config_entity_exporter

Overview

Config Entity Exporter is a Drupal module that provides a streamlined approach to configuration management by enabling users to export and import selected configuration entities using a single JSON file.

Drupal’s Configuration Synchronization system exports configuration into multiple YAML files. While this approach is powerful and essential for full-site synchronization, it can become complex when working with specific configuration items, sharing configurations across projects, or performing targeted migrations.

This module simplifies the workflow by offering a focused and user-friendly mechanism to handle selected configurations without the overhead of managing multiple files.

Key Features

• Export selected configuration entities into a single JSON file
• Import configurations into another Drupal instance using the same JSON file
• Supports multiple configuration types:
  • Content Types (including fields and display configurations)
  • Blocks
  • Views
  • Taxonomy vocabularies
  • Menus
• Clean and intuitive user interface for selecting configurations
• Reduces complexity compared to managing multiple YAML files
• Improves productivity in multi-environment workflows

Usage

• Navigate to the Config Exporter interface from the Drupal administration menu
• Select the configuration items to export
• Download the generated JSON file
• Go to the target Drupal site
• Upload the JSON file via the import interface
• Import and apply the configurations
• Verify all configurations are applied correctly

Use Cases

• Moving specific configurations between environments (development, staging, production)
• Sharing reusable configuration setups across multiple projects
• Replicating content type structures and related configurations
• Simplifying workflows for developers and site builders
• Reducing manual configuration effort and setup time

Advantages

• Focused on selective configuration management
• Single-file export improves portability and collaboration
• Minimizes the need to handle multiple YAML files
• Provides a simpler workflow for both developers and non-technical users

Limitations

• Not intended to replace Drupal’s full Configuration Synchronization system
• Designed for selective export and import, not full configuration deployment
• Complex configuration dependencies may require manual verification

Future Scope

• Support for additional configuration entity types
• Enhanced validation during import
• Dependency handling and conflict resolution
• Improved user interface and feedback mechanisms