Frequently Asked Questions on 'Drupal CMS'

The DropTimes has put together this comprehensive FAQ to clarify the reasoning and implications behind the recent naming decision of Drupal Starshot as "Drupal CMS" instead of simply "Drupal." This guide is designed to help you understand the differences between Drupal Core and Drupal CMS, the strategic considerations behind the name, and what this means for the future of the Drupal ecosystem. Whether you're a developer, marketer, or current Drupal user, this FAQ provides insights into how "Drupal CMS" aims to enhance user experience, expand market reach, and pave the way for future innovations within the Drupal platform.

Drupal CMS/Starshot FAQ

This FAQ is based on "Why Is It 'Drupal CMS' and Not 'Drupal': An Explainer."

Q: Why is it called 'Drupal CMS' and not just 'Drupal'?

'Drupal' refers to Drupal Core, the flexible CMS framework used to build various web-based systems, such as websites, e-commerce stores, and DXPs. 'Drupal CMS' specifically denotes the ready-to-use product built on Drupal Core, offering out-of-the-box features and a user-friendly experience for non-developers.

Q: What is the difference between Drupal Core and Drupal CMS?

Drupal Core is the foundational framework, while Drupal CMS is a complete product built on that framework, incorporating pre-configured features, recipes, and integrations to simplify content management. Drupal Core requires development expertise to customize, whereas Drupal CMS is more accessible to non-developers.

Q: Why not call it 'Drupal DXP'?

A DXP (Digital Experience Platform) implies a broader solution beyond content management, often involving multiple integrated products. While Drupal CMS has the potential to evolve into a DXP, it's currently focused on content management, making the name 'Drupal CMS' more accurate for its current capabilities.

Q: Why not use the project name 'Starshot'?

Using 'Starshot' could dilute the established 'Drupal' brand and necessitate significant marketing efforts. 'Drupal CMS' leverages Drupal's existing reputation, clearly communicates its purpose, and maintains continuity within the Drupal community.

Q: What are the benefits of naming it 'Drupal CMS'?

The name 'Drupal CMS' offers clarity, familiarity, and strong SEO benefits. It distinguishes the product from Drupal Core, allows for future branding opportunities for other Drupal-based products, and avoids fragmentation within the Drupal community.

Q: Will Drupal CMS evolve into a DXP in the future?

While Drupal CMS currently focuses on content management, it has the potential to evolve into a DXP as its capabilities expand. The current naming strategy allows for such future evolution without disrupting the brand identity.

Q: What is the significance of this naming decision for the Drupal ecosystem?

The 'Drupal CMS' name reflects a strategic shift in Drupal's branding, emphasizing its core strength as a CMS while opening doors for future innovations and product offerings within the Drupal ecosystem. It's a step towards making Drupal more accessible to a wider audience while maintaining its powerful framework for developers. Drupal Core remains the foundation, empowering developers to build custom solutions, while Drupal CMS offers a user-friendly, ready-to-use product for those seeking a streamlined content management experience.

Q: Will Drupal Core continue to be released with version numbers?

Yes, Drupal Core will continue to follow semantic versioning, with releases identified by version numbers (e.g., Drupal 11, Drupal 12). This provides clarity and continuity, especially for developers who rely on specific versions for their projects.

Q: What does the 'Drupal CMS' name mean for existing Drupal users?

For existing Drupal users familiar with Drupal Core, 'Drupal CMS' represents a more user-friendly and accessible way to leverage Drupal's capabilities. It offers a streamlined experience for content management, particularly for non-developers, while still providing the flexibility to customize and extend functionality as needed.

Q: How does 'Drupal CMS' benefit marketers and content editors?

'Drupal CMS' offers a simplified and intuitive interface for managing content, making it easier for marketers and content editors to create, publish, and organize content without extensive technical knowledge. This empowers them to focus on their core tasks and deliver engaging digital experiences.

Q: What are the implications of this naming decision for Drupal's market positioning?

The 'Drupal CMS' name strengthens Drupal's position as a leading CMS platform, emphasizing its user-friendliness and accessibility alongside its powerful framework. This could attract a wider range of users, particularly in the mid-market segment, where ease of use is a key consideration.

Q: Will there be other 'Drupal-branded products in the future?

The naming strategy opens the possibility for future 'Drupal-branded' products built on Drupal Core, such as 'Drupal LMS' (Learning Management System) or 'Drupal Commerce,' catering to specific use cases and industries. This allows for greater clarity and differentiation within the Drupal ecosystem.

Q: How does 'Drupal CMS' fit into the broader Drupal Starshot initiative?

'Drupal CMS' is the first major product to emerge from the Drupal Starshot initiative, which aims to make Drupal more accessible and user-friendly. It represents a significant step towards achieving that goal, demonstrating the initiative's commitment to delivering concrete solutions.

Q: How will 'Drupal CMS' impact the adoption of Drupal among developers?

While 'Drupal CMS' focuses on user-friendliness for non-developers, it's built on Drupal Core, which remains a powerful framework for developers. 'Drupal CMS' could attract more users to the Drupal ecosystem, potentially leading to increased demand for Drupal development expertise and creating new opportunities for developers.

Q: Will 'Drupal CMS' be suitable for enterprise-level websites?

Drupal has traditionally been favored by large enterprises due to its extendable core and scalability. While 'Drupal CMS' aims for a simplified experience, it's built on the robust Drupal Core, capable of handling complex enterprise requirements. The flexibility to add custom modules and configurations ensures that 'Drupal CMS' can scale to meet the needs of enterprise websites.

Q: How will the 'Drupal CMS' naming impact the perception of Drupal's existing products and initiatives?

The 'Drupal CMS' name reinforces Drupal's core strength as a CMS platform. It's likely to enhance the perception of Drupal's existing products and initiatives by highlighting their connection to a user-friendly and accessible CMS solution.

Q: Will there be a migration path for existing Drupal websites to 'Drupal CMS'?

Since 'Drupal CMS' is built on Drupal Core, the features available in it can also be implemented in Drupal Core. If you are starting a new project, it would be much easier to start with Drupal CMS. If you have an existing website and are using the latest version of Drupal Core, it is possible to use the same recipes used in Drupal CMS to implement the features in your existing website.

Q: When will 'Drupal CMS' be officially released?

Project lead Dries Buytaert announced at DrupalCon Portland 2024 that an initial version of Drupal Starshot (Drupal CMS) will be available before the end of 2024.