Getting Au fait with Drupal Terminologies

Yes, I have heard of Content Management Systems, but what’s API or Contrib. in Drupal?

Drupal-CMSThis is how any newbie developer would respond if you ask him about the Drupal CMS. The world of content management systems is vast and being aware of all tit-bits during initial days of development can prove to be a long haul for any programmer. In order to comprehend the working of CMS you must get acquainted with the related terminologies. This article enlists some of the major terms used in reference to content management systems, Drupal in particular. This isn’t an exhaustive resource but can prove to be a great kick-start accessory for those dealing in Drupal development services. Have a look.

1. API: 

This is an acronym for Application Programming Interface. Software programs use this protocol to establish a communication amongst each other. API lets a developer incorporate additional features and expand the functionality of an existing program. Industry giants like Twitter, Facebook and Google release their APIs to public.

2. Add-ons:

Well known as plugins and extensions, add-ons are smaller programs which are ‘added-on’ to a larger program to improve its performance or extend its functionality.

3. Breadcrumbs:

If you have read the classic Hansel and Gretel, you have probably heard of breadcrumbs. In the CMS world, breadcrumbs refer to a set of links which are listed on a web page to tell the user about the pages he has visited in order to reach the current page. These aid users in finding their way out of the web ‘forest’ or simply jump back to the previous page without much hassle.

4. Core:

Core refers to the collection of modules and files which are a part of the original Drupal download.

5. Contrib. :

While core refers to the files available as an integral part of Drupal, Contrib. refers to the additional themes or modules which the users contribute to the community. These files do not come bundled with the original Drupal download.

6. CRM:

CRM is the acronym for Customer Relations Management. In the business fraternity, this term describes the techniques and strategies implemented in order to retain existing customers and lure new ones. In the software world, CRM represents the software modules or plugins which are used by website owners to maintain customer accounts and related details.

7. DHTML:

It refers to ‘Dynamic HTML’, a form of standard HTML language which aids developers in rendering dynamic web pages and menus which can be changed and upgraded according to evolving consumer needs.

8. MySQL:

MYSQL is an open source database management system which is utilized by web applications in order to gain multi-user access to multiple databases.

9. Region:

In a Drupal website, regions refer to the areas of the web page where you can place your content. Content is placed in these regions using blocks. Blocks are visible areas in a Drupal site’s layout which form left and right column. Header and footer are examples of most prominent regions.

10. Node:

Any specific type of content in Drupal is called a node. A node can be an image, a story, an article or a poll. A title and additional fields are must-have elements of a node.

11. UX:

UX is an acronym for user experience, which technically refers to the feeling a user has about the experience rendered by your website. Web owners must always aim for a positive UX.

12. Taxonomy:

It refers to the technique of classifying items based on a predetermined system. In Drupal, it refers to the ways in which content is grouped, organized and displayed.

13. Template:

Popularly referred to as ‘a skin’, ‘a layout’ or ‘a theme’, a template is an entity which determines which content will be placed where on a site and how.

Understanding the aforementioned terminologies can aid you in knowing the Drupal CMS better and get adept with the technology even before you hire Drupal developers.

Author Bio-
Jason Roiz is a proficient technical content writer, who consults with a passion to help small business organisations to large sized businesses via Drupal Development Company.

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