
Select all files in the “dev” folder and move them to the root directory. After this step, your root directory will contain the "Backup" folder, the files that were just moved, and an empty "dev" folder.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: By creating a backup, you have a reliable restore point in case anything goes wrong, making this method the safest.
- Complete Control: This method provides full control over the transition process, ensuring you can manage every detail.
- Less Dependence on External Support: You can complete the entire process without needing to wait for hosting provider assistance, reducing potential delays.
Disadvantages:
- Slight Downtime: Although the process may result in brief downtime, the safety and control benefits often outweigh this drawback.
- Manual Configuration: Some additional configuration (domain, cache, file permission, SSL and Security, etc.) may be required to ensure everything runs smoothly after the move.
Method 2: Point the Production Domain Directly to the Dev Folder
1. Reconfigure the Domain:
Currently, your domain points to the root folder. You can reconfigure it to point directly to the “dev” folder.
2. Notify Your Hosting Provider:
If necessary, contact your hosting provider to assist with the domain reconfiguration.
Advantages:
- Potentially Faster Transition: This method might involve less downtime since the domain can be quickly pointed to the new site.
Disadvantages:
- Less Control: You might miss out on some critical configurations or overlook issues.
- Provider Dependency: This method requires you to rely on your hosting provider, which could introduce delays and reduce your control over the process.
With these considerations in mind, Method 1 is generally recommended for its safety and control, particularly if you want to ensure a smooth and secure transition.
- **Final Note: Backup Your Data
Before making any changes, always create a full backup of both the live and dev sites. This precaution ensures you can recover your site in case of any issues during the migration or transition process.
Conclusion
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with PrestaShop can follow along. By carefully following each step, you can successfully migrate your data and smoothly transition your dev site into the new production environment.