Open Source CMS

Do I need a good working knowledge of PHP/MySQL?

[Doodlz]

I'm a web designer new to using a CMS. My only familiarity is with a WordPress blog. I know HTML and CSS, and am wondering if I need a good working knowledge of PHP and MySQL in order to use any of the open source CMS's on future clients' sites. Is it a good idea to know PHP? Or just hire a programmer if I have problems?

[jatar_k]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld Doodlz,

I don't think you need to know php/mysql to work most CMS interfaces. Familiarity with the various interfaces would be more valuable. I know php/mysql but I can't make a lot of those things work. :)

[Doodlz]

Thanks for responding. So I should just go to opensourcecms.com for instance and familiarize myself with the different interfaces? Then eventually decide which one suits my needs?

[coopster]

Kind of like buying a car I guess. You certainly don't need to know how to tune an engine or repair it when it breaks if you can take it to a mechanic. Just expect to pay for maintenance and repairs if you aren't ready or willing to do so yourself.

As far as which is best for you? Yes, I believe you have answered your own question -- I can tell you that the brown station wagon is what works best, but you might feel it is the red sportscar. You need to make that decision ;)

[Doodlz]

Thanks!

[ergophobe]

But if you want a really tricked out rod, you'd better know how to use a wrench. There's time to learn that after you learn to drive though.

[Doodlz]

Yeah, I figure I test out the different interfaces, get familiar with them, then learn the programming languages.

[meetzah]

you can try PHP Nuke CMS. You have a large comunity that will answer all your questions.

[Doodlz]

Yeah, thanks. I've also heard Drupal and Joomla are the best. Seems like Joomla is a bit easier to start out with, though it has problems.

[GrendelKhan TSU]

I know lots of people that use just a simple blog technology, like Wordpress, as there homepage and cms quite effectively.

10 times easier getting started up... 95% of what you will end up needing/using from drupal and joomla (both of which I've used and both are great).

simple, especially for a first time, is always best. you will be overwhemled with other stuff at this point.

my 2cents.

[Mistra]

If you want to modify some features it would be beneficial to know basic stuffs about php & MySQL. Knowing HTML and CSS is good enough to modify the templates of the CMS.