Silex, is a Free Website Builder that is characterized as Libre Software and an Open-Source No-Code platform. S It is often referred to as a promising open-source alternative to tools like Webflow.

Here are the principal functionalities and features of Silex:

1. Core Philosophy and Architecture

• Free and Open Source (Libre Software): Silex is 100% free and open source. It was born free and open-source in 2009. All features are free of charge.

• Non-Profit Backing: Silex is backed and maintained by the non-profit organization Silex Labs, based in Paris, France, which holds the copyright. This commitment prioritizes supporting the commons.

• Licensing: Silex is licensed under AGPL and maintains this license without a Contributor License Agreement (CLA), ensuring the price remains free for everyone without restrictions on software usage.

• Respect and Privacy: Silex emphasizes respect. The websites created using Silex include no tracking nor third-party cookies. The official Silex instance runs on eco-friendly servers controlled by the organization, and user data is not for sale.

• Hosting: Silex offers free hosting. Its official instance is hosted in Europe.

2. Website Creation and Features

• No-Code Designer: Silex provides a No-Code Designer platform for creating websites without coding. It is described as the best "no code" website builder out there.

• Output: It generates fast secure static websites.

• Flexibility and Standards: Silex exposes HTML and CSS concepts, ensuring that what users learn is universally applicable and future-proof, avoiding vendor lock-in. It is built on web and open standards.

• Design Workflow: The workflow uses drag and drop functionality to add components, making it easy to iterate over design.

• Optimization: Websites powered by Silex are fast to load, optimized for SEO, mobile friendly, and accessible.

• Customization (Ultimate Flexibility): Its open architecture and source code mean unparalleled customization, including choices for hosting and CMS integration.

3. Integration and Headless Web

• Headless and Composable Web: Silex is designed as the next-generation builder for the headless, composable, and static web.

• CMS Integration: Silex supports CMS Integration. Users can start with a simple static site and then plug in any CMS to incorporate dynamic data.

• Supported CMS/APIs: It integrates with WordPress, Strapi, Squidex, or a user's own API. This allows clients to edit content while keeping the visual editing simple.

4. Community and Contribution

• Community Focus: Silex is driven By Users For Users. The community includes like-minded developers, no-code developers, web designers, hobbyists, and professionals.

• Contribution: User contributions directly fuel Silex enhancements and community growth. Users can choose which features they work on or fund. The system relies on its users for its future.

• Engagement: The community engages through Forums, Chat, Meetups, and a Newsletter.

• Learning and Resources: Silex offers resources for users to Learn and Grow, including videos, documentation (Wiki), and regular demos/meetups.

5. Monetization and Independence

• User Monetization: Users are the only ones who can monetize their work and their website visitors.

• Independence: Silex offers users control over their tools, costs, and the websites they produce.

• Commercial Partner: While the core product is free, a partner, Elest.io, offers paid hosted Silex for agencies.