Upgrade Prestashop and Test Domain

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I am planning on upgrading from Prestashop 1.4.8.2 to the latest stable version of Prestashop. #2 of the Upgrade tips on Prestashop forum (https://www.prestashop.com/forums/topic/271060-upgrade-tips/) suggests creating a test domain. But, when I look here at Inmotion (https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/community-support/domain-names/testing-with-temporary-subdomain). It suggests something different. What's better to do?

I have a customized theme with older modules which I plan on removing or updating to go with the upgrade. Would like a nice environment to work it all out before moving it to the live site.
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Arn
Hello,

Thanks for the question about using a temporary subdomain versus using a host file mod for the upgrade of your PrestaShop website!

It really depends on what you want running while the site is in development. If your website is running on the primary domain in the hosting account with us already, then you will need to use an add-on domain or subdomain. Using a subdomain (e.g. AngelEleganceVintage.com/newsite) would be cheaper since you don't need to register a new domain name (required for an add-on domain). Also, when you install the upgraded version of the website on the subdomain, you would leave the older site RUNNING on the primary domain name.

The disadvantage of using this method is that you will need to MOVE your newly developed website into the primary domain's location after you have completed your changes.

If you are not worried about having an operational website running on the primary domain, then you can use the method described by Jacob (in the question link your provided). You would install the upgraded site onto the primary domain - but in PrestaShop's case you would use the Maintenance mode and not have to worry about making the HOSTS file change. This is because your old site would already be gone (replaced by the upgraded site). The advantage using a HOSTS file change is when you have a separate hosting account hosting the old site already and you want to use the primary domain name for the development of the upgraded website (on another hosting account). This allows the developer to work on the website using the primary domain name, without disrupting the site running on another account. The HOSTS file change "tricks" developer's computer into thinking that primary domain name is going to the development location (instead of the old hosting account). Everyone else on the internet would see the website as normal.

The advantage of using this method is that when development is complete, the only that needs to be done would be to change the DNS. There would be no moving of files. It's analogous to saying, "hey everyone, the new website is over here now. Go here!".

I hope this helped to explain the difference -it's a little tricky to understand, but easy if you get the gist of it. For your purposes, I would recommend using the subdomain - if you intend to keep your old store running while you upgrade to the new one. Make SURE you backup everything before you make any type of upgrade !

If you have any further questions or comments, please let us know.

Kindest regards,
Arnel C.