Stage 1 · Lesson 7 of 7
How a CMS works
A (CMS) keeps content apart from the design that displays it. Content means things like pages, posts, products and team members. In WordPress the content lives in a , and the displays it.
In Shopify, products and pages live in the admin, and themes written in Liquid display them. In Webflow, hold structured items, and display them. Keeping the two apart lets a client change a price or add a blog post without breaking the layout.
This idea sits behind every platform stage that follows. So think in content types and their fields, such as a team member with a name, a photo and a role, not in individual pages.
Common traphard coding text and images into templates, which turns every small content change into a paid developer job.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come with the full roadmap. Unlock
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeMDN Web Docs
Mozilla
Free, accurate learning area for HTML, CSS and how the web works; the reference every builder keeps open
- GuideFreeW3Schools
W3Schools · Beginner
Short beginner examples of HTML and CSS you can edit in the browser straight away
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- web.devGo deeper
Google's guides on responsive design, images and performance for when the basics feel solid