Understanding Drupal CMS: Features, Setup, and How It Differs from Drupal Core

Web First shared an in-depth blog post on the arrival of Drupal CMS, explaining its goal of simplifying site setup for marketers, designers, and content creators. Unlike traditional Drupal installations, Drupal CMS offers a curated, recipe-based approach. During setup, users can select from pre-configured add-ons, such as blogs, events, or news content types, designed to streamline initial site building. These recipes bundle content types with community-driven modules, providing an enhanced user experience right out of the box.

The blog also highlights the role of the Project Browser, a tool that makes finding and installing modules easier for non-technical users. Although still in an early stage, Project Browser simplifies site enhancement without requiring command-line knowledge. However, limitations exist, particularly the inability to easily "unapply" installed recipes, which may raise concerns for some users about long-term configuration flexibility. Despite these challenges, Drupal CMS is positioned as an accessible entry point into Drupal for less technical audiences.

Looking ahead, Web First notes that Experience Builder, a major layout and theming tool, is planned for Drupal CMS 2.0. Until then, front-end flexibility remains somewhat limited. The post advises that while Drupal CMS is ideal for those seeking a ready-to-use, simplified site experience, developers needing extensive customisation may still prefer standard Drupal Core. The article provides a practical comparison to help users choose the version that best fits their project needs.