When managing an e-commerce platform, the foundation of your business rests heavily on the capabilities of the system running it. Magento, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, has undergone a significant evolution from Magento 1 to Magento 2. But these changes aren’t just about new features—they fundamentally change how developers work with the platform. If you’re planning to hire a Magento developer, it’s crucial to know whether they specialize in Magento 1, Magento 2, or both, and how their expertise aligns with your specific needs.
Do you need to migrate your store from Magento 1 to 2? Are you maintaining a legacy Magento 1 site? Or are you starting fresh with Magento 2?
Each scenario requires a different set of skills and knowledge. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Magento 1 and Magento 2, how those differences affect the hiring process, and what you should consider when choosing the right developer.
Understanding Key Differences to Ensure the Right Developer for Your E-commerce Project
Pointer 1: Magento 1 vs. Magento 2: The Technical Leap
The most significant factor in choosing the right developer is understanding how Magento 2 differs from its predecessor and why these differences matter.
Magento 1 was groundbreaking when it launched, offering customizable themes, extensions, and a reliable structure for online stores. However, over time, limitations became apparent, especially in performance, scalability, and security. Magento 2 addressed these issues head-on with several improvements:
- Performance: Magento 2 is significantly faster. It supports full-page caching and can handle up to 39% more orders per hour compared to Magento 1. For instance, a Magento 2 store loads pages in under 1.5 seconds, while Magento 1 sites may take much longer.
- Architecture: Magento 2 introduced a modular codebase, making it easier to customize and scale. Developers can now work on individual modules without affecting the entire codebase, saving time and reducing errors.
- User Experience: Magento 2 offers a more intuitive admin interface and a streamlined checkout process for users, reducing cart abandonment rates by up to 35%.
When you hire Magento developers, consider whether they have experience with Magento 2’s architecture and features. Developers specializing in Magento 1 might not have the skills needed to work efficiently with Magento 2’s modernized framework.
Pointer 2: The Role of Migration: Moving from Magento 1 to Magento 2
If your e-commerce site is still running on Magento 1, migration to Magento 2 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a necessity. Adobe officially ended support for Magento 1 in June 2020, meaning no more security updates, patches, or technical support. Operating on Magento 1 now leaves your site vulnerable to security breaches and compatibility issues.
Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a complex process, requiring both technical and strategic expertise. A developer skilled in Magento migrations will:
- Analyze your current Magento 1 site to identify what needs to be transferred, including products, customer data, and extensions.
- Ensure custom themes or extensions from Magento 1 are rebuilt or replaced to work with Magento 2’s architecture.
- Minimize downtime and maintain SEO rankings during the migration process.
Hiring a Magento developer with proven migration experience is critical. During the interview process, ask candidates if they’ve handled similar migrations and how they’ve addressed challenges like preserving data integrity or minimizing disruptions. Migration isn’t a one-size-fits-all task—it requires a tailored approach, and the right developer can make all the difference.
Pointer 3: Security Considerations: Magento 1’s Risks vs. Magento 2’s Safeguards
In today’s e-commerce environment, security is non-negotiable. Magento 1, now unsupported, poses serious risks for businesses still using it. Without regular security updates, Magento 1 sites are highly vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. In fact, according to a report by Sansec, over 4,000 Magento 1 stores were hacked within a single year after support ended.
Magento 2, on the other hand, offers advanced security features like:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of protection to admin accounts.
- Stronger Password Management: Supports SHA-256 password hashing algorithms.
- Improved Patching Process: Magento 2 makes it easier for developers to apply security patches without disrupting the site.
If security is a priority for your e-commerce business, you need to hire Magento developers who understand Magento 2’s security features and know how to implement them effectively. Look for developers who stay updated with Magento’s security releases and have experience securing sensitive customer data like payment information.
Pointer 4: Performance and Scalability: Who Can Handle Growth?
One of the biggest reasons businesses upgrade to Magento 2 is its ability to handle larger-scale operations more effectively. Magento 1 sites often struggle under heavy traffic, which can lead to slow load times and lost revenue. Magento 2 is designed to support growing businesses with features like:
- Full-Page Caching: Speeds up page load times by serving pre-rendered pages.
- Improved Database Handling: Separates key functionalities (checkout, product management, etc.) into individual databases, improving performance during high-traffic periods.
- Enhanced Scalability: Can handle 10 million views per hour, making it ideal for enterprises and large-scale operations.
When hiring a developer, it’s essential to assess their experience with performance optimization. Ask them how they’ve improved the speed and scalability of previous Magento 2 projects. Can they implement caching strategies? Do they know how to optimize images and code for faster performance? A developer with these skills will ensure your store runs smoothly, even during peak traffic.
Pointer 5: Custom Development: Meeting Your Unique Business Needs
One of Magento’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Whether you’re running a niche boutique or a global marketplace, Magento 2 allows for extensive customization to fit your specific needs. However, this requires developers with advanced knowledge of custom coding, theme development, and module creation.
For example, if you need a custom feature like a subscription-based checkout or a tailored loyalty program, your developer should be able to design and implement it without affecting the site’s core functionality. They should also be skilled in integrating third-party tools like CRMs, ERPs, and payment gateways to streamline your operations.
During the hiring process, ask for examples of custom modules or features they’ve developed. Evaluate their ability to solve unique business challenges with creative, scalable solutions. A skilled Magento developer doesn’t just follow templates—they craft tailored experiences that set your e-commerce platform apart.
Pointer 6: Communication and Ongoing Support
Hiring a Magento developer isn’t just about building your site—it’s about ensuring it remains functional and competitive over time. Ongoing support is especially important for Magento 2 sites, as regular updates and optimizations are required to maintain performance and security.
The right developer will prioritize communication and collaboration. They should be proactive in suggesting updates or improvements, such as adding new features or optimizing your store for mobile users. Look for candidates who use project management tools like Jira or Trello to track progress and keep you informed.
Additionally, consider their approach to post-launch support. Do they offer maintenance packages? Are they available for bug fixes or urgent updates? A developer who values long-term collaboration will ensure your e-commerce platform evolves alongside your business needs.
Choose the Right Developer for the Right Magento Version
Whether you’re upgrading from Magento 1, starting fresh with Magento 2, or maintaining an existing platform, choosing the right developer is essential to your project’s success. Magento 2’s modern architecture, enhanced security, and superior performance make it the future of e-commerce, but unlocking its full potential requires the right expertise.
When you set out to hire Magento developers, look for candidates who have experience with Magento 2’s unique features, understand the complexities of migration, and prioritize performance and scalability. By finding a developer who aligns with your business goals, you’ll not only build a robust e-commerce platform but also create a seamless shopping experience that drives growth and customer satisfaction.
Invest in the right talent today, and your Magento store will be equipped to handle tomorrow’s challenges.