TYPO3 is a browser-based, free (no cost) web content management system (WCMS) that was first developed in 1998 by Kasper Skårhøj. TYPO3 is suitable for both small and large websites and has been continuously developed since 1998. The system runs under the GNU Public License and is therefore freely available online.
Written in the scripting language PHP, this WCMS can be adapted to almost any conceivable web design and can be expanded in terms of function and scope with extensions (= plugins). Currently, over 9,000 extensions are available for free at www.typo3.org.
TYPO3 is particularly notable for its multi-domain capability, multilingualism, and strict separation of front-end and back-end users. In addition, the administrator can fine-tune the permissions of both user groups in great detail, which, unlike WordPress or Joomla!, for example, are managed completely separately from each other.
The training period for a web designer is at least several weeks. To do this, the developer must learn Typo3's own scripting language, “TypoScript.” However, a few hours of training are sufficient for an editor who will subsequently maintain the site and fill it with content. No knowledge of HTML or scripting languages is required for this.
Web design & content separated
The content maintained in the web content management system is independent of the page design. This means that when a website is relaunched, the content can be retained and integrated into the new page design. Of course, the content is usually revised during a relaunch. However, this is more likely to be due to an adaptation to the circumstances of the website operator.