Drupal

Brief Overview of Drupal

Drupal is an open-source, fully composable content management system (CMS) designed for creating ambitious and sophisticated digital experiences. This content management solution serves organizations that require a high degree of flexibility and power to design a digital presence that aligns with their specific vision. The platform is built on an API-first architecture, allowing for deep integrations and versatile content delivery across numerous devices and marketing channels. It provides two distinct paths for users: Drupal CMS, which offers intuitive, low-code tools for marketers and content teams, and Drupal Core, the foundational framework for developers and advanced users who need to build powerful, custom applications. By separating these offerings, Drupal caters to a wide spectrum of technical abilities while maintaining its core strengths in security, scalability, and community-driven innovation.

Drupal Key Features for Content Creators

• Fully Composable Architecture: The platform is designed to be fully composable and API-first, giving teams the freedom to design digital experiences around their unique vision and user needs without being constrained by a rigid structure.

• User-Centric Experience Tools: Drupal provides tools to build versatile, structured content that is compelling and accessible across a wide range of devices. It integrates with various digital marketing channels, enabling a cohesive content strategy.

• Low-Code/No-Code Options: With the availability of low-code and no-code options, particularly within Drupal CMS, marketers and content teams can independently manage digital strategy and publishing workflows without needing advanced technical skills.

• Limitless Flexibility: As an open-source platform, it offers extensive flexibility. A global network of contributors continuously develops and innovates on core features, ensuring the platform evolves to meet new challenges.

• Enterprise-Grade Tooling: Drupal is positioned as a secure and accessible open-source Digital Experience Platform (DXP). It adheres to industry-standard privacy and security protocols, making it a reliable choice for enterprise-level projects.

• Reduced Cost of Ownership: The open-source nature of the platform means there is no vendor lock-in. This, combined with the ability for marketing teams to manage workflows independently, contributes to a lower total cost of ownership.

• Distinct Drupal CMS and Drupal Core Offerings: The ecosystem provides two clear starting points. Drupal CMS is tailored for marketers and site builders who need to create websites with ease, while Drupal Core is the powerful foundation for developers building complex digital applications.

• Global Support Network: The platform is supported by a large global community, including over 100 Drupal Certified Partners and more than 10,000 experienced Drupal professionals, providing a robust support system for users worldwide.

Drupal Target Users & Use Cases

Drupal is engineered for a diverse user base, from marketers and content teams to developers and advanced technical users. Its dual-offering approach (CMS and Core) makes it accessible to those with varying levels of technical expertise. The platform's enterprise-grade security and scalability are well-suited for large organizations and teams that require robust, reliable digital infrastructure.

Based on its feature set and documented case studies, specific use cases include:

• Higher Education: Building flexible and extensible content management systems for universities, as demonstrated by Princeton University.
• Healthcare: Creating patient-first platforms that deliver accessible and personalized healthcare experiences.
• Non-Profit & Advocacy: Rapidly launching mission-critical websites for organizations to build visitor engagement and grow subscriber lists.
• Arts & Education: Developing compelling and engaging content experiences for educational programs and cultural institutions.
• Digital Marketing: Managing integrated digital strategies and publishing workflows across multiple channels.
• Custom Application Development: Using the API-first Drupal Core to build powerful, bespoke digital experiences from the ground up.

How to Get Started with Drupal

Beginning a project with Drupal involves choosing the path that best fits the project's needs and the team's technical skills.

1. Select an Edition: Determine whether Drupal CMS or Drupal Core is the right fit. Drupal CMS is recommended for most projects, especially those led by marketers or site builders, while Drupal Core is intended for developers.
2. Start a Trial or Download: For Drupal CMS, users can begin with a trial to start building a website immediately. For Drupal Core, users can either try a demo or download the source code directly to begin development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drupal

Is Drupal free? Drupal Core is open-source software, which means it is free to download and use. The platform emphasizes having no vendor lock-in, which is a key benefit of its open-source model.

What is the difference between Drupal CMS and Drupal Core? Drupal CMS is a refined version designed for marketers and site builders, enabling them to create websites easily without advanced skills. Drupal Core is the foundational open-source software for developers and advanced users to build powerful, custom digital experiences.

Who uses Drupal? Drupal is used by a wide range of organizations, including large enterprises, universities, healthcare providers, and non-profits. Case studies highlight users such as Princeton University, Defend Public Health, and the UZA healthcare system.

Is Drupal secure? Yes, the platform is built with enterprise-grade security. It is described as a secure open-source DXP that adheres to industry-standard privacy and security protocols, making it a trusted choice for IT teams.

What is the release schedule for Drupal? Drupal maintains a predictable release schedule. Bugfix releases for current versions typically occur during the first week of the month, while security releases are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month. Major version releases, like the upcoming Drupal 12, are planned well in advance with clear development cycles.

What is the support status of older versions like Drupal 7? Older versions have a defined end-of-life (EOL) date. Security support for Drupal 7 officially ended on January 5, 2025. Resources are available to help users migrate from older versions or find long-term support options.

Bottom Line: Should Content Creators Choose Drupal?

Drupal is an excellent choice for organizations, content teams, and developers who require a powerful, flexible, and scalable platform for building ambitious digital experiences. It is particularly well-suited for sectors that demand robust security and extensive customization, such as higher education, healthcare, government, and non-profit advocacy. The platform's primary advantages lie in its composable, API-first architecture, which provides limitless design flexibility, and its open-source nature, which eliminates vendor lock-in and fosters continuous innovation from a global community.

The distinction between Drupal CMS for marketers and Drupal Core for developers makes it an accessible yet powerful tool for teams of all technical abilities. For creators and organizations looking to build a sophisticated, secure, and highly customized web presence that can scale over time, Drupal offers a comprehensive and reliable foundation.