override the override? I am confused

[chakotay2]

Ok,

I understand that to modify the original (default) template you use an override, but if you install another template, that is an override of the default... so if I am using a template other than the original, do I modify that templates files, or do I need to do an override scheme to the template as well? this gets confusing!

I am sure I am making this harder than it is, but I just want to make sure that if I do a downloadable template that when that template (or the core) gets updated I don't lose everthing!...

[afo]

When you update Zen Cart, you're updating the "core", so for people who insist on using the Classic Green Template and not using the override system, they lose all the changes they made.

If you create a custom template and/or install a free template, those files won't get overwritten by the update/upgrade because the folders aren't included in the update/upgrade (unlike classic and template_default). You will have to compare and update your custom files from the latest Zen Cart release. The best way to do that is to use a program like WinMerge or Beyond Compare to compare the files and copy the changes.

[stevesh]

One thing to remember is that each template, properly installed using the override system, operates independently, so you can have a dozen (or more) templates installed, each with its own set of override folders. The 'Classic' template is just an example template provided by the developers - in any case, any custom template (including 'Classic') overrides the template_default.

[chakotay2]

ok, got that part, but what happens if there is an update to the template itself?

And do I have to stick with templates which have the latest version of zen cart listed as their versions?

[stevesh]

ok, got that part, but what happens if there is an update to the template itself?

And do I have to stick with templates which have the latest version of zen cart listed as their versions?

I haven't seen an update with any template I've tried, but I suppose you would just install the updated version over the existing one, setting your FTP program to overwrite.

I would. I know there are template differences between the current version and, say, version 1.36.

If you find an earlier template you like, install it and see what happens. If it doesn't work completely, you might be able to modify it to fit.

If you're considering buying a template, the above suggestions are null and void.

[chakotay2]

Thank you.