It has been more than 2.5 years since eBay and Magento parted ways. Immediately after the split, Magento released a newer version of the platform. As often happens, the crisis brings out the best in people. As Magento was about to run out, teams had to think outside the box. They had to come up with new ideas when the shields provided by eBay were taken off.
However, let’s not judge the main Magento release from an irrational approach. Well yeah, they had to create a product with the mindset of a startup. And that’s when the pros stretch their muscles. However, when we look at some of the features covered in Magento 2 as a Magento extension developer, there is no doubt that it is an improved version between the two.
These are some of the main features of Magento 2.x:
A) Magento 2 – For tomorrow:
If you are managing your web store on the Magento 1.x platform, there are certain performance issues that you must face. You can manage issues like page load time, security fixes, image optimization, and heavy JavaScripts using Magento 2.x more effectively.
Third-party modules on the server
With Magento 2.x, store owners do not need to install third-party modules on the server.
Load time and safety fixes page
With Magento 2.x, store owners can increase the speed of the site as it is compatible with the latest version of PHP. And they already have security fixes.
Image optimization
With Magento 1.x, you need to manually optimize images. However, Magento 2.x has built-in functions to manage image optimization without external support.
Reduced JavaScript
Great relief. A critical improvement for UX is the included JavaScript. It ensures that developers do not need to undergo tedious and unnecessary browser operations for the same.
B) Search engine friendly and best for security:
Regarding these two critical backend requirements, Magento 2.x is way ahead compared to Magento 1.x. Password hashing algorithms protect the site effectively. Built-in rich snippets for category pages help improve the overall page optimization process.
C) A completely new admin panel:
Improved processes for information search, general store management and navigation in the admin panel
Easier flow for product uploads and along with images and text you can now upload videos too
The Magento 2.x Dashboard shows the most searched and least searched items, recent orders, average order amount, top selling products, premium customers, products you need to ship and total quantity, tax data, etc.
Management of Customer vs. Orders columns from the frontend without the need for developer assistance.
Staging advanced content
Advanced data import function
Data migration tool for data from Magento 1.x to Magento 2.x
New section of marketing tools for SEO, promotions, user content, etc.
D) Split Database Performance Solution (Enterprise Edition only)
Magento 2 uses separate master databases for order, payment, and product data. That too, for all the different functional areas. This allows store owners to improve the scalability and performance of their website. But, you can take advantage of this feature only if you buy Magento Enterprise Edition. Magento CE (Community Edition) makes use of a single database.
Better productivity
Magento 2.x has the potential to help you expand your business horizons and help you manage your store in the best possible way. It has a new admin panel design that offers an interface for your site. You can use the newly introduced Visual Design Editor and configure the blocks and containers on your website without having any technical knowledge.
Improved scalability
Magento 2.x comes with improved indexes with efficient updates. Increase the performance of your website by accelerating the query speed. Magento 2.x and Varnish Cache are built in, which means it can decrease server load and speed up page load time. Admin users can also create and edit products without worrying about data conflicts.
Better conversions
With Magento 2.x, shoppers are sure to have a great shopping experience. E-store owners can display their products with description, images and videos. Also, since the website is responsive, they can navigate it from any device, including smartphones, tablets, or PCs. This helps to increase conversion rates to a great extent.
Easy and reasonable updates
Magento 2.x has up-to-date information on update compatibility and version control policies. So, in addition to improving the basic Magento software, installing and updating Magento 2.X is simpler compared to Magento 2.x. The Magento 2.x export / import functionality allows you to export customer data, records, and inventory data and import it into Magento 2.x.
Swift theme customization
When it comes to the core of the theme, Magento 2.x uses its own LESS and CSS instead of Bootstrap. It also supports CSS rendering that helps speed up page loading, increase performance, and make your system SEO friendly.
Migrating from Magento 1.x to Magento 2.x is always a good decision, as it offers better ROIs for entrepreneurs. And just so you know, Magento will support M1 only until November 2018. From then on, you will rarely receive updates to M1 in terms of features or functionality.
Magento 2.X is the next big thing for eStore owners and Magento developers. If you want to take full advantage of the enhancements this platform offers, now is the right time. Do you have a question related to migration? Feel free to ask in the comment section below.