<php echo get'Plugin' ?>
Modules, components and plugins are additional functions that be added to a website that enhance the core functionabilty of the website. Generally components perform a 'standalone function' (substantive task) like a forum or shopping cart function. They use the core system of the CMS like email management and user login to intergrate with the website. A plugin or module perform functions that are within or page part of a page. A module might be a banner advert that runs only certain pages, but the subject to wide to mention in paragraph. In simple parlance - They get the job done when it needs to be done.
A plugin might be simple weather data extract on a page from Google, as this example shows.
Clear 9 oC| Sat | 12 ⇒ 22 oC | » Partly Sunny « |
| Sun | 12 ⇒ 19 oC | » Chance of Rain « |
| Mon | 11 ⇒ 20 oC | » Mostly Sunny « |
There are more advanced systems called CCK (Content Construction Kits) that are components which are part of the CMS but have a very specific role, that is to create content needs to be very consistent (known as vertical markets) like a real estsate website, ie if you add a property you can add text, a number images, data for property numbers, vendors licence numbers and so on and these fields should be in the same place for every listing for the benefit of consistency and end-user satisfaction.
Did you notice how the form to the right has changed and the submit button is now "Just Ask"? . That is a module that has been inserted to collect data, a phpformailer version and it is the same one on the front page of this website, but duplicated and reconfigured for different purposes. This is a small example of modules, css templating and configuration.
There are many modules and components like images galleries, help desk support, forums, FAQS, user management control, frontend editing, email management, newsletter management, surveys, news display systems, subscription management, payment modules, e-commerce, web video systems , blog systems and much more waiting to be installed, configured and turned on for you ready to go.
Just Ask! >>>
