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Moodle Architecture Overview

Moodle is built as a modular, extensible platform. Its architecture follows these layers:

Handles users, courses, roles, permissions, and content delivery.

Relational DB (MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server) for storing courses, user data, grades.

Moodleโ€™s biggest strength.

Types of plugins include:

  • Activity modules (quizzes, assignments, forums)
  • Blocks (side widgets for navigation, progress, etc.)
  • Themes (custom look & feel)
  • Authentication & enrollment methods (SSO, LDAP, OAuth2, manual, self-registration)
  • Reports & analytics

Web Services API (REST, SOAP, XML-RPC) to integrate with external systems.

Used by mobile apps, custom integrations, or third-party systems.

Default UI with themes.

Mobile apps connect via APIs.