Writing Modules for Joomla 3.x

It could be argued that writing modules is the simplest type of extension to write for Joomla.  In this section of Exploring Joomla 3.x, we talk about just that, what it takes to Write a Module.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 1

In this episode I discuss how the module gets executed, how the folder structure for modules is arranged, the absolute minimum amount of code required to install a module.  Finally I cover installing your minimum module and displaying it on your Joomla development website.  Additionally, I give a couple of pointers if you run into trouble.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 2

In this episode I cover some items that were left out from the basic minimalist Joomla module.  I talk about the adding the meta-data to the manifest file that will allow Joomla to display some additional information to the site administrator about the module and provide information about the author, email, license and copyright of your work.  Additionally, I talk about two security issues that prevent a user on the Internet from listing files on your server and executing your module outside the Joomla environment.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 3

In this episode we create a new module in earnest while using our first module as a tool to speed up the process of creating a module. I discuss internationalization with language strings and layouts. You can download the source code for this episode by going to this episode's page.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 4

In this episode we create the database table for our module using phpMyAdmin as a tool to import a CSV file, and to create the SQL that Joomla will need to install and populate the table with the quotes we intend to use in our module.  Additionally, I cover the edits needed to be made to the SQL file for Joomla to be able to run it and the changes required in the manifest file to copy the files, install the database table and finally to drop the table if a user uninstalls the extension.  You can download the source code for this episode by going to this episode's page.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 5

In this episode we talk a little about MVC (Model, View, Controller) pattern and how the concept applies to a Joomla Module.  I implement the helper class and talk about using the database with Joomla.  The code is written to randomly grab a quote from the database and it is displayed to the front end user.  Source code for this episode and the PDF can be downloaded by going to http://myheap.com/electronics/exploring-joomla-3-x/writing-modules-for-joomla-3-x/creating-a-site-module-part-5.html. The source code for this episode can be downloaded from this episode's page.

Creating a Site Module for Joomla 3.x - Part 6

In this Episode I cover how to add parameters to a Joomla Module.  I discuss where they are stored in the Joomla database, accessing them programmatically, uses of parameters, Joomla fields that are available and more.  To get the source code for this tutorial or a downloadable PDF of this tutorial or download the source code, please visit this tutorials page by going to ths link.