Toolbox/framework to construct lightweight public-facing web site [closed]

Question

I am aware of full-blown content management systems (CMS) such as SugarCRM and TikiWiki... where content is typically stored in a database... and edited through the same interface as it is published. While I like many of the features, the product is clearly aimed at enterprise-wide use rather than to be public-facing.

What I'd like to establish are potential alternatives that fill the space between full-blown CMS and hand-coded bespoke site. I like the way that I can add modules to my CMS... allowing me to quickly introduce new functionality, and I'd like an analogous feature in a system for public web-content. Modules I know I'd like include moderated comments; web-form-to-email gateway; menus/tabs... in future, perhaps mapping or diaries or RSS integration - etc.

Where my requirements differ from a CMS, I don't need (or want) most content to be editable through the main site... and, somehow, I do want to be able to preview how updates will be presented to the public rather than to make live changes. For these purposes, in contrast to those where a typical CMS would be ideal, presentation is of paramount importance - and trumps any desire to immediately disseminate information.

I realise that this is a very high-level question... (suggestions of additional tags welcome) - I mentioned PHP only as - ideally - I'm looking for an open source solution and a PHP deployment is an easy option.

What are my options?

Answer 1

I don't need (or want) most content to be editable through the main site...

So you don't need (or want) a CMS.

You need to code the thing that you want yourself. You can, however, get help from existing tools. There are lot of API, frameworks, microframeworks... that can help you to do such things.

At first, do you accept to write your code with MVC. If not, the only tool I know is CakePHP.

If yes : I noticed you wanted :

I like the way that I can add modules to my CMS... allowing me to quickly introduce new functionality, and I'd like an analogous feature in a system for public web-content.

So a framework with an easy "plug-n-play like" architecture would be fun. My experience with Symfony makes me say it is good for you. for Symfony you have lots of bundles already written. Have a look at KNPBundles and FriendOfSymfony Bundles. FOSUserBundle, KnpBlogBundle are well known But I also see that :

A framework might well be what I want... Zend is one possibility - though it is lower-level than I had hoped for.

So I can tell you about Silex, a microframework that is based on Symfony core (so it is a high level with no greedy extension) and its bundles architecture.

I also heard about hoa_project (because I follow its creator on twitter) but never used it so I can't tell you more.