How are custom fields added to a content type in Sitefinity?

Custom fields are added to a content type in Sitefinity through the backend settings, which provides a user-friendly interface for managing content types. This method allows content editors and administrators to easily define additional fields specific to their content needs without needing to delve into coding or database management.

Using the Sitefinity backend, users can navigate to the appropriate content type settings and choose to add new fields, specifying the attributes such as field name, type, and whether it is required. This process is straightforward and does not require technical expertise, making it accessible for users who may not be familiar with database operations or programming.

Editing the database directly is not recommended, as it can cause data integrity issues and is generally outside the scope of Sitefinity's best practices. Relying solely on third-party plugins can introduce unnecessary complexity and potential compatibility issues, while API manipulation, although powerful, typically requires programming knowledge and is not the simplest or most user-friendly approach for adding custom fields.