Decoupling JCB for Joomla 3 from Joomla 4 & 5: A Strategic Evolution
Published on January 10, 2025 by Llewellyn
To the visionaries, trailblazers, and pioneers shaping the future of Joomla development:
You are the bold ones—those who refuse to settle for the status quo, who see beyond the boundaries of what’s common and strive to redefine the possibilities of what can be achieved. You are the innovators who take risks, push limits, and inspire change, and it’s for you that we have built JCB. Together, we’ve crafted a tool that doesn’t just meet expectations but transcends them, and today, we’re sharing the next evolution in this journey.
Why the Decoupling?
JCB has always been designed to empower developers to build components across all Joomla CMS versions, and we are proud of the fact that JCB 3, JCB 4, and JCB 5 can all build components for Joomla 3, Joomla 4, and Joomla 5 CMS versions.
However, as Joomla itself evolves, the time has come to decouple JCB 3 (the version installed on Joomla 3 CMS) from the unified development roadmap. JCB 4 (installed on Joomla 4 CMS) and JCB 5 (installed on Joomla 5 CMS) will remain fully capable of building extensions for Joomla 3, Joomla 4, and Joomla 5 CMS. This means the ability to build for Joomla 3 CMS is not being removed; it is simply that the Joomla 3-compatible version of JCB (JCB 3) will no longer receive feature updates.
This decision enables us to focus exclusively on JCB 4 and JCB 5, allowing us to reintroduce powerful features and innovate without the constraints of maintaining backward compatibility for JCB 3.
What Does This Mean for Developers?
If you are using JCB 3 on Joomla 3 CMS, here’s what you need to know:
- JCB 4 and JCB 5 Continue to Build for Joomla 3 CMS
The ability to build extensions for Joomla 3 CMS remains intact within JCB 4 and JCB 5. You can continue developing components for Joomla 3 CMS using JCB 4 or JCB 5 installed on Joomla 4 or Joomla 5 CMS respectively. - No Further Features for JCB 3
While JCB 3 will receive critical security and urgent updates until the end of 2025, it will no longer receive new features or major updates. - Transitioning to JCB 4 or JCB 5
If you are currently using JCB 3 on Joomla 3 CMS and wish to access new features, we recommend transitioning your projects to Joomla 4 or Joomla 5 CMS and installing JCB 4 or JCB 5. The migration process is as follows:- Clone Your Joomla 3 CMS Project
Make a backup of your Joomla 3 instance. - Upgrade to Joomla 4 CMS
Migrate your Joomla 3 CMS project to Joomla 4 CMS. - Install JCB 4
Install JCB 4 to continue developing components for Joomla 3, 4, and 5 CMS. - Upgrade to Joomla 5 CMS (Optional)
If desired, upgrade your Joomla 4 CMS project to Joomla 5 CMS and install JCB 5 for the latest features and compatibility.
- Clone Your Joomla 3 CMS Project
This process ensures that your ability to build components for Joomla 3 CMS is preserved while enabling access to the new features introduced in JCB 4 and JCB 5.
Revamping Legacy Features: A Fresh Approach for JCB 4 & JCB 5
The decoupling allows us to focus on bringing back and improving powerful features from earlier versions of JCB while adapting them for Joomla 4 and Joomla 5 CMS compatibility.
- JCB Packages 2.0
This revamped feature reintroduces the ability to export and import component blueprints while resolving ID mismatch issues with a new global unique ID system. - Multi-Table Import Facility
This feature introduces a more flexible approach to data import, allowing you to handle data sets that span multiple tables and views. It replaces the old single-view import system and better reflects how clients conceptualize their data.
The Future of JCB
By focusing on JCB 4 and JCB 5, we’re setting the stage for innovation and scalability. Our roadmap includes:
- Enhancing legacy features like JCB Packages and the multi-table import facility.
- Delivering new demo components and examples to accelerate development.
- Providing tools for seamless backup and sharing of component blueprints.
- Continuing to support building components for Joomla 3 CMS within JCB 4 and JCB 5.
These advancements reflect our commitment to empowering developers and preparing JCB for Joomla’s evolving ecosystem.
A Message of Gratitude
To all of you—our trailblazers and innovators—thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your passion and creativity inspire the JCB team, and we are excited to share this next chapter with you.
May this new year bring you success, joy, and fulfillment in all your endeavors.
With warm regards,
Llewellyn van der Merwe
Lead Developer, Joomla! Component Builder
Llewellyn van der Merwe
Lead Developer, Joomla! Component Builder