Plain CMS
A Lightweight and Simple CMS
Back in 2014, I set out to create my own content management system: Plain CMS. My goal was to build an ultra-lightweight alternative to the large, often sluggish CMS options available at the time. Instead of focusing on an extensive feature set, Plain CMS prioritized simplicity and ease of use.
The Idea Behind Plain CMS
Many traditional CMS platforms, such as Typo3, were too complex for small businesses and individuals who weren’t tech-savvy. I wanted to offer a clean and intuitive user interface that made managing website content effortless. The system was based on a defined template structure, allowing users to influence website content without dealing with technical complexity.
Technology Stack
- PHP & MySQL
A reliable and flexible backend that allowed for easy deployment. - Flexible Frontend
The CMS didn’t impose restrictions on frontend design, making it adaptable to any web design or framework.
The Beginnings – A High School Project
Building websites was my first experience working on customer projects, which I started while still attending high school. It was an exciting time, as it not only provided me with my first source of income but also helped me improve my programming skills while learning requirement analysis and communication—crucial skills for any developer.
During and after my dual studies (Duales Studium), I continued to evolve my existing self-made CMS, which eventually became the foundation for Plain CMS. My first work contract provided the opportunity to further develop and improve it, allowing me to refine the system in a professional setting.
Moving Beyond Content Management
Over time, Plain CMS evolved into a complete but still simple framework that could be used for all kinds of web applications. While its core remained lightweight, it offered the flexibility needed for custom projects.
At some point, my career path shifted from content management to a broader focus on general software development. As a result, I eventually stopped active development on Plain CMS. However, the experience of creating and refining it was invaluable—it shaped my approach to software engineering and gave me a solid foundation for future projects.