Why PHP still matters
PHP runs on almost every shared web host, needs no build step, and serves pages quickly when they are cached. That makes PHP systems cheap to host and easy to move between providers.
The main PHP CMS options
| CMS | Storage | Best for | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | MySQL or MariaDB | Blogs, business sites, stores with WooCommerce | Plugin quality varies; updates need attention |
| Drupal | Database | Complex sites with many content types and permissions | Steeper learning curve; usually needs a developer |
| Joomla | Database | Membership and multilingual sites | Smaller ecosystem than WordPress |
| Grav | Flat files | Developers who want a fast, database-free site | Editing is less familiar for non-technical owners |
| Kirby | Flat files | Designers and studios building custom sites | Commercial license for live sites |
| PHP Site Manager | SQLite or MySQL | Small business sites from industry templates | Hosted plans in early access; self-hosted edition in preparation |
Database or flat files?
Database CMSs (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla) store content in MySQL or a similar database. They scale to large sites and many editors.
Flat-file CMSs store content in text files. They are easy to back up (copy a folder), fast, and need no database server, but are usually aimed at developers.
PHP Site Manager uses SQLite for small sites, which is a single database file you can copy like a flat file, and MySQL on larger hosting.
Choosing one
- Need it running by Friday and edited by non-technical staff? A hosted builder with templates for your industry.
- Need custom functionality and have a developer? WordPress or Drupal.
- Building bespoke sites for clients and comfortable with code? A flat-file CMS such as Kirby or Grav.
