Hi all,
Since the release of CMSimple under GPL 3, there were several feature requests regarding CMSimple_XH. To decide what to include and to give more clarification to the users about future developments, we decided to define the principles and goals of CMSimple_XH more extensive. Of course we need the opinion of the users, so in this topic you have the chance to comment and put your wishes forward. This is about the future of CMSimple_XH, to define where it's going. For now, we have the following defined.
Principles / goals of CMSimple_XH:
1. Deliver a up-to-date CMS that, without plug-ins, can be used for a basic website. Included basic additional functions.
CMSimple_XH is a complete package, so you don't have to install a plug-in for the most basic things. That requires some features included in the core. The features included in the core are:
- Simple page manager so you can add, move and delete pages.
- WYSIWYG editor. This editor must be available everywhere, so plug-ins can call the editor, with their own configuration.
- Simple image manager with the functions: preview, upload, delete, download, move and rename.
- Simple downloads manager with the functions: upload, delete, download, move and rename.
- 1 admin account to administrate the website.
- Link checker. This is a nice feature, a legacy from the past.
- Simple e-mail form with the fields: name, e-mail address, subject, message and captcha.
2. Provide a platform for powerful plug-ins which extend the functionality. Plug-ins can influence every aspect of the core. Therefore they can be used for all kinds of advanced functionality.
Plug-ins are able to override every core-feature, so the basic core-features can be replaced with more advanced features. For ex. the simple e-mail form. After installing a plug-in of the type "e-mail form", the standard e-mail form is replaced by the plug-in. Plug-ins are able to access all the data belonging to the core features. Plug-ins must, if they use this data, take care of security themselves.
3. CMSimple_XH is very easy to use. The administration part is self-explaining, so everyone is able to understand and use it.
The standard administration layout is simple an logical. There are short help texts assigned to fields and / or buttons, which is displayed when hovering an help sign. Advanced settings and options are hidden under a button "more settings".
4. The core of CMSimple_XH provides html 4.01 transitional or xhtml 1.0 transitional valid output.
The output is valid, according to the settings. There are functions like amp() and tag() available to serve the features and plug-ins.
5. No database needed. Easy backup and transfer of data.
The content is stored in a single file. This file is automatically back-upped when logging out. The back-ups can be downloaded or restored by clicking "download" or "restore". It's also possible to upload a content file.
6. Simple installation, configuration and upgrade.
After uploading CMSimple_XH, you get an install script when first accessing the website. There, the most basic configuration options must be set, like admin name and password. After that, the install script is deleted and the website is ready. Installing templates and plug-ins is possible by uploading them with your FTP-program or by uploading them at the site administration.
You can easily check if there's a new version of CMSimple_XH, by clicking "update".
This isn't complete, but in the meantime, we'd like your opinion.
Because of the size of this post, I won't post it again. Changes will be displayed in this post. And remember, this is how we like CMSimple_XH to be in the future. It's not a description of CMSimple_XH as it is now!
Leen