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GetSimple CMS

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What GetSimple CMS is

GetSimple CMS is a free, PHP-based content management system for Linux and self-hosted websites. It stores content in flat files instead of requiring a database and provides custom user roles, multilingual content, SEO tools, a media library, and custom content types. The software is licensed under GNU General Public License version 3. Its listed editing libraries include CKEditor, CodeMirror, Jcrop, Fancybox, Lazy Load, Dropzone, and Font Awesome. Requirements include PHP 5.2 or later, the SimpleXML, xml, json, and dom extensions, and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Apache is required for the stated out-of-the-box .htaccess security; on non-Apache servers, the project warns that data files need additional protection. The project was created by Chris Cagle and is now supported by a community, with Shawn Alverson identified as lead developer. Forums handle bug and security reports. The repository lists version 3.3.16 and a 3.4.0 alpha prerelease.

Who it suits

GetSimple CMS suits self-hosted Linux sites that prefer flat-file PHP storage and need multilingual content, SEO tools, media handling, or custom content types.

What it does well

  • Free software under GPLv3
  • Uses flat files without a database
  • Supports multilingual content
  • Includes SEO and media tools
  • Provides custom user roles

What to know first

  • Requires PHP 5.2 or later
  • Apache needed for stated default security
  • Non-Apache servers need extra precautions
  • Project disclaims liability for data loss

Verdict

GetSimple CMS offers a free, flat-file approach for self-hosted PHP websites with useful content-management tools. Administrators must meet its server requirements and address additional security precautions outside Apache.

Facts from GetSimple CMS's own pages

Browser requirement
The browser requirement is JavaScript enabled. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Custom content types
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Custom user roles
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Development
The page says the project was developed by Chris Cagle and is now supported and developed by a community. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Editing libraries
The project lists CKEditor, CodeMirror, Jcrop, Fancybox, Lazy Load, Dropzone, and Font Awesome among its libraries. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Founder location
The project identifies founder and creator Chris Cagle as located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Lead developer
The project identifies Shawn Alverson as lead developer and lists Tennessee, USA as his location. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Liability
The project disclaims liability for information loss, corruption, or other issues that may happen while a site uses the software. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Libraries
The page lists CKEditor, CodeMirror, Fancybox, Dropzone, Font Awesome, and other libraries among its credits. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
License
The software package is licensed under GNU General Public License v3. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Media library
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Multilingual content
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Non-Apache security
Without Apache, the site warns that data files will not be secure and that users must take precautions to secure the site. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
PHP requirements
The listed build requirement is PHP 5.2 or later; required PHP extensions are SimpleXML, xml, json, and dom. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Platform type
self_hosted · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Product
GetSimple CMS is a flat-file content management system written in PHP. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Release status
The repository lists version 3.3.16 as its latest release and also lists a 3.4.0 alpha prerelease. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Security
The project says Apache is required for out-of-the-box security with .htaccess and warns that data files may not be secure on non-Apache servers without additional precautions. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
SEO tools
Yes · get-simple.info, 21 Sept 2026
Server requirement
Apache is required for out-of-the-box security using .htaccess. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026
Server requirements
The project lists PHP 5.2 or later, the SimpleXML, xml, json, and dom PHP extensions, and a JavaScript-enabled browser as requirements. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Storage
The CMS uses flat files rather than requiring a database. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users to its forums to report bugs or security holes. · get-simple.info, 12 Oct 2026

Where GetSimple CMS stands on Freedom251

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