Content Management
Leave your thoughtsWhat is content management?
Content management systems are database websites that store variable data. This allows for greater interaction flexibility for the viewer and developer. For example, instead of making changes directly through code, the developer can also edit content with a wysiwyg interface…like a word processor. Or with just a click of a button, change what content a viewer or group can access.
Database systems have been around for decades, but database websites became popular with access to free open source systems. Years ago, I remember when flash and some scripts, like TinyEdit, allowed sites to dynamically edit site content from separate text files. I experimented with cms scripts but eventually gravitated towards Mambo/Joomla due to their robust community and extension repository.
During this time, social media was starting to take off. Sharing ideas via blogging underscored the necessity of lots of unique content to be searched. And with that, catapulted WordPress as the open source cms front runner.
WordPress is excellent for informational sites and basic social features…and now is my first choice. Joomla is a great choice for social communities. Both systems can do ecommerce, but for larger shops the more complex Magento is gaining momentum.
Be In Control
Over the years, websites have evolved from simple static sites to an interactive experience. Each website needs to captivate the viewer with some interesting service, product or information. And in order to entice the people to return, you need to constantly update or rework your site. With content management sites, it is much easier and now much less expensive to maintain your own site without hiring a developer. Soon you will be creating menus and articles…shuffling modules and beyond.