Are you looking for a WordPress alternative? Grav can be an interesting choice.
Many call this Grav CMS to be a killer for WordPress CMS, which has become the CMS with the most users today.
Grav and WordPress are both open source, so you don’t have to spend money on website management.
Both are also made using the PHP programming language.
Curious about Grav CMS? Let’s see the understanding of Grav below until the end of the article!
What is Grav CMS?
Grav is a flat CMS built with an open source system, faster, simpler, and more flexible.
Grav CMS is made without using a MySQL database, carrying flat file technology.
This is the difference with WordPress, Grav does not use a database, while WordPress still uses.
The advantage is that Grav can be faster and the system architecture is simpler.
Grav and WordPress both have to use hosting to install it.
The name Grav is an abbreviation of the word Gravity, Grav has the most ratings on GitHub, there are more than 11,000 stars.
Interesting isn’t it?
Definition of Flat CMS
Flat CMS is a type of CMS that does not use a database to store files, but uses separate files.
Unlike WordPress, it still uses a MySQL database.
Problems will arise if a website with WordPress is accessed by many people and causes very high requests to the database. This can make the website require more server resources and if the resources run out, the website can slow down.
Well herein lies the advantages of Flat CMS, because it does not use a database, the resources used can be more efficient and efficient.
Differences Flat CMS to Other CMS
Maybe you will ask what is the difference between Flat CMS and other CMS?
So, here we have provided a comparison table to make it clearer, please read to the end!
| Difference | WP/Joomla | Flat CMS | Pure Templates |
| Plugins | There are many plugins available with various kinds and functions | Intermediate, not as complete as WP but sufficient for standard needs | Almost nothing, have to custom it yourself. |
| Performance | It’s light, but if you have a lot of website visitors, it can be heavy, especially if you have a lot of themes and plugins, the server resources will get bigger. | Lightweight, because there is no extra overhead like a database, it is safe for multiple visits. | Light, because there is no other addition. |
| Convenience | Very tasty, there is drag and drop, there is a large community and the tutorial is very complete | Not bad, can be used directly without learning to code, but if you want to learn it will be even better. | It’s a bit difficult, you need to learn coding so that it’s delicious and you can customize it as you wish. |
| Suitable for | Simple to complex websites, such as personal blogs to online stores. | Web blogs for personal, community, portfolio and web needs are not too complex in terms of features. | Only suitable for website landing pages, portfolios and the like. |
How To Instal Grav CMS?
You can try to install it directly, if you are confused about how to install Grav, you can check the documentation on the official website, check here https://learn.getgrav.org/17/basics/installation.
In short, the order is as follows:
- Download Grav + Grav Admin, the link is at the following URL https://getgrav.org/download/core/grav-admin/latest.
- Upload to public_html
- Open the Grav website from the browser, do the settings such as username and password.
- Done, Grav can be used.
Or you can directly install via Softaculous, there is already available just install it.
How interested in trying Grav?
Alternatives to Grav CMS
Grav is one of the popular Flat CMS with the most complete features compared to others.
Then is there another Flat CMS alternative besides Grav that is interesting and worth trying?
1. GetSimple
GetSimple is the first recommendation for Flat CMS, its advantages are light weight and focus on speed.
GetSimple is better than the others, even though it looks less attractive because it doesn’t use responsive HTML 5 yet.
GetSimple already has plugins and themes built in, if you are previously familiar with WordPress then there is not much difference with GetSimple.
There is also a feature to import data from WordPress to GetSimple easily and quickly.
2. BatFlat
Flat CMS themed batman, flat CMS comes from Poland, which is claimed to be simpler, lighter and faster.
You can use Batflat to create a portfolio website, blog or other type of website.
There is an admin panel that makes it easy for users, the display is simple but reliable, because its features resemble WordPress.
You can try FlatCMS by visiting the Batflat.org website.
3. Pico
Similar to GetSimple, this CMS focuses more on website speed issues but lacks features.
The developer does not provide an admin panel, so when there is a change you have to make changes to the file immediately.
Pico has an active community, so when you have a problem you can immediately ask.
There are various templates and plugins that you can use for free.
You can install these plugins to replace the presence of the admin panel.
4. Bolt
Bolt is a flat CMS that has been around for a long time, recorded since 2 October 2012.
Bolt has an active GitHub community and continues to update regularly to date.
The technology used in Flat CMS Bolt is responsive and user friendly.
Ready to Install Grav CMS?
Are you ready and sure to install Flat CMS on your hosting?
Don’t be afraid to try, you can try installing it on a regular shared hosting.
Read More: Differences Between Shared Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting: Which is Better?
