As the web evolves, so does the way we build digital experiences. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the move from traditional CMS platforms like Drupal to headless or decoupled architectures. But what does this mean for Drupal developers and site owners?
Let’s break it down.
🧠 What Is a Headless CMS?
A headless CMS separates the backend (content management) from the frontend (presentation). Instead of rendering HTML, it delivers content via APIs (like JSON:API or GraphQL), allowing developers to build frontends using frameworks like React, Vue, or Next.js.
🏗️ Traditional Drupal vs Headless Drupal
| Feature | Traditional Drupal | Headless Drupal |
|---|---|---|
| Frontend | Twig templates | React, Vue, etc. |
| Content Delivery | HTML pages | JSON or GraphQL APIs |
| Flexibility | Limited to Drupal theming | Total freedom in frontend |
| Performance | Good with caching | Excellent with static site generators |
| SEO | Built-in support | Needs extra setup |
| Use Case | Standard websites, blogs | SPAs, mobile apps, PWAs |
🚀 Why Go Headless with Drupal?
Drupal is API-first by design since version 8. That means:
- You can use JSON:API or GraphQL out of the box
- You can build progressive web apps (PWAs) or mobile apps powered by Drupal
- You can scale content across multiple channels (web, mobile, IoT, etc.)
⚠️ When Not to Go Headless
Headless is powerful, but not always necessary. Avoid it if:
- You don’t have frontend dev resources
- You need fast time-to-market
- Your site is mostly content-driven (e.g., blogs, news)
🧰 Tools to Explore
- Next.js + Drupal JSON:API
- Gatsby + GraphQL for Drupal
- Nuxt.js + Drupal REST
- Acquia Headless Starter Kit
💬 Final Thoughts
Headless Drupal is not the future—it’s the present. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. As a developer or architect, your job is to choose the right tool for the job.
If you’re looking to future-proof your Drupal skills, learning React, Next.js, and GraphQL is a great investment.
📣 What’s Next?
Want a tutorial on setting up a Next.js frontend with Drupal JSON:API? Let me know in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn.