WonderCMS logo

WonderCMS

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Lightweight flat-file CMS for small websites and blogs

736 stars 167 forks last commit first released MIT

Actively maintained

Last commit 25 Aug 2026.

WonderCMS screenshot

WonderCMS is an extremely small flat-file content management system for building and editing websites and blogs. It stores content in a JSON-based file database, avoiding a traditional relational database and keeping setup simple.

Key Features

  • Flat-file storage using a JSON database file (no MySQL/PostgreSQL required)
  • Minimal footprint (designed to run from a very small set of files) with a simple 1-step install
  • In-place (inline) editing for quick page updates
  • Theme and plugin installer/updater to extend functionality
  • One-click updates and one-click backups/restore workflow
  • Clean URLs and basic per-page SEO fields (title, keywords, description)
  • Privacy-oriented approach (no built-in tracking, minimal cookies)

Use Cases

  • Personal sites, landing pages, or small business websites needing a simple CMS
  • Lightweight blogs where a database-backed CMS is unnecessary
  • Rapid deployments on basic shared hosting or simple PHP servers

Limitations and Considerations

  • Intentionally minimal feature set; complex workflows may require plugins or custom theme code
  • Flat-file storage can be less suitable for very large sites or high-concurrency editing

WonderCMS is well-suited for users who want a fast, compact CMS with straightforward publishing and minimal operational overhead. Its flat-file approach, small footprint, and theme/plugin ecosystem make it a practical option for simple sites and blogs.

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