Description: The installation of modules in web content management systems (CMS) is the process of adding new functionalities to a website built with this type of platform. Modules are software components that extend the capabilities of the CMS, allowing developers and administrators to customize and enhance the user experience. Each module can offer a variety of features, from SEO tools to social media integrations, user management systems, and much more. Module installation can be done in various ways, including manual download from the official site, using dependency management tools like Composer, or through the CMS administration interface. Once installed, a module must be enabled for its functions to be available on the site. This process is essential for tailoring a site to the specific needs of a project, allowing users to make the most of the CMS’s capabilities and create rich, dynamic web experiences.
History: The modular approach in content management systems has become increasingly popular since the early 2000s. Over the years, the community around many CMS platforms has grown significantly, along with the number of available modules. As a result, module installation has become an integral part of development on these platforms, allowing users to effectively customize their sites.
Uses: Module installation in web content management systems is primarily used to add new functionalities to a website. This includes implementing features such as custom forms, advanced user management, integration with external APIs, search engine optimization, and much more. Modules allow developers to tailor the CMS to the specific needs of each project, facilitating the creation of unique and functional websites.
Examples: A popular example of a module in many CMS platforms is ‘Views’, which allows users to create custom lists and tables of content. Another example is ‘Pathauto’, which helps automatically generate user-friendly URLs. These modules are widely used in the community to enhance the functionality and usability of websites.
