Strapi is a headless CMS, which stands for content management system. Strapi is a tool for building websites, mobile apps, online stores, and interfaces for programs. It helps organize and manage the content you put on these platforms. Strapi is based on React.JS and comes with useful features like searching for content, different ways to log in, and connecting different pieces of content.

Strapi CMS is a dynamic, open-source software that stands out due to its innovative Headless CMS approach. This strategy allows developers to focus on creating a user-friendly front without the stress of managing the backend.

Traditional CMSs often restrict developers with predefined templates and architectures, limiting creativity. In contrast, Strapi CMS doesn't impose such restrictions. It's not just another tool for developers, but an empowering resource that offers flexibility and adaptability to evolving business needs.

Strapi CMS lets users create custom solutions that match their needs. They can build unique and effective online experiences. Strapi CMS gives users power over their projects and provides strong and safe support.

Step 1: Run the installation script

To commence with Strapi, initiate the installation process through npm or yarn, followed by the creation of a new project in the subsequent steps. Here's a basic command to get started:

 npx create-strapi-app my-project --quickstart
 

This command sets up a new Strapi project with an SQLite database and starts the development server.

To run the server, in your terminal, cd into the my-project folder and run npm run develop (or yarn develop) to launch it.

After the installation wraps up, an automatic initiation occurs, seamlessly unveiling a new browser tab. If not, navigate to http://localhost:1337/admin/ .

Step 2: Register the first administrator user

After completing the installation, a new tab will automatically open in your browser.

Fill out the form to create your account. This will make you the first administrator user of the Strapi application. Welcome aboard!

You can now access the admin panel.

To summarize, we will establish a data structure for your content and subsequently input entries to be published. This will enable the consumption of your content via the API.

The Strapi admin panel is accessible at http://localhost:1337/admin/. This platform will serve as your primary workspace for content creation and updates.

If the server is not already running, in your terminal, cd into the my-project folder and run npm run develop (or yarn develop) to launch it.

Step 1: Create collection types with the Content-type Builder

The Content-Type Builder plugin assists in establishing your data structure. Initiate the development of an empty project with Strapi by using this tool.

To create a new content type:

• Decide if you're making a collection type or just a single type.
• Click on Create a new collection/single type. in the category of content you want to make.
• In the content-type creation window, write the name of the new content type in the Display name textbox.
• Go to the Advanced Settings tab, and make sure the Required field  and the Unique field options are checked.
• Click on Add another field. And choose the Rich text field.
• Type Description under the Name field, then click Finish.
• Finally, click Save and wait for Strapi to restart.

Step 2: Use the collection types to create new entries

Create an entry for the collection type

• Go to  Content Manager > Collection types - yourCollectionName in the navigation.
• Click on Create a new entry.
• In the Description field, write a few words about it.
• Click  Save.

The "your entry name" and "new entry" categories are now listed in the  Content Manager >Collection types - Category view.

Step 3: Setting Roles & Permissions

To ensure that the content is accessible through the API, follow these steps:

• Click on "General Settings" at the bottom of the main navigation.
• Under the "Users & Permissions Plugin," select "Roles."
• Choose the "Public" role.
• Scroll down to the "Permissions" section.
• In the "Permissions" tab, locate "Restaurant" and click on it.
• Check the boxes next to "find" and "findOne."
• Repeat the process for "Category": check the boxes next to "find" and "findOne."
• Finally, click "Save."

Step 4: Publish the content

By default, any content you create is saved as a draft. Let's publish our categories and restaurants. First, navigate to  Content Manager > Collection types - Category. From there:

• Click the "Brunch" entry.
• On the next screen, click Publish.
• In the Confirmation window, click Yes, publish.

Core Features

• Admin Panel: The software includes a flexible and easy-to-use dashboard that allows users to manage content according to their needs.
• API Generation: The software automatically generates RESTful or GraphQL APIs based on the structure of the content.
• Security: The software has built-in security features, including role-based access control, to ensure data protection.
• Plugins: The software offers an extendable architecture with a diverse selection of community plugins for added functionality.

Customizing the API

In your Strapi project, go to the ./api/article/controllers/article.js file. Add a new function for creating custom routes.

module.exports = {
  async findByCategory(ctx) {
    const { category } = ctx.params;
    const articles = await strapi.services.article.find({ category });
    return articles;
  },
};
 

Next, create a new route for this function. In ./config/routes.json, add:

{
  "method": "GET",
  "path": "/articles/category/:category",
  "handler": "article.findByCategory"
}
 

Customizing Responses

Strapi provides a Response service that allows you to customize the data returned by your API. You can modify the JSON format, apply filters, and handle errors gracefully.

Securing Your API

Strapi offers built-in security features such as authentication and CORS settings. For instance, you can set up JWT authentication to secure your endpoints.

Tools:

• Admin Panel: The admin panel is the main interface for managing content in Strapi. It allows users to create, edit, and delete content, as well as manage users, roles, and permissions.
• Content types: Content types define the structure of the content that can be created in Strapi. They allow users to specify the fields that will be available for each type of content, as well as the relationships between different content types.
• Fields: Fields are the individual elements that makeup content in Strapi. They can be of various types, such as text, number, boolean, date, and more.
• Components: Components are reusable blocks of content that can be added to pages and posts. They allow users to easily add common elements to their content, such as headers, footers, and sidebars.
• Plugins: Plugins extend the functionality of Strapi by adding new features and integrations. There are many plugins available for Strapi, including plugins for e-commerce, SEO, and social media.

Fields:

• Text: Text fields allow users to enter plain text content.
• Number: Number fields allow users to enter numeric values.
• Boolean: Boolean fields allow users to select between two options, such as true/false or yes/no.
• Date: Date fields allow users to select a date.
• Text: Time fields allow users to select a time.
• DateTime: DateTime fields allow users to select a date and time.
• Email: Email fields allow users to enter an email address.
• Password: Password fields allow users to enter a password.
• URL: URL fields allow users to enter a URL.
• File: File fields allow users to upload files.
• Image: Image fields allow users to upload images.
• Video: Video fields allow users to upload videos.
• Audio: Audio fields allow users to upload audio files.
• JSON: JSON fields allow users to enter JSON data.
• Rich text: Rich text fields allow users to enter formatted text, such as headings, bold, and italics.

One of the key things that sets Strapi apart from its competitors and gives it an upper hand is its rapidly growing community support. It's truly remarkable how much progress this software has made in such a short period and this can be attributed largely to its thriving community of tech enthusiasts.

This community is composed of global coders, each contributing unique skills to enhance Strapi. They work together to ensure Strapi's performance and functionality outshine other similar software.

These dedicated coders diligently test new solutions, debug the system, and add innovative features for improved user experience. Their hard work ensures every aspect of the software operates flawlessly, thus expanding Strapi's functionality exponentially.

Thanks to these talented individuals, Strapi isn't just improving but growing rapidly. This fast-paced development keeps Strapi ahead in tech trends and satisfies its users' dynamic needs.

With robust support fueling its growth, it's an exciting time for Strapi and its community. The future surely holds great promise for this software.

Strapi CMS is like a refreshing gust of wind to a tired marathon runner, reenergizing them and reigniting their determination. It's a game-changer in the digital landscape with groundbreaking features that can revolutionize content management for developers, managers, and students. It allows developers to explore new possibilities, provides managers with sophisticated tools for strategic planning, and gives students exposure to futuristic technology. The question remains if Strapi CMS will reshape content management as we know it. While it has the potential to drive transformative change, whether it will do so remains uncertain. For now, we watch, wait, and anticipate the journey ahead with Strapi CMS at the helm.

In conclusion, this blog has aimed to provide valuable insights and practical advice on the topic at hand. We've explored various aspects, shared expert opinions, and offered actionable steps for you to consider. Remember, knowledge is power, but applying that knowledge makes all the difference. We hope that you found this information useful and that it will assist you in making informed decisions. Keep exploring, keep learning, and don't hesitate to revisit this blog for reference. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to engaging with you in future posts.