Git Based vs API First: 5 Key Differences
Storyblok is the first headless CMS that works for developers & marketers alike.
When choosing a Content Management System (CMS), there are countless technological options available. Understanding the differences between them can be tricky – especially when it comes to core elements like a CMS that’s Git based vs API first.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s define Git based vs API first CMSs and go over five key differences between them to help you figure out which is right for you.
What is a Git based CMS?
Before we go into the system itself, let’s review what Git is. Git is an open source tool used by developers to manage source code. Its main benefit is that it contains the full history of any changes made, making version control and developer collaboration easy.
When a CMS is Git based, that means the system is directly working with your files in the Git repository. Since Git is very popular, this kind of CMS helps most developers by letting them manage their content within a structure they’re already familiar with.
What is an API first CMS?
An API is a tool that lets two programs communicate. However, each remains independent. That means you can connect whatever technology you need without making them reliant on each other.
An API first CMS leverages this power to optimize content management by separating the frontend from the backend. By doing so, it gives you the freedom to connect to limitless channels, digital tools, and external systems. In general, API first CMSs offer great flexibility for both marketers and developers.
Git based vs API first: 5 key differences
Git based vs API first CMSs each come with its own benefits and challenges. Let’s look at what sets one apart from the other.
1. Usage of frontends
Today’s consumers demand multiple ways to interact with your brand: on their computers, in physical kiosks, even in AR/VR! Capturing the most of your target audience means providing these opportunities wherever you can.
Unfortunately, Git based CMS isn’t quite suited for the world of omnichannel marketing. The architecture is naturally inflexible. That means you have fewer customization options, including the number and style of frontends you may want to use.
By contrast, API first is perfect for multiple frontends. It’s connective tissue by nature, so there’s no problem in connecting your centralized backend to whatever channel you’re trying to expand to. To embrace the Internet of Things (IoT), all you have to do is choose your technology. APIs will do the rest.
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If you want to access as many audiences as possible, embracing the IoT is a crucial step for your organization.
2. Resource limitations
One of the most significant differences between Git based vs API first CMSs is the usage restrictions each comes with. These limitations are crucial to consider, especially if you have plans to grow your organization.
Git based CMSs do not come with bandwidth or data caps. This can be a huge advantage, but it’s also important to keep in mind that such CMSs are still resistant to scaling up in general. They’re not agile enough to keep up with expanding or quickly changing content.
By contrast, the opposite is true for API first CMSs. Most will come with resource limitations as a part of their plans, meaning you’re likely to pay more if the basic ones can’t accommodate you. However, scaling also tends to be smoother, so it’s a better choice for fast-growing organizations.
3. Version control
As we covered earlier, Git is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to version control. You have access to your own dedicated Git repository. This makes it easy for multiple developers to contribute with a crystal-clear understanding of what other changes have happened – if you ever need to roll back something, the information is instantly accessible.
API first CMSs do not necessarily come with easy-to-use version control. It’s just not a built-in part of the system. As such, features like this will be largely dependent on what CMS software you choose.
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Storyblok offers robust version control with an easy-to-understand record of changes that have been made.
If version control is important to you but you still want to go with an API system, be sure to investigate each product’s features before you commit. Otherwise, you have guaranteed functionality with Git CMSs.
4. SEO benefits
Git based vs API first CMSs also differ greatly when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Since SEO is an essential part of marketing your product, this isn’t a difference that should be taken lightly!
Git based CMSs do not come with built-in SEO functionality. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean they’re impossible to use for this purpose. You’ll just have to manually do essential tasks such as:
- Site mapping
- Metadata
- Device optimization
This requires time and expertise. If you want a quicker way to jump in the search rankings, API first can offer it with native features. Many API first products are designed to be as easy to use as they are effective, so you can spend less effort on SEO and more on your product. However, try to remember that these features may not be available in every API system, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for them.
5. Cost
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: in the Git based vs API first competition, which is easier on your wallet? Like most things, it’ll vary greatly depending on your product and your needs. However, there are a few generalizations that we can make.
For example, Git is a tool that is well-known by most developers. That means if your CMS relies on it you’ll save cost and time-to-market by eliminating onboarding difficulties. The lack of resource limitations will also save you some money that might otherwise be spent upgrading plans.
API-first systems are generally more expensive. This is because it relies on a best-of-breed approach. While this gives you great flexibility to build your tech stack, it also means you’ll have to spend more time and cost on actually creating it. However, if you have a large-scale project that will benefit from hand-crafted functionality, the higher cost may be worth it to you.
If you’re not sure if the cost of a CMS makes sense for your organization, requesting a demo can be a helpful way to see what you’ll be paying for in action.
Git based vs API first: which is right for you?
Git based and API first systems are pretty unique. While there’s no hard and fast rule for which you should choose, the following generally applies:
- A git based CMS is best for smaller, simpler projects thanks to low cost and easy setup, with the added benefit of robust version control
- An API first CMS is best for large-scale projects that require customized technology, multiple frontends, and in-engine supportive features
And as always, keep scaling in mind. You may not be running a huge project now, but if there’s a chance for expansion in your future, carefully consider if your Git based system will be able to support it.
Key takeaways
The question of a Git based vs API based CMS relies almost entirely on the needs of your organization. Git based offers a simple setup and the drawbacks that come with it, while API is more complex but opens you up to countless possibilities. Keep these differences in mind to find a CMS that fits your current and future needs.
