A Content Management System (CMS) is software designed to simplify the publication of Web content. In particular, it enables content creators to submit content without requiring technical knowledge of HTML or the uploading of files. A CMS is most commonly used in creating an intranet or in establishing a presence on the Web.
This type of software that keeps track of every piece of content on a Web site. Content can be simple text, photos, music, video, documents, or just about anything you can think of.
Most CMS use databases to hold their content. This can make installation and maintenance confusing, complicated, and require some technical skill. Other problems can surface over time. For example, it can be difficult to modify, edit, or migrate content, although some CMS make things a little less complicated.
This article recommends CMS that hold all content in “flat files”. That is simple text files with a very simple structure. This makes it easier to modify, edit, organize, and migrate content. With no database knowledge required, the website creators can focus on their website’s design and content. There are other advantages. For example, smaller website projects will often offer higher speeds than a CMS using a relational database. They also offer simplicity, both in terms of fewer security pitfalls, and easier backups.
Content management systems based on the flat file principle are a half-way house between a regular CMS and a static site.
Our flat file CMS recommendations are captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each CMS.
| Flat File Content Management Systems | |
|---|---|
| Grav | Super fast modern CMS |
| CMSimple | PHP based content management system |
| Bludit | Simple flexible system storing content in JSON |
| Pico | Blazing speed, flexibility, and a lightweight footprint |
| GetSimple CMS | XML based data storage |
| WonderCMS | Another flat file CMS built with PHP |
| HTMLy | Prioritizes simplicity and speed |
| Automad | Includes a multi-layer caching engine and elegant dashboard |
| Flextype | Hybrid CMS: headless CMS and full functionality of a traditional CMS |
| HamsterCMS | Tiny flatfile PHP content management system |
This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.
 Read our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software. The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. |
Please remove October, it’s now proprietary software (the developers abandoned using the MIT License)
Alex, thanks for bringing this to our attention. It’s always disappointing when a project abandons the open source model. We’ll be updating this roundup very shortly (and removing October).