As we kick off 2025, a big moment has arrived for the Drupal community—Drupal CMS is here! After months of anticipation since Dries Buytaert's announcement at DrupalCon Portland in May 2024, the platform is ready to revolutionize the way we think about content management. With a focus on making Drupal more accessible to everyone, from marketers to developers, it’s now easier than ever to get started.
In this article, we’ll dive into what Drupal CMS is, how to set it up, and all the exciting features that come with it. Let’s get started!
What is Drupal CMS?
Drupal CMS is the latest iteration of the Drupal platform, designed to provide users with a streamlined, ready-to-use content management system. Built on top of the robust Drupal Core, it simplifies the traditional Drupal setup by offering pre-configured features that require minimal customization.
Drupal CMS could be seen as a "hub" for users, delivering out-of-the-box capabilities to make Drupal accessible to more users without the steep learning curve typically associated with the platform. Unlike Drupal Core, which will continue with its familiar versioning (v11 and beyond), Drupal CMS makes it easier to get started and is designed for users who want a more simplified, but powerful solution right from the start.
Step-by-Step Setup: Getting Started with Drupal CMS
Download and Install Drupal CMS: Begin by downloading the Drupal CMS package from the official Drupal website.
- Server Requirements: Ensure your server meets the basic requirements, including PHP, MySQL, and Apache.
- Create a Database: Set up a new database in your hosting environment.
- Run the Installation Wizard: Launch the Drupal CMS installer and follow the prompts, choosing your language, database settings, and site name.
- Configure Site Settings: Customize your site with additional modules and themes to meet your needs.
Drupal CMS vs. Drupal Core: What's the Difference?
While Drupal Core remains the backbone of the Drupal platform, the newly introduced Drupal CMS is designed for those who want a quicker, more straightforward start. It reflects its broader appeal and ease of use.
While Drupal Core continues its established versioning (v11 and beyond), Drupal CMS focuses on delivering ready-to-use features for different types of sites. It’s an ideal solution for users who want a simplified approach, especially for those who may find Drupal's usual complexity daunting.
For marketers, content creators, and site builders, Drupal CMS combines enterprise-grade quality with ease of use. It offers smart defaults for quick setup and an enhanced user experience to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth start. Whether you're building a simple site or a complex one, Drupal provides powerful tools for seamless content creation and management.
Key Features of Drupal CMS
- Out-of-the-Box Configuration: Drupal CMS offers users a streamlined experience with pre-configured settings and ready-to-use modules.
- Ease of Use: It's designed for a wider audience, making Drupal accessible without extensive technical expertise.
- Scalability: Just like Drupal Core, Drupal CMS remains flexible and scalable, with the ability to grow as your website or application evolves.
- Customization Options: While Drupal CMS simplifies the setup process, it still allows for extensive customization, making it a powerful platform for more complex projects.
- Quick Setup & Easy Administration: Get your site live quickly with AI-powered features and smart defaults, letting marketing teams focus on key tasks.
- Streamlined Authoring for Content Teams: Build engaging content easily with intuitive tools and pre-configured content types.
- Seamless Media Integration: Effortlessly manage and integrate media assets into your content.
- Marketing-Focused: Built-in SEO tools, user engagement forms, and automation drive traffic and enhance user experience.
- Security & Compliance: Includes accessibility features and global data privacy tools for inclusive, secure websites.
Final Words
With its intuitive setup, rich features, and focus on accessibility, Drupal CMS is setting the stage for the future of content management. Whether you're a marketer, designer, or developer, there’s something here for everyone. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for the Drupal community.
The launch of Drupal CMS offers a compelling alternative to Drupal Core, making the powerful Drupal platform more accessible and reliable to a broader range of users. By simplifying setup and reducing configuration overhead, Drupal CMS is poised to change the way users perceive Drupal, bringing it closer to the mainstream without sacrificing its advanced features.