Introduction to content management systems BTM 395: Internet Programming
Traditional web programming model Physical HTML pages for structure and content CSS for formatting JavaScript for client-side dynamics Server-side scripting for primary application logic
Disadvantages of the traditional model A lot of code required to maintain many similarly-structured pages Very complex to build and maintain Huge technical separation between website developers and content providers
Resolutions for the traditional model Templating of pages: Separation of page structure from its content Still inaccessible to non-techies Eventual evolution led to content management systems
Content management systems Web pages are purely virtual No physically stored web page; web page is created only when requested by a browser Physical pages store –Structural template of pages –Style sheets (CSS is still physical) –Programming logic (JavaScript, server side) Actual page content is stored in database and served dynamically
Key features of content management systems Page content stored in database, served dynamically User control system Page classification system (categories) Themes or templates to manage design Extensions for specialized functionality Open source CMSs permit direct editing of source code for more dramatic customizations
Leading content management systems WordPress (55% market share) Joomla (10% market share) Drupal (6-7% market share) Market share figures from
WordPress Originally started as blogging platform with limited CMS functionality Grew in popularity because of ease of use Gradually increased in functionality to support full CMS features Market share has led to enormous market of plugins for tailorable experience
Joomla CMS from the beginning; focus was ease of use with medium functionality Has become increasingly functional and easier to use, but not as easy as WordPress Market share reduced due to WordPress's growth
Drupal Originally one of the most popular CMSs, famous for flexibility for programmers Reputed to be most stable, most secure, and most customizable (for expert programmers) Today, used either by large companies who need extreme customizability (e.g. military) or by hardcore IT people Market share reduced due to WordPress's growth