Drupal vs. learning PHP
 

Could someone lay out in elementary terms exactly what Drupal is? I get the idea that it is a way to build websites without programming knowledge (e.g., php, javascript). What are the limitations of Drupal (if any) vs "traditional" web programming?

Thanks!

Its a Content Management System. designed in PHP. It was made to allow users, who don't know web programing, to create websites. All it takes is unzipping the system, FTPing it to your host, Use the install script (if it comes with one) and at this point it should be working.

As far as limitations? I haven't really used Drupal, so i can't really say many useful things about it. Downloaded it once to look at the code, but...

Open Source CMS vs Self made CMS ?
- OS-CMS's are limited to how it was created. meaning if you need to do something it doesn't allow. then you either have to code it into the system, or do without. Most of them, though, are expandable with "Modules" "Packages" "Hacks", etc...
-A self-made CMS is only limited by your coding knowledge, and how you code it. Its as customizable as you can make it.

It all depends on the type of site your building, and your personal skills i suppose.