What to choose: CMS or custom solution?

The process of digitization is continuous. And all business owners, regardless of the direction and scale of the business – need a site.

The initial mailing process begs the question: what to choose – a CMS or custom manufacturer decision with such a framework?

But about everything – according to custom. Let’s first understand the timing.

CMS (Content Management System, or CMS engine). In essence, it is a system of tools that you need to customize according to your own needs.

Custom solutions are based on the development using frameworks. Framework is a language add-on, a set of libraries. 

So, what is the difference?..

CMS greatly accelerates the development of a simple template site. Such site is immediately ready for the admin and it does not have to be written separately (as opposed to developing on a framework). However, this speed in site creation is achieved due to the CMS templality, limitations or redundancy.

If you want to extend the functionality, or add something – you may have to “fight” CMS, or make some compromises.

In the case of using a framework, there are no such problems. Yes, it takes more time to develop. However, any design can be accomplished without “crutches”.

Often a framework contains only the most necessary functions + good, well-established, refactored code. In CMS (especially if it involves third-party modules) you can find wild hell in the code. 

Developing with a framework allows you to customize user interaction with features and data. Also decide how this will all be output to the browser.

In CMS, this is solved and standardized. And it’s not bad at all. For example, if the developer does not have enough experience – CMS could be a very good option.

Using CMS, we attach to the structure created by the developers. But with the help of template solutions – we save time. While using non-patterned ones, we often “live out” in the forums in search of “yes” answers.

And the framework gives full freedom to developers. The foundation – is already there. All you need – only to take and create. Important thing: for quality development on a framework, it is necessary to have a sufficient level so as not to create a “needless” or even a “holey” product.

In short

Advantages of CMS: 

• Speed. You can create a template solution very quickly. The admin panel is ready. Many popular CMS have quite convenient and understandable admin.
• Easy to design. By and large, to create a simple site – programming and layout skills are not necessary.

Disadvantages of CMS:

• Limited functionality. A step to the left, a step to the right is punished by a shot. You can always finish the functional. But most likely it will be just an intergalactic crutch.
• Redundancy. In pursuit of versatility, CMS developers put so many features into the fold for everyone’s sake that (most likely) it is not necessary for a single project. As a result, we get a lot of unused code.
• Complex core. Sometimes, in order to tweak or modify some part of the site, you have to deal with the whole CMS system.

Advantages of a framework:

• Flexibility. It is possible to realize any design without “war” with the engine.
• Productivity. A site on CMS sometimes can be inferior in performance to a well-written site on a framework.

Disadvantages of a framework:

• Complexity of development. It is necessary to have sufficient knowledge not to reward a leaky and dangerous system
• No administrative part. The editing section of the site should be written by yourself, which is, in fact, the whole site.
• Time. Development takes longer than development using CMS. The downsides are solved by reusing code previously written. 

When is it best to use CMS? 

1. When it comes to a template solution that is fully covered by CMS capabilities. And also when you need a quick, temporary or short-term solution.
2. For low budget clients.

When is it best to use a framework?

1. When dealing with an atypical, non-template project. Or a project that is actively changing / adapting to trends.
2. When a developer has enough experience to write well with a framework.

Instead of conclusions

As we can see, CMS does not lose these competitions in one gate.

Most professionals are more likely to choose a framework. But often using CMS can be more logical.

We deliberately did not consider it separately – the use of pure language for development. Because time for bicycles will be spent even more than developing for a framework. And the quality, in the end, will probably be mediocre.

Of course, every programmer wants and even has to write his own framework or CMS. But with experience comes the realization that clever uncles have already created and written something useful – and you can take advantage of it.

If you are still in doubt what option is best for your business, Web-Systems Solutions is always ready to help you with the choice. Our specialists will not only perform a qualitative analysis of your project, but also give it a perfect shape.