Joomla! 5.0 introduced the Backward Compatibility Plugin.
Joomla! 6.0 replaced the Backward Compatibility Plugin with the Backward Compatibility 6 Plugin.
In this article we shall refer to both simply as the Backward Compatibility Plugin.
The Backward Compatibility Plugin is enabled by default in the Joomla! CMS.
Purpose: to enable Third Party Extensions which are not compatible with Joomla! 5+ to function after you update your website's Joomla! CMS from an earlier version.
Backward Compatibility Plugins in Joomla! 5.4+
The Backward Compatibility introduced by Joomla! 5.0 was added to by the Joomla! 5.4 update process in readiness for Joomla! 6+
Backward Compatibility Plugins in Joomla! 6.0+
The old Backward Compatibilty Plugin was removed by the Joomla! 6.0 update process.
Fresh installations of Joomla! 6+ include only one Backward Compatibility Plugin - see image.
Should you disable the plugin?
If your Joomla! 5+ website is using an extension which you know the developer has no plans to make it compatible with Joomla! 5+ then you should find an alternative extension to use.
Reason: whilst the Backward Compatibility Plugin is enabled it will have a marginal adverse impact on your website's performance.
Page load times will be marginally slower.
If all your website's Third Party Extensions are compatible with Joomla! 5+ then you can safely disable the Backward Compatibility Plugin.
We recommend reviewing the impact of disabling the Backward Compatibility Plugin in a test environment before disabling it on a live website.
Disabling the Backward Compatibility Plugin should marginally improve page load speeds.
Useful Links
The Joomla! Project has published a useful guide at the following link.
Read More: Issues to consider before you disable the Backward Compatibility Plugin
The Joomla! Community Magazine February 2024 edition included the following interesting article.
Read more: The Backward Compatibility Plugin and why you should switch it off
JOOMLERS.UK is sponsored by WYNCHCO Solutions
WYNCHCO Solutions help and support managers responsible for Joomla! CMS websites in UK business and third sector organisations across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North West England.
