Upgrades - Templates - Mods - Hooks - Plugins ????

[ezykiwi]

Howdy all, just trying to get my head around the best way structure site progression, if i install the latest version, modify the template to suit then if a new update comes out, i should be able to use my template in the new version *so that should be pretty simple... copy and paste folder*

Is there a list that comes out with the new version showing new features that can be added, such as mods or plug ins

Also if i design my own plugins... and then have hooks in the templates... and then update the core code, should they still work? am i even on the right track here?

any thoughts on how people are currently successfully keeping upgrades and sites active would be awesome.

Cheers
Rob

[FSGDAG]

Hi ezykiwi...

Most of the time, when an upgrade / update to Deluxe comes out, you wont need to adjust your template at all. There were a few times when it was needed, like when they added support for reCAPTCHA. All you have to do in this situation is get a program that will find changes between two files ( like WinMerge ), take your template files and the update template and find where the changes are. You can update your template that way within minutes.

Most of the time when they announce updates in the Announcement Forum, Dody or someone else will list changes / updates done to the script. They aren't exactly specific so it you need specifics, all you need to do is ask them and they will provide it.

The idea behind using plugins and/or creating plugins, verses using Blocks is that you dont need to change any of the core php files when using plugins. If you write your own plugin, you can either use one of the existing hooks that are already in the template, or if you need to, add your own. Because most of the time you wont need to update the template when a new version comes out, it would be a problem adding your own hooks.

Since Deluxe came out, its rather easy now to keep your IndexU Deluxe version up to date. There's very little you have to do when a new update comes out, other than apply the update.

Any additional questions, feel free to ask!

[petefromaus]

Good reply but can we just make it easy for the people like me who haven't got time or don't know much on the technical aspects. I love the program but fear that when a new upgrade comes out that it will take time and headaches to upgrade. I am far from a programmer but the program is working well now, just don't want to lose stuff when I upgrade.
Cheers Pete

[FSGDAG]

Pete... I think your fear of the upgrade is worse than doing the upgrade itself

Here's another suggestion... If your working on a PC, download and install WinAMP. It will install apache, PHP, MySQL, PHPMyAdmin and allow you to run a copy of your website on your home computer. Then, try the upgrade on your PC first. So that way your not breaking anything thats 'live'

Another suggestion, you can hire me to do the upgrade. Depending on the complexity of your current site ( if you've hacked / changed the core files ) the price could vary.

I might even be willing to make you an offer where I'll do the upgrades for free if you host your site(s) with my hosting company. And that offer isn't just for Pete, but for anyone that would rather have someone else do the monthly upgrades.

[dody]

welcome back ezykiwi
If the modification is hard coded, it will hard to update. You need to keep track on what you have modified. Otherwise, if you do make it as a plugin, the upgrade would be easy. In most case you won't need to make any changes when update to the latest version.

[petefromaus]

Just give me a quote or a vague idea. I've still got 18 months of hosting but am easy about cancelling that if you take care of the technical aspects. I have a lot of things going on and not much PHP knowledge. I have altered some files but mainly templates. If you want have a look and you will see what differs from the core code. I can't remember if I have changed anything as I really don't think if I have it will help my cause. I may have just tried to change stuff but as long as it comes back to roughly what I have I don't really care.
Tell me what you think and if it works I will try and promote your sites when I do mine.
Cheers
Pete

[FSGDAG]

Pete...

If your interested in me doing it, PM me the web address and what modifications you have made. I can then give you a good quote. If you'd like NiceCoder to do it, I totally understand and you can send them an e-mail about it