It seems that Content Management Systems are a growing fad in the world of web development. After all, why code something from scratch that is already included in a system or can be implemented by uploading a module into a file directory?

Unfortunately, most CMS's aren't as intuitive as you might originally think. This often leaves developers wondering which system best meets their needs and whether or not it's worth investing the time into becoming more familiar with a system. Hopefully this article might help answer some of those questions.

Currently, the most popular CMS's on the "market" include: Wordpress, Joomla!, and Drupal. So what's the difference between the systems? First let's start with the similarities: the installation process is not always a walk in the park. Wordpress has gotten around this by allowing users to register for a site at wordpress.com that already has the CMS installed, ready to use. However, for computer newbies that want to install any of these systems on their own server, the installation process is relatively similar for all three systems.

A brief summary of the three content management systems:

*Wordpress - this CMS offers the easiest user interface but is the most limited (functionality-wise) of the systems. While it is ideal for blogging-type websites and allows some degree of site customization through the use of widgits, this system focuses primarily towards providing less-technical users with an option of creating their own site. In summary, Wordpress is the "Dummies guide to making your own website."

*Joomla! - this CMS is a step-up from Wordpress. It's interface is slightly more difficult to use, therefore requiring the user to spend more time to get used to the system. It also provides users with a "pretty" "out-of-the-box" website while also allowing users to add a wide variety of modules that extend the functionality of the site, making it more than just a "bloggers CMS". The largest disadvantage is the inability to easily customize these installed modules. Often, the module is intended "as-is" and making the smallest change often requires sorting through page after page of source code.

*Drupal - this CMS is the least intuitive of the three and, despite installing a "custom theme", often leaves the website with the general appearance of a drupal installation. However, for those users that are familiar with coding and don't mind getting their hands dirty, this system's strengths are in its ability for customization. Like Joomla!, Drupal allows users the ability to install a wide variety of modules that extend the functionality of the site. Unlike Joomla!, Drupal's modules are designed in a way that after the installation they can be customized to match the particular needs of that site. It is also quite common to see modules released specifically to build on the customization of an already existing module.

In summary, all three content management systems are excellent resources to help developers efficiently create websites. Wordpress primarily targets blogging-type websites created by non-technical users while Joomla! provides an option towards more technical users that require more from their website than what Wordpress has to offer. Drupal, though the least intuitive of the three systems, provides a level of customization much greater than the other two systems.