How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 15:27:07

I don’t know how this is done in TXP, but in other CMS’s I’ve heard them referred to as Blocks, or Library Items. Basically, it’s a block of code, or a snippet of code. Like a list navigation, or a footer.

I’m building a site for my recording label <a href=http://www.blueplasmarecordings.com/>Blueplasma</a> and I’ve started rebuilding it in TXP. I want to be able to use single blocks of code (Article? Form?) for different parts of the site, like the email signup form, and the navigation, etc.

I can’t find any documentation on this, or many other things I’ve found frustrating. I’ve been kind of torn. On one hand, TXP is amazing, and easy to use. On the other, it’s a pain in the butt to find documentation that explains how to create a site from the ground up. Anyone know the answers to my above question and/or where to find tutorials, books, anything that would help speed up the process?

Thanks in advance!

mrdale · 2005-10-10 15:40:37

It’s easy:
create a miscellaneous form, with whatever code you want then call it using <pre>
<code>txp:output_form form=“FormName” /</code></pre>

Hope this helps.

Last edited by mrdale (2005-10-10 15:43:37)

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 17:41:21

Thanks a million. That’s exactly what I was wanting to do.

Anyone got an answer to my second question?

Elenita · 2005-10-10 19:48:58

Textbook (link above) is the user-created answer to the documentation gap. Feel free to poke around.

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 19:53:59

I’ve read all I can in the Textbook. I understand it’s got a lot of great stuff in there, but what I’m really looking for is a “This is how to make a website with TXP” kind of thing. Who knows, maybe I’ll write one when I’m done figuring it all out.

Thanks!

Elenita · 2005-10-10 20:31:39

There’s no one way to build a website in Textpattern—most, if not, of all of us would argue that its flexibility is what makes it great software.

But, if you tell us what you’re trying to do, maybe we can help you find the information you need. What made you decide to go with TxP in the first place? What kind of site structure are you trying to create, and what sort of content will go with it? Did you use a different CMS (e.g., Movable Type) before, and what limitations did you hit that prompted you to switch?

If you give us more information and tell us where you’re coming from, we’ll be better equipped to help you.

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 20:49:47

Well, I agree with you on the fact that it’s extremely scalable, and that is one of it’s major selling points. But I don’t think I’m asking too much to have a tutorial on how to do some of the extremely simple, getting-started kind of stuff.

I’ve used a CMS called Conductor CMS by Ariamedia, and it’s too large for the kind of sites I’m building. I’ve also used Wordpress (for about 10 minutes) and decided to go with the same CMS <a href=“http://www.hicksdesign.co.uk/”>Jon Hicks</a> uses. I figured I’d give it a try.

I think TXP is really easy to use. The plugin architecture is great, the interface is easy to navigate. And, when I ask questions, the solutions are always simple.

The sites I’m going to be building in TXP are typically going to include some sort of feed functionality, but will be mostly static. My personal site will have a journal but other than that, will need to be static information.

The things I run in to most often are simple ones, the little “How do I” questions that could be answered in a comprehensive getting started guide. I guess I’ll just keep coming back here for answers. I just hate to be a pain in the butt when most people on this site seem to know what they’re doing.

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate all the answers I’ve received here from all the generous posters.

Mary · 2005-10-10 21:06:11

> “…the little ‘How do I’ questions that could be answered in a comprehensive getting started guide.”

So, as you said, write one. You’ll notice the manual has an area for it, but no one’s added much. Contribute to it. Get yourself register at the wiki, and add to it. The nice thing about it is you don’t have to add a lot all at once, contribute as you have the time and inclination.

Textpattern isn’t very old, so its not like everyone actively involved is just not bothering, we gotta balance out several commitments, with many other things being first priority.

Happy Txp-ing. :)

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 21:14:31

Thank you for your comment. I will add things as I start become more experienced.

Please don’t take any offense. I was merely asking a question: Is there a resource?
I wasn’t trying to give any user a guilt trip, and If I came off offensive, please do forgive me.

Again, I want to say thank you to all of the people who take the time to answer questions and help others figure out the how-to’s of this application.

Elenita · 2005-10-10 21:28:14

<blockquote>I’ve used a CMS called Conductor CMS by Ariamedia</blockquote>

Sorry, I don’t have any experience with that CMS, but it’s possible that other people here do.

<blockquote>The sites I’m going to be building in TXP are typically going to include some sort of feed functionality</blockquote>

Textpattern has rss and atom functionality right out of the box. The <code><txp:feed_link /></code> will output links to the flavor(s) and content of your choosing.

<blockquote>My personal site will have a journal but other than that, will need to be static information.</blockquote>

Static content can be handled very easy, and from one template. The easiest way to do that would be to use one article for and section each piece of static content, and then call it up using conditional tags. Trust me— it sounds much harder than it actually is. Details can be found in various places, including this thread. A journal’s template would be even easier, and I’ll try to post again with instructions —or at least to links to instructions —when I have some more time.

If you’re trying to get a handle on how to use TxP’s tags to display your content, I highly recommend downloading a freely available template —Textgarden has several —and studying its source code. Once you see fully functional templates, I’m sure all of this will be much easier to grasp.

<blockquote>I guess I’ll just keep coming back here for answers. I just hate to be a pain in the butt when most people on this site seem to know what they’re doing.</blockquote>

Don’t worry about it. We were all new to Textpattern once. Well, except for Dean…

Last edited by Elenita (2005-10-10 21:30:08)

jordanwollman · 2005-10-10 21:36:08

Thanks for the quick response.

I’ll check out those links and get back with you guys.

Mary · 2005-10-11 03:25:56

Wasn’t taking any offense, merely stating a response. Granted if you could see me I wasn’t grinning like an idiot at the time, but was in a mood of general “mm, yes, lovely, quite”. If that makes any sense… Just letting you know the scoop ‘round here: if it ain’t bein’ done, do it (or take a poking stick to someone that can). :)

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#1 2005-10-10 15:27:07

How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#2 2005-10-10 15:40:37

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#3 2005-10-10 17:41:21

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#4 2005-10-10 19:48:58

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#5 2005-10-10 19:53:59

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#6 2005-10-10 20:31:39

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#7 2005-10-10 20:49:47

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#8 2005-10-10 21:06:11

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#9 2005-10-10 21:14:31

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#10 2005-10-10 21:28:14

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#11 2005-10-10 21:36:08

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

#12 2005-10-11 03:25:56

Re: How do I create what I call "Blocks"?

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