The most important difference between the various systems – in the complexity of working with them.
The most important difference between the various systems – in the complexity of working with them. That is, some are suitable for beginners (WordPress), and for some you need a minimum experience in using (Drupal).
By the type of data processing, all systems are divided into 3 classes
Classic content management system with an integrated database
Conventional CMS, such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and TYPO3, work with a connected database. This means that all content is stored in a separate database.
Flate-file content management systems
As an alternative to conventional CMSs that work with connected databases, there are so-called flate-file systems. They store site content as simple files, so they don’t need their own database on the server. These include products such as Grav, Pico and Kirby.
Static site generators
In addition to content management systems with or without a database, there are more and more static website generators on the market. They are not populated with content like a regular CMS. Every time a change is made, the system creates static HTML files and rebuilds the page. Thus, the pages are static and have high performance. Generators are more suitable for professional, technically savvy users, but work with them is becoming easier because of the additional services and administrator interfaces. The best representatives here are Forestry.io, DatoCMS and Lektor
According to the management model, all systems are divided into 4 types:
- CMS Content Management Software regardless of the type of data presentation.
- WPS A simplified CMS for blogs.
- WCMS A management system for web content adapted for mobile devices.
- ECMS Enterprise content management system.
The most popular CMS
WordPress
WordPress began as a simple software for creating a blog. Over the years, the system became more and more popular: new features and templates appeared. Solutions such as the “5-minute install”, the many free themes and the easy integration of plugins have certainly contributed to the success of this CMS.
If you need a website but have little or no budget or time for one, WordPress is the right choice. The system installs in minutes, then users can start publishing content immediately. By investing a little money in a quality theme, you can quickly achieve a professional look and feel. If more specific project requirements arise over time, you can quickly find a ready-made solution in the form of a plugin.
Joomla
Like WordPress and TYPO3, Joomla is based on the PHP programming language, which visually converts the contents of the MySQL database. Installing Joomla works on almost every web hosting site and takes only 30 seconds. Developers can program a large number of custom extensions for the system.
Unlike other CMSs, Joomla offers only an input box with text editor support for creating and formatting content. This looks very simple at first glance, but causes problems with complex formatting.
Drupal
Once conceived as a social sharing platform, Drupal has evolved into one of the most widely used open-source editing systems.
In addition to its core features, Drupal focuses on developing social publications and community portals so members can create their own content and interact with others. In Drupal, as in WordPress and Joomla, sections are managed on an object basis. The modular structure of the CMS allows for separate and complex page structures. Initially quite thin, it can be adapted to your own desires with various additional extensions.
In general, Drupal is more suitable for experienced web developers because, unlike WordPress, the desired configuration must first be assembled in a certain order.
TYPO3
TYPO3 is the most popular system for large firms and companies. The CMS is available in over 50 languages and has over 5,000 extensions. A large community is constantly and actively involved in the development of the system. Even in its basic installation, this powerful CMS includes many features such as support for multiple domains and advanced rights management for multiple administrators and users.
For the implementation of complex page structures with multilingual content, however, the editing system requires special knowledge. All in all, TYPO3 is an incredibly complex CMS that is often able to do more than users need in their website. Compared to other systems, it requires a long learning curve and comparatively more administrative effort.
MODx
“MODx Evolution” is a combination of CMS and CMF – from “Content Management System” and “Content Management Framework”, that is a platform. The system is suitable for both small and large websites, that is, from a web business card to the resource of an international company.
The biggest hurdle you have to take in MODX is yourself: MODX is a system for professionals. You need a minimum knowledge of HTML and CSS to use it.
MODx emphasizes the usability of the websites you create and the optimal mix of design and content. You won’t need programming knowledge to begin with, but once you want to implement special and customized solutions, you’ll need to apply CSS and HTML.
MODh manages the content and provides the markup, which should be specified down to the last detail. After successful installation, MODx provides a blank white page with minimal HTML source code. This is how every MODx project starts.