🚀 Joomla Component Builder v6

[Llewellynvdm]

A New Era for Joomla Development

We're thrilled to announce a major milestone in the evolution of Joomla Component Builder (JCB):
Version 6 is now officially stable — and fully Joomla 6 ready! 🎉

This release marks the beginning of a new generation of Joomla extension development, refined from the ground up to take full advantage of Joomla 6's modern architecture.

Alongside this, we're also releasing JCB v5 — the most stable long-term version for Joomla 5 sites — and JCB v4, which receives its final round of improvements before retirement.

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🧩 The Release Cycle at a Glance

Version	Purpose	Joomla Compatibility	Status
JCB v6	Future-ready core, rebuilt for Joomla 6	Joomla 6	✅ Stable (New Era)
JCB v5	Rock-solid long-term branch	Joomla 5	✅ Stable
JCB v4	Final legacy release	Joomla 4	⚙️ Maintenance

Each version builds on the previous one, sharing a strong core of improvements while targeting different environments.
Whether you're maintaining Joomla 4 projects or preparing for Joomla 6, this release cycle ensures a clear and stable path forward.

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🚀 What's New in JCB v6 — Built for the Future

Version 6 is far more than a compatibility update — it's a full architectural modernization of JCB.
Here's what makes it stand out:

1. Full Joomla 6 Build Support

JCB v6 is the first fully stable version designed for Joomla 6. You can now generate components that work seamlessly on Joomla 6's upgraded framework.

2. Native Module Builder

Modules are now built on the Joomla 6 native architecture with no reliance on backward compatibility plugins.

3. Modern Compiler Core

The compiler's internal flow has been completely restructured:

• Joomla DB operations are now handled through a clean injector system.
• Deprecated logic has been replaced with Joomla 5+/6-native calls.
• File, plugin, and module movers are now standalone class-based services for easier maintenance and testing.

4. Event Handling Overhaul

JCB v6 replaces legacy event triggers with Joomla's native event dispatcher through getDispatcher(), covering:
contentPrepare, titlePrepare, contentBeforeDisplay, and contentAfterDisplay.
This ensures that extensions built with JCB integrate perfectly with Joomla 6's new event system.

5. HTML & MVC Refactors

Every view, controller, and model has been updated to:

• Use getModel() instead of deprecated magic calls.
• Follow Joomla's strict MVC separation and class naming standards.
• Fully align with Bootstrap 5 styling for cleaner UIs.

The Compiler Dashboard itself has been completely rebuilt for speed and clarity — it's faster, leaner, and visually aligned with Joomla 5+/6 admin standards. (More coming soon on this front...)

6. Smarter Validation & Database Logic

• Field validation rules are now auto-registered and executed consistently.
• Table classes now fully support NULL values in both schema and store logic.
• A new CheckInNow class cleanly manages auto check-in operations.
• GUID field types now use a default VARCHAR(36) definition for convenience.

7. Cross-Platform & Stability Improvements

• Windows normalization fixes ensure clean builds across all systems.
• The SQL dump generator now handles large datasets in safe, memory-efficient batches.
• Installer compatibility with multi-plugin components on Joomla 6 is now 100% resolved.

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🧱 What's New in JCB v5 — The Trusted Workhorse

While version 6 leads the future, v5 remains the dependable backbone for Joomla 4 and 5 development.
It includes almost all of the same refactors and fixes, excluding a few experimental Joomla 6 features.

Highlights in v5:

• Refined compiler controller and model for speed and stability.
• Major cleanup of legacy code and deprecated methods.
• Advanced XML metadata for module builders (#1248).
• Improved event and validation flow, mirroring Joomla 5's dispatcher system.
• Smarter handling of radio button data types and NULL fields.
• Fully rebuilt compiler dashboard using Bootstrap 5.

If you're maintaining production sites on Joomla 4 or 5, v5 is your go-to release — tested, stable, and proven.

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🕰️ What's New in JCB v4 — The Final Legacy Update

JCB v4 receives its final set of improvements, serving as a polished send-off for developers still working on older Joomla 4 projects.
It includes key compatibility fixes, better event handling, and a refined compiler architecture that eases migration to version 5 or 6.

Key fixes include:

• Template and layout linker reliability.
• Improved field validation rule registration.
• Refactored compiler logic with clearer class separation.
• Better handling of NULL values and field defaults.
• Early support for Joomla 6 build options.

While it's nearing end-of-life, v4 remains a dependable choice for existing projects not yet ready to move up.

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💡 Why This Matters

JCB v6 isn't just about keeping up — it's about accelerating Joomla development into the modern era.
With a cleaner architecture, smarter validation, and a compiler that understands Joomla 6 natively, developers can now build and maintain extensions faster, safer, and with fewer compatibility issues than ever before.

This release also lays the groundwork for future innovations:

• Enhanced "Super Powers" integration
• Improved packaging automation
• Advanced dependency injection within compiler services
• Seamless migration tools for older JCB blueprints

Every change in this release was made with long-term sustainability and developer happiness in mind.

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📦 Get the Latest Releases

You can download all stable versions directly from our release page:
👉 git.vdm.dev/joomla/pkg-component-builder/releases

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💬 Join the Discussion

We'd love to hear your feedback, ideas, and questions.
Share your thoughts on this release — what's working well for you, what you'd love to see next, and how JCB v6 is helping you build better extensions.

👉 Join the conversation in the Discussions section →

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🏁 In Summary

JCB v6 – The future-ready builder for Joomla 6
JCB v5 – The rock-solid branch for production sites
JCB v4 – The refined legacy release for Joomla 4 projects

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed ideas, testing, and feedback throughout this transition.
Together, we're shaping the next decade of Joomla development — faster, smarter, and built on open collaboration. 💙

[JoMandalor]

Incredible work! @Llewellynvdm, JCB v6 looks amazing. This is a great leap forward for Joomla’s future!🔥

[TLWebdesign]

This is awesome 🤩 still have to try it but looking forward to it 😍