drupal for non-developers

for Non-Developers

Jeff Pompliano

What is Drupal?

Drupal is a Content Management System (CMS)

A set of programs and tools for administering website settings and content

Components

Node

Content with a unique ID and a unique web address

Examples:

• Basic page

• Blog post

• Calendar event

• Staff member profile

Components

Block

A piece of content that can be placed on one or more nodes. No web address.

Components

View

A database query that returns content (in most cases)

Examples:

• List of recent blog posts

• Upcoming events

• Staff members tagged as “Researchers”

Components

Node

Single piece of content

Unique web address

Analogy:One page in a Word document

Block View

Single piece of content

No web address

Analogy: The header and footer of the document

One or more pieces of content

Display as node or block

Analogy: The table of contents showing all other pages

Components

Theme

The design and layout of the site (colors, sections, fonts)

Components

Module

A downloadable set of code that adds functionality or changes how Drupal works

Components

Users, Roles, and Permissions

A built-in system for managing people and security

Drupal can be complicated!

Any questions so far?

Quick Intermission

CMS Comparison

Drupal

+ Free and open-source + Global development community + Highly customizable

– Learning curve – Decentralized support

CMS Comparison

Wordpress

+ Very user-friendly + Global development community + Built for blogging

– Some paid extensions – Difficulty customizing – Security issues

CMS Comparison

Joomla

+ Many free plugins (extensions) + Easy to install

– Security issues – Small development community – Some paid extensions

CMS Comparison

DNN (formerly DotNetNuke)

+ Powerful and flexible + Drag-and-drop admin interface + Developer community and pro support

– Expensive licensing for top tiers – Limited support

CMS Comparison

SharePoint

+ Great for intranets

– Very expensive licensing – Difficult to customize – High learning curve

CMS Comparison

Drupal Wordpress Joomla DNN SharePoint

Cost

Flexibility

Ease of Use

Building with Drupal

Start with…

Goals Audiences Content

Building with Drupal

…to determine

Theme Modules

Building with Drupal

Architecture

Built-in menu module

Place blocks in theme regions

Content structure and Views

Building with Drupal

Custom Content Types

Define structured content fields

Easy for content editors and end users

Database queries through Views module

No coding, but some learning

Building with Drupal

Developing Without Code

Possible, but limited

Configure through admin interface

Use modules to customize

Choose available theme

Building with Drupal

Customizing with Code

HTML/CSS: General development

PHP: Themes and Modules

MySQL: Databases

JavaScript: Interactive elements

Building with Drupal

LAMP Stack

Linux • Apache • MySQL • PHP

Common open-source technologies

Samples and Use Cases

Singular Content Entry

Create content once Display as node Display in view

Samples and Use Cases

Samples and Use Cases

Samples and Use Cases

User Roles and Permissions

Users can be given one or more user roles, granting permissions and abilities that can be customized.

Samples and Use Cases

Samples and Use Cases

Show content in map and list views

Samples and Use Cases

Showcase projects

Samples and Use Cases

Enable advanced searching and filtering

Samples and Use Cases

List upcoming events by date and time…

Samples and Use Cases

…with registration and payment.

Jeff Pompliano

Project ManagerGravity Works Design + Development

jp@gravityworksdesign.com

Thank You!

Iconography from Noun Project thenounproject.com

Website screenshots used with permission.