Headless CMS

A headless CMS is a content management system that separates the backend content management from the frontend, presentation layer. The frontend, or presentation layer, is everything a user sees and interacts with, such as on a smartphone or tablet.

The "backend" is the portion of the website that contains all the server, application, and database information. It also contains the rules, integrations, and how pages are connected to each other. A headless architecture "chopped off" the front end from the backend.

How Headless Architecture Works

A headless CMS (or better yet, a CMS that doesn't require a front-end) is a web application designed to be accessed through a RESTful API. These are lightweight and easy to implement, allowing for easier integration with other applications and platforms. An API is an interface that software programs can use to communicate with each other. RESTful APIs, or simply REST APIs, adopt the same approach to building software as HTTP APIs (Application Programming Interface).

APIs (Application Programming Interface) allow you to access the content of a website and receive commands from users into an application. A headless CMS (Content Management System) has a database that acts as the repository for data and an administration interface where users can manage content. A headless CMS is only for creating, reading, updating, and deleting content and does not allow other functions such as commenting or changing page layouts.

In a traditional architecture, frontend and backend developers are often forced to use separate tools, which makes it difficult to update the underlying systems. The separation of front-end and backend development allows us to use any front-end tool to present, reuse, and deliver content to any channel. In addition, updates to the backend can be conducted independently.


Value Of A Headless CMS

A headless content management system can help you connect with customers in new ways. A headless CMS is intended to replace your legacy systems. Rather than spending a lot of money to change over to a new content management system, many companies begin by integrating their existing systems. A strong headless content infrastructure will unify your content and eliminate silos.

Smart devices like smart watches and smart speakers are on the rise. With the rise in popularity of these devices, CMS developers need to consider headless CMS options that can integrate with the underlying framework used by smart devices to deliver the experiences users expect.

In a headless CMS, cross-functional front-end code creates a seamless user experience. By allowing developers to create cohesive cross-functional front-end code, this solution addresses common user needs and expectations of businesses that must be flexible in the face of rapidly changing client requirements.


Cons Of A Headless CMS

When it comes to providing functionality in translation, headless does not always simplify the job. Instead, it often just moves the complexity around and puts you in a position where you have to customize the CMS. In some cases, you may need more functionality than what's built-in, so you have to customize the existing code or build something from scratch.

Headless CMS often do not have all the built-in features like workflows, drag and drop editing, etc. Creative teams often struggle to design landing pages with complex workflows without time-consuming modifications. They need help from engineering to create new landing pages with custom requirements.

Interested in learning more about Taplytics?

Looking To Upgrade Your Current Stack?

The #1 platform for delivering high-quality software releases, instantly.

All-In-One Product Growth

• Visual, Code-free A/B testing on web and mobile
• Both Client Side and Server Side Options
• Flexible API and SDK-free deployments
• Connected messaging features

Fastest & Most Reliable Feature Management System

• Edge deployment for sub 50ms response times
• Enterprise grade performance SLA
• 99.9% uptime guarantee

Personalization Across All Your Users

• Personalize every experiment and experience
• No audience reach limits
• No domain or sub-domain limits
• No user seat limits

Real-Time Slack Support

• Best in class service
• Responsive support and customer success team
• Training and onboarding
• Taplytics Growth Framework assessment

Full Suite of Seamless Integrations

• mParticle
• Segment
• Mixpanel
• Amplitude
• Google Analytics
• Adobe Analytics and more

Protect Customer Privacy

• Balance personalization & experimentation with customer data privacy
• GDPR
• EU Privacy Shield
• HIPAA compliant