A headless CMS is a headless content management system (CMS), which is a back-end-only content management system, primarily acting as a content repository. A headless CMS makes content accessible through an API for viewing on any device without an integrated front-end or presentation layer. The term “headless” comes from the concept of cutting off the head (here the front office) from the body (source: Wikipedia).
Headless CMS: why is it important?
The traditional CMS approach to content management puts everything in one big basket - content, images, HTML, CSS, not allowing content to be reused because it was mixed with code. However, this does not apply to headless CMS, since it offers more freedom, becoming more and more popular in the CMS niche.
With such a system, developers can completely control how content is presented to the user. Without the head, the integration of any code base and the use of your favorite language is possible. Technically, a headless CMS makes use of API calls in order to render content into the site's code base; instead of creating complex relationships between code and content. As a result, many developers find headless CMS easier to use and maintain. Modeling and creating content, organizing content repositories, and improving workflow become easier tasks.
Additionally, a headless CMS does not require a host, although self-hosting options do exist. Best of all, you don't have to worry about maintenance or security updates.
Headless CMS: a content management system like no other
Traditionally, the CMS organizes content into webpage-oriented frames, making it impossible to adapt the same content to other digital platforms. This is not the case with the headless CMS, which allows content to be published on a website, application, smart device or any connected device (IoT or Internet of Things).
The difference between a coupled CMS, a decoupled CMS and a headless CMS
- The coupled CMS
It is a traditional CMS such as Wordpress or Drupal, where the back-office and the front-office are linked. Here, website design and customization applications are stored in the back office while visitors view the front office.
- The decoupled CMS
In a decoupled CMS, the back office and the front office of the website are two different systems. Once the content has been modified in the CMS, it will be served via an API and published in a specific management system or front office.
- Headless CMS
A headless CMS is any type of back-end content management system where the "body" of the content repository is separate or decoupled from the "head" of the presentation layer (source: contentful.com). In the headless approach, the developer can provide content as a service (CaaS: Content as a Service), which means content storage and delivery is done by separate software.
Traditional CMS vs Headless CMS
Headless CMS: various advantages at stake
- Flexibility
With a headless CMS, you have the choice of creating a front-office infrastructure adapted to your project. Since headless content is served via APIs, developers can choose their own frontend tools, for example, Javascript, PHP or Ruby. You can also swap parts of your stack or switch from one framework to another without affecting the CMS.
- Speed to market
Developers don't have to worry about how different interfaces display content, since all updates are released to all types of digital devices. As a result, production is faster and it is possible to reuse and combine individual content elements.
- Compatibility
The headless CMS is favorable to responsive design. The content can be displayed on any electronic device, allowing both to control the user experience from a back office. So content can find an audience across multiple channels, whether from apps or websites.
- Scalability
The headless CMS allows you to manage your content from a single source of data; switch development tools at any time and benefit from sending your content to high-performance cloud hosting.
- Enhanced security
Headless content is separated from the presentation layer, so the area of attack is restricted. Since the content publishing platform is inaccessible from the CMS database, using a headless CMS reduces the risk of DDoS attacks.
Headless CMS use cases
- Websites and web applications
Sites and applications can be made with a headless CMS, via JavaScript frameworks such as VueJS, ReactJS or AngularJS. This is also feasible for websites working with static site generators
- E-commerce sites
Some headless CMSs are flexible enough to be provisioned as an e-commerce back-end. Through some platforms, it is also possible to integrate headless content with existing e-commerce platforms and product inventory management systems.
- Products and services
A well-designed headless CMS will not be geared towards a page-based content structure. If so, you can manage content for any product or service: voice assistants, digital kiosks, print, websites, all from one place.
Esokia masters headless Drupal
CMS such as Drupal can be made headless. One way to solve the limitations of a traditional CMS is to implement a headless CMS. If the presentation layer of a website is the "head" of a CMS, it is enough to cut this presentation layer to create a headless CMS. For example, in terms of headless CMS, Next.js can serve as a front-end development framework for Drupal.
Esokia believes that headless CMS can give its customers a competitive advantage. We master development with Drupal and know how to use it in headless mode. In addition, many are those who claim that the future of this CMS will be headless.
Trust a digital agency with 13 years of experience in digital and IT. We believe that using the right CMS from the start eliminates several problems, so that developers can invest more energy in value-added tasks.
The headless approach is already a good bet to better manage your content, with greater flexibility and the possibility of distributing according to several formats and channels. It also has a future, as it can be applied on the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence.
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