CrafterCMS: A Headless CMS For All JavaScript Frameworks

JavaScript continues to be the most popular programming language worldwide. According to StackOverflow’s 2021 Survey, almost 65% of developers use the scripting language compared to 48% that use Python and 22% that use PHP. 

For frontend digital customer experience development, the importance of JavaScript is even stronger as it enables developers to create the interactivity necessary for many sites on the internet. In fact, JavaScript is so critical that it is regarded as the programming language of the modern web. 

Brands that want to get the most out of JavaScript and give their developers the ability to continue launching new and innovative experiences need a headless CMS that facilitates heavy JavaScript use, both client and server-side. 

CrafterCMS is one such headless CMS, and in this article, we’ll explain how you can leverage it to the fullest. 

The Many Sides of JavaScript

JavaScript’s ability to be used as either a client-side or a server-side programming language is one of the reasons for its popularity. In server-side rendering, content and data stored on a server is dynamically converted into final content (i.e., HTML) that can be displayed on a browser. Client-side rendering, on the other hand, refers to rendering content in the browser, usually using JavaScript. 

This flexibility in how it can be used, coupled with the size of the JavaScript community and how easy it is for developers to get started with the language, are some of the reasons why modern brands need to be able to leverage a JavaScript CMS. 

Read More: Static Sites vs Client Side Rendering vs Server Side Rendering

What Is a JavaScript CMS?

A JavaScript CMS is a content management system that allows developers to use any JavaScript framework they need to build digital experiences. A JavaScript CMS needs to be built using headless architecture to achieve this level of freedom.

A headless CMS separates the frontend and the backend of the CMS and allows them to communicate using APIs. Removing the frontend proprietary design of a traditional CMS enables developers to construct their frontends for any device using different JavaScript frameworks. They can build digital experiences using React, Vue, Angular, Next.js, Nuxt.js, or any framework that fits the bill. 

Read More: Top JavaScript Frameworks for Headless CMS in 2022

Why You Need a JavaScript CMS

The modern content experience is heavily dependent on JavaScript, and businesses that want to fully capitalize on everything the language offers should choose a JavaScript CMS. Here are some of the reasons why:

Modern Development Approaches

Today, there are tens of JavaScript frameworks to choose from—popular options such as React and Next.js, as well as newer approaches like Svelte. The growth of JavaScript frameworks and the continued evolution of the ecosystem are also due to modern development approaches. 

Developers are also opting for approaches such as Jamstack for some applications, which relies on JavaScript and APIs to deliver web applications at lightning speed. As more enterprises and developers embrace approaches such as this and continue to build their technology stacks using concepts such as MACH, then JavaScript will continue to thrive, and there will be a need for more JavaScript-friendly CMSs. 

Limitations of Traditional CMSs

Traditional CMSs were built to deliver content to only one channel, like a website. However, they also restrict the types of frameworks that developers can use to create digital experiences. Given the pace at which JavaScript frameworks continue to evolve, developers need to be able to choose new technologies as they see fit to solve problems. 

Omnichannel Digital Experiences

JavaScript is critical for web browsers, but desktops and laptops aren’t the only channels companies need to launch digital experiences. JavaScript is also helpful for delivering content to mobile phones using progressive web applications (PWAs). Other frontend experiences can also be built on channels such as mobile devices (.e.g, using React Native), AR/VR headsets, smartwatches, digital kiosks, and more to create an omnichannel experience for customers that spans multiple digital touchpoints. 

Why CrafterCMS For JavaScript Development

CrafterCMS is a headless CMS for the enterprise that empowers everyone within the organization. Software developers can benefit from the freedom and flexibility of a headless CMS built for JavaScript. At the same time, content authors have access to the tools they need to create attractive digital experiences. 

Built for a Variety of JavaScript Frameworks

CrafterCMS is framework agnostic and can be used with any JavaScript framework. Developers can use any framework they choose on the frontend, such as React, Angular, or Vue, as well as Node.js, Next.js, or Nuxt.js on the backend. 

Server Side and Client Side Rendering

CrafterCMS is a headless CMS offering support for client-side and server-side rendered applications. While other headless CMS platforms only support client-side rendering, CrafterCMS integrates with Javascript-based server-side rendering platforms, including Node.js, Next.js, and Nuxt.js. Additionally, developers can leverage GraphQL, REST APIs, and platform-oriented SDKs for each project. 

Best in Class Content Authoring

Crafter Studio, CrafterCMS’s content authoring toolset, offers full content authoring capabilities for any and all JavaScript frameworks. Developers can take advantage of JavaScript’s assortment of frameworks without worrying about neglecting the needs of the content teams. Content authors can access user-friendly editing tools, including WYSIWYG authoring, in-context previews, and drag-and-drop experience building across any channel. 

Read More: Attention Headless CMS Developers: Use Any Frontend Technology (And Still Give Your Content Teams an Awesome Authoring Experience)

DevContentOps

Many people are involved in building content-centric applications using JavaScript before it reaches the end user. CrafterCMS is built using Git-based architecture that enables DevContentOps, which brings content authors and the CMS into the traditional DevOps process. 

Software developers can quickly deliver bug fixes, new features, and general updates to content applications while seamlessly collaborating with content managers and IT operations. This enables frictionless development without content or code freezes and shorter development cycles. 

Discover how CrafterCMS allows you to leverage JavaScript by watching our webcast: Introducing CrafterCMS v4.0.