Exploring AI-Generated Modules in Drupal: A Real-World Test
As AI technology advances, many wonder, “Can AI actually generate a Drupal module that works?” I’m going to share my experience using ChatGPT to generate functional Drupal modules for a real project. (Video below)
AI and Drupal Development: Why I’m Excited
With AI tools improving daily, especially with applications in Drupal, I decided to test whether ChatGPT could build a couple of custom modules for me. One of these modules needed to be straightforward, while the other had a slightly more complex function.
Module 1: The Custom “FPS” Module
For the first test, I requested a module that would allow users with specific roles (e.g., “User” or higher) to change the default homepage without accessing a menu. The users needed to select from several pre-set options, such as “Dashboard,” “Dashboard Fall,” and “Dashboard January.”
The module’s purpose was to let a tax consulting website swap homepages throughout the year, highlighting different information during key seasons like January.
Here’s the prompt I provided to ChatGPT:
“You are a senior Drupal developer with five years of Drupal 10 experience. Create a custom module called FPS that allows a user with the role of User or higher to update the default front page without accessing a menu. They should be able to choose from the following options: Dashboard, Dashboard Fall, and Dashboard January.”
What ChatGPT Delivered
ChatGPT generated an FPS module that included:
1. Info file – Essential details for Drupal to recognize the module.
2. Routing file – Defining paths for page navigation.
3. Permissions file – Controlling access for authorized roles.
4. Controller – The “FrontPageSwitcherController” class to handle the page-switching logic.
5. Form class – “FrontPageSwitcherForm” to present the dashboard options to the user.
The module structure was well thought out, with separate files for each key function. Here’s what the module looked like in action:
• I added a button at the bottom of the homepage, allowing users to select a dashboard.
• On selecting a dashboard, it redirected users to the corresponding path.
• The homepage content updated based on the choice.
With this setup, users could select a dashboard without having to deal with layout configuration themselves. ChatGPT also provided a helpful summary with installation instructions, which simplified testing and deployment.
Module 2: Custom Taxonomy Title
In the next test, I needed to modify the page title on the taxonomy term pages. By default, Drupal displays “Add term” on these pages, but I wanted it to show “Add [Vocabulary Name].”
In previous Drupal versions, this could be achieved using a simple hook. However, in Drupal 10, that hook was deprecated. I asked ChatGPT to handle this requirement.
Here’s the prompt:
You are a senior Drupal 10 developer. Create a custom module for Drupal 10 to change the text "Add Term" at the the top of Add Term page. Replace the words "Add Term" with "Add" and the name of the vocabulary the term is being added to.
What ChatGPT Generated
ChatGPT created a new module called “Custom Taxonomy Title,” which consisted of:
• Service file – A custom service to manage the title-changing logic.
• Route subscriber – To override default routes and connect to the custom controller.
• Controller – Fetches the taxonomy vocabulary and applies the appropriate title.
Initially, ChatGPT attempted to use the outdated hook. But after feedback, it revised the code to use the new route subscriber method.
Observations and Takeaways
Both modules worked seamlessly and demonstrated ChatGPT’s capability to produce functional, well-structured Drupal modules with minimal guidance. As a trainer and developer, I was pretty happy that I didn’t need to spend time creating the modules. However, there’s no way I could have done the troubleshooting necessary without knowing module development. Bottom line - it’s a huge time saver but it still isn’t going to replace anyone right now.
A Word for Junior Developers
AI’s growing capabilities mean that it’s starting to handle many tasks typically assigned to junior developers. Simple modules like these, once used for gaining experience, can now be generated by AI in minutes. For emerging developers, this underscores the need to continuously refine your skills and focus on complex, value-driven projects.