Pico CMS

Pico CMS

Pico is an open source, file-based CMS written in PHP. It is lightweight, simple to use, and focuses on developers who want to build fast sites. Pico allows you to simply edit text files to create web pages.
Pico CMS image
php cms open-source lightweight

Pico CMS: Lightweight Open Source File-Based CMS

Pico CMS is a fast and simple PHP-based content management system, ideal for developers seeking a lightweight solution to build rapid sites.

What is Pico CMS?

Pico is an open source content management system written in PHP that allows you to build simple yet fast websites. Its main advantages are:

  • File-based - All content and configuration is stored as files rather than a database, making it fast and simple
  • Lightweight - With no database and simple codebase, Pico has very low server requirements
  • Developer-friendly - As all content uses files and folders, Pico is ideal for developers looking for a basic CMS
  • Easy to use - The admin panel and editing workflow is clean and intuitive, even for non-developers
  • Extendable - Pico allows you to create custom themes and plugins using PHP and Twig templates
  • MIT license - You are free to use Pico for any personal or commercial project

Some ideal uses for Pico include personal sites and blogs, company sites, documentation, and more. Its simplicity does mean it lacks complex features like detailed user permissions, but it excels at fast sites with basic pages and blogging. If you prioritize speed and simple content editing over complexity, Pico is a great open source option.

Pico CMS Features

Features

  1. File-based content
  2. Uses flat files for content instead of a database
  3. Markdown support
  4. Supports Markdown for writing content
  5. Twig templating
  6. Uses Twig templating for themes and layouts
  7. Lightweight and fast
  8. Minimal footprint and optimized for speed
  9. Developer-friendly
  10. Built for developers to create sites quickly
  11. Easy to customize
  12. Themes and plugins allow deep customization
  13. Open source
  14. Released under the MIT license

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very fast and lightweight

Simple file-based content

Excellent for developers

Highly customizable and extensible

Open source and free

Cons

Less features than full-fledged CMSs

Not for non-technical users

Limited ecosystem compared to WordPress

No WYSIWYG editor for content

No built-in user management


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