Page vs. Nodes in Drupal
Drupal is a Content Management System (CMS). Web owners install this software system on their own server to create a community website. Nodes are types of content created within the Drupal publishing system. Types of nodes include various kinds of articles, blog posts and pages. When building a community site, Drupal users should make the most out of this publishing system by learning how to create and manage pages and the other types of Drupal nodes.
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Node Basics
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Nodes comprise the different types of content that the site owner or members of the online community may publish through the Drupal system. Common node types include blogs, pages, book pages and stories. Owners and administrators of the site may also create new types of nodes.
Page Basics
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There are two kinds of "pages" on Drupal. First, when a member publishes a node, the system creates a dedicated Web page for that node. For example, a blog entry on Drupal would exist on its own page. While the node is the actual content instead of the whole page, the system creates an entire Web page because that makes your site more useful for members and visitors. Second, Drupal uses the word "page" to describe some of the node types. The "page" node is a generic page of information. Writers of online books use the "book page" node to create a series of related pages.
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Creating Node and Page Content
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Both administrators and members who have permission can create new nodes and pages. There is a "Create Content" link in the control panel of Drupal accounts to select and create individual nodes. For example, a member uses this process to make an entry on his personal blog. That blog entry rests on its own Web page. However, it is not a "page" as far as the node type.
Creating Node and Page Types
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The process for creating new types of nodes depends on the Drupal version. For example, you could create a "Product Review Page" node. The system asks you which fields to make available for these new content types. For example, you could allow a page with a text field and a space to include an image. In Drupal 7, click on "Administration" and "Structure" to get to "Content Types." You then click on "Add Content Type" to create a new type of node. In earlier Drupal versions, you need to install the "Content Construction Kit" to activate the node creation feature.
Pages Vs. Other Nodes
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Allowing members to post generic pages or more expansive units of content like book pages gives a great deal of freedom to members. However, it could take up a large amount of time for moderating longer content. On the other hand, nodes like blog entries are ideal for personal updates or other shorter snippets of information. Allowing user-generated forum topics needs a great deal of moderation, but it can also add value to your community. You must consider the time and resources it takes to moderate and manage a certain type of node before allowing it on your site. In the end, consider using any manageable node types that increase the usefulness and community involvement for your Drupal-powered website.
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