Introduction
Before the early 2000s when CMSs started competing for market share, websites were built with pure HTML, CSS, and sometimes Javascript. After years of monolithic CMS domination, more and more people are turning to simple static websites. A headless CMS like Devflow CMF gives you that option, unlike a traditional CMS.
But it begs the question, "Why would a developer ditch an all-in-one traditional CMS and website builder for a headless one?" Well, the answer is quite simple. Investing in a headless CMS like Devflow is investing in your future as a PHP software developer, a full-stack developer, and a JAMstack developer.
Devflow CMF can be used to create any website. Websites fall under one of three types:
- Informational - They are used to educate, entertain, or promote a cause.
- Transactional - Allows visitors to purchase a product or service.
- Interactive - Allows users to interact with a website by playing a game, interacting with forums, or leaving a comment.
The most common and easiest of websites to build are informational - which also includes personal websites. These are the types of websites a developer will build for most of their career. Informational websites make up the majority of the web, with some of them having some added interactive or transactional service powered by phpBB, Flarum, Shopify, Etsy, or some other open source or eCommerce SaaS.
Informational sites with a traditional setup may work in certain circumstances. But for a bespoke website that needs to scale and grow over time, you need a non-traditional and modern solution without limits.
Furthermore, content creators can create reusable content to be used in multiple channels and applications. Creating a single source of truth. Change it once in Devflow, and it updates everywhere that pulls content from the API. Publish once; use anywhere. Edit once; update everywhere.
Issues With No-Code Development
Before we get into the meat of this article, let's first bring up the issue of no-code development. I can't speak for all no-code platforms, but let's use WordPress - the most popular monolithic CMS - as an example.
There are several no-code page builders available for WordPress. This lowers the barrier to entry for less technical developers to build a website agency around. But there is one problem. The entire website, including the presentation layer, is saved in the database.
Who thought this was a good idea? This introduces bloat, scaling issues, and excessive database connections on every page load. Which also drives up costs. With a headless CMS, you have a separation of concerns.
No Head
As an alternative to theme-based development - which could make a site look cookie-cutter - a headless CMS allows developers to build bespoke websites for B2B or B2C clients needing their website to convey professionalism and maturity.
Event Sourcing
This feature speaks more for Devflow than headless in general. As developers, we know that our clients' needs change. Therefore, we need a CMS that can scale and grow over time. In this vein, Devflow offers developers two benefits:
- Flexibility for future development - Developers can use historical data to build innovative solutions.
- Improved testing and debugging - Developers can replay domain events in a controlled environment to ascertain problem areas.
Reusable Content
With an API-first architecture, developers can deliver content to websites, mobile apps, and smart devices with a seamless and enhanced user experience.
Customization and Artistic License
With a traditional CMS, the backend and frontend are connected, making it difficult to scale and customize, and introduces a security issue. When using a headless CMS, you have the artistic freedom to build and design scalable and SEO-rich websites. A headless CMS also fixes the security hole by not telling the world what powers your site.
Don't believe me? Check out What CMS? has to say about Devflow's website.
Plan for the Future
It is time for PHP developers and web development agencies to plan for the future. The monolithic CMS age will slowly decrease as businesses and startups request headless CMS solutions offering a seamless digital experience across all channels. Even Gartner Research predicts this change, "...businesses will prioritize modular applications that deliver their functionality as API/event-first business components."
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Joshua P.
Developer & Amateur Nature PhotographerJoshua is a PHP Developer and digital nomad who loves nature photography, adventure, travel, and coding fun projects.