Magento 2.4 -- a major update -- has just been officially launched today. It comes with improvements in security and performance that make Magento 2 better in various aspects, with over 98 new features, 68 bug fixes to core code, 7 test cycles, and 30+ security enhancements.
For the Open Source edition, here’s what the introduction of M2.4.0 has to offer merchants:
Substantial security enhancements
This release includes 30+ security fixes and improvements which also addresses remote code execution (RCE) and cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities.
Besides, substantial security changes include the enablement of two-factor authentication (2FA) for the Magento Admin panel by default. Template filter strict mode is enabled by default (this is applied to CMS pages and blocks that use the template filter in legacy mode). Magento also disables data rendering for UI data providers to eliminate arbitrary Javascript execution.
Other significant platform upgrades and improvements:
- Introduces support for PHP 7.4, Elasticsearch 7.6.x (which now becomes the default catalog search engine for both Magento Commerce and Open Source), and MySQL 8.0.
- Removed MySQL search engine; PHP 7.1 and 7.2 deprecated.
- The Authorize.Net and Braintree payment method integrations are no longer supported and have been removed from core code.
- New Media Gallery that offers a searchable interface for Magento media assets.
- Seller-assisted shopping that allows merchants to view the storefront on behalf of their customers. This feature is handy when assisting them in placing orders and troubleshooting issues. However, to maintain customer account security, all sessions will be destroyed after the admin signs out and administrators can not access customer passwords.
- Inventory Management enhancements now include support for in-store pickup.
- Upgraded to the latest PayPal Javascript SDK.
- Multiple optimizations to Redis performance.
- Magento Functional Testing Framework (MFTF) v3.0.0 includes new features and support for PHP 7.4 and PHPUnit 9.
- For all other improvements to core quality that were included in Magento 2.4.0, you can find in the official release note here.
Magento PWA Studio
Magento PWA Studio v7.0.0 is out too. However, it is released independently, so you can check out what’s new in 7.0.0 on a separate project page here.
Changes in the Magento 2.4 database structure
While working on the compatibility testing with Magento 2.4.0, we review the changes in the database structure between Magento CE 2.4.0 and Magento CE 2.3.5-p1.
We think this might be good to have a quick overview of the significant changes in Magento 2.4.0. Please note the comparison is for quick reference rather than detailing every aspect of changes in Magento 2.4.0.
Changes in the ‘eav_attribute’ table
Changes in the ‘inventory_source’ table
Changes in the ‘quote’ table
Changes in the ‘review_entity_summary’ table
Changes in the ‘sale_order_grid’ table
Changes in the ‘catalog_inventory_stock_item’ table
Our team is now working on updating our Magento 2 extensions and themes to Magento 2.4. As soon as we complete the compatibility testing process, we will update this article accordingly so that you can take advantage of useful features and new upgrades in Magento 2.4.
