Are you a business owner and need a website to sell the products? I’m sure that you ever heard about Framework or CMS. Surely, the name is related to web programming. But can you decide which one is perfectly suit for your project?
Well, let me explain whats the main differentiation between CMS and Framework is.
A framework is a collection of scripts to handle various problems in programming such a database connection, calling variable, or file. Using a Framework Developer can be easier to Develop application. The Simplest Explanation of framework is a collection of functions (libraries), so Developer doesn’t need to create a function (usually called library sets) from scratch, the programmer just needs to set of the function in the framework. Standard functions that are already available in the frameworks are paging, encryption, email, SEO, session, security, calendar, language, image manipulation, graphics, zebra-style tables, validation, uploads, captcha, XSS protection and etc.
Meanwhile, CMS (Content Management System) application web or software that provide content and feature are used on the website. CMS is arranged based on the modules rather than codes.
Which One is more popular?
PHP CMS Framework Comparison For Your BusinessIf we have to compare between Framework and CMS, of course CMS is more popular than the Web application Framework since it is easier to use. Even without any programming knowledge, you can create your own website by installing CMS and their plugin.
What do you need to consider before choosing one of them?
There are four basic things that need to be considered before choosing framework or CMS.
1. Flexibility
Basically your website needs many functions that integrated with third-party especially for API documentation. And the website also needs to perform an independent operation or connect with various systems as well, so it can be done by Framework.
The case: An application needs to integrate with a CRM to send contact registration data.
This application needs to connect with an order-processing system, such a FileMaker, where your customer orders need to be processed independently to your application but the actual orders are generated from your application.
Even Though CMS have many functions in their applications, but these are not very flexible. Since the applications are pre-made, the feature can be limited. A number of modules and plug-ins within a CMS website particularly need a lot of custom development as well. Framework contain with various library functions and can be easily customized based upon the requirements of the businesses.
So the conclusion is Framework is more flexible that CMS.
2. User Experiences (UX)
Most of CMS is very simple to manage content of your website. You can change the content without any problems. CMS provides a responsive theme so the module or plug-in that placed on the website could be beneficial on a mobile device as well.
It is different with Framework, A PHP framework usually doesn’t provide any default standard user interfaces. But the developer can customize the interface by using CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or SASS for the best user experience. User also can develop a responsive site by using these front end frameworks.
Conclusion: CMS gives the best user experience by less effort.
3. Security
Security is the biggest concerned especially for online business website. Hackers always try to find how to attack or destroy your website. So the value of the website will be decreased easily.
Websites which are developed by using frameworks are more secure than CMS. Since they use custom code, it is more difficult to attack their security. Most frameworks also have a built-in function for encrypting and protecting against common vulnerabilities including:
- Cross Site Scripting (XSS)
- SQL Injection
- Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
But CMS is built by using open sources. There are various communities who develop plug-ins, widgets or modules. When the developer find vulnerabilities they will launch a newer version of that feature with a safe code. It is important to install a reliable plug-in on a CMS site, from trusted sources.
Conclusion: Websites that developed by using framework is more secure than CMS.
4. Upgrades
Website updated is an important thing in order to help out website security. It needs to use the latest code function. CMS should be updated with the latest upgrade as soon as it is available. Even if it’s not updated, the website would still function, but the site would not be as secure or user-friendly. The following upgrade which is common in CMS:
- New features
- Support for new plug-ins
- Security patch
- Support for SEO
The framework doesn’t have a frequent to be updated. Most PHP frameworks have updates regarding to new features. Some of them can be used for about 8 months without an update and still be secure and functional.
Which one should I choose?
We have explained the core of CMS and Framework include the comparison of both. Now is your turn to decide which one is perfectly suited for your business. As the owner, you must understand what is important for your business based on your business requirement.
And the final choice depends on the business owner’s preference regarding updates. Whatever their choice, it has benefit and drawback.
Smooets has experienced resource of CMS and Framework. Our Developer has known about the Popular CMS such a WordPress, Drupal and Joomla as well as PHP Frameworks like Code Igniter and Laravel. We have applied those technologies in our project and we will help you to define which technology is appropriate to your business website.
