If you're on this page, you've probably heard about Drupal CMS (code name Drupal Starshot). The Drupal Association has announced that this initiative to create the Drupal CMS is one of the most significant projects it has ever undertaken. As a result, many existing Drupal site users have questions about what this project means for them and their sites. I'm hoping I can answer some of those questions in this article.
What is Drupal CMS?
Before describing features or use cases, we should establish what Drupal CMS is and isn't. Drupal CMS is a packaged version of Drupal Core designed to simplify building and managing websites. Think of Drupal CMS as a pre-configured, ready-to-use version of Drupal tailored for organizations that want a functional, feature-rich site without starting from scratch.
However, it is much more than just that. Creating the best no-code tool for building websites required a new suite of modules and significantly enhanced AI capabilities. Drupal CMS now offers numerous new modules designed to optimize the site-builder experience, providing rich editing options and the ability to build a site with the assistance of an AI agent.
Who is Drupal CMS for?
Drupal CMS is designed for quick site building without coding, utilizing standard components that cater to the needs of most marketers, designers, and content creators who do not require highly specialized features or integrations.
Can I use the Drupal CMS Feature on a Regular Drupal Site?
Yes, everything in the Drupal CMS can be installed on a site built with Drupal Core. However, since each Drupal site is unique and complex, there may not always be a straightforward update path. While Drupal CMS allows users to build and manage sites through a web browser, a custom site based on the Drupal Core framework is typically maintained by a developer. Any new functionality will need to be installed, configured, and tested by the developer to ensure compatibility.
Should I Consider Drupal CMS for my new site?
If you're starting fresh and are looking for a simple, fast way to build and maintain a site and are willing to work within the capabilities provided by Drupal CMS, it is worth exploring.
Should I switch my Drupal site to Drupal CMS?
No, Drupal CMS is a set of features available on any Drupal 11 or newer site. Implementing some of these features on your site is a good reason to upgrade to the latest major release. At RDG, we collaborate with our clients to assess the best timing for the upgrade and the associated risks and effort involved. If your site has been consistently upgraded with each major release, the effort required to update to the next version should be minimal.
What are the key differences between a Drupal CMS site and a Drupal site developed with RDG or another developer?
When comparing a new site built with Drupal Core and one with Drupal CMS, there is nothing that Drupal Core would miss out on other than the quick no-code setup process. Drupal Core has the power and flexibility to grow and scale. It is likely the right choice for projects requiring unique functionalities, a tailored user experience, high traffic performance, or complex integrations.
Other benefits of building a Drupal site with RDG include nightly backups, unique staging environments for all functionality updates to ensure site stability, security monitoring, quick issue resolution or code rollbacks, and an expert ear for discussing site improvements.
Concluding Thoughts
Drupal gained popularity in the late '00s, coinciding with the founding of RDG. It provided unavailable customization options on platforms like WordPress, quickly building a strong developer community. With the release of Drupal 8, the framework began to be increasingly used for large-scale enterprise site development, moving away from the one-click setup market that WordPress dominated. The Drupal CMS is the open-source community's response to offering a simple no-code solution that heavily utilizes AI to deliver features that previously required a developer's expertise. A large community of developers support Drupal, like those at RDG, who can assist when your unique business needs exceed what is available out of the box.
Let us know if you have more questions or want to discuss building a custom site or web app using Drupal.
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About the Author
Mike Bopp
Mike is the Managing Director of Rapid Development Group, where he drives strategy and operations while also leading multiple software development projects.