Low-code development

Simplify and speed up development with Magnolia using file-based configuration.

rich-tervet-q2GNdFmhxx4-unsplash

Low-code Benefits

Go faster

Every change to your configuration is applied instantly. Hot deployments mean no compile, no restart, no waiting.

Work your way

Magnolia’s file-based configuration enables you to work in the comfort of your favorite editor, IDE, and tooling.

Customize without Java

Magnolia is a Java CMS, but Magnolia’s low-code development allows you to implement projects with a front-end skillset.

Magnolia – Built for Speed

Develop faster with Magnolia

Magnolia’s low-code development helps you deliver experiences faster. It is mainly based on YAML files to configure Magnolia resources and functionality on the fly. This approach does not require Java skills or a Java development environment, making it fast and easy to adapt Magnolia to your needs.

Our file-based configuration also allows you to use your existing tools and workflows to control your CMS. For example, you can store your entire configuration in git, providing transparency, repeatability, and a great development experience.

YAML makes the world go round

Magnolia monitors its file system and responds to changed or new configuration files immediately. The configuration that can be changed using YAML includes Content Types and Apps, REST endpoints and clients, templates and dialogs, content language, and redirects. Other options such as system internationalization can be configured using plain-text configuration files.

Configure APIs for  delivery and integration

Create API endpoints such as delivery and GraphQL endpoints to enable headless content delivery and automation

 

Manage custom content types and Apps

Define the key types of content in your project by creating a content model called Content Type. Then create a Content App based on the model to allow content authors to easily create and manage content via the GUI.

 

Create forms for content creation and management 

Enable your content authors to create and edit content using forms, called dialogs, whether you use Magnolia to render pages or choose to deliver content via APIs.

 

Create page components and templates

Simplify templating by writing page and component definitions in YAML and HTML. Your content authors and marketers can use these templates to build experiences in the visual editor.

 

Make content available in different languages

Configure which dialog fields contain translatable text to enable internationalization or create a project-specific dictionary by adding configuration files containing website copy and its translations.

 

Give Magnolia’s AdminCentral your look and feel by changing the names, icons, and location of apps. You can also change the system language to match your authors’ preference.

 

Config files are packaged in simple and consistent folders on the file system called ‘light modules’.

Light Module folder structure

Magnolia CLI

Magnolia has a command-line interface (CLI) to trigger and automate frequent tasks such as starting and stopping Magnolia, generating the configuration folder structure, and generating key YAML definitions. The CLI makes it even easier to manage Magnolia and prevents errors.

Learn more about our CLI

% mgnl -h
Usage: mgnl <command> [options]
A tool to setup and facilitate light development with Magnolia CMS
Options:
  -v, --version           output the version number
  -h, --help              output usage information
Commands:
  jumpstart               download and setup a Magnolia CMS instance for development.
  start                   start up a Magnolia CMS instance. To stop it, enter CTRL+C
  add-availability        add component availability.
  build                   scan a node_modules folder for npm packages with the keyword "magnolia-light-module" (in package.json) and extract them to a directory of choice.
  create-app              create an app.
  create-block            create a block.
  create-component        create a component and optionally add availability for it.
  create-content-type     create a content type.
  create-light-module     create a light module.
  create-page             create a page template.
  create-virtual-uri      create a virtual uri mapping.
  customize-local-config  extract "mgnl-cli-prototypes" folder and "mgnl-cli.json" file to customize CLI configuration.
  install                 install a light module from npm to the local Magnolia instance.
  search                  search for a light module on npm.
  tab-completion          install tab autocomplete feature for Bash, zsh or PowerShell
  version                 display mgnl and node.js versions
  help [cmd]              display help for [cmd]

Sign-up for a developer trail

Get your free 30-day trial now

You're steps away from getting hands-on with Magnolia:

  • Request your 30-day free trial. 
  • We'll send you a license key and the needed resources.
  • Install Magnolia and start building your projects.