So I shot an email over to the TextPattern guys asking them the question “why would someone use TextPattern rather than Wordpress”. The response I got back was very helpful and gives a unique insight into what TextPattern really is and how it can help you in your web design/development efforts. What you will find is that TextPattern really can be a powerful open source tool for you. Much thanks to Ruud for spending the time to respond to my inquiry and give back some great feedback!
Quoting Ruud:
“I can’t compare Textpattern with Wordpress, because I’ve never used Wordpress. No really, I haven’t. What I know of the differences between TextPattern and Wordpress stems from reading reviews that compare the two.
While TextPattern can be (and is) used for blogs, it’s more a lightweight CMS than just a blogging solution. I personally consider these TextPattern features most important:
- plugins: they keep TextPattern itself small, yet enable you to do what you want.
- small code base: fast and secure (no monthly security updates needed).
- flexible templating system and powerful template tags
- helpful community: while not as big as Wordpress, you do get an answer
I hope that’s enough information. If not, you may want to ask your question on our forum (I think it’s been discussed before). Many of our users have used other CMS and/or blogging solutions and probably compare various solutions better than me.”
My Thoughts
Very interesting stuff. What interests me is that TextPattern plays to be a very very simple open source content management system. That I find very interesting because of the need of such a thing. Not every website, or every situation is going to call for a full fledged Wordpress or Drupal installation. There are times when you just need something very simple and basic. For those very simple content websites with 6-30 pages in that range, with not much functionality, it seems that TextPattern would serve to be a great solution.
Side Note
Don’t hold yourself hostage to just one open source content management system. And don’t hold yourself hostage to just the popular ones. Get familiar with as many of them as you can. This will prove valuable to you long term. Just because we love Drupal and Wordpress so much, doesn’t mean that something better isn’t “over that them hills”.
Entries (RSS)
June 26th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
What surprises me all the time is that one of the biggest advantages of Textpattern is almost always forgotten to mention.
* Sections
Just by adding a new section you have the possibility to fork your domain into a competely different website in a sub-directory. Sections are absolutely necessary if you need a different design for i.e. a photo gallery or little asides like bookmarks, quotes, etc.
No, sub-domains are not supported which I find is a negative point with Textpattern.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:07 am
That’s good to know. I actually did not know that TextPattern had this feature. This is definitely something different than you see with the other major open source CMS.