Question

I have been using CodeIgniter all these while, and have solid foundation in OOP languages like Java/Python/PHP. However, I am being forced to switch to Drupal, but I have not have any experience in that, neither do I have any experience working with any CMS.

I understand that Drupal is a Content Management System, and CodeIgniter is a PHP framework, and I have been wondering what are the solid differences between these 2.

1.If Drupal is a Content Management System, does that mean that most of the Drupal modules comes with an interface like wordpress, which allows you to fiddle around a pre-defined set of rules, limited customisation on backend/frontend?

2.To what extent are customisation(if any) available? Would it be required to go through a load of files to change a certain function?

3.Would I need to have a solid programming base to use Drupal?

4.Is it possible to insert Drupal modules as libraries into CodeIgniter? I am aware of Ignite Drupal, but I have not tried it yet.

If anyone could share any knowledge on this area, anything I would need to know on the differences between these 2 would be great.

Thanks

Answer 1

Drupal is CMS/CMF, look at api.drupal.org. Drupal and OOP – this article about OOP interactions.

1. Modules are greatly customizable via hooks. Of course, there’s can be modules that hard-coded, since it’s written by open-source community.
2. You shouldn’t change Drupal core or contributed modules code, act via hooks (in your custom modules and themes).
3. Yes, it’s recommend.