Magento 2 has three deployment modes: default, developer, and production. Each mode has its own set of features and benefits, and the best mode for you will depend on your specific needs.
- Default mode is the most basic mode and is designed for development and testing. In default mode, Magento compiles code and generates static view files on demand, which can improve performance. However, the default mode also exposes errors and warnings to users, which can make it unsuitable for production environments.
- Developer mode is designed for developers who need to make changes to Magento’s code or configuration. In developer mode, Magento does not compile code or generate static view files, which makes it easy for developers to make changes and see the results immediately. However, developer mode also exposes errors and warnings to users, which can make it unsuitable for production environments.
- Production mode is designed for live websites. In production mode, Magento compiles code and generates static view files during deployment, which improves performance. Magento also hides errors and warnings from users, which improves the user experience.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the three modes:
| Mode | Features | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | Compiles code and generates static view files on demand | Improves performance | Errors and warnings are exposed to users |
| Developer | Does not compile code or generate static view files | Easy for developers to make changes and see the results immediately | Errors and warnings are exposed to users |
| Production | Compiles code and generates static view files during deployment | Improves performance | Errors and warnings are hidden from users |
In general, you should use the default mode for development and testing, the developer mode for making changes to Magento’s code or configuration, and the production mode for live websites.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a deployment mode:
- Performance: The default mode has the best performance, followed by the production mode, and then the developer mode.
- Security: The production mode is the most secure mode, followed by the default mode, and then the developer mode.
- Usability: The production mode is the most user-friendly mode, followed by the default mode, and then the developer mode.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a deployment mode is to consider your specific needs and requirements.