It is common for people to update their sites before testing to see if anything will break.
However, although this is common, it definitely isn't wise. We always recommend that you test your updates before applying them, particularly if your site is important to your business.
The following tutorial will show you how to test Joomla upgrades before updating your live site.
#1. Create a Test Site
First things first, you will need to create a test site. The following tutorial will help you to create a test site using Akeeba Backup: https://www.ostraining.com/blog/joomla/test-site-akeeba-backup/
#2. Use the Joomla! Update Component
- In your test site, go to Components > Joomla! Update.
#3. Set the Options
- In the top right, go to Options.
- If you're on an older Joomla version, you'll probably going to want to make sure it's set to Long Term Support.
- If you're moving from Joomla 2.5 to Joomla 3, you're going to want to set it to Short Term Support. However, give https://www.ostraining.com/blog/joomla/how-to-upgrade-from-joomla-2-5-to-joomla-3/ a try for a more exhaustive tutorial on moving from 2.5 to 3.
- If you're testing a Release Candidate that Joomla has pre-released, change the Update Server to Testing. That's what I'm going to do in this tutorial and update to Joomla 3.2.1.rc.
- Finally, there's Custom URL, which allows you to add any Joomla package. You'd just have to copy the link of the package and paste it in the Custom URL field.
#4. Install the Update
- In the below screenshot, Joomla 3.2.1 Release Candidate is shown.
- Once you've reviewed the information, Install the Update.
#5. Success
Success! Now you can proceed to testing your test site and making sure everything is in order.
Be sure to test both your front-end and your backend. If you spot anything that's not working, be sure to report it to the respective developers.
