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Noroff Case Studies

Decap CMS

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Decap CMS case study

Introduction

Decap CMS is an open-source, Git-based content management system (CMS) designed for managing content on static sites. Originally launched as Netlify CMS, it provides a simple yet powerful interface for non-developers to edit and publish content on static sites without needing direct access to the code or a database. Decap uses Gir repositories to store content, this for easier versioning, multi-channel publishing and the ability to update and fetch content directly from Git.

Decap is buildt using React and acts as a wrapper for the Git workflow, being compatable with GitHub, GitLab and Bitbucket. It can easily be implemented to projects with independant hosting and backend, or easily implemented to projects hosted by Netlify.

History

Decap CMS started as Netlify CMS, developed by Netlify to fill the missing role of an open source and community buildt CMS. Decap CMS’s vision is aimed to bridge the gap between static site generators and user-friendly content management. In 2023, Netlify CMS rebranded to Decap CMS to show its independacy to the Netlify branding, and take a new role as an universal CMS solution.

Main Features

Decap CMS is designed with several core features that streamline content management for static sites. At its core, it employs a Git-based storage system, which means all content is saved in a Git repository. A standout feature of Decap CMS is its support for markdown, making content creation accessible to both technical and non-technical users. Markdown enables writers to format text simply and intuitively, allowing them to focus on crafting compelling content without getting bogged down by HTML syntax. Editors can create rich posts with headers, lists, links, and images, making it a powerful tool for blogs, documentation, and other content-rich sites.

Customizable workflows are another significant aspect of Decap CMS. Teams can define specific roles and permissions, tailoring the content management process to their needs. For instance, content editors can draft new entries that require review before publication, ensuring quality control throughout the process. This feature is particularly useful for larger organizations where multiple stakeholders contribute to content creation. Decap CMS is highly extensible, integrating seamlessly with popular static site generators such as Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby. This compatibility allows developers to choose the best SSG for their project while still benefiting from Decap CMS’s robust features. Furthermore, it supports custom backend setups, making it adaptable to a variety of project requirements.

The user interface is designed to be intuitive, empowering non-technical users to manage and update content confidently. Coupled with real-time previews, editors can see how their changes will appear on the live site before publishing. This feature ensures that formatting is consistent and visually appealing, which is crucial for maintaining a professional presentation.

Lastly, security is also a key focus! ith built-in user authentication and role management features that allow administrators to control access to the CMS. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized changes and protects sensitive content. With extensive documentation and a supportive community, Decap CMS offers the resources necessary for users to effectively manage their static site content.

TL;DR Features

  • Git-based Storage: All content is stored in Git, allowing version control and collaboration.
  • Markdown Support: Uses markdown files, making it easy for developers and non-developers to format text.
  • Customizable Workflow: Supports custom workflows, roles, and permissions for content editors.
  • Media Library: Offers a built-in media library for managing images and files.
  • Extensible: Easily integrates with multiple static site generators and custom backend setups.

Strengths

  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy for non-developers to manage content without needing technical knowledge.
  • Version Control: Since it’s Git-based, all changes are tracked, providing a history and safety net.
  • Easy installation: The installation is fast and easy.
  • Open Source and Customizable: Being open-source, it can be customized to fit specific project needs.
  • No Database Required: Works well with static site generators as it doesn’t require a backend database.
  • Security Included: It is easy to set up user identification to make content editing unavailable for the general public.

Weaknesses

  • Limited to Git-Based Workflows: Less ideal for sites requiring database-driven CMS functionality.
  • Requires Static Site Generators: Primarily beneficial for users with static site generators; less suitable for dynamic content needs.
  • Dependency on Git Platform Availability: Performance and usability may depend on the availability of the Git platform used.

How to Use Decap CMS

  1. Set up a Repository: Start by setting up a Git repository for your project.
  2. Install using website guide: Install Decap CMS, setup backend or netlify and configure the files, following the installation guide.
  3. Run the CMS Locally or Deploy: Test the CMS locally or deploy it with your static site generator and hosting provider (e.g., Netlify, Vercel).
  4. Access the CMS Dashboard: Once deployed, access the Decap CMS dashboard with /admin to manage content.

Conclusion

Decap CMS is a powerful tool for static site content management, especially suitable for developers and non-developers working on static site projects using Netlify. By being open-source, the developer is free to build the CMS as it fits the project. With a clean and easy UI, it makes it easier for non-developers to update content. While it’s not ideal for dynamic websites or database-driven applications, its Git-based, user-friendly approach makes it a solid choice for those using static site generators.

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