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CMS or Application Framework: what's Best for Elearning Web Dev

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Web Design Trends
CMS or Application Framework: what's Best for Elearning Web Dev

E-learning is not hype; it's the future. Market experts from Global Industry Analysts predicted the sector would touch approximately $107 Billion, and it did. Fast forward to now, Research and Markets highlights that the sector will soar to $325 Billion by the end of 2025. Given this rapid growth, businesses must build their own eLearning platforms from a professional eLearning web development company. Doing so lets you stay competitive, cater to remote learning needs, and scale your educational offerings.


What are the Top Elements of Application Framework?


A web application framework, or simply an application framework, is nothing but just a software framework. Software developers use such frameworks to build web apps. But, what made these frameworks popular? It is the increasing demand for GUIs or Graphical User Interfaces. The application framework is useful to frame an essential structure for the build.


Routing: Routing involves mapping specific actions within an application to corresponding URLs. When a user makes a request, the routing mechanism directs it to the right resource. 


Templating Engine: A Templating Engine empowers developers to build reusable templates for web pages. This feature allows the eLearning web development company to streamline eLearning web development and enhances consistency in the application's visual elements.


RESTful API Assistance: A functional application framework should provide native support for making RESTful APIs. This is one of the popular ways skilled experts from a reliable web development company enable smooth interaction between your build and clients or external third-party services.

 

MVC Architecture: The MVC or Model-View-Controller architecture serves as a software design pattern. It breaks down applications into three interconnected components. The Model, the View, and the Controller are these three components. This separation enhances code organization, maintainability, and scalability.


For eLearning web development, an application framework with these features integrated into it may be an appropriate preference. But does the comparison end here? No. You need to explore what a CMS web development company can offer you. So, let's explore.  


What are The Top Features of CMS


A CMS simplifies the web app-building process for non-technical users. Adding webpages or updating the same without coding has become effortless. A CMS web developer prefers this option as it structures the management, publication, and website layout creation. If you want a website or a web app and don't want to be involved with many technicalities, then a CMS is the right choice.

 

Top features of CMS are as follows. Norte, you can also refer to these features as the characteristics of CMS. 

  •  Effortless editing of content- Users can modify content easily using built-in content editors. 
  • Assistance for content publishing- An experienced CMS web design agency considers CMS as it provides them the option to publish, preview, and schedule content. 
  • User-compatible interface- Forget about extensive training. With CMS, you can manage your website content and that too without tech-based experience. 


Widely Used Application Frameworks and CMS Platforms

Let's start with the popular CMS platforms you can consider for eLearning web development.


  • Drupal

Drupal, well-known for its versatility, can be a potential asset in eLearning web development. It is specific when you want to build an intricate online learning platform with enough scalability.


  • WordPress

WordPress has enough adaptability and a user-friendly interface. This can be perfect for educational blogs, small businesses offering online courses, and content-based eLearning web development.


  • Magento

Designed explicitly for online stores, Magento brings a wealth of features customized for product listings and secure payment gateways. 


  • BigCommerce

For businesses focusing on eLearning ventures that prioritize user base growth and ease, BigCommerce provides a hosted e-commerce solution. Moreover, it has enough scalability to support eLearning web development.


  • Joomla

While Joomla's flexibility renders it suitable for diverse websites, including eLearning platforms, its steeper learning curve might deserve a more informed decision.


Now, as far as the application frameworks for eLearning web development are concerned, below-mentioned are the popular choices.


  • React

React stands out for its component-based architecture. 


  • Laravel

Laravel, a popular PHP framework, has elegant syntax and developer-friendly features. You can access its comprehensive toolkit for creating complex web applications.


  • Django

Django, a well-known Python framework, embraces a philosophy of rapid development, however, without sacrificing robustness. For eLearning web development, Django's security measures and flexibility in handling various content formats make it a suitable choice.


  • Vue.js

Vue.js is based on JavaScript and is a progressive framework. This framework allows developers to build interactive elements. 


On What Ground Do They Differ?

 While deciding between using a CMS or an Application Framework for web development, your business requirements are the foremost criteria you should consider. Also, note down the project goals you want to attain. 

As of now, let's understand the differentiating points between CMS and Application framework. 

A CMS is particularly well-suited when the project demands a rapid solution built upon pre-designed templates. This approach proves valuable for temporary or short-term endeavors. Moreover, opting for a CMS can significantly reduce costs if you want to operate on a limited budget. 

Conversely, Application Frameworks offer a more adaptable and intricate approach to web development. They excel in scenarios where the project demands a custom, non-template solution. Such frameworks allow a web development company to implement unique ideas without being deprived of the boundaries of a CMS. 


What are the Features To be Added to Elearning Web Development?

Incorporating an all-around set of features in the e-learning web development spectrum is essential. Why? It is to enhance the learning experience and serve contemporary educational needs.

First and foremost, seamless 24/7 access to training or learning modules is mandatory. This way, you can accommodate learners' broad schedules and preferences. Further, such flexibility allows learners to engage with course materials anytime and anywhere.

Adding in Deep Zoom functionality is a pivotal feature that strengthens learner engagement. 

SMEs of a top-rated eLearning web development company also add features like push notifications, free previews, and custom emails for better user engagement and interaction.

Personalized communication ensures learners stay informed.

Automated digitized certification is another valuable feature of an eLearning platform. It is a sense of credibility attached to the courses. 


Ultimate Consideration: Whether CMS or Application Framework?

As the blog article covers the important aspects of CMS and application framework, a narrowed-down consideration needs prior attention: Whether to go for application framework or CMS for eLearning web development. 


Target Time


Time is crucial. A CMS allows quicker web app deployment as it has pre-built features. If you want to build a quick MVP for your eLearning platform, Joomla or WordPress would be ideal. On the flip side, developing from scratch with an application framework will take more time.


Business Needs


Understand the complexity of your eLearning platform. If your needs are basic, like hosting quizzes, a CMS like WordPress with Moodle or LearnDash might suffice. However, choose web application frameworks like Django for complicated features like real-time analytics, gamification, or managing a large user base.


Scalability


Think long-term. Web application frameworks offer more scalability, allowing you to adapt as your eLearning platform grows. While CMS solutions have limits, Laravel or Node.js can expand without bounds.


For a better clarity on the choice, let's take a scenario:

Imagine you're launching an eLearning platform for coding tutorials. A basic WordPress CMS setup may lack advanced features like IDEs or real-time code validation. Here, a framework like Django could offer a more scalable solution.

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