Why MODX: what MODX 3 offers

The first version of this article described MODX Evolution, with built-in Scriptaculous, Prototype and Mootools libraries and separate web users and managers. The current branch is MODX Revolution 3: version 3.0.0 was released on 30 March 2022 and kept as much compatibility with 2.x extras as possible.

Why we choose MODX

• Freedom in front-end code. Templates are built from your own HTML, with no imposed theme or markup, so any design can be implemented as drawn.
• Resource tree. Pages, sections and articles sit in one tree, so editors find the right page in a couple of clicks.
• Template variables (TVs). Each template can have its own fields: prices, galleries, specifications, case study blocks.
• Contexts. Language versions or several sites run from one installation; this is how the Russian, Ukrainian and English versions of mmix.ua work.
• Access control. User groups and access policies limit who can edit which sections.
• Extras. Forms, SEO tools, multilingual support and caching are installed through the package manager from the MODX Extras catalogue.

What to consider

MODX needs a developer who knows the system, and there are fewer ready-made themes than for WordPress. Keep the core and extras up to date and check the PHP and database requirements in the MODX 3 documentation. For large catalogues, test performance with a realistic number of products before launch.

Screenshots of the admin panel from the original publication; the MODX 3 interface looks different.

Sources

• MODX Blog: MODX Revolution 3.0.0 (2022)
• MODX 3 documentation
• MODX Extras