Blocks 101

[Mike]

Description of the block system:
In essence blocks are actually small independent mods designed to do a particular job. They require one html file to display the blocks data (block_name.html), and in the majority of cases, one php file (block_name.php), to process and fetch blocks data.

Widget blocks are simple blocks that retrieve remote html/xml data and display it using their html file, they do not normally require a php file. Please note, when retrieving remote data, some mechanism should be employed to check for possible remote injection issues...

Blocks Example:
Simple block: The clock block requires no php file... (no variables)
Regular bock: The top posters block requires both html and php file... (k_config variables)
Complex block: The Menu block requires both html and php files... (k_config variables)
Widget block: The weather block only requires the html (the php file can be used to verify the imported code). (no variables)
Mini Mod block: The block_portal_status.html block requires the html and php file. (k_config variables) + (variables from the portal status mini-mod)...

Blocks, Admin Options:
The normal operations such as: Add, Edit, Delete and Move...
Blocks visibility: Initial visibility is determined by the administrator on a group basis... (one or many)
Block layout/position: Initial layout is set by administrator...

Block Configuration:
Many block contain additional configuration options...
This can vary from simple configurable variables to more complex configuration as is the case of block that are based on mini mods (discussed later)... In the case of simple configurable variables, each block entry provides a link (icon) to the variable configuration page... A link is also provided for blocks based on mini mods...

Blocks, User Options:
Blocks can be moved, hidden etc., by each members according to their preferences...
Block locations are currently restricted to left, right or centre columns...


Blocks are cached...

Blocks share core data...
Blocks can contain queries...
Blocks can modify data...
Blocks can contain configurable data...

Types of blocks:
Dynamic (simple, regular and complex)...
Static (simple or regular)...
Widget blocks (simple or regular)...




Creating a block:

Adding a new block to your site.

Editing/Deleting and moving blocks.

Notes:


Place holder in development...
Various images to be assigned later...