Prestashop is without doubt one of the world’s most popular solutions for building an online store.
To date, there are over 300,000 active Prestashop-based sites.
One of Prestashop’s strengths is clearly its support.
Since its launch in 2008, Prestashop has been subject to constant improvements and innovations.
The current major version is 8.
Let’s take a look at what’s in Prestashop version 8, and why you should adopt it if you haven’t already. 
What does Prestashop version 8 bring?
Prestashop version 8 took just over two years to create.
It incorporates over 1500 contributions from the Prestashop community, patches, improvements and new features.
It also marks a change in version numbering.
Previously, Prestashop used a classic versioning system, indicating major, minor and corrective versions.
For example, the last version before the one we’re talking about was 1.7.8.10.
The next version could therefore have been 1.8.0 or 2.0.0.
The team has decided to put an end to “1.x” versions.
The new version is therefore called 8.0, and there will never be a 1.8 or 2.0.
A modern theme
The default theme is called “Classic Rocket”.
It’s more modern and streamlined.
This means it’s suitable for most types of stores, products and activities.
It’s also totally responsive, so you can have a fully operational store whatever the medium you’re using – computer, tablet or smartphone.
A complete overhaul of the back office
The interface has been simplified and made more intuitive and ergonomic.
On the technical side, the well-known Symfony PHP framework, created by the French company SensioLabs, is now used.
This makes the solution more robust and easier to upgrade.
Updated features
Numerous functions at the heart of the system have undergone major updates.
The customer, order, stock and promotion management systems have all undergone bug fixes and performance optimizations.
Simplified installation
Prestashop installation, configuration and updating are now directly integrated into the back office.
So everything is just a few clicks away.
Essential modules integrated by default
Some previously indispensable external modules are now integrated into the heart of Prestashop.
Modules such as Google Analytics, Paypal, SEO Expert and Colissimo are now available natively.
Enhanced performance
Prestashop is now compatible with PHP version 8.
The result is improved performance.
Prestashop can take advantage of all the optimizations brought by this version of PHP, and page loading is clearly accelerated.
Greater respect for web standards
Prestashop 8 definitively adopts HTML5 and CSS3.
This means greater compliance with standards, which automatically leads to improved site accessibility and better referencing.
Why use Prestashop version 8?
Prestashop version 8 offers many advantages:
- The new default theme makes it easier to showcase the store and its products.
It makes for a more modern, attractive and, above all, responsive site. - Site administration is simplified thanks to the new back office.
- The site performs better thanks to the use of Symfony and PHP 8.
- Web standards are much better respected thanks to HTML5 and CSS3.
This results in a better user experience, better performance and more effective search engine optimization. - The site is now more secure thanks to numerous updates and corrections.
- Many essential modules are now natively integrated into Prestashop.
They are easier to configure and more powerful.
What precautions should I take before migrating to Prestashop version 8?
If you’re using a version prior to Prestashop 8, you should still take a few precautions before migrating your site.
In particular, you need to consider the following risks:
- Risk of incompatibility of certain modules or themes used in the current version of your site.
- Risk of loss of data or configurations present on the site.
- Risk of malfunctions during migration to the new version.
You should also bear in mind that you may have to pay for new versions of certain modules to ensure that they are compatible with Prestashop 8.
Why use a service provider?
While Prestashop version 8 offers many advantages, migrating from an older version can be risky and requires a number of checks and balances.
So you need to be rigorous and prepare your migration thoroughly.
By calling on a qualified and experienced service provider to migrate your site to Prestashop 8, you’re choosing the path of safety.
The Prestashop service provider will be able to carry out :
- A preliminary diagnosis of the current site: essential to identify the elements to be modified or preserved during the migration.
- Personalized support: definition of needs, objectives and expectations, organization and planning of the migration.
- A controlled, secure migration, guaranteeing compliance with best practices.
- Post-migration monitoring to ensure that all site elements are working properly.
To conclude on Prestashop 8
The latest version of Prestashop brings many advantages.
However, migrating a site created in an earlier version is no mean feat.
Many parameters need to be taken into account.
Operations must be carried out with the utmost rigor, to ensure that the site’s operation suffers little or no disruption.
If you’d like to migrate your Prestashop online store to version 8, don’t hesitate to contact me.
I’ll be with you every step of the way, from defining your needs to the final production launch of your new Prestashop 8 online store.
