Drupal vs WordPress – Top Two Content Management Systems Compared

Are you thinking of making an outstanding web page, which could be your best bet for attracting netizens and converting them into your real customers? If so, then don’t ponder anymore and have one in order to grab market share in a short span of the period and beat the competition. While you are eyeing to build a web page for your
business, the very question that you need to face what would be the ideal content management system (CMS) for you. CMS or content management system is nothing but a software application, which is responsible to create, manage the information. At times it could be utilized for creating the plugins, CRM, websites, and so on.

Because of the potential of the content management system, to begin and develop a site has been much easier than before. But, to choose the most suitable CMS amongst loads of choices still remains to be a vital concern particularly for non-technical people. Well, having searched, as well as tested several CMS applications, I find that Drupal
and WordPress are one of the top-rated systems that become a buzz term in the technical market.

Though Drupal and WordPress are industry-leading content management system software applications built on PHP and MySQL coding languages, they significantly differ with their own flaws and strengths.

Drupal and WordPress both provide great features, strong security, ease of use, and tons of customizations. And they both are free to download. So, which one to select for your webpage?

Drupal vs WordPress

1) Drupal:
Drupal is a potent content management system oftentimes called “Content Management Framework”, which allows users to launch, manage, as well as scale more complex applications and sites.

Ambitious tasks might need an understanding of PHP, CSS, and HTML. But for basic sites, no programming experience is required at all.

The extended functionality of Drupal comes from modules that include very basic things such as contact forms, forums, blogging etc.

Sites, which are powered by Drupal include NFL teams, Weather.com, BBC Store, Fox,
The Economist.

2) WordPress:

WordPress developed in popularity from a full-blown website framework to a blogging platform, which is powered by CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, and lots of widgets, themes, and plugins.

WordPress is the best option for beginners since it is easier to use and it works great for medium to small-sized web pages, small eCommerce stores, and blogs.

More complex setups and theme customization might need the assistance of competent WordPress developers. However, the possibilities, which could be accomplished are huge.

Websites, which are powered by WordPress include Walt Disney Co., Variety, BBC America, The New Yorker, TechCrunch etc.

Similarities Shared by Drupal and WordPress:
a. Both provide mobile responsive themes
b. Both need installation, setup, and even hosting
c. Both are open-source and free
d. Both have potent developer APIs

Differences between Drupal and WordPress:
a. Drupal is more complicated under the hood – Drupal has a learning curve hence it can even take a bit longer to get used to.
WordPress is way too easy to learn and use. It is, in fact, a great choice for enterprise-grade websites and larger projects.

b. Version updates are differently handled – WordPress code is pretty upgradable. Updates take place in tandem along with database updates impeccably in the background.
While Drupal updates are way comprehensive overhauls and since they don’t contain a code update, then the procedure is labor intensive.

c. Testing – In WordPress, you have to install a plugin, which lets you run A/B and split testing on your website. But Drupal has testing, as well as reporting built in.

d. Security vulnerabilities – WordPress is pretty open to attacks due to its themes and plugins security holes and popularity while Drupal is best known for its robust security.

e. Theme availability – Both Drupal and WordPress have great starter themes that you can buy; however, Drupal themes tend to need more work in order to get customization. There are even fewer options for Drupal starter themes whereas
WordPress has loads of options.

Drupal vs WordPress – CMS Comparison

Drupal:

Drupal is amongst the most powerful open-source options available and it is the technically advanced CMS. Great for technical people who prefer to get their hands dirty.

You would be glad to know that Drupal pages load faster and have faster response time than those developed with WordPress.

It is easier to personalize with many available themes, plug-ins, and other configurable choices to select from. One can download and also use Drupal for free. Anybody considering Drupal should have a basic knowledge of PHP, HTML, and other popular web programming languages. You don’t have to be a professional. However, being capable of troubleshooting error messages and identifying code problems would a great advantage.

WordPress:

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems of this globe. It is so much popular since it is easier to install. Several web hosting agencies provide automated, instant WordPress install in their hosting environment and that implies you can have a brand-new site up-and-running in no time. WordPress is quite customizable. It has more paid and free themes, plug-ins, and many other customization tools obtainable than any other content management system. This is because one can easily make the great looking site by not investing much. Just like Drupal, WordPress is also free to use.

In case you face problems or have questions about your WordPress website, you can find the answer without difficulty. For a beginner, this is perhaps the most appropriate platform to make a website.

WordPress vs Drupal – Ease of Use:

A key factor on which to select can be how easier it is actually to use.

Drupal back end is pretty complicated than WordPress. While WordPress is user- friendly and one can start blogging in no time.

Whenever it comes to upgrades, WordPress always does this without you requiring to worry about a thing.

But Drupal’s upgrades never include the code. You would require the developer’s knowledge and competency to handle this. Drupal is definitely not tough to use; however, it can be tough to learn exactly how to use it. It needs more technical knowledge, but it is able to produce more advanced websites.

Drupal vs WordPress – Other Aspects:

In case your site is to be used just as a publishing platform and you require the capability of allowing multiple authors to log in, post articles, and create a profile, then WordPress is certainly great for this purpose.

And as an Admin, you can even edit the abilities of each of the users, as well as create new roles. This makes WordPress extremely flexible.

You are even capable of adding roles within Drupal; however, there are some standard roles already set up.

Drupal comes up with a basic revision solution, hence multiple authors at the same time can work on an article and see the edits. But WordPress requires plugins to be capable of doing this.

I don’t deny that Drupal is way too complicated, particularly in comparison to WordPress. However, it is due to that complexity that Drupal has a load of advanced functionality.

It depends on your requirements. The functionality of Drupal goes deeper than WordPress. Drupal has more characteristics; however, in case you don’t know how to use them, then they are obsolete and confusing.

In case you require multiple content types or page templates, Drupal is well-equipped to manage your requirements. Drupal’s user permissions are even more advanced than WordPress. It was built by expert developers for competent developers that make it functionality both a weakness and a strength.

If you are not comfortable building a site in Drupal, you would end up ignoring the characteristics of Drupal, which make it so potent.

How to Select the Best Content Management System for your Business:

The very first step towards selecting which Content Management System would work better for you is to evaluate your current, as well as future business targets and how can your web page take you there. In case you anticipate your website developing to hold loads of data (specifically confidential data), Drupal is an ideal option due to its page load speeds and security. In case you plan to have manifold authors and also want a platform, which is easy to use (especially for a team who might not be tech savvy), then WordPress is certainly your call.

So, Drupal or WordPress?

Are you all set to name the winner? But I would allow you to make your very own choice. In case you wish to have a simple solution and you are also a newcomer in the website management, WordPress would help you to have an easy and good to use application. But if your requirement is something more complex and you want more security, complexity, and functionality, then pick Drupal.

Whether you choose WordPress or Drupal, in both cases you receive a qualitative outcome with an opportunity to personalize your web page, develop an online store and many other beneficial things. And in case you require some assistance on this issue, our expert team of website developers would cope with these jobs on the highest level.

So, good wishes from my side for your project.