How to Update Add-ons

Overview

Each Larapen add-on (Blog, Shop, HelpCenter, Events, etc.) is versioned independently from the core application. Add-ons can be updated separately, and their updates may be released on a different schedule than core updates.

Where to get add-on updates

Add-on updates are distributed in the same way as core updates; through CodeCanyon. When you download the latest Larapen release, it includes the latest versions of all included add-ons. Separately purchased add-ons are downloaded from their own CodeCanyon listing.

Step-by-step add-on update process

Step 1: Create a backup

Before updating any add-on, create a full backup of your database and files. See our Backup Before Updating article.

Step 2: Download and upload the new add-on files

1. Download the latest add-on package (from CodeCanyon or the Larapen release archive).
2. Extract the ZIP file on your local computer.
3. Locate the add-on folder. Add-ons reside in the extensions/addons/ directory. For example:
   • Blog add-on: extensions/addons/blog/
   • Shop add-on: extensions/addons/shop/
   • HelpCenter add-on: extensions/addons/helpcenter/
4. Upload and overwrite the add-on folder on your server with the new version.

Step 3: Run the update from the admin panel

1. Log into your admin panel: https://yoursite.com/admin
2. If add-on updates are detected, the System Update page will show them alongside any core updates.
3. Each add-on with pending updates will be listed with:
   • The add-on name and icon
   • Currently installed version → available version
   • Changelog for each pending version
4. Click the "Update" button next to the add-on you want to update.
5. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: Verify the add-on update

• Go to Add-ons in the admin sidebar and verify the version number is updated.
• Test the add-on's functionality (e.g., create a test blog post, view the shop front page, etc.).
• Check the front-end pages that use the add-on.

Updating multiple add-ons at once

If you download a full Larapen release that includes updated add-ons, you can update everything at once:

1. Upload all new files (core + add-ons) to your server.
2. Log into the admin panel; the Update page will show all pending updates (core and each add-on).
3. Update the core first, then update each add-on individually.

Add-on compatibility

Each add-on specifies its required minimum core version in its addon.json manifest file. If an add-on update requires a newer core version, the system will notify you and prevent the add-on update until the core is updated first.