CMS

A content management system (CMS) is software that enables users to create, manage, store, and publish digital content on websites without coding. It typically provides a web-based editor, media libraries, workflow and permissions, templates, and publishing tools.

Core features include content creation and editing, versioning, metadata and taxonomy, templates or themes, extensibility via plugins or modules, user roles, scheduling, search indexing, multilingual support, and built-in SEO mechanisms. Many CMSs separate content from presentation so layouts can be changed independently.

CMS architectures vary. Traditional monolithic systems render content on the server; headless or decoupled CMSs store content and expose it through APIs for use by various front ends such as websites, mobile apps, or devices. Deployments can be self-hosted, on premises, or provided as a cloud service (SaaS).

Common uses include corporate websites, blogs, e-commerce portals, intranets, and knowledge bases. Notable examples include WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla for traditional CMSs; and Contentful, Sanity, and Strapi for headless options. The choice depends on required customization, scalability, and integration with other systems.

Advantages include faster publishing, collaboration, and consistency; drawbacks include security risks from third-party plugins, performance considerations, and potential vendor lock-in. The CMS landscape continues to evolve with headless and cloud-based offerings that emphasize API access and omnichannel delivery.