Which Open Source CMS should I use? Directus, Payload, Strapi, Webiny ... 🤔

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker discusses the nuances of various open-source headless content management systems (CMS), particularly Ghost and Strapi. They highlight Ghost's user-friendly interface but note its limitations in creating custom content types, while praising Strapi for its flexibility and management capabilities, albeit with a more complex setup. The speaker also introduces Webiny, emphasizing its serverless nature and built-in file management, making it a strong contender. Overall, the video serves as a valuable resource for anyone transitioning from traditional CMS platforms like WordPress to more modern, customizable solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ghost is ideal for simple blogging and offers a beautiful interface but has limitations in creating new content types.
• 📝 Strappy requires local setup and coding knowledge, making it better for users who want full control over their content types.
• 🌐 Webinary operates on AWS and allows clients to manage content models without developer assistance, making it flexible and user-friendly.
• 🔄 Strappy is regularly updated but may face connection issues on platforms like Heroku, requiring ongoing management.
• 📦 Directus provides cloud options and has a growing user base, appealing to those looking for a more mature CMS.
• 🎨 Payload offers a visually appealing interface but requires configuration on platforms like DigitalOcean.
• 🗂️ Heroku can be a cost-effective hosting option, especially for small clients, but has limitations like server sleep and database connection issues.
• 📊 Content types in Ghost are limited to tags, which may not satisfy users wanting more complex structures.
• 📈 Webinary includes built-in file management, reducing the need for separate services like Cloudinary.
• 🆕 Each CMS has its unique strengths, and users should evaluate their specific needs before choosing a platform.

Q & A

What is a headless CMS?

A headless CMS is a content management system that provides a backend for managing content while allowing developers to use any front-end technology to display that content, typically through APIs.

What are some benefits of using open-source CMS platforms?

Open-source CMS platforms, like those found on GitHub, can be downloaded and customized as needed without licensing fees, making them flexible for various projects.

What limitations does Ghost have regarding content types?

Ghost primarily offers predefined content types like pages and posts. While you can create additional types using tags, it does not support creating fully separate content types easily.

How does Strapi differ from Ghost in terms of content management?

Strapi allows for customizable content types and is designed for developers to manage the content model, while Ghost is more limited in customization and is geared towards simpler blogging needs.

What issues did the speaker encounter while using Heroku?

The speaker faced connectivity issues with the PostgreSQL database, which caused their demo application to break, highlighting the importance of monitoring the hosting platform.

What advantages does Webinary offer compared to Ghost and Strapi?

Webinary allows users to manage their own content types and has built-in file management features, reducing dependency on external storage solutions.

What is the significance of serverless architecture mentioned in the transcript?

Serverless architecture allows applications to run on demand, meaning you only pay for the computing power you use, which can reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Why is having a built-in file manager beneficial for a CMS?

A built-in file manager simplifies media management for users, eliminating the need for external services and streamlining content upload and storage processes.

What should users consider when choosing between these CMS platforms?

Users should evaluate their specific needs, such as content type customization, ease of use, hosting requirements, and whether they need a simple blogging platform or a more robust content management solution.

What challenges are associated with using Payload as a CMS?

Payload may require complex setup processes, especially for hosting, which could be a barrier for users with limited technical knowledge or time.