Webiator

For almost twenty years, Drupal has been available as content management software, or CMS for short. Since 2019, the CMS has been released in version 8 and now has a market share of about 2%. Among all websites based on a CMS, the average is about 3.5%. Thus Drupal has a comparatively small area of use. Nevertheless, the community is very active. Why this is so and what use this system can have, we explain in the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Drupal has numerous advantages which we would like to present to you here. Especially so that you can decide if this CMS fits your needs.

Customization options

One of Drupal's greatest strengths has already been mentioned. It is its adaptability. The open source code of the CMS allows infinite scalability of the system. Every developer is able to write his own extensions for Drupal with a good knowledge of PHP.

Simple backend

The backend is the CMS level on which editors write and publish their content. The possibilities are also very extensive without programming knowledge and thanks to well thought-out designs simple and accessible.

Cost-effective

One of the greatest strengths of open source software is of course its financial aspect. First and foremost, this means that it is available free of charge. Despite its small market share, the community is relatively large and serves as support for both editors and developers. There are no license costs for the users.

Mobile use

Drupal does not only make the frontend of a website responsive, but also the backend. This makes it possible for editors to produce and publish content on mobile devices. This is especially important for blogs and newspages.

Disadvantages

Of course, Drupal, like any other CMS, has flaws. Be careful if they could become a serious problem for you.

The Update Policy

Unfortunately, it is not possible for Drupal to update itself on its own, as WordPress does especially for security updates. In addition, updates are often very large and require some effort to be installed. Often old technologies are dropped and extensions are no longer compatible. This means that each update is accompanied by a certain amount of development work.

In addition, updating the software core is only possible via FTP / SSH, which is only possible with appropriate knowledge. Especially to prevent possible problems.

Difficult entry

For beginners Drupal is not easy to understand, because on the one hand you have to deal with the community as support and have no company with a hotline behind you. On the other hand, Drupal needs extensions that may even have to be developed by yourself.

Even if no programming knowledge is required as an editor, the help of a developer is almost always necessary in order to work with Drupal.

Open Source Software

What can be an advantage on one side can also become a disadvantage. As already mentioned, you do not have a company with a hotline to which you can turn with questions.

In addition, possible security gaps in a system are detected more quickly in this way. This also applies to potential attackers. So if you don't update your security regularly and wait too long, you are exposing yourself to a greater danger than necessary. Paid licenses are no security guarantee, but you should always keep this in mind and, in case of doubt, use a CMS that installs security updates independently.