CMS 101: CMS Basic Concepts

101.1 | Overview

Welcome to the World of Content Management Systems!

If you're a web designer, developer, or other web or marketing professional, there is a good chance that you will be working with a content management system of some sort. This course will cover the basic concepts of a CMS. We'll cover: 

• Common uses of a CMS
• How a CMS works
• CMS structure types 

101.2 | Common Uses

Content management systems are web-based applications designed for the management and manipulation of various types of content. Sometimes referred to as a WCMS (Web Content Management System), there are four primary uses that a CMS may offer: 

• Content Management 
• File Management
• Data Management
• User Management

​​​​​​​Let's take a look at these in more detail.

101.2.1 | Content Management

The most obvious use of a CMS is the management of content that will be displayed, either publicly or privately. 

Public vs. Private Content

Most content will be displayed to the general public via web pages, or through some other means of deployment. Anyone can view this content, so this is known as public content.

On the other hand, organizations and businesses may wish to keep some content exclusive and confidential, so a web portal would be required for the display of private content. Portals are web-based platforms that provides users with a single access point to information. 

Web Application Framework (WAF) - A software framework designed for development of web-based applications.

Platform - A collection of technologies based off of frameworks used to build a web-based solution.

Static Site - A site written in plain HTML and what is in the code of the page is what is displayed to the user.

Dynamic Site - A site written using a server-side scripting language.

101.2.2 | File Management

The management of files plays a vital role in the usage of any CMS. Having the ability to upload, store, and organize various types of files is valuable to any organization, business, or individual who may use a CMS. Some types of files may include:

• Media Files - The most commonly used file types are images, videos, and audio. 
• Document Files - Word documents, PDF files, and spreadsheets.
• Other file types - Program scripts, compressed (ZIP) folders, and other miscellaneous files.

Some technical terms that are often used in relation to content management systems. These concepts are covered in more detail in CMS 121: CMS Administration. 

Server - A computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called "clients". This is where website files and databases are stored.

cPanel - A popular web hosting control panel, or software that facilitates the management of a web hosting server. This tool is commonly used to setup and install content management systems. 

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - A standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network.

Database - An organized collection of data, commonly used to manage the information a content management system interacts with. Often used for complex websites and applications.

Flat-File - Sometimes referred to as a databaseless CMS. A flat-file is a simple database stored in a file, which can be a plain text or binary file. Often used for small or simple websites.

101.2.3 | Data Management

Businesses and organizations may need to organize, manage, and manipulate data. 

There are various types of content management systems that serve either a general or specific purpose. 

• General (Common) Purpose - These are the most popular and widely used systems out there. These can be used to build anything from a simple website to a more robust and functional solution or application.
• Specific Purpose - These are more geared toward specific business purposes and specialized applications.

101.2.4 | User Management

Many websites and applications require a user login to access content and to perform tasks. Most content management systems include a web portal, an access point that allows users to login. CMS administrators can manage users by manually adding, deleting, or modifying user accounts. 

101.3 | CMS Types

A majority of businesses and individuals will likely use any of these types of content management systems. 

• CMS (Content Management System) - A web-based application that offers management of pages, files, and other data used to build and manage either a static or dynamic website.
• Blog - A platform for publishing content, commonly used in the form of a journal or news feed.
• Forum - Also known as bulletin board software, they are commonly used for web-based communities with a focus on engaging discussions. 
• Wiki - Collaborative software for building a community-driven knowledgebase. 
• Website Builder - A self-contained web application with an integrated content management system designed specifically for a do-it-yourself approach to building and launching a website, without having to go through an installation setup process. Similar to a traditional CMS, website builders offer built-in management of addons, themes, and other user-friendly design tools. 
• App Builder - An application platform for building and deploying mobile apps.
• Static Site Generator (SSG) - A compromise between using a hand-coded static site and a full CMS. An HTML-only website is generated using raw data (such as Markdown files) and templates. The resulting build is transferred to your live server. Intended more for developers. 
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) - An application for managing all your company's relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) - Business process management (BPM) software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back office functions related to technology, services and human resources.
• Groupware - Collaborative software designed to help people working on a common task to attain goals.
• LMS (Learning Management System) - A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.
• Ecommerce Software - A shopping cart platform used to manage an online store.
• Social Network Software - Web-based application platform used to build an online community.

Specialized & Miscellaneous CMS Platforms

There are other CMS web applications that serve specific purposes. These may include platforms that geared toward: 

• Real Estate Management - A software application for creating and managing real estate listings.
• Classifieds Software - A web application used to build a C2C commerce community.
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) - A software application designed to support and optimize warehouse functionality and distribution center management.
• DBMS (Database Management System) - A software package designed to define, manipulate, retrieve and manage data in a database.
• DAM (Digital Asset Management) - A business process application for organizing, storing and retrieving rich media and managing digital rights and permissions.

101.4 | Deployment Methods

Web applications and content management systems are made available (deployed) via either of these methods. Some companies may offer more than one method. 

On-Premise

On-premise means that the software is available for download and can be installed on your own local or remote server. This is also referred to as in-house hosting. 

SaaS (Software as a Service)

The web application is available as a hosted solution, either provided by a third party or directly from the software manufacturer. The software solution is may be hosted in the cloud, or the manufacturer may offer their own direct hosting service.

101.5 | Licensing Types

Web applications use either open source or proprietary licensing for their products. 

Open Source - Software source code is accessible and can be modified, and is owned by a community of developers. Usage restrictions are very limited.

Proprietary - Software source code is not openly available, and is owned by an individual or company. Usage restrictions are generally strict. Also known as closed source software. 

101.6 | CMS Structures

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101.6.1 | Traditional CMS

A traditional CMS structure is the most widely used CMS structure type. 

101.6.2 | Headless CMS

A headless CMS

101.6.3 | Decoupled CMS

Similar to a headless structure, a decoupled CMS