Need lightweight PHP CMS

I’m after a lightweight CMS for a client. There are so many out there and I think I’ve found a few that look like contenders.

The requirements are:

  • Lightweight, fast
  • PHP-based
  • Database must be MySQL or flat-file
  • HTML completely separate from logic (i.e. MVC-type pattern)
  • Uses OO and namespaces
  • Easy to extend with intuitive API
  • Doesn’t rely on plugins to do basic things
  • Ideally shallow learning curve for someone who already knows how to make websites

I’ve heard good things about Bolt CMS and am also looking at Monstra, GetSimple, Textpattern and Processwire. There’s also Wolf and Pyro but wondered if they’re overkill.

I just wondered if there are any others I should look at or if you’ve used any of the above and found them to meet my criteria.

Thanks!

Thats subjective

Nearly all modern solutions will satisfy this criteria.

That is subjective.

Not very clear. “Basic things” could mean different things to different people. Be more clear in the business requirements.

Highly subjective.

I’ve never heard of any of those.

You’re focused on the wrong things. Use the business requirements as a stepping stone to determine the best platform not arbitrary, blanket technical details like “fast”, “easy to extend”, and “quick learning curve”. All those “requirements” are highly subjective which don’t really have much relevance to solving a business problem. Those types of things a good to keep in back of your mind but shouldn’t be the primary focus since they are all arbitrary and highly subjective especially as customization is needed. On the right infrastructure ANYTHING can be “fast”

There are many more options than you listed, but it’s hard to know what to suggest without knowing the needs of the site, whether you are willing to pay etc.

I’m hearing great things about Grav.

It’s also flat file if that’s “lightweight” enough for you. Plus a lot of things like an admin panel is done via addon so you can really pick and choose what you want.

Grav looks really good, thanks!

I appreciate the subjectivity of the post but if subjective posts aren’t allowed we may as well close the forum down. :smile:

One of the main points i’m trying to make are “small” and “lightweight” frameworks are mutually exclusive with doing very little. So depending on user-facing and administrative requirements that “small” framework/cms will require MUCH more custom programming than a more robust alternative. Also platforms with larger ecosystems have much information and resources available. The importance of “fast” for a simple “hello world” page and “easy to extend” quickly dwindle away as projects evolve and business requirements change.

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