Every car has an engine, the purpose of which is clear even to those who have never been behind the wheel. But today, when discussing websites, people often ask: what “engine” does your web resource run on? Is it really necessary to buy and install some analogue of an automobile motor in order to create your own representation on the Internet? But only virtual, not real. Actually website development it is possible both from scratch - that is, writing clean code by professional programmers, and using a universal set of blocks for "building" a web resource. In this case, it is not necessary to have programming skills - the CMS is responsible for the technical side of the matter, which, by analogy with a car engine, is affectionately called the “engine”. CMS is an acronym for Content Management System. Translated from English, it means "content management system". Let's see what kind of "engine" this is, and what it is for.
Tell me, my friend, how do you use the "engine"
An “engine” or CMS is a specialized scripting software that makes it possible to create websites from ready-made blocks and modules, and then expand its functionality by adding the necessary elements. Such a process is similar to using a children's designer, for example, the popular creation of a well-known Danish brand. Just do not confuse CMS with online website builders offering to create your own resource using free templates. The capabilities and functionality of the "engines" are much higher. Working with databases and filling the site with content is carried out in a semi-automatic mode. Resource design is easy to edit from the control panel.
The site, the code of which is written from scratch, is most often ordered by large companies and well-known online stores. Such sellers represent a huge number of commodity items, and many users visit the trading platform every day. A web resource created in this way allows you to fully control all ongoing processes, get a 100% unique design and functionality according to your requirements, use non-standard features that CMS do not provide in basic versions. Such a site attracts users with its originality and favorably distinguishes its owner from competitors. But the decision to use one of the "engines" brings a number of undeniable advantages and benefits.
Why you should give preference to creating a site on one of the popular "engines"
Many business owners choose to use one of the content management systems, since in this case it will cost much less to create it than to write code from scratch. In addition, when working with "engines":
You don't need to have programming skills.
It is enough just to clearly understand what you want to get from the site and understand how it works.
You can edit a web resource by setting up separate plugins, which is similar to picking up a finished object in a child constructor.
Even fairly specific tasks are solved simply and intuitively.
Today, the most famous "engines" have many add-ons that significantly expand the functionality of the CMS.
The site design can be edited directly from the control panel.
Those who have basic knowledge of HTML/CSS can create their own design templates.
Popular free "engines" today include Joomla, WordPress, Magento, PrestaShop, OpenCart. The latter, even in the basic configuration, allows you to create a full-fledged online store on its basis. But in general, to expand the functionality, you usually have to buy additional paid modules, plugins and extensions.
Of the paid solutions, it is worth noting 1C Bitrix. The "engine" with a built-in CRM system will help to "assemble" a site with almost unlimited possibilities and integrate all products from 1C into it. However, setting up and maintaining such a project will require special knowledge.