One of the best kids on the headless block is Strapi, the open-source Node.je headless content management system. 

Recently, it has just launched its next release, version four of Strapi. 

Strapi v4 includes a new user interface, a new system design, a new plug-in API, and a database query engine as well as improved GraphQL and REST API performance. 

(Headless 101: a headless content management system focuses on a website’s back-end, unlike traditional content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. 

Its emphasis is put on the content repository in the back-end, which is where structured content is stored and delivered.

This content is then made visible through a RESTful API, generally either XML or JSON. 

The criticism that is directed towards more traditional content management systems is that because they are built on monolithic legacy architecture, it can be more difficult to build, they can be slow, and they can be more vulnerable to hacking. 

Headless platforms like Strapi can easily integrate into a bunch of front-end frameworks, helping developers get the freedom to select their go-to tools while at the same time cutting costs on development and hosting. 

Strapi’s competitors include the free and open-source Ghost, used by IBM and Tinder, Prismic, which is used by the likes of Netflix and Google, and Contentful, used by 30% of Fortune 500 companies, such as Asics, Jack in the Box, Red Bull, and Playboy. 

Strapi’s database content can be accessed for display across a broad range of screens from websites and smartphones to digital displays. 

It’s content is delivered through front-end frameworks (like React, Angular, Vue.js, and Next.js) and JAMstack static-site generators.

“We have deeply reworked the Strapi core to make it easier to extend Strapi with plugins,” said Alexandre Bodin, Strapi’s CTO, “smoothly migrate from one version to another, and boost API performance. All that with a brand-new user interface and design system.” 

Other features of Strapi v4 include the easier creation of plug-ins due to its new design system that has been optimized for accessibility. The new version also gives total control over data querying to app developers via a more flexible database query engine. Plus, it has the ability to spot errors and fix them faster with standardized error codes. 

“With Strapi v4,” added Pierre Burgy, cofounder of Strapi, “we have significantly improved the developer experience in terms of customization and extensibility.  

“These new capabilities together with the new design system provide a solid foundation for the Strapi ecosystem to grow along with the number of plug-ins and integrations.”