Pico is a flat file content management system built in PHP that requires no database and generates static HTML from Markdown files and YAML configuration.
Pico solves the problem of deploying a simple website without the overhead of database setup, complex configuration, or server-side dependencies. It works by storing content as Markdown files in the filesystem, parsing them with YAML frontmatter for metadata, and rendering pages through Twig templates. The entire system runs on basic PHP with only the dom and mbstring extensions required, making it deployable on minimal hosting environments.
Pico suits developers and small teams building straightforward websites where simplicity and speed matter more than advanced features. It works well for blogs, documentation sites, and portfolio pages where content changes infrequently. The README explicitly names several alternatives including Grav CMS, HTMLy, Automad, and Typemill, recommending these for new projects instead of Pico.
Development of Pico has stopped and the maintainers strongly advise against using it for new websites. The project has no known security issues and existing sites can continue running, but it was not designed for modern PHP versions and users will eventually encounter compatibility problems. The maintainers are actively seeking someone to take over the project and have invited interested developers to contact them through GitHub issues with information about their commitment and experience.
