This epidode introduces HTMLy, a database-less PHP blogging platform designed for speed and simplicity, targeting users who want to get online quickly without complex database setups. It explains the concept of a flat file CMS, where content, metadata, and settings are stored in plain text files instead of a database like MySQL. This approach eliminates the common initial hurdles of database configuration, offering faster setup, fewer security concerns, and easier troubleshooting. HTMLy provides a traditional web-based dashboard for content management but also allows direct file system manipulation for bulk uploads. The system achieves high performance and scalability, even with thousands of posts on minimal hardware, by shifting complexity from dynamic queries to an optimized indexing phase. Unlike traditional CMS platforms that rely heavily on plugins, HTMLy prioritizes built-in features and security, vetting and integrating essential functionalities directly into its core. Basic technical requirements include PHP 7.2+ and specific PHP extensions, with installation being a straightforward process of uploading files and running an installer script, followed by crucial security cleanup. HTMLy is ideal for blogs, portfolios, and static sites, offering features like two-factor authentication, scheduled posts, and full-text search, making it a compelling and accessible starting point for digital transformation by focusing on content over infrastructure.
