Module Implementation

Posted by Community Admin on 05-Aug-2018 16:38

Module Implementation

All Replies

Posted by Community Admin on 13-Sep-2011 00:00

Why is that adding modules has to be such a PITA?  Other CMSs offer an easy way to add custom data like Kentico’s custom tables and Ektron’s smart forms.  Sitefinity allows custom data to be added through modules, but the implementation is way, way to complicated – I’m not talking about adding a filed to the news section, I’m talking about completely custom data structures. 

I recently used Sitefinity 3.7 to create a solution for Hostess brands.  The implementation of a custom module was complex.  Since them implemntation used standard .Net for its controls I was able to create a Visual Studio template to expedite the process though. 

I’m currently working on a project that is using Sitefinity 4.2.  I recommended this product over Kentico since I had already jumped through all of the hoops to create an easy workflow.  But, the Sitefinity team decided to change the underlying data structure – I get it you want people to buy your Fluent ORM (good luck, LINQ toSQL works just fine).

I have setup a repeatable structure to create new modules in 4.2; I’m still having a couple of issues related to images though.  But, this whole thing has made me think, Why should the end-user have to have a .Net/Sitefinity specialist just to implement new data elements?  And, beyond that why should the implementation consist of 16 files -- see the documentation for 4.2.

An admin user should be able to add new modules through the cms interface.  I think this should be priority #1 for the sitefinity team; afterall it is one of the most fundemental pieces of a CMS implementation.  I should be able to implement a new module with the following steps:

  1.  Click Create New Module
  2. Click Add Field
  3. Select the Datatype, Name, text, etc.
  4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all new fields that are needed.
  5. Implement a custom control that displays the new data in a meaningful way.

This really shouldn’t be all that hard to accomplish.  It would basically be the same thing as the Forms module, only for the backend.

As for now, I’m going to struggle through my current project, but will be very hesitant about suggesting this product for future projects until this is resolved.

Posted by Community Admin on 13-Sep-2011 00:00

I just looked at the roadmap.

I hope this isn't a hoax, and you guys are releasing fixes for all of the problems I'm having with 4.2...

1.  I'm currently using Redgates SQLDataCompare to sync the enviroments -- not ideal.
2.  I talked about the Module problem in length.
3.  The entire images/documents & files module is hosed; mime types are correct, but the module hangs when uploading, you can upload through the actual content area though.

Can someone confirm this, and if so is there a release date set?

1. Sitefinity Features

  • Site synchronization - Allow customers to set up seamless, one way, staging / QA / production scenario. In the first iteration, we will focus only on built-in content types, pages and widgets.  
  • Module builder tool - A tool which allows users to create new modules (and hence content types) through user interface, inheriting core CMS features such as workflow, permissions, etc. on demand.  
  • Image editor - An enhancement of the images module to allow cropping, resizing, rotating, trimming and adjusting contrast/color, etc. of images.  

Posted by Community Admin on 16-Sep-2011 00:00

Hi Patrick,

Can someone confirm this, and if so is there a release date set?
- Confirmed. The first version of the Sitesync/Publishing will be available with 4.3, then we will expand it and it will be operational with 4.4, by the end of November/beginning of December. We cannot comment on strict release dates for now. The situation with the Module Builder is identical.

Regards,
Georgi
the Telerik team
Do you want to have your say in the Sitefinity development roadmap? Do you want to know when a feature you requested is added or when a bug fixed? Explore the Telerik Public Issue Tracking system and vote to affect the priority of the items

Posted by Community Admin on 18-Jan-2012 00:00

Download Sitefinity 4.4... It has an awesome module builder!!!


Thanks Telerik, you just made my job a 1000 times easier.

Posted by Community Admin on 18-Jan-2012 00:00

I'm only seeing 1 thing that needs to be added to the module creator...

I can add an Image/Video/Document field, but I can't add list of these.  I would like to be able to add lists especially for images; image rotators are very popular right now.

Posted by Community Admin on 19-Jan-2012 00:00

Under the limitations tab for media documents you can set it to use multiple image/documents/videos instead of just one. You can probably use that for your rotator

Posted by Community Admin on 19-Jan-2012 00:00

Awesome.  Great work Telerik!

Posted by Community Admin on 26-Jan-2012 00:00

I would like to see a rating field and comments as well

Posted by Community Admin on 31-Jan-2012 00:00

Hello everyone,

There's one thing that is certain - we will not stop the Module Builder development anytime soon. The Module builder will be under heavy development during the next Q as well, which means that 5.1 will also bring new features to it. 5.0 will bring module deletion and module data export.

As for the features you suggest - they are all are great, and I'll make sure to pass them to the guys. 

Regards,
Georgi
the Telerik team
Do you want to have your say in the Sitefinity development roadmap? Do you want to know when a feature you requested is added or when a bug fixed? Explore the Telerik Public Issue Tracking system and vote to affect the priority of the items

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