10 Open-Source Tools That Made PHP Godly Popular

Php was released in early 1995. It's been 26 years and still, it is the leading server-side programming language for 79.1% of total websites present on the internet.  

To hold the crown of the most used language for over two decades, PHP surely had support and it's still going on.  

In today’s article, we will talk about the widely used open-source PHP based CMS (Content Management Systems). These are popular among top PHP developers and customers alike.  

For those who are not familiar with CMS, they are software applications that help create, edit, and manage content on a website for non-technical folks. Without any specialized technical knowledge, CMS let users handle professional stuff like: 

1. Creating search engine friendly content  
2. Tracking users’ feedback  
3. Maintaining security  
4. Creating web pages  
5. Storing images and more 

Here are the widely used open-source tools that made PHP popular: 

 
• WordPress  

WordPress is a superior platform that makes it easy to build websites and publish blogs. Millions of websites on the internet are powered by WordPress and top websites like tech crunch, MTV, Sony music and others are built with WordPress. This CMS platform is loaded with amazing features, and this is the reason for its continuous growth. Even after the invention of new platforms, web developers still prefer WordPress, thanks to its easy user interface.  

 
• Joomla  

Joomla is one of the most popular and free website building software. It has won several awards over the years for being an outstanding cm. It is built on a model view controller framework that lets users build robust web applications. It is a user-friendly accessible platform with other features like extensibility, multi-linguistic, search engine friendly and more. It has a huge online community of developers and supporters that keep updating the platform with new and relevant features frequently.  

 
• Magento  

Magento is another very popular PHP based CMS used especially for eCommerce applications. It provides enhanced and advanced eCommerce features to build big eCommerce stores. Brands like Nike and ford use Magento to handle their online sales operations. Magento is popular because of its ease of use to build highly secured customized eCommerce stores. Owners love Magento stores. it has so many intriguing features that create a shopping experience like no other platform.  

 
• Drupal  

Available in more than 90 languages, Drupal is an open-source CMS used to create a full range of websites from blogs, eCommerce stores to political sites. Drupal offers a range of features for modern web application development. It is preferred by many developers due to the ease to design optimized online stores. Any customized feature can be added via Drupal and thus it is the top CMS in the market.  

 
• OpenCart  

OpenCart is another fabulous CMS solution that allows great functionalities for websites and online stores. The community of developers which contribute to its updates has numbers in millions. The ease-of-use OpenCart offers for new users is exceptional. One can create an online store with thousands of categories and products in various languages. Thus, OpenCart is the best CMS for creating niche websites. OpenCart provides all the advanced functionalities needed to build applications for modern businesses.  

 
• TYPO3  

Typo3 is a free, coded in PHP CMS. Its popularity is credited to its compatibility with various operating systems like Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and others. It is popular to build enterprise portals and big retail eCommerce stores. On typo3 users handle content and code separately and thus it is a very flexible platform. The free tool has a built-in localization system and gives a vast reach for users with 50+ languages support. Typo3 is popular because of its integrated management and multiple functionalities.  

 
• October CMS  

October CMS is a Laravel based CMS (Laravel is a PHP framework) which have built-in simplicity and flexibility. Many companies and digital enterprises work in October CMS to build apps with modern design and creative features.  

October CMS has over 700+ plugins and themes for great designs and these third-party plugins integrate smoothly with the platform. Anyone can install it on their servers. October CMS has large community support which is also very active.  

 
• Expression Engine  

The expression engine is one of the best choices out there in CMS platforms to handle a lot of content. It offers a ton of features to create, manage and modify content on the website. It is easy to customize a website with Expression Engine architecture and extend its functionalities.  

It is popular to create different pages with formatted designs using database content for every visitor. The content is stored in the database and is displayed in real-time to every user. Expression Engine offers such a dynamic approach for users to utilize the components of the websites for different purposes. The CMS also have a drag and drop interface, tons of add-ons and third-party plugins and a built-in SEO component. 

 
• Craft CMS  

Craft CMS is a relatively new CMS platform, but it is very popular among developers. It has a smaller community compared to the big products like WordPress, Magento and others but has quickly picked up the pace. It is not suitable for non-technical users though. It is made more of a developer-centric tool.  

Developers mostly use craft to design front ends, but they have to write their HTML and CSS codes. But in terms of the backend, craft makes it easy for users to publish content in their preferred design and features. Craft is a highly secure CMS with great performance and scope for functionalities.  

 
• Process wire  

It is a popular CMS based on PHP for designers, developers and businesses. The main feature of the platform is the templating system, it enables users to create an effective web application that can be used as a tool for CMS, CMF (Content Management Framework) and blogging.  

Summary  

Above was the collection of the top 10 most popular PHP CMS which has contributed to PHP popularity due to their rapid and reliable web development mechanisms. Whether you need an eCommerce store or an advanced website these CMSs will provide you with the power and the methodology to build preferred web apps.  

Hire a PHP development company to know more about CMS platforms and other PHP tools to create the business solutions you are looking for.