What is TYPO3? Your All-in-One CMS Solution

TYPO3? Have you ever heard about it somewhere?--NO! Then maybe you are searching for it, that's why you reached here. Well, I'd like to introduce you to TYPO3 and give you some insights based on my expertise.

What is TYPO3? Your All-in-One CMS Solution

TYPO3 is your go-to CMS platform for building and managing websites, whether it's a personal blog or a big business site. Let me show you how TYPO3 will become your All-in-One CMS for all needs.

Sounds confusing? Let me make it simple!

What is TYPO3?

TYPO3 is a CMS (Content Management System) platform built in open-source technology allowing businesses to create, manage, and expand their online appearance. It is built using PHP and is being utilized by thousands of websites around the globe, especially in Europe, including SMEs and large corporations.

Here are a few quick facts about TYPO3:

  • 3 million users worldwide
  • 500,000+ active websites
  • 9000+ available TYPO3 extensions
  • 100% free & open source
  • 900+ TYPO3 Association members
  • Among the top 10 most secure CMS
  • Supports 175+ languages
  • 10,000+ exciting features
  • 30,327 commits from 902 contributors
  • Dedicated training system
  • 595,857 lines of code
  • TYPO3: CMS with the maximum number of extensive features.

Source: 1-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12
 

TYPO3 came into existence

The TYPO3 journey began in 1997 when Danish developer Kasper Skårhøj created it as a personal project. His vision was to build a flexible content management system that could handle complex website structures while remaining user-friendly.

Later on, this platform reached a significant milestone in 2001 when Skårhøj released TYPO3 as open-source software under the GNU General Public License. This decision sparked rapid growth and innovation within the platform.

The Beginning of TYPO3

As you know, TYPO3 was created in 1997. By 1999, its technical foundation was finalized, and its first public beta version was released in 2000. In 2001, TYPO3 became open-source, and a year later, in 2002, its official websites, typo3.com and typo3.org, were relaunched.

Why named TYPO3?

The name "TYPO3" was selected to highlight its focus on typography. Initially, there were versions 1, 2, and 2.5 of Typo. However, with the success of version 3, which initiated its brand, the "3" was added to the name. Since version 4, TYPO3 has been the official product name, and it will remain that way in the future.

Source: https://typo3.org/history

Major Milestones in TYPO3's Development

Year

Versions

Key Features

2004

TYPO3 version 3.5

Introduces a template system

2006

TYPO3 v4.x series

Focus on usability and backend improvements

2012

TYPO3 v6.x series

A major shift towards modern coding standards

2016

TYPO3 v8.x series

Mobile optimization and improved performance

2020

TYPO3 v10 LTS (Long-Term Support)

Introducing API-first approach

2021

TYPO3 v11 LTS

Improved User Experience and Editor Tools

2023

TYPO3 v12 LTS

Enhanced security, performance, and flexibility for enterprises

2024

TYPO3 v13 LTS

Cutting-Edge Features and Future-Ready Enhancements

What makes TYPO3 Unique?

TYPO3 stands out from other content management systems for several reasons:

  • Robust Security: TYPO3 security prioritizes with features like role-based access control, regular updates, and a secure code base, making it a trusted solution for businesses concerned about data safety
  • Scalability: It handles everything from small websites to large, complex projects effortlessly.
  • Flexibility: Highly customizable, TYPO3 allows developers to extend their capabilities with plugins, themes, and custom code.
  • Multi-language Support: Built-in multilingual features make TYPO3 perfect for businesses operating globally.
  • Enterprise-Level Features: Focused on security, performance, and integration, it's an excellent choice for organizations requiring advanced functionality.

These qualities make TYPO3 a powerful, adaptable, and most secure CMS for a wide range of projects.

Sites built with TYPO3

Sony, Mercedes-Benz, RMV, Omega, Paysafe and many other well-known brands - the list is long and shows that TYPO3 is a world-class OpenSource CMS.

Take a look at some exciting TYPO3 case studies.

Installing and Setting Up TYPO3 for the First Time

TYPO3 must first be installed on your server in order to use it. I've provided you with a quick reference:

  • System Specifications
    First, check whether your server satisfies the prerequisites for TYPO3. You will require PHP, a web server such as Apache or Nginx, and a database such as MariaDB or MySQL.
  • Get TYPO3 Now
    Get the most recent version of TYPO3 by visiting the download page. Composer can be used, or you can download a ZIP file.
  • Upload Files
    Upload the TYPO3 files to your server. If using FTP, make sure you're uploading to the correct directory. Alternatively, use Composer by running composer create-project typo3/cms-base-distribution
  • Database Setup
    Create a database for TYPO3. Follow the steps in the TYPO3 documentation to configure your database connection.
  • Install TYPO3
    Open your web browser and go to your TYPO3 installation to start the setup. Follow the TYPO3 installation guide for step-by-step instructions.
  • Initial Configuration
    After installing TYPO3, you'll need to set up some basic configurations:
  • Access the Backend
    Login to the TYPO3 backend with the credentials you created. You can usually access it at yourdomain.com/typo3
  • Configure Basic Settings
    Go to the "Admin Tools" module to set up your site configuration, language settings, and email settings. For details, check the TYPO3 Site Configuration documentation.
  • Install Extensions
    TYPO3 can be extended with additional features using extensions. To add or adjust extensions, navigate to the "Extension Manager" in the backend. View popular extensions in the TYPO3 Extension Repository.
  • Create Your First Page
    Create and manage your website's pages with the "Page Module". This allows you to create the structure and content for your website.
  • Review Security Settings
    Following the TYPO3 security guide will help you ensure the security of your TYPO3 website.

For more information and assistance, see the TYPO3 manual.

TYPO3 Certification

Since 2014, the TYPO3 Association's education and certification team has been dedicated to enhancing the TYPO3 ecosystem.

The TYPO3 Certification Exam helps you master critical skills and ensures your expertise aligns with current technology and business goals. Certification not only validates your knowledge and skills but also guarantees high-quality work, benefiting the entire TYPO3 ecosystem and reducing project risks.

Here are the available certifications:

TYPO3 Templates and Extensions

Templates define the visual layout and design of a TYPO3 website, ensuring consistent and professional styling across pages. Extensions add extra functionality to the website, such as forms, SEO tools, or e-commerce capabilities, enabling customization beyond the core TYPO3 features.

NITSAN is also involved in contributing the highest number of extensions and templates with TYPO3 offers a variety of TYPO3 templates and TYPO3 extensions to enhance your website. Some of the top templates include T3 Bootstrap, T3 Karma, and T3 Shiva, while popular extensions include Simple Cookies Bar, Zoho CRM Integration, and Facebook Comment Plugin. These solutions help create visually appealing sites and add essential functionalities to meet your needs.

TYPO3 for Developers

For developers, TYPO3 is like an all-in-one toolkit packed with everything they need to build a custom solution. It is built on PHP with object-oriented programming principles, making it the perfect choice for creating even the most complex applications with ease. TYPO3 also works well with other technologies like MySQL, Apache, and Nginx, making it flexible to integrate with third-party tools and systems.

The TYPO3 CMS is not limited to developers-but it is designed to help teams collaborate. TYPO3 Developers can create custom content types, workflows, and admin interfaces, while content editors enjoy a straightforward interface for managing content. So everyone wins here!

TYPO3 also offers:

  • Extension repository (TER) with thousands of ready-to-use modules.
  • Seamless integration capabilities with external tools and services.
  • Flexible framework for crafting unique features.
  • Team-friendly collaboration tools for managing large-scale projects.

TYPO3 gives developers the freedom to innovate while keeping things smooth for everyone involved.

The TYPO3 Community and Ecosystem

Image Credit: typo3.org

TYPO3 is more than just a CMS; it's a vibrant global community of developers, designers, and users who actively collaborate to make it better. This global community organizes events like TYPO3 Developer Days and the TYPO3 Conference (T3CON) where people share ideas, learn from each other, and work on exciting innovations. There is a strong presence of agencies, freelancers, and consultants, especially those specializing in development and support. With detailed documentation, exciting learning resources, community events, and awards, TYPO3 provides everything.

Difference between TYPO3.com & TYPO3.org

TYPO3.org is the official home for everything related to TYPO3, the open-source content management system (CMS). Here, you'll find resources like documentation, tutorials, community events, and access to the TYPO3 core and extensions.

On the other hand, TYPO3.com is a commercial site that focuses on promoting TYPO3 as a product which offers services, support, and solutions from certified TYPO3 agencies and experts.

In short, typo3.org is your go-to spot for learning and community, while typo3.com helps businesses find professional support and solutions.

Benefits and Use Cases of Using TYPO3

TYPO3 is scalable, customizable, and secure, making it perfect for websites of all sizes. With multilingual support and a user-friendly interface, it even allows non-technical users to manage content. It suits every business, like e-commerce, corporate sites, or news portals; TYPO3 CMS adapts to your business needs.

Use Cases of Using TYPO3:

  • E-commerce: Create seamless online stores with TYPO3's powerful e-commerce integrations.
  • Corporate Websites: Build professional, scalable websites that reflect your brand.
  • News Portals: Manage and share news quickly with TYPO3's content-sharing tools.
  • Educational Sites: Organize and deliver educational content effectively with TYPO3's flexible structure.

TYPO3 Today!

As of 2024, the TYPO3 CMS platform is still a choice for many businesses out in the market, powering over almost 500,000+ websites worldwide, especially in Europe. Even though it represents only 0.6% of websites globally, it continues to progress with regular updates and still exists. TYPO3 has a strong presence and is trusted by many enterprise clients across finance, healthcare, education, and more industries. Its focus on sustainability, accessibility, and adopting technology makes it a preferred choice for organizations with advanced digital needs.

Future of TYPO3

The TYPO3 community and development team are constantly working on enhancing the CMS platform with features like improved cloud integration, better performance, and stronger security. They are also prioritizing headless CMS support to help users create omnichannel experiences. The top new releases are TYPO3 AI Extension and TYPO3 headless architecture, which improves user experience. 

The upcoming release is TYPO3 Web Accessibility, an eagerly expected update aimed at making websites built on TYPO3 more inclusive and user-friendly for everyone. TYPO3's future growth is driven by community-led innovation, ensuring the platform evolves with modern web needs.

Why Choose TYPO3 for Your Business?

TYPO3 is the most secure, scalable, and flexible CMS, perfect for businesses of all sizes. Its customization options allow you to utilize features that meet your business needs, while multi-language support makes it ideal for international companies. With built-in workflows, robust security, and open-source flexibility, TYPO3 helps you create user-friendly, professional websites that can grow with your business.

Your TYPO3 Solution Partner

Ready to build a TYPO3 website or upgrade your existing one? Whether you're a developer exploring or a business owner looking for a reliable solution, TYPO3 has you covered. 

For expert guidance, consider reaching out at NITSAN for project consultations--we can help turn your ideas into life with customized solutions.

Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects

Sven Thelemann

Service Partner - Germany

Sven Thelemann

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