CMS or Frameworks?
What to choose for website development; a framework or CMS? How do they differ in general and what are the advantages and disadvantages of frameworks and CMS.
A framework is an add-on over a language, a set of libraries. It provides the foundation on which web developers build Applications. while a CMS (Content Management System, content management system) is, in fact, a software that helps create digital solutions, like a website or a web application.
Content Management Systems are much more convenient to use. But not everything is as simple as it seems. CMSs help accelerate the development of simple sites because they contain ready-made themes and an administrative panel. Simple websites built using a CMS can be edited and have their functionalities extended. All you need to do is take into account the structure and logic of the CMS and install special plugins. However, bear in mind that installed plugins might not work as expected some times.
Sometimes web developers can combine technologies. In nowadays progressive web developers combine WordPress with React.js (the open source JavaScript library) to get more benefits.
Frameworks, on the other hand, take more time in terms of development, but any idea is achievable without any problems and there wouldn’t be any need of installing a plugin. Everything is literally achievable with Frameworks, you can build the user interface and decide how it will show in the browser. Whereas In a CMS always involve third-parties modules which can be detrimental at time. For example, some malicious code that can add links to other sites in your project.
One of the main advantages of using a CMS is the time that it saves. And this helps developers a lot during production as they often work according to deadlines.
While using a CMS, you have to follow its logic of operation, therefore all user interactions will work according to a specific algorithm. In some cases, this is advantageous, especially when the freelancer does not have enough experience to work with the framework.
A framework gives complete freedom of action. The web developers wrote the foundation, which, you can implement any project. But for high-quality website or web app development on the framework, you must have a sufficient level of knowledge. In addition, if we are talking about creating a unique, large-scale online project, then no CMS can cope with this task.
Advantages and disadvantages of CMS and frameworks
Advantages of CMS
Speed. A template solution can be created very quickly.
Ready-to-use admin panel. On many popular CMS, there is a fairly comfortable and understandable admin panel.
Ease of development. In many cases, to create a simple, working website, you do not need to have knowledge in the field of design or web development. You just need to install any CMS (for example WordPress) and the template for it.
Disadvantages of CMS
Limited functionality. Any actions that are not within the framework of the CMS lead to negative consequences. It is possible to add custom functionality, but this will require a high level of knowledge and experience from the developer. In addition, the development of such functionality is often more difficult than using the framework, so it will cost more for the customer.
Redundancy. The task of the developers of content management systems (CMS), is to create the most versatile product, so they all contain a huge number of functions, which are often not used. But it adversely affects the load and speed of work.
Sometimes, in order to correct or change some part of the site, you need to know how the CMS works as a whole.
A site built using a CMS performs less good than a site that is developed from a framework.
Benefits of frameworks
Flexibility. You can implement any idea without a “conflict” with the engine.
Performance. Much better performance compared to CMS.
Disadvantages of Frameworks
Complexity in terms of development. Working with a FrameWork require extensive knowledge and experience to create a decent product.
Lack of administrative part. The site editing section needs to be written independently, and this is essentially the creation of another site.
Time. Development takes much longer than development using CMS.
When is it better to use a CMS?
When the project requires a template solution that is within the CMS.
A quick, temporary or short-term solution
When the client has a limited budget to develop a site. (it is much cheaper to launch a site using CMS than to create a site using a framework)
When is it better to use the framework?
When the client needs a Custom, non-template project
When working on a project that is actively changing or adapting to trends.
As you can see either of these two platforms has its advantages and disadvantages. Most experts will choose the best frameworks for web development, but sometimes using a CMS will be a much more efficient solution.
In some cases web developers can combine WordPress development with other frameworks and libraries to get more benefits.
To choose the right solution for your project I recommend you to contact professionals who in front of modern web technologies.
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