Is a decoupled CMS the same as a headless CMS?

A decoupled CMS is a content management system that has a separate presentation layer and content administration layer. This means the environment where editors manage and publish content is separated from the database.

The term ‘decoupled’ comes from disconnecting the frontend and backend of the platform In more traditional CMSs, the frontend and backend of the platform are generally coupled. Storing, managing, and publishing content happens within one solution. The architecture of a decoupled CMS consists of two solutions: a backend solution and a frontend solution. One for content creation and storage, the other for presenting content to the visitor or end-user.

From a technical point of view, a decoupled CMS is built with:

• A database to store content and data is stored
• An editing environment to create, manage, and publish content
• An API connecting the editing environment to the frontend
• A specified content publishing frontend

A headless CMS disconnects the front and backend of a digital platform. Does this sound similar to a decoupled CMS? Yes, it does. But there is a difference because a headless CMS is a backend-only solution. Whereas a decoupled CMS uses two solutions to store and display content, a headless CMS is not involved with the frontend at all.

A headless CMS allows users to simply focus on the content itself, and after publishing, an API makes the content available on all possible platforms. Using a headless CMS enables businesses to easily share content across devices, on whatever kind of platform desired.  

From a technical point of view, a decoupled CMS is built with:

• A database to store content and data is stored
• An editing environment to create, manage, and publish content
• An API connecting the editing environment to the frontend
• Any publishing frontend you desire 

Many organizations mix up headless CMSs with decoupled CMSs, simply because their definitions are so alike. But the use cases of both solutions are very different. A decoupled CMS has similar features to a headless CMS but pre-determines the presentation layer. This is mostly beneficial for businesses that prefer a single-page website, and don’t have other platforms to share their content on.

If you desire a more complex website, a headless CMS is the better choice. The agile architecture of a headless CMS allows you to publish all kinds of content on every type of frontend, making it the most flexible solution available. A headless CMS also allows you to implement every feature available, from a personalization engine to eCommerce tools. Decoupled CMSs are not designed to do this. The only disadvantage of headless CMSs is that they typically don’t come with user interfaces, so previewing content can be more difficult.

Prepr is a data-driven headless CMS that combines all the powerful capabilities of a headless CMS with that of a personalization engine. Our solution also includes a live previewing mode - somewhat similar to that of a decoupled CMS. This allows our users to preview entered content before publishing. It’s headless, but with a decoupled ability. Or as we say: headless, but better. 

If you want to build a futureproof and complex digital platform that delivers outstanding user experiences on all possible touchpoints, we are your number one pick. Are you ready to dive in?