What is Joomla? Definition & Tutorial for Beginners
If you’re also one of the users who has heard about Joomla, CMS, and many other technical terms but does not have a clear understanding about what these are, then you have come at the right place. I will explain everything in detail and I assure you by the end of this post you will have complete knowledge about what is Joomla and so.
Okay, now the first thought that strikes in mind is “what is Joomla?” Right? So, let’s start with this first.
What is Joomla?
Joomla is an open source content management system(CMS). It helps you build powerful dynamic websites and applications. It has an intuitive interface that helps you use its features and functionality to the fullest.
Joomla has gained huge popularity over the last decade and successfully grown into one of the most widely used content management systems globally. Since its inception in 2005, it has successfully captured the massive following and it certainly has over 99 + million downloads till date.
Joomla is written in PHP and use MySQL database to store the data while using object-oriented programming techniques. It can be set up with one-click install through web hosting control panel. There are hundreds of articles exist on the web to help you with how to install Joomla. There are various Jooomla hosting services available.
Joomla uses Model-View-Controller (MVC) design architecture. According to the MVC pattern when Joomla process a request, it first analyzes the URL to evaluate which component will process the request. The model contains the data used by the component. It is also the Model’s responsibility to update the database when and where required. The view is accountable for producing the output. It can contact with the model to get the needed information. After the view has produced the output, the component gives back the control to the Joomla framework which then executes the template.
So, while learning What is Joomla you also got familiar with how the internal mechanism of Joomla works. Moving ahead with the topic. As you know Joomla is one of the famous open source CMS, but do you know what a CMS is? If so, then great and if not, just take a look at below explanation.
What is a CMS?
Before you read in more depth what is Joomla let’s get familiar with term CMS. CMS stands for a Content Management System. It is system software that allows you to efficiently create, manage, and optimize the digital content. In a layman language, we can say that a CMS is a tool that lets you build a website without having to involve in the complex coding at all.
Basically, a CMS provides you an intuitive interface to build and modify the website content. A CMS can be installed on your web host. And once a CMS is installed, with the help of your web browser you can easily access your site and make whatever changes you want.
For all the new users, it is no less than boon that they’ve got such a system (CMS) that allows them to structure content with least possible efforts. Most of the content management systems offer you WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor to work with. This means you will get exactly the same output on web browser as you are seeing in editor.
Let’s now see what Joomla features are making millions of people choose it.
Features of Joomla
Joomla is a powerful choice to build a website irrespective of its size. Below are some of its essential features.
1. Multilingual
Being multilingual serves everybody’s purpose. Obviously, for those who don’t understand English, it is a feature to feel happy about. Yes! Joomla is multilingual. It supports 75 languages. A huge list I must say.
2. Responsive in nature
Having a responsive website is a norm nowadays. Because every second person is surfing the internet through a smartphone. Thus, it is required to have a website that works perfectly on any device of any size. And Joomla gives you a completely responsive website. So, you never lose a potential website visitor.
3. Easy to Use
Joomla is open source and entirely free to use. But free doesn’t mean it lacks in features. In fact, the completely user-friendly interface will amaze you with its WYSIWYG feature that gives you exactly the same results. Another factor to feel good about is that the frequent updates. Joomla brings new updates in the form of new features and functions. With every new update, it gets easier to work.
4. Security
Security is an essential factor to consider when you create a website. Joomla provides you with two factor authentication to avoid the chances of hacking. So your site won’t get hacked but in case you leave very common username and password and someone get in, you can easily restore hacked Joomla site.
5. Joomla Forum
Anyone can contribute to Joomla forum on a volunteer basis. Joomla is an open source project which welcomes volunteers and their contributions to it. With whatever skillset and with as much as you can contribute to it and let others use your creation. In this forum, you get to know other Joomla followers and you might learn something from them. If you ever stumble on any problem. Chances are that someone has already discussed that in the forum and you can easily get the solution form it.
Joomla is simple to manage. And there are various other factors that make it easy to work with. And these features make it stand out of the crowd.
What makes Joomla an obvious choice?
Apart from the above-discussed features, there are numerous other reasons to utilize Joomla. Let’s delve into the ocean of Joomla features.
- You will get a fully SEO optimized website with Joomla. There are various Joomla SEO hacks that can lead to a successful website.
- Over 8,000 extensions are there to overwhelm you with their functionalities.
- User Management (ACL), where ACL means Access Control List which is helpful in managing the users of your site.
- You can design as many menus as you want.
- Easy to maintain images.
- URL redirection is quite simple.
- Adding a contact form is easy.
- Get updates with 1 click.
So, these were some of the prominent features that Joomla has to offer you. However, it also permits you to use various other third party extensions and plugins. Thousands of verified third-party extensions to enhance your web experience are present in the Joomla Extensions Directory.
Joomla Extensions Directory (JED)
Joomla extensions directory is a place where you can find numerous extensions to enhance functionality of your website. These are 100% Joomla verified extensions and plugins. You can check all the extensions at extensions.joomla.org. Some of the extensions are free and some of them are paid. You can choose as per your needs. Use these essential Joomla extensions to boost up your site.
Free Joomla Templates
Joomla templates or Joomla theme is almost the same thing. A template describes how your website will look like. If you wish you can keep the default look or you can customize it according to your specifications. The best news is that the latest version of Joomla comes with responsive design both at the front as well as back-end. However, choosing a Joomla template is really important because it is the main aspect on which your website will rely on. The only thing that can haunt any Joomla developer is that finding the best Joomla template framework. So, their pain to create everything from scratch can go away.
If you are getting the desired template then it’s perfect but if you’re struggling to find your kind of template then why look elsewhere when you have TemplateToaster. With this Joomla Template Maker you can create your custom Joomla Template yourself. Now the one and only question killing your mind would be how to create Joomla template? Right? There’s nothing to worry about because the easy step by step guide here at TemplateToaster website builder software will walk through.
What is Joomla – In a Nutshell
I hope the above introduction about the Joomla – the most favored CMS, was justifiable to the subject. Talked about the various aspects of the Joomla and its usability. Once you start using Joomla I am sure you would never switch to any other CMS. However, Joomla provides you a lot many features. But, if you are still not convinced with the features of Joomla then you must see this comparison WordPress Vs Joomla Vs Drupal and decide yourself which is the best CMS for you. Last but surely not the least if you have any insights to share or you think I missed something important about Joomla to discuss, you are free to leave a comment below.
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What is the difference between Joomla extensions and Plugins?
Hello..
Good article. Joomla is one of the most dominant Content Management Systems on the planet.
What are the new features in updated version?