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For non-programmers like me, Drupal's biggest flaws show up when a site is almost right, but needs “just a few lines of code” to really make it work. Some people learn programming easily; others can't, or don't want to invest the time. Fortunately, there are Drupal tricks to get many of the benefits of programming without having to actually deal with PHP, CSS, or JavaScript. Here are some that'll get you most of the way there.

Refactor Your Problem

Whenever you run into a brick wall, stop, step back, and ask yourself: Does my site really need to have this feature? Could it be done in a different way?

Many times when I do this, I realize that I've had a specific idea in my head as to how something should work, rather than the end goal I'm trying to achieve. Stepping back to look at the site from a visitor's point of view often shows me a simpler way to produce what's needed — even if it doesn't work anything like my original idea.

Use the Megamodules

Most modules perform a specific task; "megamodules" give you ways to manipulate Drupal's inner workings through a simplified visual interface. The best-known is Views, which helps site builders deliver the results of a database query: in essence, it translates your point-and-click directives into SQL. (Views will be part of Drupal 8’s core package.)

But Views isn't the only megamodule out there.

• Rules lets you create logic that reacts to actions by users;
• Panels replaces tricky PHP theme templating in some cases;
• Features packages site elements into a custom module;
• Sweaver writes CSS for your theme, reflecting changes you make in a visual interface.

Learn What Programmers Do

Even if you don't plan to actually write code, getting to know the tools that programmers use will help you in two ways. First, you'll be able to implement code written by others; second, you'll be able to frame the problem better when you interact with programmers.