Grafik: verschieden große Dreiecke aus bunten Linien auf hellgrauem Hintergrund

TYPO3 explained: Everything you need to know about the CMS

If you've done any research into content management systems(CMS), you're sure to have quickly come across TYPO3. But what can this popular software solution, which has proven to be extremely versatile, do? We'll explain what's behind the name and take an in-depth look at TYPO3 - its advantages, weaknesses and why, according to Statista, over a million website operators prefer this platform for managing their web content.

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What is TYPO3?

TYPO3 is a living centerpiece for websites based on the PHP programming language. The software was developed in 1997 by Danish web designer Kasper Skårhøj and published in 1998. Due to the open source approach it has always been possible to keep pace with the latest developments on the market. This is because TYPO3 is supported by an active community and is particularly widespread in Europe.

The system at a glance

User-friendly content management system for high flexibility:

  • License-free open source approach for ongoing development, with additional professional support from the approximately 900 members of the TYPO3 Association and guaranteed security updates.
  • High degree of customizability, multisite support, multilingual content, access controls and a variety of integrated tools for digital content management.
  • On the market for over 25 years.

With TYPO3 you can easily manage and publish your web content easily even if you are a technical layman. The CMS offers flexibility and an extensive range of functions that can be expanded as required using numerous extensions. In addition to the standard functions of a corporate website or a blog the CMS can also be developed by specialists into a highly complex web application web application.

This is how the CMS is set up: Association and GmbH

The TYPO3 Association, a non-profit organization, was founded in Switzerland in 2004 to promote the long-term professional long-term professional development development of TYPO3. Founded by the TYPO3 Association, the TYPO3 GmbH is based in Düsseldorf and assumes commercial tasks in the TYPO3 project. The GmbH, which is supported by its members, provides guaranteed support periods for years, clear dates for the next versions and ELTS (Extended Long Term Support) for older systems.

Interaction between backend and frontend - how TYPO3 works

TYPO3 separates the content of the web application from the design and enables users without in-depth programming knowledge to manage web content efficiently. In the front end you can see the dynamically generated website for visitors. The core functions in the backend include:

  • Interface: A user-friendly interface for editing and managing your website content.
  • Page tree: A hierarchical structure for organizing websites.
  • Content elements: Different types of content such as text, images, tables or videos.
  • Templates: Templates that determine the design of the website.
  • TypoScript: A scripting language for configuration and design customization.
  • Extensions: Additional modules that add new functions. There are many extensions in the TYPO3 repository, but it is also possible to develop your own.
  • Zugriffsrechte: Detaillierte Benutzerverwaltung und Berechtigungssysteme.
  • Multisite- und Mehrsprachigkeit: Unterstützung für das Management mehrerer Websites und mehrsprachiger Inhalte innerhalb einer einzigen Installation.
  • Performance-Optimierung: Caching-Mechanismen und weitere Möglichkeiten zur Beschleunigung der Ladegeschwindigkeit.
  • Template-Engine: Leistungsfähige Template-Engine für die Gestaltung individueller Layouts.
  • SEO-Freundlichkeit: Funktionen zur Optimierung der Suchmaschinenplatzierung, einschließlich sprechender URLs, Meta-Tags und mehr.
     
Grafik aus Linien: Glühbirne mit Strahlen nach außen

Tip: In order to drive the CMS to maximum performance, you should attach importance to high-performance TYPO3 hosting.

Grafik aus Linien: zwei um ein Häkchen zirkulierende Pfeile

How up-to-date is TYPO3?

Thanks to the open source approach, developers are continuously to improve and update the platform. The developer community regularly publishes updates and security patchesto improve stability, security and performance. The so-called TYPO3 roadmap is available for version planning, where you as a website operator can gain an overview of when you should update your system. There are always two current LTS versions (Long-Term Support) are always available: The latest version with full support and the stable previous version, which continues to receive security updates. Normally, each new version is supported for a period of period of three years with free updates and security corrections free of charge. You can see which version you are currently using at the top left of the backend as soon as you are logged in.

TYPO3 advantages and functions

TYPO3 in transition - from a dusty image to highly functional websites!

As a TYPO3 agency, we are very familiar with the system and our many years of project experience have taught us both its strengths and weaknesses.

Heights

TYPO3 stands out for its security, stability and scalability, making it a trusted choice for businesses and organisations that need a reliable online presence.

Over the years, a strong and committed community has formed around TYPO3, consisting of developers, designers, content managers and users who are constantly developing and improving the system.

The ability to extend TYPO3 with extensions has contributed significantly to its flexibility and popularity. Thousands of extensions are available to customise the web application to users' needs.

The founding of the TYPO3 Association in 2004 contributed to the professional organisation of the project and ensured its long-term financial and structural support.

The release of major versions such as TYPO3 v4 (2006), v6 (2012), v7 (2015), v8 (2017), v9 (2018), v10 (2020), v11 (2021) and v12 (2023) each brought significant improvements and new functions. LTS version 13 is expected to be released in autumn 2024.

Depths

Due to its flexibility and range of features, TYPO3 is considered one of the more complex CMSs, which means a steep learning curve for new users. This complexity can be a deterrent for smaller projects.

Over time, TYPO3 has lost market share due to strong competition from other CMSs such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal, which are characterised by easier handling or specific functions.

Like many open source projects, TYPO3 also experienced internal conflicts. One example of this is the spin-off of TYPO3 NEOS (now known as Neos), which was originally launched as the next generation of TYPO3 but developed into an independent project. However, TYPO3 has overcome this and has clearly positioned itself with its professional structures and new versions.

Adapting to modern web technologies and standards was a challenge that the project had to overcome over time in order to remain relevant. The system now utilises the state-of-the-art PHP framework Symfony, among others.

Accessible web with TYPO3

Due to its accessibility settings options, TYPO3 is a solid choice for companies that need a reliable enterprise-class CMS, even in the context of the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG), which comes into force on 28 June 2025.

Why we rely on TYPO3

"We rely on TYPO3 because it not only impresses with its flexibility, but also places a special focus on data protection. With its extensive GDPR-compliant functions, TYPO3 offers the security we need for our web projects. In addition, there is an active and supportive community and a product that has matured over the years and guarantees constant innovation and reliability. As a product of the TYPO3 Association, it not only offers planning security, but also combines the best of both worlds: Open Source and commercial software."

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Radek Paluszak

Geschäftsleitung und Partner bei atlantis dx, zuständig für den Bereich Webanwendungen

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CMS for companies with high demands

Due to its stability and planning security, the system is particularly suitable for medium-sized and larger companies. However, it may be oversized for smaller projects that only require a simple presentation on the web. It offers comprehensive security standards and accessibility as well as a versatile range of functions, making it the ideal choice for companies that place high demands on their web applications.

Would you like to start your TYPO3 project or do you still need advice on choosing a CMS for your requirements? As a TYPO3 agency and official TYPO3 Solution Partner, we will be happy to help and advise you.

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Frequently asked questions about TYPO3

The CMS enables efficient management of web content by separating the content of the web application from the design. In this way, even less technically savvy users have the opportunity to manage and present their content in the best possible way.

TYPO3 is often too complex for very small websites, for medium-sized companies and corporations the solution is exactly the right one to fulfil all requirements in terms of security and range of functions requirements.

TYPO3 guarantees security on the web through regular software software updates that provide years of support. Great emphasis is also placed on data protection, with the CMS offering various functions and options to help website operators comply with data protection laws such as the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (DSGVO) to help.