A content management system (CMS) is a type of content repository designed to create, store, manage, and publish content on a website, app, or another place online. A CMS unifies content in a single location, simplifying editing, searching, and data sharing while making it easier to present content in any format. CMS platforms aren't one size fits all - read on to learn about the different types and each of their benefits and drawbacks.
Traditional (or coupled) CMS
In a traditional website CMS, the back end (where content is created, stored, and managed) is linked (or coupled) to the front end so all of the elements of the CMS work together. When any content is added, adjusted, or deleted on the back end, the changes take place within the same system that is delivering content to end users.
Traditional website CMS software does have some advantages. It's simple and easy to use for those without extensive programming knowledge. These CMS programs offer easy access, customisable templates, and a "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) editor, so no knowledge of coding is required.
Decoupled CMS
A decoupled CMS combines features of both headless and traditional CMS platforms. The back end and front end are not linked, but the front-end delivery system—or presentation layer—operates in a predetermined way to work with the back end. Even though the two parts of the system are independent, it offers some of the benefits of a traditional CMS—like easy-to-use templates—but also offers a bit more flexibility.
Headless CMS
A headless CMS, on the other hand, decouples the front end and the back end entirely. Programmers work on content creation, management, design, and storage and then deliver web content to multiple digital platforms in a highly customisable way.
Managing unstructured content - content that does not have a predetermined structure or format, such as text, images, and videos—is also more flexible. That is, it can be stored in various file formats and re-used as needed.
You may have heard about static website generators, which have some similarities to headless CMS systems. While they also create websites that work independently from the back-end system, they're more appropriate for small sites without significant amounts of data or updates, while a CMS can operate more dynamically with larger amounts of information.
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