Do we have to update our website every time there is a new version?

[maplexxx]

I mean, I think everyone edited some part of the source code to let it meet our needs, now we have a new version, what is your choice, update it or not?

[Crizzo]

I think everyone edited some part of the source code to let it meet our needs,

No, therefore we have extensions

And yes, you should update when there are new versions with noteable bugfixes and more compatibility with newer PHP version and of course, when there are security fixes.

Regards

[warmweer]

I mean, I think everyone edited some part of the source code to let it meet our needs, now we have a new version, what is your choice, update it or not?

First of all, I would refrain from using the word "website" when you're referring to the board. Many users have a website and the board is only part of the website.

Whether to update or not is the board owner's decision. If there are no modifications, then updating is almost taken for granted, even with simple modifications.
With more invasive modifications you'll need some time to do the edits and test thoroughly. Postponing until your board shows errors is not a good idea as the downtime may be a lot longer than you initially expected. To avoid that (or at least try to) I immediately tested my modifications on the new version (on a copy)

In my case: I had a 3.0.14 board with a very intrusive (personal) modification and I skipped 3.1 completely while trying to modify my modification to work with the newer phpBB version (eventually I got a slimmed down version working on 3.2 thanks to some extensions).

Basically skipping versions isn't wrong as such, but you're increasing the risk of finding out (late) that your modifications, even extensions don't function as intended or even break your board.

And, as Crizzo pointed out, security fixes shouldn't be neglected AT ALL.

[[Dimetrodon]]

No, you don't.

I'm sticking with 3.3.8 for now. I made some minor tweeks to the code but nothing major, and which can easily be made on the new version. Most of my changes were the dropping of custom php files into a subdirectory, though it's doubtful 3.3.9 would break those. Problem is that I installed phpBB in the root directory, and there's non-phpBB files there I don't want to delete. I have to carefully delete the old files, install new ones, then go into the install directory to update the database. Not something I'm in a hurry to do at the moment.

If this was an update to fix an urgent security vulnerability, then my response would of course be different, and I would ensure I updated within the day, regardless of what issues or inconveniences may come about.

[bennybernaer]

With me, just about every file has been edited with custom code, but I still prefer to update every time.

And yes, I know there are extensions but there is not an extension for everything. And it is also not at all certain if someone will record it when you submit a request.

[maplexxx]

I think everyone edited some part of the source code to let it meet our needs,

No, therefore we have extensions

And yes, you should update when there are new versions with noteable bugfixes and more compatibility with newer PHP version and of course, when there are security fixes.

Regards

Dame it...I've already changed the source code!!! I don't know how to develop extensions!

[maplexxx]

With me, just about every file has been edited with custom code, but I still prefer to update every time.

And yes, I know there are extensions but there is not an extension for everything. And it is also not at all certain if someone will record it when you submit a request.

And after update, you edit with custom code again?

[[Dimetrodon]]

With me, just about every file has been edited with custom code, but I still prefer to update every time.

And yes, I know there are extensions but there is not an extension for everything. And it is also not at all certain if someone will record it when you submit a request.

And after update, you edit with custom code again?

That's normally what I do, though there is an update that may be able to keep some of your changes: https://www.phpbb.com/downloads/3.3/advanced_update

Of course, back everything up beforehand, and it probably requires you to get your hands dirty.

[bennybernaer]

No, that is not necessary at all. I have been using the advanced update package for years. Never had any problems.

But as already mentioned, always make a full backup first.

Once you've made that backup, you can mess around as much as you want.

[HB]

I have a heavily modified board and the "advanced update" either works as-is or requires some minor manual merging of conflicts. The latest 3.3.9 update from 3.3.8 took me less than an hour, including updating the live site.

I use a really helpful tool "Beyond Compare" for double checking my work (i.e., comparing an updated version of my code against the current production code). There's other useful comparison tools out there, no doubt, but I like BC because it handles massive comparisons quickly and intuitively. If there's a major update, it can also do 3-way merges (parent source, the new version, and your current version). It helps you to see just your changes, e.g., phpBB 3.2, phpBB 3.3, and your code based on 3.2. It answer the question: What actually changed that needs to be merged from my 3.2 based code to the (new) 3.3 base?

To the OP's question: There's almost always security patches, so yes, it's prudent to update. It's pretty rare that a release doesn't have some security fixes, even if they're just in dependent code outside of the phpBB base.

[[Dimetrodon]]

I did the "advanced update" to phpBB 3.3.9 and that was the most intuitive phpBB update I had ever done. Took me less than five minutes.

Edit: Well, 3.3.9 breaks board3 portal. All well.

[AmigoJack]

I use a really helpful tool "Beyond Compare"

For those who don't want to pay for software or even also want its source can use https://winmerge.org for Windows.

[maplexxx]

I learn a lot from this topic as a new bee, thank you, experts.