What is an open source CMS?

December 29, 2010

Dear Developer: What is an Open Source CMS?

Posted by Moosylvania Marketing
Category Digital, Inspiration

Welcome to “Dear Developer” – where I will answer common questions about web development (or any that you tweet or post to us). This column will serve as a quick way for you to learn web development terms so you can make informed decisions for your business.

Today’s topic: What is an open source CMS (or Content Management System)?

First off, what does open source mean? Open source, when related to the web or software, typically means the source code can be used and modified for free. In fact, it is encouraged by many to modify open source software with the belief that the community will make the software (or code) better in the long run.

How does this relate to a content management system (CMS)? A content management system is meant to make life easier by helping to organize and facilitate content. Content Management Systems also allow people to easily update a website’s content without having to know code. Combine the philosophy of making life easier (the CMS) with open source code and voila, you have applications such as, WordPress, Drupal, Joomla and many more.

#1 reason to pick an open source CMS -> the community involvement

If you decide to go with an open source CMS, you will have the support of the community (kind of like Neighborhood Watch for your CMS). People in the community continuously come up with new ways to improve the code as well as create new additions to enhance the features.

The #1 potential drawback of using an open source CMS -> potential limited functionality

While the community is an amazing benefit, an open source CMS can potentially limit your ability to achieve certain results. Sometimes, it might be a better option to go with a custom software program to get the advanced features. My advice, make a list of your priorities and go over those priorities with your web development company as you talk through your goals.

That wraps up the inaugural Dear Developer post! I hope you’ve learned a little bit about web development – or at least enough to win at trivia night