Drupal is a content management system (CMS) that provides tools for managing website content and settings, utilizing nodes and blocks for organizing content. It offers a range of components, including themes, modules, and a system for managing users and permissions, but has a steep learning curve compared to other CMS options like WordPress and Joomla. Building with Drupal involves defining structured content, utilizing modules for customization, and integrating with common open-source technologies.

1. for Non-Developers
Jeff Pompliano

2. What is Drupal?
Drupal is a
Content Management System (CMS)
A set of programs and tools for administering website
settings and content

3. Components
Node
Content with a unique ID and a unique web address
Examples:
• Basic page
• Blog post
• Calendar event
• Staff member profile

4. Components
Block
A piece of content that can be placed on one or more nodes.
No web address.

5. Components
View
A database query that returns content
(in most cases)
Examples:
• List of recent blog posts
• Upcoming events
• Staff members tagged as
“Researchers”

6. Components
Node
Single piece of content
Unique web address
Analogy:
One page in a Word
document
Block View
Single piece of content
No web address
Analogy:
The header and footer
of the document
One or more pieces of
content
Display as node or block
Analogy:
The table of contents
showing all other pages

7. Components
Theme
The design and layout of the site
(colors,sections,fonts)

8. Components
Module
A downloadable set of code that adds functionality
or changes how Drupal works

9. Components
Users, Roles, and Permissions
A built-in system for managing people and security

10. Drupal can be complicated!
Any questions so far?
Quick Intermission

11. CMS Comparison
Drupal
+ Free and open-source
+ Global development community
+ Highly customizable
– Learning curve
– Decentralized support

12. CMS Comparison
Wordpress
+ Very user-friendly
+ Global development community
+ Built for blogging
– Some paid extensions
– Difficulty customizing
– Security issues

13. CMS Comparison
Joomla
+ Many free plugins (extensions)
+ Easy to install
– Security issues
– Small development community
– Some paid extensions

14. CMS Comparison
DNN (formerly DotNetNuke)
+ Powerful and flexible
+ Drag-and-drop admin interface
+ Developer community and pro support
– Expensive licensing for top tiers
– Limited support

15. CMS Comparison
SharePoint
+ Great for intranets
– Very expensive licensing
– Difficult to customize
– High learning curve

16. CMS Comparison
Drupal Wordpress Joomla DNN SharePoint
Cost
Flexibility
Ease of Use

17. Building with Drupal
Start with…
Goals Audiences Content

18. Building with Drupal
…to determine
Theme Modules

19. Building with Drupal
Architecture
Built-in menu module
Place blocks in theme regions
Content structure and Views

20. Building with Drupal
Custom Content Types
Define structured content fields
Easy for content editors and end users
Database queries through Views module
No coding,but some learning

21. Building with Drupal
Developing Without Code
Possible,but limited
Configure through admin interface
Use modules to customize
Choose available theme

22. Building with Drupal
Customizing with Code
HTML/CSS: General development
PHP: Themes and Modules
MySQL: Databases
JavaScript: Interactive elements

23. Building with Drupal
LAMP Stack
Linux • Apache • MySQL • PHP
Common open-source technologies

24. Samples and Use Cases
Singular Content Entry
Create content once Display as node Display in view

25. Samples and Use Cases

26. Samples and Use Cases

27. Samples and Use Cases

28. User Roles and Permissions
Users can be given one or more user roles,
granting permissions and abilities that can be customized.
Samples and Use Cases

29. Samples and Use Cases
Show content in map and list views

30. Samples and Use Cases
Showcase projects

31. Samples and Use Cases
Enable advanced searching and filtering

32. Samples and Use Cases
List upcoming events by date and time…

33. Samples and Use Cases
…with registration and payment.

34. Jeff Pompliano
Project Manager
Gravity Works Design + Development
jp@gravityworksdesign.com
Thank You!
Iconography from Noun Project thenounproject.com
Website screenshots used with permission.