If you’re managing your Ghost installation on a DigitalOcean droplet, staying up-to-date is crucial for unlocking the latest features. Ghost 4.0 introduces powerful functionalities for memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters, making the upgrade a valuable endeavor. However, this process involves more than a simple click. In this guide, we’ll navigate the steps meticulously to seamlessly transition from Ghost 3.x to 4.x.
Checking for Release Red Flags
Before embarking on the upgrade journey, it’s prudent to assess the Ghost forums and GitHub repository for potential red flags post-release. Identifying and addressing unresolved issues or bugs beforehand can preemptively safeguard your site’s performance.
Backing Up Your Ghost Site
Prioritize the safety of your content and settings through a thorough backup process:
- Export contents/settings JSON from Ghost 3.x or 4.x within the Ghost Dashboard;
- Download your theme via the Ghost Dashboard if needed;
- Secure your media/image folders, usually located in `/var/www/ghost/content/images/` on Digital Ocean instances, using SFTP or SCP.
This comprehensive backup ensures a safety net for a seamless rollback if issues arise during or after the upgrade.
Verifying and Updating Ghost CLI
The Ghost CLI is a cornerstone for managing your installation. Keep it at its best with the latest version:
```bash
sudo npm install -g ghost-cli@latest
```A well-maintained CLI enhances the overall stability and performance of your Ghost installation.
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Ensuring Node Compatibility
Ghost relies on the Node.js runtime, so maintaining compatibility is crucial. Check and update your Node version with these commands:
```bash
node -v
curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_14.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
```Staying aligned with recommended Node versions is paramount for a smooth Ghost upgrade.
Force Reinstalling Current Ghost Version
For a robust Ghost installation, perform a force reinstall of the current version:
```bash
ghost update 3.42.3 --force
```This step guarantees that your Ghost installation possesses all necessary dependencies for a seamless transition.
Conclusion
Stay tuned for the upcoming steps in the Digital Ocean Ghost upgrade guide, where we’ll delve into the final stages of updating to Ghost 4.x and ensuring theme compatibility for an impeccable experience.