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The idea of a headless content management system is transforming how the traditional CMS market works. In a headless mechanism, the friend commonly known as the head is coupled from the back end or content for management outside the core system. Popular WordPress vendors like WP engine are now using headless systems for the friend and center of the website. Several Web services are now  migrating drupal to WordPress despite the initial reluctance among the founders.  Drupal has been a long-time WordPress competitor using headless systems. 

Using headless systems with caution

According to experts, there should be an appropriate approach to using headless systems. Right from the beginning one should be aware of the tradeoffs that are a part of the headless system. This approach works perfectly for developers but has certain drawbacks for the marketer or business person. In the present time, several digital agencies are looking for headless system but it does not have much benefit for the customer.

Agencies sometimes choose to use headless so that the developers can have access to JavaScript frameworks. However, it has a significant impact on the content creator’s ability to preview, content editing, create page layouts, etc. These functions are not available with a headless CMS.

Headless kits allow users to organize and deliver content appropriately. Besides it can make the content compatible with a wide range of devices like mobile applications, kiosks, chatbots, wearable devices, etc.

Alongside the headless kit also enhances the build of the frontend application for displaying content created using headless CMS.  Some agencies are using a hybrid approach for both headless APIs and Drupal Software.

Typically migrating drupal to WordPress is more suitable for large organizations as they manage multiple sites simultaneously. These sites are completely different from one another. Some contain bespoke themes, others use theme templates, some sites have technical teams for management, and others have marketing teams. So, for a larger organization, there should be a diverse portfolio of websites that use a combination of various architectural approaches.

Headless approach Drupal vs. WordPress

Drupal came into the market in 2001, and WordPress came a couple of years after. Drupal is considered a more powerful alternative to WordPress. As a result, it is useful for both content creators and developers. According to company officials, they cater to the needs of ambitious site builders. It is the middle ground between content creators and developers.

People use this platform for a wide range of applications. Sometimes users leverage JavaScript frameworks but some customers implement augmented reality, voice assistance, and more. Drupal is not just for creating conventional websites. It can also support a wide range of other applications.

Differences in the headless approach of WordPress and Drupal

With WordPress, the headless approach is more restricted whereas in Drupal one gets to tweak the core system.

The basic Drupal version known as the Drupal Core has a series of headless capabilities. However, these do not serve as an alternative to Drupal CMS.

On the other hand, the headless approach of WordPress is not something one can rely on completely.

Pureplay headless providers

Comparing Drupal with pure headless CMS services like Contentful and Strapi adds to the complication. Pure play headless approaches tend to have poor support for content creators. Moreover using them is not as simple as WordPress or Drupal.

Companies shifting to a headless approach and adopting new ideas with Drupal. Similarly, pure headless methods are also shifting towards Drupal for generating previews, making layouts, in-context editing, and more. So it is important to add all these features in upcoming products.

Another emerging trend in website development over the last few years is Jamstack. Here the term “jam” refers to JavaScript, Markups, and APIs. The stack part involves the use of cloud computing.  Drupal manages to fit the jamstack pattern of service providers like Gatsby and Netlify.

Gatsby was a creation of two Drupal developers so Drupal CMS was compatible with Gatsby. In terms of core functionality Jamstack allows the creation of static platforms that make use of content delivery networks or (CDNs). Previously websites only came with static pages. The plug-in (Drupal modules) helps add a static generator function to Drupal.

Jamstack adds some unique approaches to website creation. One of the notable Jamstack features includes developer workflow. The introduction of new approaches in web design and development is gradually transforming old practices and concepts.

Benefit for the content creators

Drupal to WordPress conversion  primarily focuses on the technical aspect of a CMS platform that is suitable for developers. However, leaving marketers and content creators behind is not a great idea at present. Website creation requires expertise in JavaScript frameworks and an equal amount of creative expertise.

Besides, it is critical to create platforms that allow everyone to create websites without coding knowledge. Everybody should have the ability to build fully-fledged websites by migrating drupal to WordPress. In a broader sense digital experience is not just about a website. It also includes other customer touch points such as voice, native mobile, chatbots, etc.

Steps to follow for using Drupal as a headless CMS

• Install Drupal on the corresponding server
• After installation of Drupal create content for the website just as other CMS platforms. Add nodes, images, content, videos, and other types of media as necessary.
• The next step includes the inclusion of necessary modules for exposing Drupal content as JSON API. The most popular module for this purpose is the RESTful web services module. It also forms the main module for Drupal 9 and 8.
• Create API endpoint after configuration of RESTful web module. We need to specify the type of content available through API. Define necessary authentication options and additional settings for catching request handling and other parameters.
• After completing the API endpoint, start using it for retrieving content through Drupal. One can also choose to use programming languages or frameworks to display content and API calls. It is suitable for making content for mobile applications and websites.
• The final step is customizing the interface of the website or application using any technology or tool. JavaScript frameworks like Angular, and React are excellent for creating intuitive interfaces.
• The above steps help use Drupal as a standalone CMS. It can deliver powerful digital experiences that take advantage of a robust content management system.

Advantages of Drupal CMS

Implementing Drupal offers a series of benefits for projects of any size or complexity.

• Scalable

Drupal is capable of handling high-volume traffic with ease. Hence it fits perfectly for managing business websites. Users can scale the functions based on the growth and expansion of a business.

• Secure

Drupal offers robust security features that restrict hackers and unauthorized users. Besides the platform received regular security updates to keep up with the latest online threats.

• Open Source

Drupal is an open-source CMS tool so anyone can modify, customize, or access the functions. There is an extensive community of developers who consistently contribute to the enhancement of the platform.

• Modular

The entire platform comprises different modules that allow easy addition or removal. Developers can create innovative functions quickly and efficiently ensuring the site has a fast and efficient performance.

• SEO friendly

Drupal structure is SEO friendly allowing business owners to rank their websites higher on the SERPs.

Compatible with third-party applications

Drupal comprises numerous modules that allow easy integration with Mailchimp, Salesforce, and other apps. Drupal to wordpress conversion  also enhances the functionality of the website with existing systems of a business.

Final words

Headless CMS is a truly innovative concept that separates the content from the code of a website. With  migrating drupal to WordPress users can manage the content more efficiently in a single place. Besides, one can deploy the content across different digital channels.