1 – Low stability
The quality of cPanel releases is pretty low. During major updates, there’s a risk to lose the data or overwrite active settings with new ones. Restoring settings, in this case, is problematic due to the over-complicated file structure.
2 – Lack of flexibility
Modern server systems are configured by the automated settings control programmes. They are able to regulate the behavior of both one and several servers.
This method is becoming more popular due to its effectiveness. But cPanel does not allow this kind of automatization keeping all resources under its own control.
3 – Vendor-lock
The software for the Linux family systems is supplied through the repositories. This software is constantly being updated, fixed and supported by the developer and community developers. The components are interchangeable – you can use alternative sources or components combinations to get the result you want. For example, to host CS-Cart you can use Apache or Nginx, or both simultaneously.
CPanel, on the other hand, combines a non-standard stack of software to launch and manage settings. The components, delivered with the panel, cannot be substituted by the alternatives and are supported by a third-party vendor. You become dependant on a single combination of certain software and its developer.
4 – Poor security
Due to cPanel update policy, focused on stability, servers are being updated with the old and vulnerable software. Updating of the separate components without updating the panel is impossible, which is the reason why hosting providers do it rarely.
Control panels create the shell between hardware. The connectivity adds up to an impressive level of control, but also to a lot of compromised security. cPanel is insanely popular that makes it a prime target for hackers.
5 – Time-consuming
Even the smallest changes in a website could take some time to do… while digging in the cPanel, you lose time which you could spare for more profitable actions.
When it comes to certain procedures with files it can take hours to complete. Say, you have a directory with 10,000 unique files. What if you want to move only the files that begin with a specific phrase or any variable? This task cannot be done with a single string in cPanel
When it comes to such root level functions as modifying folder permissions, visibility, or password protection, using cPanel will also require hours of manipulation to have the job done.
6 – Web interface
The web interface is a life savior for a newbie and almost an industry standard for any software. It is suitable for simple tasks and configurations allowing inexperienced users to manipulate server. But using the web interface for complicated tasks is almost impossible. Configuring servers via cPanel is almost the same as coding with the mouse – unprofessional and ineffective.
7 – Uncommon file organization
cPanel creates its individual surrounding, like file paths or error log directory. Making changes in the surrounding configuration files does not assure the correct cPanel or server operation.
This internal ecosystem created solely by the cPanel denies user to perform deep tuning to the server performance, like implementing HTTP/2.
8 – Complicated problems logging
Troubles with servers can be connected to multiple sources. One after another, the error can build up in a complicated chain of issues leading to a fatal error without any sign of where it all started. It does not happen every day but in such case, cPanel won’t allow you to track the starting point and fix the true problem to prevent it occur once again.
Summary
Though cPanel is an outstanding tool to manage server configuration in a convenient interface, it was never meant to allow a user to use the maximum of its server capabilities. It is a smart idea to know how to use it, but if you are running a serious website, like online store or marketplace, you have no place for experiments.
Treat your server like a living organism and cPanel as a phonendoscope. You can perform monitoring on the surface, but if the organism gets sick, you won’t be able to heal it with phonendoscope, you will need a doctor, a pro, who knows how its life processes flow to give you the necessary cure.
Moreover to your blog post at https://bit.ly/2Ixu40B:
1. How did you come to this result? cPanel is the most prevalent web control panel in the world used by almost every web hosting company. I can just say, we use cPanel over 12 years and since 8 years we didn't have any issues with"stability" or what's ever.
Did you ever use cPanel? (I mean the latest versions since v6xxx). Restoring settings of what? There isn't a need to "restore" anything and I don't think cPanel will crash because of itself. It can crash only if you don't follow their installation requirements and you will install it on a crap server which has a problem to run just itself without a control panel.
Or do you mean restoring of customers cPanel accounts? It has been never easier.
2. This has nothing to do with cPanel. cPanel is not the server OS. This will be done via container and virtualization control panel (in case of VPSs).
3. Are you saying, that cPanel doesn't use RPMs? What then?
Next: of course and very well you can use Apache, Nginx, combinations and caches with cPanel, but you will have to know HOW and what do you doing.
4. OMG... Really a JOKE... Don't make CS-Cart users confusing and don't provide misleading information to them.
5. Not true and misleading again! Excepting: "When it comes to certain procedures with files it can take hours to complete. Say, you have a directory with 10,000 unique files."
That's right, but this is a work for an administrator and takes a few minutes. Most hosting providers will make such changes per request free of charge. Folder/files permisions will be done via command line - finished between a few seconds to one minute, not in a few hours. But ok, with "someone" skills maybe a few hours...
6. So you said that all companies who use cPanel are newbies... Lol...lol...lol well... and once again - cPanel is not a server administrator.
7. What do you want to do? Which changes to "configuration files"??? Once you set it up and configure it right, there isn't anything to TOUCH.
8. Sure, troubles will occur like if an amateur will try to drive a F1 - that's a trouble.
That's your summary. My summary is, never touch a cPanel :D :D
Edited:
Mr. Maksim Komonov, never touch a cPanel