Hello.

I'm interested in hearing the expert opinion. I specialize in frontend and haven't worked with backend before. However, I now have a task that requires me to work on both. Specifically, I need to develop projects for a corporate website and an online store with the possibility of future scaling. I would like to know what experts think about using out-of-the-box solutions like October CMS, or if it would be better for me to learn Laravel or Django frameworks right away.

Could you tell me how much additional load CMS hosting puts on compared to frameworks? I've read opinions stating that OctoberCMS is developed by only two people, which raises questions about its development. There are also opinions suggesting that using October CMS can lead to bad practices. The issue with frameworks, however, is that I lack experience and knowledge in backend languages like PHP or Python. I'm concerned that I won't be able to handle it and end up creating more issues than those already present in October CMS (assuming there are any).

I'm looking forward to hearing professional opinions about this CMS. Thank you.

OctoberCMS is not a standalone solution, but rather an extension to Laravel with a collection of plugins.
It does not provide a complete e-commerce platform or a robust foundation for a corporate portal out of the box.

If you are willing to build both from scratch, utilizing a solid architecture, then OctoberCMS can be worth considering.

However, if you simply want to customize an existing CMS, you can exclude October from your list of options.

When it comes to highly specialized tasks, it is best to utilize highly specialized tools. The month of October may not be specifically designed for that purpose.

If you are planning to launch an online store and require a pre-built solution, seek out options that are tailored specifically for online store development.

If we are discussing scaling, using it is quite feasible. Although I haven't had experience with Django, development time will be extended when using pure Laravel.

Regarding the store, ModX is an appropriate choice when the site has low traffic, with approximately 4 simultaneous visitors. This is especially true for sites hosted on regular virtual hosting platforms, as these tend to cause the site to slow down.

When deciding between using an out-of-the-box solution like October CMS or learning a framework like Laravel or Django, it's important to consider various factors. Out-of-the-box solutions can offer a quicker setup and provide a user-friendly interface for managing content. They might be suitable for smaller projects or when time is a constraint. However, they may have limitations and might not provide the flexibility and customization options that a framework offers.

Frameworks like Laravel or Django are more robust, flexible, and scalable. They require learning backend languages like PHP or Python, which might be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with them. However, investing time into learning a framework can give you more control, enable you to build custom solutions, and provide a more professional development approach.

Regarding the load on CMS hosting compared to frameworks, it depends on multiple factors such as the complexity of the project, the number of concurrent users, caching mechanisms, and the efficiency of the code. Generally, a well-optimized, custom-built solution using a framework has the potential to be more efficient than a generic CMS. However, this also depends on the expertise of the developer and the specific implementation choices made.

Regarding October CMS, it is true that it is developed by a small team, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is of lower quality. Some concerns about using October CMS include limited community support and potential security risks if not properly maintained. It's always a good idea to research thoroughly, check reviews and forums, and evaluate the overall reputation of any solution you are considering.


Here are a few more points to consider when deciding between an out-of-the-box solution like October CMS or learning a framework:

1. Project Complexity: Consider the complexity of your corporate website and online store projects. If they involve a lot of customized functionality, complex workflows, or integration with external systems, a framework might be a better choice. Frameworks provide a solid foundation for building complex applications and allow for greater customization.

2. Scalability: Think about the potential for future scaling of your projects. If you anticipate significant growth in terms of traffic, functionality, or user base, a framework might provide better scalability options. Frameworks are designed to handle large-scale applications and can adapt to the growing needs of your projects.

3. Learning Curve: Learning a new framework does require time and effort, especially if you are not familiar with backend languages like PHP or Python. Consider your willingness and availability to invest in learning and acquiring the necessary skills. If you have tight deadlines or prioritize speed of development, an out-of-the-box solution like October CMS might be a more practical choice.

4. Developer Community: Assess the size and vibrancy of the developer community associated with the tools you are considering. Frameworks like Laravel and Django have large and active communities, which means you can find abundant resources, tutorials, and support if you encounter problems or need guidance. Out-of-the-box solutions might have smaller or less active communities, which could limit the availability of support.

5. Long-term Maintenance: Take into account the long-term maintenance aspects of your projects. Frameworks often have regular updates and maintenance releases that ensure security, bug fixes, and improvements. With out-of-the-box solutions, such as October CMS, ongoing updates and maintenance may depend on the commitment of the development team behind the solution.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs and constraints of your projects. Considering factors like project complexity, scalability, learning curve, community support, and maintenance requirements will help you make an informed decision. It may also be helpful to consult with experienced developers or seek advice from professionals who have worked on similar projects.