I am planning to learn a CMS program for this incoming year. I have considered drupal and joomla. I know the basics of php/mysql and want to jump into a CMS; I want to do a good investment on my learning as I did for php. what is your advice?

Thanks!

Do your self a favor and check MODx at http://modxcms.com With PHP/mysql skills you wiilll fall in love with it. It will give you a site just how you want it. Super friendly with SEO. They say its the best but I am not sure. Docs is not so great yet.

Imports HTML, CSS layouts instantly, with just some minor tweaks on placeholders. You keep your code looking clean just the way you need. Gives plenty of control over layout design and image placement. Each page can have its own template. Can import any site into any other MODx site, so you can build up a ready made library pretty fast. 5 minutes to install. Or check the tutorial links in my Twitter below.

OK, to your question: Drupal has a big learning curve, depending on your experience with CMS. Joomla is easier but not as flexible. Of course if you get stuck with either, they have excellent communities. They all have their strengths, so I am not putting Drupal or Joomla down. But I have less bad to say about MODx: no shopping cart snippet as yet and no really nice calendar yet.

MODx is my new year's resolution, because I need some sites up fast and I don't want some messy code or overloaded Drupal plugins to slow things down. This is my project for 2010.

--Michael

I think whitehouse.gov is using drupal now but I am not sure.

Here is a performance test - buytaert.net/drupal-vs-joomla-performance

I think whitehouse.gov is using drupal now but I am not sure.

Here is a performance test - buytaert.net/drupal-vs-joomla-performance

Yep, you are right, Dries Buytaert (Drupal founder) sold them his commercial product Acquia which is based on Drupal core but with commercial support. They lre-launched the site in November. Nice idea Dries. http://drupal.org/whitehouse-gov-launches-on-drupal-engages-community

It's a nice site, but I dread to think how long it took with all the CSS/PHP mods to get it right. Still the Whitehouse has plenty of money still.

--Michael

very interewsting site
I think whitehouse.gov is using drupal now but I am not sure.

Here is a performance test - buytaert.net/drupal-vs-joomla-performance

If you are looking for just a CMS, ModX or CMSMadeSimple will suit you better.

You will need Drupal if you need a more involved and integrated solution (CMS + Forum + Blog + Custom App). It is very much possible to use Drupal just for CMS but it is something of an overkill.

I wouldn't recommend Joomla because I find their Section/Category structure quite restricting. CMSMadeSimple is a much better alternative.

If you have time to learn just one tool, go for Drupal. It will help you in the long run.

There are so many, if Drupal and Joomla were my only 2 choices, I would go with drupal, having support is totally worth it.

Can we inquire to what kind of site you are looking to build? will it be static? will you have a blog? will you have a shopping cart?