Grav

Grav is a free, open-source content management system written in PHP. It is a flat-file CMS, meaning it does not require a database; content and configuration are stored as plain text files in the file system. Sites built with Grav typically store page content in Markdown files under the user/pages directory, with metadata defined in YAML front matter. Presentation is handled through Twig templates, and themes provide the look and feel.

Key components and workflow:

Grav uses a modular structure that separates core, configuration, and content. The system folder contains core software, while the user folder holds pages, plugins, and themes. Content creation and site configuration rely on readable text files, making version control and deployment straightforward. Grav provides a command-line interface (bin/grav) and a package manager (Grav Package Manager, or GPM) to install and manage plugins and themes.

Features and ecosystem:

Grav emphasizes speed and simplicity, offering fast performance due to its flat-file approach and caching mechanisms. It supports plugins and themes to extend functionality, including an Admin Plugin that adds a graphical backend for content management, configuration, and site administration. The platform includes multi-language support, flexible routing, taxonomy, and media handling, with a rich ecosystem of third-party themes and plugins. Grav is designed to be developer-friendly, enabling rapid site creation and easy customization.

Usage and applications:

Grav is commonly used for small to medium-sized websites, such as personal blogs, portfolios, documentation hubs, and business sites. Its file-based architecture simplifies deployment and backup, reduces server requirements, and fosters straightforward collaboration through version control. The project is maintained by an active open-source community and provides extensive documentation and community-driven support.