Not every web developer likes to write HTML and CSS. In fact, many of them bypass code completely by turning to a Content Management System (CMS). The most popular content management systems are simple to use and offer add-on capabilities. Here is a summary of some of the most useful CMS solutions for web developers.
1. WordPress
WordPress is by far the most popular CMS for web development, web hosting and blogging. It is free and easy to use, powered by software that is created by a vast open source community of volunteers who constantly offer new web development solutions. This community provides countless themes and software plugins.
The Android and iOS app allows you to post blogs and monitor your traffic data from a mobile device. WordPress works with web developers by providing 24/7 support through live chat, email, forums and support pages. One major advantage of using WordPress is that it has built-in SEO for Google, Bing and Yahoo.
2. Joomla
As a free open source PHP-based web development platform, Joomla is a popular alternative to WordPress for independent developers. It is an efficient solution if you want to integrate your site with a database, as it facilitates MySQL, MS-SQL and PostgreSQL. It’s a powerful platform for building custom websites with the help of the open source community.
Although Joomla does not provide hosting, the CMS allows you to easily integrate with a web host in just one click. It’s an easy to use platform that allows you to create mobile-ready websites. Joomla offers thousands of extensions and designs. Popular sites that use Joomla include eBay, Barnes & Noble and IKEA as well as over 3,000 government organizations.
3. Drupal
Drupal is another free open source CMS written in PHP. A wide range of sites from personal to business to government use this platform. Notably, WhiteHouse.gov is built on Drupal, which is distributed through the GNU General Public License. Other prominent sites that use Drupal include NBC, Harvard University, Tesla, Princess Cruises and The Weather Channel.
One of the keys that attracts developers to Drupal is that sites can be constructed and adapted quickly. It’s a helpful solution to business owners who want to reach the mobile market but do not want to spend time learning code. Its diverse community of developers can help you stay up to date with digital trends.
4. Blogger
Blogger, owned by Google, has been one of the longest running blogging platforms that remains popular. The platform allows users to manage up to 100 blogs hosted on the blogspot.com subdomain. The site was originally launched by Pyra Labs in 1999 before being acquired by Google in 2003. A key advantage to Blogger is that it integrates well with Google+ and many other Google tools.
5. SilverStripe
This CMS is yet another free open source PHP-based platform that provides users with a WYSIWYG editor. Its BSD licensing originated from UC Berkeley, although SilverStripe is based in New Zealand. The platform focuses on clean design and innovative technology. The company provides hourly support as well as web development training on top of being a cloud-based web host and software developer.
SilverStripe offers multiple hosting options including dedicated servers. One of the reasons business, government and non-profit organizations choose SilverStripe is because it is easy to customize for internet and intranet sites as well as other web applications.
6. Squarespace
Designed to be a full service web publishing solution, Squarespace is a web host as well as a web development and blogging platform. It’s an appropriate choice for bloggers who favor attractive designs and simple landing pages. Squarespace gives you the tools to build a sophisticated online store with customizable layouts and an eCommerce solution. Product pages can be easily created with drag and drop tools. Another major benefit is that designs are optimized for mobile shoppers.
7. ModX
ModX is another free open source PHP-based CMS that supports MySQL database. It can be used for both GNU-licensed internet and intranet sites. The main vision of the platform is to offer you complete creative freedom, flexibility and scalability in your designs. Its creators strive to see beyond the limitations of other content management systems so that you can focus on delivering desired content.
8. vBulletin
This forum software is written in PHP and provides web developers with a WYSIWYG Editor and a MySQL database server. You can either be your own host or use vBulletin’s cloud services. This robust software comes with strong security, built-in SEO and support. Web pages can be easily customized and optimized for mobile devices. The user-friendly software allows sites to be built quickly. Users include NASA, The Denver Broncos, The Houston Texans, Zynga and rock band Pearl Jam.
This article is written by 3magine, a web design company in Toronto, Ontario. 3magine designs and develops websites, web applications, and social networks and considers themselves a technical expert in these areas, including a variety of some of the top CMSs.
Web Developer & SEO Specialist with 15+ years of experience in Open Source Web Development specialized in Joomla & WordPress development. He is also the moderator of this blog "RS Web Solutions".