Why do I love ExpressionEngine again?

Over the past decade, my journey with ExpressionEngine has been a consistent source of stability amidst the ever-evolving digital landscape. There were moments of reflection when I questioned its role in my toolkit, yet there were equally compelling instances of rediscovery. And I must say, that sense of rediscovery is very much alive today.

Recently, I've found myself once again drawn to ExpressionEngine, and the experience has been nothing short of reinvigorating. ExpressionEngine has proven itself as a reliable companion, enabling me to venture into uncharted territories with the precision of a seasoned explorer. It's akin to a trusty tool that transforms my visions into tangible reality. Whether I'm tasked with creating a web project that pushes the boundaries of creativity or engineering a seamless, functional marvel, ExpressionEngine consistently rises to the occasion.

The advantages

ExpressionEngine (EE) is a content management system (CMS) that offers several advantages for website development and management. While it might not be as widely known as some other CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, it has a dedicated user base and provides unique benefits:

1. Flexibility and Customization

   ExpressionEngine offers a high degree of flexibility, making it suitable for various types of websites. Its template system allows for custom designs and layouts without being bound by rigid themes.
   

2. Content Structure

   EE provides a content structure that can be tailored to fit different content types and organizational needs. This makes it well-suited for websites with complex content hierarchies.
   

3. Custom Fields and Data

   You can create and manage custom fields to capture specific data types for your content. This is particularly useful for organizing and presenting diverse types of content in a structured manner.
   

4. Scalability

   ExpressionEngine can handle larger and more complex websites, making it suitable for both small businesses and enterprises. It can scale to accommodate growing content and traffic.
   

5. Security

   EE is known for its strong security features. It offers built-in protection against common web vulnerabilities and has a good track record in terms of security updates.
   

6. Content Versioning

   ExpressionEngine offers content versioning, allowing you to track changes made to content and revert to previous versions if needed. This is especially important for collaboration and content management.
   

7. No Forced Themes

   Unlike some other CMS platforms, EE doesn't impose a default theme or design on your website. You have complete control over the look and feel of your site.
   

8. Multilingual Support

   EE has built-in multilingual support, making it easier to create and manage websites in multiple languages.
   

9. Powerful Add-ons

   ExpressionEngine has a range of add-ons and extensions available through its ecosystem. These can enhance your site's functionality without requiring extensive development.
   

10. Freedom for Developers

    Developers have the freedom to code and structure the site the way they see fit, without being constrained by the limitations of pre-existing themes or templates.
    

11. Community and Documentation

    While smaller than some other CMS communities, the EE community is active and supportive. There's also official documentation and resources available for guidance.
    

12. Control Over URLs

    EE offers control over how URLs are generated, which can be important for SEO purposes.

Conclusion

It's worth highlighting that although ExpressionEngine may require a somewhat higher level of technical expertise during the development phase compared to other platforms, it can truly excel as a more user-friendly CMS for content management when set up correctly.