Drupal Integration with Enterprise Systems: All You Need To Know

Using different systems in a company is important for success. Today, in a world full of changing technologies and IT tools, Drupal is notable. It's an open-source software that's always getting better with the help of a big community. 

Drupal is flexible because it has modules written in PHP, and you can use tools like Composer with it. This makes Drupal an ideal choice for integrating different programs in an organization. It adapts well to the evolving needs of a company's IT infrastructure.

In this guide, we will have a close look at the right way to perform seamless Drupal integration with enterprise systems. 

Why is Drupal a Great Choice for Integration? 

Drupal works well for integration due to a few key reasons. First, it's highly flexible and comes with a vast collection of modules available on Drupal.org. 

These modules, which are like pre-built pieces of software, keep growing and often offer ready-to-use solutions for integration.

Another point in favor of Drupal is its API (Application Programming Interface), which makes it much easier to create custom integration modules for Drupal. Since Drupal is based on Symfony, a popular framework, it allows for the speedy development of new integrations. 

This is because it provides access to advanced, ready-made solutions, making the process faster and more straightforward. You don't have to build everything from scratch, which saves both time and resources.

How To Perform Drupal Integration with Other Systems

1. Drupal Rest API Integration

To make Drupal work with other systems, we can use the Drupal Rest API.

It's a bit like connecting different Lego pieces to build something cool.

First, we enable the Rest module in Drupal's settings and set up permissions.

We create special points (API endpoints) where other systems can talk to Drupal.

It's like giving specific doors for other systems to enter and exchange information.

We also make sure that these doors are secure by adding locks (authorization and authentication mechanisms).

Enable Rest module and configure access:

// In Drupal admin panel
// Enable Rest module

// Set permissions for the Rest module
// Allow access to API endpoints

2. Creating a Plugin for Rest

Another way is to create a custom plugin that acts like a special tour guide for other systems.

This tour guide knows how to handle different requests (like asking for information or adding new stuff).
We create rules for what happens when someone makes a request, like getting a list of things or adding something new.

This makes it easier for Drupal to communicate with other systems, almost like having a translator between different languages.

Example custom plugin class:

// In your Drupal custom module
class MyCustomResource extends ResourceBase {
    // Handle GET requests
    public function get() {
        $data = ['message' => 'This is a custom REST resource.'];
        return new ResourceResponse($data);
    }

    // Handle POST requests
    public function post($data) {
        return new ResourceResponse(['message' => 'POST request handled.']);
    }
}

3. Using Modules for Integration

Drupal has cool add-ons called modules that help it connect with other systems.

Some modules act like bridges, allowing Drupal to talk to systems like Jira (for project management), PayPal (for online payments), or HubSpot (for customer relationship management).

These modules are like magic tools that save time and make connecting with other systems easier.

Example Feeds module configuration:

// In Drupal admin panel
// Install and enable Feeds module

// Configure Feeds to import and export data
// Define data sources and field mappings

4. Sample Data Download from External Systems

We can also grab data from other places, like YouTube, using a tool called GuzzleHttpClient.

It's like reaching out to a library, picking some books (data) we need, and bringing them back to Drupal.

This helps in showing different kinds of information on our Drupal website.

Example GuzzleHttpClient for YouTube data:

// In your Drupal custom module
use GuzzleHttp\Client;

$client = new Client([
    'base_uri' => 'https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/',
]);

$params = [
    'query' => [
        'part' => 'snippet',
        'q' => 'cats',
        'key' => 'YOUR_API_KEY',
    ],
];

$response = $client->get('search', $params);

$data = json_decode($response->getBody());

$results = [];
foreach ($data->items as $item) {
    $results[] = [
        'title' => $item->snippet->title,
        'description' => $item->snippet->description,
    ];
}

5. Integration through Modules

• Modules are like superhero outfits for Drupal, making it powerful and versatile.
• Some modules, like Feeds, help to import and export data from different places, keeping everything in sync.
• Another module named Views lets us create custom displays using data from other systems, like a special window showing what's happening outside Drupal.
• These modules make Drupal play well with others, turning it into a super team player.

Let’s Wrap it Up! 

To put it in a word, Drupal stands out as an excellent choice for seamlessly integrating with enterprise systems. Its open-source nature and active community support ensure continuous improvement and adaptability to evolving technologies. Whether through the Drupal Rest API, custom plugins, or modules like Feeds and Views, Drupal offers versatile solutions for connecting with various systems. 

If you want to integrate Drupal with your business, then opt for only the best Drupal development services. And, who’s better than LN Webworks in the Drupal game? Our team of experts are always a call away. Reach Out Now!