Headless CMS

A Headless CMS (Content Management System) is a system where the backend (content management) is completely separated from the frontend (content presentation).

In detail:

Traditional CMS (e.g., WordPress):

• Backend and frontend are tightly coupled.

• You create content in the system and it's rendered directly using built-in themes and templates with HTML.

• Pros: All-in-one solution, quick to get started.

• Cons: Limited flexibility, harder to deliver content across multiple platforms (e.g., website + mobile app).

Headless CMS:

• Backend only.

• Content is accessed via an API (usually REST or GraphQL).

• The frontend (e.g., a React site, native app, or digital signage) fetches the content dynamically.

• Pros: Very flexible, ideal for multi-channel content delivery.

• Cons: Frontend must be built separately (requires more development effort).

Common use cases:

• Websites built with modern JavaScript frameworks (like React, Next.js, Vue)

• Mobile apps that use the same content as the website

• Omnichannel strategies: website, app, smart devices, etc.

Examples of Headless CMS platforms:

• Contentful

• Strapi

• Sanity

• Directus

• Prismic

• Storyblok (a hybrid with visual editing capabilities)