Static HTML/CSS website to CMS

rosso5792 · 5 Sep 2012 at 15:33

Hey

Was wondering if anyone could point in the way to a tutorial or such on how i would go about converting a basic html+css website with no content in it to a CMS?

I've only had experience in building websites with just HTML and CSS but the thought of making it work within a CMS is rather confusing. Can someone tell methe steps on how to go about doing this?

I want to begin building a website using HTML and CSS but i'd like to get into the habit of using a CMS when building websites from now on.

Thanks

JonnyGLC · 5 Sep 2012 at 16:44

It will vary slightly by which CMS system you chose to use, but it's simple regardless. You'll be able to define a basic page template using your existing html, then where the content would normally go just insert whatever it is that renders the content with your CMS.

rosso5792 · 5 Sep 2012 at 21:23

So what you're saying is i can go about making my website how i usually would and i can define each DIV in the CMS so it knows where i want to put text etc?

jsmoke · 5 Sep 2012 at 21:29

Do you know any php, best to write your own CMS if you can. For a few static pages it wouldn't be to much work. Need a simple parser and a simple editor then set up pages as a template and load each section as needed.

CMS' can get complex though, so really depends who complex your page is.

Craig R · 5 Sep 2012 at 21:34

jsmoke said:
Do you know any php, best to write your own CMS if you can. For a few static pages it wouldn't be to much work. Need a simple parser and a simple editor then set up pages as a template and load each section as needed.

CMS' can get complex though, so really depends who complex your page is.

I think wading in and creating his own CMS from scratch is a bit much for someone who has no experience of making a CMS driven site before.

Much easier to go for Wordpress.

rosso5792 · 5 Sep 2012 at 22:11

jsmoke said:
Do you know any php, best to write your own CMS if you can. For a few static pages it wouldn't be to much work. Need a simple parser and a simple editor then set up pages as a template and load each section as needed.

CMS' can get complex though, so really depends who complex your page is.

I've done a little PHP ( making login and register page with email + validation) along with some javascript validation and ive also done some MySQL (creating database for users). I plan on re using such coding on future websites.

The website ill be making probably wont be complex to begin with and will just hold information/images and later i'll keep adding to it.

As for creating my own CMS i dont think i'd be very comfortable doing such a task as i've never really dealt with a CMS before.

Which CMS would you guys recommend and has the best features?.

GaryH-21 · 6 Sep 2012 at 09:59

Wordpress is simple and supported by most hosting providers, has loads of templates and modules that are easy to install and lots of support from other users/developers online!

You could go for something like Joomla or Drupal, but I doubt you'll benefit from any of these.

If I was making a new site - I'd pick wordpress every time

ruffneck · 6 Sep 2012 at 10:16

GaryH-21 said:
If I was making a new site - I'd pick wordpress every time

Agreed, wrap your site around wordpress, its not too difficult and there are plenty of how-tos around.

rosso5792 · 6 Sep 2012 at 12:38

GaryH-21 said:
Wordpress is simple and supported by most hosting providers, has loads of templates and modules that are easy to install and lots of support from other users/developers online!

You could go for something like Joomla or Drupal, but I doubt you'll benefit from any of these.

If I was making a new site - I'd pick wordpress every time

Sounds good. Thanks for the info!

I take it most other websites such as the BBC, gizmodo etc use their own custom made CMS?

redeye_uk · 6 Sep 2012 at 13:23

I've been using the new kid on the block - statamic

Its great and really easy to get into. Okay, you have to pay $19 for a license, but that's nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Dj_Jestar · 6 Sep 2012 at 14:53

jsmoke said:
Do you know any php, best to write your own CMS if you can. For a few static pages it wouldn't be to much work. Need a simple parser and a simple editor then set up pages as a template and load each section as needed.

CMS' can get complex though, so really depends who complex your page is.

lion-king-confused-eccbc87e4b5ce2fe28308fd9f2a7baf3-328.gif

RoyMi6 · 7 Sep 2012 at 10:09

Dj_Jestar said:

Haha, sums up my thoughts exactly!

sandeep · 7 Sep 2012 at 15:55

Make one yourself.

Make sure you have the template all set, then work on splitting it or use a PHP Framework like Yii or CodeIgnitor then start splitting your template to make views.

Once that's all done work on the database side of things to implement articles and page aliases etc.

I've done the exact thing on my website, although I created my own framework.

http://www.sinvise.net

Addicted · 7 Sep 2012 at 15:56

Use wordpress and design a theme, create a page for each piece of content you want, job done.

Mark M · 8 Sep 2012 at 09:28

sandeep said:
Make one yourself.

Make sure you have the template all set, then work on splitting it or use a PHP Framework like Yii or CodeIgnitor then start splitting your template to make views.

Once that's all done work on the database side of things to implement articles and page aliases etc.

I've done the exact thing on my website, although I created my own framework.

http://www.sinvise.net

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