A content management system (CMS) is a tool that simplifies website development by automating tasks such as adding elements like byline fields, publish dates, and related articles sections to posts. Unlike the early days of the web when websites were hand-crafted and required manual updates, CMS solutions enable easy organization, updating, and customization of content across multiple pages. Popular CMS options include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Ghost, and managed services like WordPress.com, Squarespace, and Wix, which offer simplified versions with proprietary CMS platforms for customization. Many organizations also build their own custom CMS or heavily modify existing options to suit their specific needs.