I also appreciate this post; it helped me better grasp what's going on under the hood. I will have to get one of those osCommerce books you mentioned.
Is there a post on tips for installing contributions?
I don't mean the actual install instructions that are "usually" provided with a contribution but guidance for a Noob on what to watch out for, which contribs won't effect others, what ones to avoid, etc? I know the documentation sometimes covers this but in my fumbling around I installed a contrib that altered files in another one I installed previously. I didn't see anything in the documentation that said this would occur. Maybe if I wasn't a Noob I would have known this but....I didn't.
Thank goodness for backups eh???
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117 replies to this topic
#81 ONLINE
Posted 26 January 2009 - 01:03 AM
I am not a professional webmaster or PHP coder by background or training but I will try to help as best I can.
I remember what it was like when I first started with osC. It can be overwhelming.
However, I strongly recommend considering hiring a professional for extensive site modifications, site cleaning, etc.
There are several good pros here on osCommerce. Look around, you'll figure out who they are.
I remember what it was like when I first started with osC. It can be overwhelming.
However, I strongly recommend considering hiring a professional for extensive site modifications, site cleaning, etc.
There are several good pros here on osCommerce. Look around, you'll figure out who they are.
#82
Posted 26 January 2009 - 01:31 AM
well, heres the thing.. Understand the file structure for oscommerce is NOT common sense and theres nothing about it that would make you figure it out without LOTS of playing around or reading this.
HOWEVER< when you are installing a contribution, think about it with your common sense...
You already installed your first contribution. Say with was something for product attributes.. So you KNOW that you definitely changed the code in the product_attributes.php page, categories.php and maybe even product_info.php among others. now again, just assuming..
So then say that you want to add a "remove buy now button" contribution. Now oyu KNOW that the particular contribution will edit the product_info pages.. The instructions tell you to install the files OR do it manually.. So NOW is where the thinking comes in.
If you dont really entirely know that you changed the product_info.php page, you can go back and look at the contributions you already installed and check and see if that is in the instructions. Almost ALL contributions have a list at the begining of new files and changed files..
So now, your NEW contribution also changes the product_info.php page.. So what are you going to do??? Are you going to just replace the file and upload it to your site because you dont want to do a manual install?? Well, you shouldnt. You shuld think about it with some sense and realize that you already made atleast one change to that file, and there would be no way possible that ALL contributions that you install will assume that everyone already has your code in there.. Instad, you have to merge the two files or insert the code manually.
Its really common sense. USUALLY i dont say too much about oscommerce is common sense, but this really is. You changed the file, then you are going to replace that file forma contribution that could not POSSIBLE have the changes you made inside of the new file??
The tip here is, keep a list of ALL of the contributions you installed. I usually save the zip files for each in a "usercontributions" folder on my site.. i have another "wantedcontributions" folder.. but the thing is, once youve installed your first contribution, chances are you will NEVER be able to REPLACE files again.. or atleast not the ENTIRE package..
HOWEVER< when you are installing a contribution, think about it with your common sense...
You already installed your first contribution. Say with was something for product attributes.. So you KNOW that you definitely changed the code in the product_attributes.php page, categories.php and maybe even product_info.php among others. now again, just assuming..
So then say that you want to add a "remove buy now button" contribution. Now oyu KNOW that the particular contribution will edit the product_info pages.. The instructions tell you to install the files OR do it manually.. So NOW is where the thinking comes in.
If you dont really entirely know that you changed the product_info.php page, you can go back and look at the contributions you already installed and check and see if that is in the instructions. Almost ALL contributions have a list at the begining of new files and changed files..
So now, your NEW contribution also changes the product_info.php page.. So what are you going to do??? Are you going to just replace the file and upload it to your site because you dont want to do a manual install?? Well, you shouldnt. You shuld think about it with some sense and realize that you already made atleast one change to that file, and there would be no way possible that ALL contributions that you install will assume that everyone already has your code in there.. Instad, you have to merge the two files or insert the code manually.
Its really common sense. USUALLY i dont say too much about oscommerce is common sense, but this really is. You changed the file, then you are going to replace that file forma contribution that could not POSSIBLE have the changes you made inside of the new file??
The tip here is, keep a list of ALL of the contributions you installed. I usually save the zip files for each in a "usercontributions" folder on my site.. i have another "wantedcontributions" folder.. but the thing is, once youve installed your first contribution, chances are you will NEVER be able to REPLACE files again.. or atleast not the ENTIRE package..
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#83 ONLINE
Posted 27 January 2009 - 01:36 AM
Your coaching fired a couple dormant neurons here. It just occurred to me that I could use my winmerge utility to compare a current php current file with the php file to be installed for a particular contribution. That way I could glean out what each file has/doesn't have and make some logical choices. I may not know exactly how the code works but probably could figure it out with some pondering. That makes sense I think. This is interesting stuff. I don't what's more fun, working on a site or selling stuff from the site. Thanks much.
I am not a professional webmaster or PHP coder by background or training but I will try to help as best I can.
I remember what it was like when I first started with osC. It can be overwhelming.
However, I strongly recommend considering hiring a professional for extensive site modifications, site cleaning, etc.
There are several good pros here on osCommerce. Look around, you'll figure out who they are.
I remember what it was like when I first started with osC. It can be overwhelming.
However, I strongly recommend considering hiring a professional for extensive site modifications, site cleaning, etc.
There are several good pros here on osCommerce. Look around, you'll figure out who they are.
#84
Posted 27 January 2009 - 03:45 AM
to me, working on the site is more fun.. I just create sites, i dont do the selling.. so its obvious i enjoy building the site over selling.
BUT YES.. just about everyone here has used winmerge or diffmerge to to contributions... its the absolutely EASIEST way, just dont do crazy just clicking MERGE MERGE MERGE MERGE, because you CAN merge most of it, but sometimes it will overwrite or change something that you really shouldnt change, and that is where good note keeping and a little knowledge of coding comes in.
BUT YES.. just about everyone here has used winmerge or diffmerge to to contributions... its the absolutely EASIEST way, just dont do crazy just clicking MERGE MERGE MERGE MERGE, because you CAN merge most of it, but sometimes it will overwrite or change something that you really shouldnt change, and that is where good note keeping and a little knowledge of coding comes in.
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#85
Posted 29 January 2009 - 07:06 PM
I just found another great book for teaching yourself how to really get in there and change the look of oscommerce. I always prefer books because i find stuff on the net, do it once and then when i need to go back and do it again its another 1/2 hour search to find that same thread or website.. I have a few books, some by monika mathe and david mercer.. They have been a great help, but when you are talking about changing the look, i have found that this book is the best - and its created by someone who is well known in the osc industry.
Changing the Look of OSC book
A lot of people have actually asked me to refer a book to them, which is why i am posting this publically along with responding to those who email me.. Basically, if you are here looking at this thread learning about osc for the first time, you can REALLY use this book..
Changing the Look of OSC book
A lot of people have actually asked me to refer a book to them, which is why i am posting this publically along with responding to those who email me.. Basically, if you are here looking at this thread learning about osc for the first time, you can REALLY use this book..
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#86
Posted 15 February 2009 - 02:32 AM
I just wanted to request that people who need help with oscommerce stuff PLEASE don't PM me.. I havent had a lot of chances to get on here and respond, HOWEVER i have been spending a lot of time on blog, where you can ask questions and get answers.. See my profile for a link to my blog.. I dont THINK i am allowed to actually post it here.. But visit my profile and click VISIT SITE and send me an email through that site and I will do my best to answer your questions
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#87
Posted 15 February 2009 - 06:13 AM
lindsayanng, on Feb 15 2009, 01:32 PM, said:
I just wanted to request that people who need help with oscommerce stuff PLEASE don't PM me.. I havent had a lot of chances to get on here and respond, HOWEVER i have been spending a lot of time on blog, where you can ask questions and get answers.. See my profile for a link to my blog.. I dont THINK i am allowed to actually post it here.. But visit my profile and click VISIT SITE and send me an email through that site and I will do my best to answer your questions
The Coopco Underwear Shop
If you live to be 100 years of age, that means you have lived for 36,525 days. Don't waste another, there aren't many left.
#88
Posted 19 February 2009 - 04:45 PM
yea, but that doesnt stop them from first flooding me.. THats why i ask.. I can only take so many questions and help with so many problem.. hence the creation of my blog. its easier to filter because there are solutions on there already... I'm just hoping people get it. I'm not mean or rude.. just really busy
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#89
Posted 20 February 2009 - 07:52 AM
lindsayanng, on Feb 20 2009, 03:45 AM, said:
yea, but that doesnt stop them from first flooding me.. THats why i ask.. I can only take so many questions and help with so many problem.. hence the creation of my blog. its easier to filter because there are solutions on there already... I'm just hoping people get it. I'm not mean or rude.. just really busy
We are all busy and should not tolerate attempts to enslave us.
The Coopco Underwear Shop
If you live to be 100 years of age, that means you have lived for 36,525 days. Don't waste another, there aren't many left.
#90
Posted 25 February 2009 - 11:01 PM
Hi Lindsay,
Many months ago (I'm sure you don't remember), but you advised me to install an Apache server, and not just rely on working on my oscomm. site that is maintained on my commercial server.... I agreed, because I like to work the bugs out of something before going live with it.,...
But I was so overwhelmed with everything, I just gave up for awhile. I had bought a book (Oscommerce: Professional Edition by Mercer) but just didn't want to mess with this thing... I purchased a template based cookie cutter e-commerce site, and started working on that..... well, I didn't like that, plus, I like the idea of having a copy of the site on my home machine; so I got that thing canceled a refunded (GoDaddy's cool about all that), and returned to the original plan: learn oscommerce: make a cool site.
Long story short: I installed everything using xammp, as the installation of php, mysql and apache described in the book does not work. So, starting today, I'm actually going to work on an oscommerce site..... I think.....
Many months ago (I'm sure you don't remember), but you advised me to install an Apache server, and not just rely on working on my oscomm. site that is maintained on my commercial server.... I agreed, because I like to work the bugs out of something before going live with it.,...
But I was so overwhelmed with everything, I just gave up for awhile. I had bought a book (Oscommerce: Professional Edition by Mercer) but just didn't want to mess with this thing... I purchased a template based cookie cutter e-commerce site, and started working on that..... well, I didn't like that, plus, I like the idea of having a copy of the site on my home machine; so I got that thing canceled a refunded (GoDaddy's cool about all that), and returned to the original plan: learn oscommerce: make a cool site.
Long story short: I installed everything using xammp, as the installation of php, mysql and apache described in the book does not work. So, starting today, I'm actually going to work on an oscommerce site..... I think.....
#91
Posted 26 February 2009 - 04:18 AM
Than k you so very much for this!
i just started with php and was completely lost.
I was about to walk away from the entire project when i came across this post....now it all starting to make some sense .
thank you so much.
I give you my newb salute.
oh....
that kinda sounded dirty didnt it?
i just started with php and was completely lost.
I was about to walk away from the entire project when i came across this post....now it all starting to make some sense .
thank you so much.
I give you my newb salute.
oh....
that kinda sounded dirty didnt it?
#92
Posted 26 February 2009 - 05:53 AM
hey jdpg, i rememebr that convertsation about XAMPP and listen.. If you need help installing XAMPP, let me know.. I am thinking I am going to write a tutorial on it. its is actually a LOT LOT LOT easier than those websites make it out to be!! TRUST ME!
Let me know if you need help. I offer support to osc forums members.. Just email me through my website (there s a link in my portfolio)
Leviathan.. I'm glad that I was able to help!! Theres a lot more of information out there too!! The oscommerce knowledge base is a GREAT thing!
Let me know if you need help. I offer support to osc forums members.. Just email me through my website (there s a link in my portfolio)
Leviathan.. I'm glad that I was able to help!! Theres a lot more of information out there too!! The oscommerce knowledge base is a GREAT thing!
A great place for newbies to start
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
Road Map to oscommerce File Structure
DO NOT PM ME FOR HELP. My time is valuable, unless i ask you to PM me, please dont. You will get better help if you post publicly. I am not as good at this as you think anyways!
HOWEVER, you can visit my blog (go to my profile to see it) and post a question there, i will find time to get back and answer you
Proud Memeber of the CODE BREAKERS CLUB!!
#94
Posted 08 July 2009 - 02:05 AM
Lindsay, I wanted to say thank you for your hard work. I have read your post and it really helped me to understand. I was really struggling and now it makes since. I have a long way to go, but you helped to decifer some of the code.
Thanks a bunch.
Dawn
Thanks a bunch.
Dawn
#95
Posted 09 July 2009 - 03:02 AM
Thank you so much Lindsay!! In the first few lines I'd learned something that has made a huge difference!! This little newbie will be reading the whole thing (but then I do have a sadistic streak for figuring things out myself ha ha)
#97
Posted 21 July 2009 - 01:36 PM
Hello,
I just came across this great post. This really helps the beginners.
Actually the following website has complete video tutorials for installing osCommerce on XAMPP:
From our forum rules:
Best regards
I just came across this great post. This really helps the beginners.
Quote
If you need help installing XAMPP, let me know.. I am thinking I am going to write a tutorial on it.....
Actually the following website has complete video tutorials for installing osCommerce on XAMPP:
From our forum rules:
Quote
Commercial postings and linking to external sites providing osCommerce related products and services are not allowed on the osCommerce Community Support Forums.
Best regards
Edited by Jan Zonjee, 19 September 2009 - 10:27 AM.
Alex
#98
Posted 05 August 2009 - 03:45 AM
A very well-structured explanation for beginners. It should be on the main page along with other similar explanations - visible to everyone that is visiting for the first time!!
I've now been working with the customization of my shop for a week - it would have been a great help had I found your roadmap on my first visit.
If you have the time, I suggest you make other explanatory texts on other subjects of general interest in osC - it would be a great help to many. Of course, many of the necessary explanations can be found around the site, but as a beginner it is VERY difficult to separate the essential from the more specific information.
Waiting to read more from your pen!
I've now been working with the customization of my shop for a week - it would have been a great help had I found your roadmap on my first visit.
If you have the time, I suggest you make other explanatory texts on other subjects of general interest in osC - it would be a great help to many. Of course, many of the necessary explanations can be found around the site, but as a beginner it is VERY difficult to separate the essential from the more specific information.
Waiting to read more from your pen!
#99
Posted 07 August 2009 - 05:27 PM
This is great. I just posted a new thread (http://forums.oscommerce.com/index.php?showtopic=342484) but perhaps my questions could be addressed here. I'm actually logged into this forum at the moment to find a solution for a client but will definitely circle back and read it all the way through.
