Joomla 3.8 Released with New Router!

The Joomla! Project proudly launched Joomla 3.8 on September 19, featuring over 300 enhancements. This release introduces two major features: a new routing system and forward compatibility with Joomla 4.0. These updates are set to elevate the CMS's popularity among web developers and site administrators.

What's New in Joomla 3.8

Joomla 3.8 brings powerful features that enhance web development capabilities. Here are the key updates:

• New Router: The advanced routing system gives webmasters greater control over URL structures, including the long-requested ability to remove content IDs from URLs for cleaner, SEO-friendly links.
• Joomla 4.0 Compatibility: A new compatibility layer ensures seamless upgrades to Joomla 4.0, with core code restructured using PHP namespaces for improved organization.
• Enhanced Sample Data Installation: Administrators can now install demo data post-setup directly from the admin panel, and developers can create custom data sets for extensions.
• Sodium Cryptographic Library Support: Joomla 3.8 integrates with PHP 7.2’s Sodium extension, enabling secure handling of encrypted data.

Explore more about Joomla 3.8 on the official Joomla! website for detailed insights.

Security Fixes in Joomla 3.8

Joomla 3.8.0 addresses two critical security vulnerabilities, as outlined below:

Core	Information Disclosure in LDAP Authentication Plugin	Joomla 1.5.0 - 3.7.5
Core	Information Disclosure in com_content (Archived Articles)	Joomla 3.7.0 - 3.7.5

Is Your Site Ready for Joomla 3.8?

Before upgrading to Joomla 3.8, back up your site’s files and database to safeguard against potential compatibility issues. Ensure your templates are compatible with Joomla 3.8, as some developers update templates post-release. Test the new routing system in a staging environment before enabling it on live sites, as it impacts URL structures. The Joomla! Project team also recommends switching to PHP 7 or 7.1 to significantly boost site performance.