Web Development with Content Management Systems (CMS)
1. Using CMS Templates to Create Websites
A Content Management System (CMS) is software that allows users to build and
manage websites easily without needing advanced coding skills.
Popular CMS Examples:
• WordPress
• Joomla
• Drupal
• Wix / Shopify (hosted CMS)
CMS Templates:
• Templates (or Themes) control the layout, look, and feel of the website.
• Benefits:
o Time-saving
o Professionally designed
o Mobile-responsive and SEO-friendly
Steps to Use a CMS Template:
1. Choose a CMS (e.g., WordPress)
2. Install the CMS on a server or use a hosted version
3. Select and install a theme/template
4. Customize the layout, colors, fonts, and content
5. Publish the site
2. Customize Websites
Customizing a CMS-based website allows it to better match a brand or purpose.
Customization Options:
• Change Layouts using page builders (e.g., Elementor, Divi)
• Edit Menus and Navigation
• Add Custom CSS or HTML
• Replace Images, Logos, and Colors
• Modify Fonts and Typography
Best Practices:
• Keep the design clean and user-friendly
• Ensure the site is mobile-responsive
• Use consistent branding
3. Generate Content Using Graphics Design Packages
Graphic design tools are used to create visual content for websites.
Popular Design Tools:
• Canva (beginner-friendly)
• Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator
• Figma (UI/UX design)
• GIMP (free alternative)
Types of Content to Create:
• Logos and banners
• Icons and buttons
• Infographics
• Social media visuals
• Backgrounds and textures
Tips:
• Use web-optimized image formats (e.g., PNG, JPEG, SVG)
• Compress images for faster loading
• Keep colors and styles consistent with the website theme
4. Apply the Concept of Debugging and Testing
Testing and debugging ensure that the website works as expected across all devices
and browsers.
What to Test:
• Navigation and links
• Forms (e.g., contact, sign-up)
• Compatibility (mobile, tablet, desktop)
• Speed and performance
• Accessibility and usability
Debugging Tools:
• Browser Developer Tools (Inspect, Console)
• Validation Services: W3C HTML/CSS validators
• Error Logs (from CMS dashboard or hosting panel)
Common Debugging Steps:
• Check console errors in browsers
• Disable plugins/themes one by one to identify issues
• Use "Safe Mode" or "Recovery Mode" in CMS
• Review theme and plugin documentation
5. Use Plugins and Extensions in Web Development
Plugins (or extensions) add extra functionality to a CMS website without coding.
Common Uses for Plugins:
• Contact forms (e.g., WPForms)
• SEO optimization (e.g., Yoast SEO)
• Security (e.g., Wordfence)
• Backups (e.g., UpdraftPlus)
• E-commerce (e.g., WooCommerce)
Installing a Plugin:
1. Go to the CMS dashboard
2. Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New”
3. Search, install, and activate the plugin
4. Configure plugin settings
Best Practices:
• Only install trusted plugins with good reviews
• Keep plugins updated
• Avoid too many plugins (can slow down your site)
• Delete unused plugins