Go Headless with Drupal
Drupal delivers as promised
We've already told you how Drupal performs well as a standard CMS.
If you are looking to squeeze out further performance and add front-end development flexibility, you can run Drupal as a headless CMS alongside the front-end technology of your choice. Many sites already do!
(and if you haven't already, see our other thoughts on choosing a CMS)
Headless? A quick intro
A "headless" CMS setup is one where the CMS only manages the content, and a separate application is responsible for fetching and displaying the content. In practise, this usually means having a Drupal (for example) CMS where your editors build and design their content, and a separate web app that shows your site to your customers. There might even be multiple different apps using your site content across various web, mobile and desktop platforms.
It's not for everyone - it means having two systems to manage, but for bigger sites with higher rates of change and a greater need for front end performance, it's becoming a standard setup.
The benefits are usually most pronounced where performance really matters, or there are a lot of future design changes and developments expected.
Ready to work, REST or JSON:API
REST APIs have been built in to Core since Drupal 8.
JSON:API is well-supported via a module
Go fast on any tech stack
As of 2024, it doesn't really matter - they're all performant and easy to build with.
If you're not already tied to a front end technology decision, do some research on how the options might differently meet your business needs, and choose based on that.
We're also happy to help pick apart your use case and provide some guidance.
Serve it all up
It all works and there's strong support for most common headless functionalities. But here are some clarifications just in case.
Content - all content can be accessed via API, and you can configure permissions to restrict as necessary
Menus - menus, complete with their hierarchies and fields, can be served up
Media - media can be downloaded and displayed, and can optionally benefit from Drupal's image optimisation features
Products - show, filter, list and buy your products
Lists - use Views to interact with listings and filters
Forms - display and submit Drupal's forms and webforms
Maps - show maps with locations, or collect location data and pass it back to Drupal
Create, translate, control, refine
Build content
Drupal's API-readiness goes both ways - you can also create content in the browser and push it back up to Drupal. This opens up huge flexibility for custom processes, AI integrations, products and editorial workflows.
Access restrictions
Accounts, roles and permissions are all well-refined by this point, and your web app stands ready to benefit.
Manage translations
Drupal's multilingual support can handle any number of languages in a wide variety of setups and configurations.
Customisations
Drupal 8 brought a new level of deep customisability to the platform, and Drupal continues to be a solid choice for clients wanting a system that can flex to their needs.
Go headless with ComputerMinds
We're experienced Drupal site builders that you'll love working with.
Our friendly, pragmatic team can help you meet your new site and business goals.