# cms (craftcms/cms) > Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for building custom digital experiences on the web and beyond. - GitHub: https://github.com/craftcms/cms - GitHub.Locker page: https://github.locker/craftcms/cms - Stars: 3.6K - Language: PHP - Last push: 2026-11-03 ## Questions and answers Written by GitHub.Locker from the README and the repository; check the README below for details. **Is it hosted for me, or do I install it myself?** You install it yourself. Craft is a PHP application you run on your own server, so you control where it lives. **How do I get it running?** Install it with Composer by following the official installation guide, then connect it to a database. **What do I need first: PHP, a database, anything else?** You need PHP and a database. Craft connects to MySQL or PostgreSQL for content storage. Check the server requirements page for exact versions. **What's the catch?** The plugin store mixes free and paid add-ons, so check each plugin's price. GitHub lists the license as NOASSERTION, so verify the terms before commercial use. **Is it aimed at developers or at content editors?** Both. Editors work in the control panel, while developers build templates in Twig and extend the system. **How is content modeling different here?** Craft takes a clean-slate approach and makes no assumptions about the content you need to manage. You define the structure yourself. **Does it cover ecommerce too?** Yes, it includes a powerful built-in ecommerce platform for building bespoke online stores. **Can I extend it with plugins?** Yes. There is a built-in Plugin Store with hundreds of free and commercial plugins, plus a robust extension framework for custom work. **How are the templates written?** Templates use Twig, which the README describes as a fast and flexible templating system. --- ## README (checked against GitHub 2026-11-04) Source: https://github.com/craftcms/cms/blob/5.x/README.md Craft CMS
## About Craft CMS Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for creating custom digital experiences on the web and beyond. It features: - An intuitive, user-friendly control panel for content creation and administrative tasks. - A clean-slate approach to content modeling that doesn’t make any assumptions about the content you need to manage. - A fast and flexible [templating system](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/development/templates.html) based on Twig. - An auto-generated [GraphQL API](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/development/graphql.html) for building headless applications. - A powerful [ecommerce platform](https://craftcms.com/commerce) for building bespoke ecommerce experiences. - A built-in Plugin Store with hundreds of free and commercial [plugins](https://plugins.craftcms.com/). - A robust [extension framework](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/extend/) for advanced customization. - An active, vibrant [community](https://craftcms.com/community). You can learn more about it at [craftcms.com](https://craftcms.com), or dive into the documentation at [craftcms.com/docs](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/). ## Tech Specs Craft is a self-hosted PHP application. It can connect to MySQL and PostgreSQL for content storage. See [Server Requirements](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/requirements.html) for more details. ## Resources ### Official - **[Website](https://craftcms.com)** — Welcome to Craft! - **[Tutorial](https://craftcms.com/docs/getting-started-tutorial/)** — Build a blog with step-by-step instructions. - **[Installation](https://craftcms.com/docs/5.x/install.html)** — Jump right in with Composer. - **[Documentation](https://craftcms.com/docs/)** — Read the official docs. - **[Knowledge Base](https://craftcms.com/knowledge-base)** — Find answers to common problems. - **[Newsletter](https://craftcms.com/newsletter/subscribe)** — Get official news and community updates. - **[Events](https://craftcms.com/events)** — Upcoming community events. ### Community - **[Discord](https://craftcms.com/discord)** — Meet the community. - **[Stack Exchange](http://craftcms.stackexchange.com/)** — Get help and help others. - **[CraftQuest](https://craftquest.io/)** — Watch unlimited video lessons and courses.