A thorough understanding of the basic concepts and the backend interface is the key to working efficiently and confidently in TYPO3.

This chapter introduces you to the environment, defines key terms and ensures you can set up your personal workspace for maximum productivity.

What is TYPO3?

TYPO3 is a powerful Open Source Enterprise Content Management System (CMS), specifically designed for building and managing complex and professional websites.

1. TYPO3's strength lies in a number of core qualities:
   1. Scalability: The system is built to grow with your organisation, from a simple informative website to a complex multilingual platform with thousands of pages.
   2. Built-in Multilingualism: TYPO3 offers robust, built-in support for managing websites in multiple languages, one of its most appreciated features.
   3. Detailed User Rights: The system provides fine-grained control over who is allowed to see and do what in the backend, which is essential for larger teams and organisations with complex workflows.
2. To work effectively with TYPO3, it is important to understand the following fundamental concepts:
   1. Backend : The administrative environment where you log in as an editor (usually via /typo3) to create, edit content and manage the website.
   2. Frontend : The public, visitor-visible website as displayed in the browser.
   3. Page structure (Page Tree) : The hierarchical tree structure that forms the backbone of the website. All pages are organised within it, which defines the navigation and overall site architecture.
3. Exploring the TYPO3 backend: Your Desktop The TYPO3 backend is your cockpit for managing the website. Here you will find a step-by-step guide to navigating and customising your environment.
   1. Login and Interface: After logging in as a backend user, you will be taken to the Dashboard. The main interface elements are in the left-hand column, called modules. The four modules you will use most often are:
      • PAGE: For visually managing content on a specific page.
      • VIEW: Displays a preview of the selected page in different screen sizes (desktop, tablet, mobile).
      • LIST: A list view of all records on a page, ideal for bulk operations.
      • FILELIST: The central media library for all your files, such as images and documents.
   2. Personalise: You can customise your backend experience through your personal user settings. Here you can, among other things, change your password, set the language of the backend interface (e.g. from English to Dutch) and determine which module opens by default after logging in.
   3. Efficient Working: To increase your productivity, TYPO3 offers powerful tools. Use the general search function at the top to quickly find pages, content or modules. With the bookmark function you can pin frequently used pages or modules for quick access.

4. Practice Assignment 1 (P1): First Steps in the Backend

With a firm grip on the backend environment, you are ready for the next crucial step: designing your website's architectural plan. In the next chapter, we build the page tree, the skeleton that will carry all your future content.

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