Podcast: Module A Day
#022: Migrate
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/migrate
- Who: Only VERY technical users - You need to understand how the Table Wizard module works and not get frustrated too easily.
- What: The Migrate module allows you pull information from non-Drupal database tables and make them into Nodes, Users, Comments, etc.
- When: Use this module when you need to pull data from a table that isn't related to Drupal AND you want to get that data into a Drupal native table.
- Where: You can find this module in the admin back end under content management.
- Why: Writing import modules for Drupal is not fun and takes a lot of time. If you already have your information saved in your database this makes it easy-ish to import.
#021: Table Wizard
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/tw
- Who: Only technical users - You pretty much have to understand how tables in databases work to get the most out of this module.
- What: The Table Wizard module allows you to interface Drupal with non-Drupal database tables in the form of views.
- When: Use this module when you need to pull data from a table that isn't related to Drupal but it does not need to go into nodes. Note: This module is useful for niche operations by its self but it really shines when paired with the Migrate module.
- Where: You can find this module in the admin back end under content management.
- Why: Not everything needs to be a full Drupal module. If you just need to reference data out of a database and you don't need it to be a full node, this is the module for you.
#020: FileField Paths
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/filefield_paths
- Who: Technical and semi-technical users
- What: The FileFields Path module allows the paths for your uploaded fields contain information from your node (such as fields, node id, etc.)
- When: Use this module when you want to keep a clean /files directory. It is especially useful in keeping your files together when you have multiple file uploads per node.
- Where: After enabling the module go to your Content Types that have file uploads and configure a file field. Scroll down until you find a field set labeled "FileField Path Settings", expand it and take a look at the replacement tokens.
- Why: By default Drupal only allows you to use generic tokens when saving files on a node. This module gives you many more options that are tied to the specific node and all of it's fields.
#019: Node Import
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/node_import
- Who: Technical users
- What: The node import module allows you to import nodes, users, blogs, books, comments, paths, taxonomy and many other things.
- When: Use this module when you have a lot of data stored in a program that doesn't have a real database behind it, you need it and Drupal and your software can export CSV (Comma Separated Values) files.
- Where: In the admin section under content management.
- Why: This module makes importing data from flat files fairly easy and is much easier than creating nodes by hand.
#018: Views 404
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/views404
- Who: Technical Users
- What: The Views 404 module returns 404 codes when you enter in any thing in the URL after your defined view URL.
- When: Use this module when your website is showing a lot of duplicate content in the search engines from your Views. Note: DO NOT USE THIS MODULE IF YOU HAVE VIEWS WITH URL BASED ARGUMENTS!
- Where: This module is an oddity, I couldn't find any configurable options at all. Just enable it and for get it.
- Why: This module is for people who want to get every bit of SEO into a site. I don't use this module and I've never run into too much of an issue with duplicate content.
EP 017: Node Reference/Embed Media Browser
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/nrembrowser
- Who: Currently developers only. Eventually: Everybody
- What: The Node Reference/Embed Media browser aims to make node reference fields easier by allowing users to select nodes and media through a graphical modal window.
- When: Use this module when you want to make it easier for content editors to add node references to nodes (particularly graphical node references). This module is currently Alpha and I would recommend not using it on any production site until it has a stable release.
- Where: This module is administered through the CCK fields interface. Just select Node Reference and then the media browser widget. You can go back and retroactively modify your existing content types that use Node References to use this widget.
- Why: Having to remember what the image of the cute fuzzy panda isn't easy when you have thousands of pictures. This module makes it easier for your users by allowing them to see the picture and then click on it.
EP 016: Teleport
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/teleport
- Who: Technical and non-technical users
- What: The teleport module allows administrators to navigate a Drupal site like they would with Quicksilver, Google Quick Search Box or Gnome Do (via keyboard)
- When: When you're tired of moving your mouse around and clicking on a dozen links to get to a part of the site (and you're good at typing).
- Where: There are some settings in the Site Configuration section but I just left them alone. Two Notes: 1) Make sure you set the security permissions and 2) the default hotkey is CTRL-M regardless of what operating system you use.
- Why: It helps you get around the site in a quick manor but is certainly not required.
EP 015: NodeReferrer
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/nodereferrer
- Who: Technical and mid-range technical users
- What: The NodeReferrer module tells you which nodes are using the Node Reference module to point at it. It does have some configuration items such as total to display, some pager options and which node types to include in it's listing.
- When: Use this module when you want to have back links to the referring node automatically.
- Where: This module is entirely setup in your CCK field settings. Do be careful in your settings, NodeReferer does look a lot like Node Reference in that little select list.
- Why: It's an automatic way to find out which nodes refer to the current node. I sometimes use it as a reverse source for articles I've written.
EP 014: Adjusti-Search
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/adjustisearch
- Who: Technical and mid-range technical users
- What: The adjusti-search module allows you to have a block on your site that enables users to search different search engines by selecting one from a list.
- When: Use this module when you want your users to search different sources that are external to your site.
- Where: You can adjust the settings and search engines listed in the Site Configuration section of the admin backend. Don't forget to modify your blocks display to show the block this module created or else it won't actually do anything.
- Why: If you want to have a search box like Myspace has where the user gets to choose where they search then this is the module for you.
EP 013: Sections
Module a Day
Module Link: http://drupal.org/project/sections
- Who: This module is for technical users that will be setting up the site. It's configuration isn't too complex but understanding paths is helpful. This module will be familiar to users who are used to editing blocks since it has a similar interface for adding sections.
- What: The sections module allows you to change the theme on a few variables like path, user and PHP snipit.
- When: Use this module when you need to change the page for a page, section or user.
- Where: The settings for this module are found in the site building section of the admin back end.
- Why: Sometimes you just need part of your site to look different for whatever reason. If you need a simple version of this module, use Sections, if you need a more complex version, use Theme Key.
