We Run Our Website and Content as Code!

Content as Code: Evolving Beyond Developers

Content as Code (CaC) isn’t a new concept; it’s been a staple in the developer community for years. But with the rise of AI agents, this approach is now accessible to content creators and managers too. AI tools are bridging the gap, allowing non-developers to enjoy the benefits of CaC, like version control, automation, and streamlined workflows. This evolution empowers a broader range of professionals to manage content with the same precision and flexibility that developers have enjoyed for years, effectively bridging the gap between developers, content creators, and marketers, making collaboration more seamless.

The Shift to Content as Code (CaC)

Enter Content as Code (CaC). By treating content like code, we can manage it with the same precision and flexibility. Markdown (a simple way to write formatted text using plain text) became the natural choice, offering simplicity and compatibility. This approach not only streamlines content updates but also integrates seamlessly with version control systems like Git, ensuring robust change management.

Modern Content Management with CMS as Code

The concept of CMS as Code takes content management to the next level. Instead of relying on traditional database-driven CMS platforms or builders like Wordpress, we define our entire content structure and management system as code. This means our content, its structure, and even its presentation are version-controlled, testable, and reproducible.

This modern approach brings several advantages:

• Version Control: Every content change is tracked and reversible
• Environment Parity: Development, staging, and production environments are identical
• Automated Workflows: Content updates can be tested and deployed automatically
• Enhanced Security: No database vulnerabilities or admin panel risks
• Better Performance: Static site generation means faster loading times

With the integration of AI tools, these systems become even more powerful. AI can assist with content optimization, suggest improvements, and automate routine tasks, making the content creation and management process more efficient and intelligent.

Automating Content Workflows with AI

Automation is the key to efficiency, and AI agents are at the forefront of this revolution. While developers have tools like Cursor, Copilot, and even ChatGPT with code capabilities, content creators and other professionals have been left behind—until now. AI agents can automate repetitive tasks, suggest improvements, and even generate content, freeing up time for more creative endeavors.

Tools like Cursor and Copilot have already transformed coding by providing intelligent code suggestions and automating routine tasks. Similarly, ChatGPT and Claude are making strides in content creation, offering capabilities that extend beyond simple text generation to include code and complex problem-solving.

These AI tools are not just for developers anymore; they are becoming indispensable for content creators, marketers, and other professionals looking to streamline their workflows and enhance productivity.

The Future of Content Management

As we continue to innovate, the integration of AI and code-based content management will redefine how we create and manage digital content. This approach not only enhances productivity but also opens new possibilities for collaboration and creativity.

Join us on this journey as we explore the future of content management, where code and AI work hand in hand to transform the way we work.

How to Manage Your Content as Code

Managing your content as code involves leveraging tools and practices that treat your website’s content and structure as code. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this:

Step 1: Choose Your Static Site Generator (SSG)

Static Site Generators allow you to write content in Markdown and generate static HTML files. Popular SSGs include:

• Hugo: Known for its speed and flexibility, Hugo supports Markdown for content creation.
• Jekyll: Extensively uses Markdown, especially for blogs and documentation sites.
• Gatsby: Processes Markdown using plugins like gatsby-transformer-remark.
• Next.js: Supports Markdown through various plugins and libraries.
• Nuxt.js: Can handle Markdown with the help of modules and plugins.
• Eleventy: Supports Markdown and allows for flexible templating.

Step 2: Create Content in Markdown

Write your content in Markdown or a similar format using text editors like VS Code or Cursor. These editors can be enhanced with plugins to support Markdown syntax and preview, making content creation more efficient and enjoyable.

Step 3: Implement Version Control

Use version control systems like Git, GitLab, or GitHub to manage changes to your website’s code and content:

• Versioning: Keep track of changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Collaboration: Work with others on the same codebase.
• Continuous Integration/Deployment (CI/CD): Automate the process of building and deploying your website whenever changes are made.

Step 4: Automate and Deploy

Once your content is ready and versioned, automate the deployment process:

• Build and Deploy: Use CI/CD pipelines to automatically build and deploy your website whenever changes are pushed to the repository.
• Preview Changes: Set up preview environments for content review before it goes live.
• Automated Testing: Ensure your content meets quality standards through automated checks.

By treating your content as code, you gain greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in managing your content and structure. This approach not only streamlines the development process but also ensures consistency and reliability across your website.

If you’re interested in Content as Code or want to know how this approach could work for your business, feel free to contact me or my team via our contact page.