Choosing the Right Headless CMS: Why Strapi Leads the Pack
Tags: cms, headlesscms, webdev, development
Published: 2023-11-09 08:12:03

Headless CMSs are on the rise due to their flexibility to provide businesses with an ecosystem where the backend and front-end teams can independently work while seamlessly exchanging data. In general, even if there are some issues in the backend, the front end remains unaffected, thanks decoupling nature of the headless systems.  

In today’s online marketplace, with several digital channels existing beyond just smartphones and laptops, headless CMSs started gaining traction due to their versatile structure. Data reusability is the key factor contributing to their popularity, allowing businesses to leverage their data across multiple channels efficiently.

Furthermore, the flexibility to select different front-end technologies is a notable benefit they offer. It is worth mentioning that nearly all headless solutions provide support for a wide range of front-end technologies.

Traditional (or monolithic) structures provide an inclusive environment well-suited for tasks such as publishing blogs, managing website data, and more. But what they lack is the reusability of the content. 

This article explores one of the well-known headless CMS platforms, Strapi, and its key features for developers and users. Additionally, we will discuss the compatible front-end technologies that can be seamlessly integrated with Strapi.

**What is Strapi – An Overview**

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lxc0rfznotkd94hbnjcw.png)
Image source: Strapi

Strapi, a headless CMS, has garnered significant attention from major corporations, including renowned giants Societe Generale, IBM, Discovery Channel, and ASOS. It allows for API-powered content distribution, allowing marketers to provide an omnichannel experience to their end-users.

Furthermore, it incorporates all the crucial features found in its conventional counterpart. Let’s take a glance at these features.

**For Developers**

- **Access API from any Client:** We can access or (consume) from any client (React, Vue, Angular), mobile apps, IoT, etc., and it supports GraphQL and RESTful – two popular communication protocols.
- **Multiple database support:** It offers compatibility with various database systems, including PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQLite, MySQL, and MariaDB. You have the freedom to select the database of your choice.
- **100% Javascript:** Entirely built with JavaScript, eliminating the need to switch between different languages to develop apps. You can write apps using JavaScript.
- **Documentation plugging:** It allows for generating documentation with one click by installing the documentation plugin.  
- **TypeScript Support:** TypeScript enables developers easily catch errors and fix bugs before shipping the code.
- **Webhooks:** Strapi Webhooks allow you to communicate with third-party tools when a specific event occurs. Webhooks, for instance, are activated whenever you add, edit, or remove content.
- **Authentication & Permissions:** To implement role-based access control for API usage, this means assigning different roles to users, such as admins or marketers, and configuring the system to restrict access to specific APIs based on these roles.
- **API Token v2:** Token-based authentication with custom permissions.
- **Custom Fields:** Strapi allows you to define custom fields associated with components and content.

**For Users**

- **An intuitive, minimal editor:** It’s 100% open-source, extensible, and allows you to pull in dynamic blocks of content.
- **Media Library:** It enables content developers to store, upload and even optimize the media content without quality loss.
- **Flexible content management:** Strapi allows you to create and design any category and data format that suits your requirements. 
- **Sort and Filter:** Effortlessly work with thousands of entries with built-in sorting and filtering capabilities.
- **User-friendly interface:** It encompasses a clean and intuitive UI for technical and non-technical users. 
- **SEO optimized:** It features tools to manage SEO metadata and media library to add captions, notes, and custom filenames to optimize the SEO of media assets.

**Why is Strapi a first choice?**
It is an open-source headless content management system with over 700K+ downloads and 54K+ stars on GitHub. These numbers speak volumes about its immense potential and the growing recognition it has garnered. Notably, this CMS is highly regarded by companies for its feature-rich capabilities, enabling effortless management of large-scale businesses.

Another key feature of Strapi is its exceptional flexibility in customizing both the APIs and the admin panel. This means developers and users have the freedom to tailor the APIs according to their specific requirements and easily modify the admin panel to match their desired workflows and branding. This flexibility empowers developers to create highly customized and unique experiences for both content editors and end-users.

The basic version is offered free of charge, while there is also an enterprise edition available that provides numerous premium features. These features include cloud hosting services, enabling comprehensive management of applications from beginning to end.

Abundant learning resources, including comprehensive guides and well-documented materials, are readily accessible for each topic, offering articulate and clear explanations.

**What Company Size Can Get the Most Benefit From Strapi?** 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/12ocibm0ybfjurfqzbt8.png)
Image source: Strapi

Strapi stands out as a robust content management system (CMS) capable of efficiently handling vast volumes of data, evident by its prestigious clientele. It serves as an excellent choice for mid-sized and enterprise companies seeking an upgrade from their current systems or specifically searching for a powerful headless solution. In either scenario, Strapi emerges as one of the top contenders worth serious consideration.

Strapi is an excellent option for various industries such as Retail, Media, Banking, or the Software sector.

**What are the Use Cases?** 
Strapi offers a diverse range of use cases, with some notable ones being creating and overseeing blogs, editorial platforms, corporate websites, catalog websites, and mobile applications. 

It also serves as a powerful content management system, enabling users to handle and organize their content efficiently. Strapi facilitates the seamless distribution and publishing of communications. 

These features make it an excellent tool for sending out newsletters, announcements, and other types of content. Additionally, Strapi aids in lead generation by providing efficient data management and analytics, helping businesses attract and nurture new prospects. These various applications demonstrate the satisfaction that users have experienced when utilizing Strapi for their business needs.

**Conclusion**
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the essential features offered by Strapi. It also highlights its benefits for both developers and editors. Additionally, a brief guide on which companies would find this CMS to be suitable, along with examples of its use cases.

With our team of expert Strapi developers, we offer comprehensive support and assistance for all your queries and needs. Embrace a new era of streamlined content management with Strapi and unlock its potential for your business. 

Hire our Strapi developers today and embark on a flexible and efficient path to data management success.
[Source](https://www.brilworks.com/blog/choosing-the-right-headless-cms-why-strapi-leads-the-pack/)