Editable Home Page Centerboxes [Support]

gjh42:

Yes, that should do it.So I did a qick test and I can get them to appear just below the main page defined text, and then just below the Featured, Special, New centerboxes.. Can't quite figure out how to get the midelboxes to appear between the category grid and the Featured, Special, New centerboxes.:frusty: Will keep plugging at this..

gjh42:

A more elegant way would be to have the middlebox code in its own file, so it just has to be called by perhaps one new line in the relevant tpl_index_ file. This would make maintaining and improving the middlebox code easier for the future. I have been doing this kind of thing for my mods as I update them.And truthfully I know this.. But HOW to do it has confounded me..:blush: I'm happy to flounder through this on my own.. Can you give an example of one of your mods I could take a look at where you've done something similar so that I can try figuring this out on my own by copying off of YOUR homework??:smile:

gjh42:

Oh, and tpl_index_categories.php is also used by interior category listing pages, so if the middleboxes are only supposed to appear on the homepage, you would have to have a test for that, or else put the middlebox call inside the (homepage-only) "$show_welcome" loop.
Do you see the deer in the headlights look I now have??:laugh: Okay can you walk me through how I make this happen.. Its this one of those "if this is the home page" conditional statements I need to wrap around my middlebox code???

Yes, if ($this_is_home_page) { would do the job.

Pretty much all of mine use functions, called from the appropriate custom version of a core file; one example is Smart Backgrounds.

You might want to use a require() or include() statement to call a regular PHP file, which then does some figuring and calls as many functions as there are middleboxes active (or something). There are examples of this in tpl_main_page.php. If the actual middlebox code is the same structure for each, you could have a show_middlebox() function which takes arguments of the box name and whatever else could be unique for it... or maybe that wouldn't work - I don't know exactly what the various boxes do.

gjh42:

Yes, if ($this_is_home_page) { would do the job.

Pretty much all of mine use functions, called from the appropriate custom version of a core file; one example is Smart Backgrounds.

You might want to use a require() or include() statement to call a regular PHP file, which then does some figuring and calls as many functions as there are middleboxes active (or something). There are examples of this in tpl_main_page.php. If the actual middlebox code is the same structure for each, you could have a show_middlebox() function which takes arguments of the box name and whatever else could be unique for it... or maybe that wouldn't work - I don't know exactly what the various boxes do.
:laugh:My deer in the headlights look just got bigger.. I am truly digging my self in deeper, but if I can do this I will enjoy the fruits of end result.. (thanks in a big way to you!!)

These middleboxes are fairly simply.. There is one row of three middleboxes each which has it own defined page (to allow the shopowner easy access to update each one).. You can see what they look like here on my test site: http://zentestcart.overthehillweb.com/

Gonna go look at your Smart Backgrounds mod and have a looksee.. Wish me luck..:laugh::laugh:

Here is a sample of how you might structure the middlebox file and its call.```php

Define MIDDLEBOX_QTY in a define file.
```php
<?php
/**
 * Page Template
 *
 * Centerboxes are called as necessary
 *
 * @package templateSystem
 * @copyright Copyright 2003-2006 Zen Cart Development Team
 * @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
 * @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
 *  /includes/templates/your_template/templates/tpl_middlebox_controller.php      test  gjh42 2010-09-20
 */
?>

<!-- Begin Main Page Middleboxes -->
<div id="navColumnMiddleWrapper">
<?php
for($i=1; $i<=MIDDLEBOX_QTY; $i++){
?>
<div class="middleBoxContainer" id="middlebox_<?php echo $i; ?>">
<h2 class="middleBoxHeading" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Heading"><?php echo constant('BOX_HEADING_MIDDLEBOX' . $i; ?></h2>
<div class="middleBoxContent" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Content">
<?php require zen_get_file_directory(DIR_WS_LANGUAGES . $_SESSION['language'] . '/html_includes/', constant('FILENAME_DEFINE_MIDDLEBOX_' . $i), 'false');?>
</div></div>
<?php 
}// /for ?>
</div>
<br class="clearBoth" />
<!-- End Main Page Middleboxes -->

This arrangement would allow any page file to call the middleboxes, by inserting the require() (without the if test) in the desired location.

Color me speechless!!! and GRATEFUL..:hug:I've been at a movie premier going over it in my head how to do this.. I am in awe of cool it is for you to help me with this.. Really it is..

I had one more thought while I was out tonight that I think would be of use.. Gonna give some thought as to how to put it in play.. But I would like to make this whole thing a lot more admin configurable.. I've got an idea how to make the middleboxes something that can be turned on and off in the admin.. Want to think this all the way through.. If I can settle my head down I'm gonna try putting this altogether tomorrow.. Would love your thoughts once I'm done..

Anyway.. I'm beyond grateful for your help..:smile:

gjh42:

Here is a sample of how you might structure the middlebox file and its call.```php

> ```php
<?php
/**
 * Page Template
 *
 * Centerboxes are called as necessary
 *
 * @package templateSystem
 * @copyright Copyright 2003-2006 Zen Cart Development Team
 * @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
 * @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
 *  /includes/templates/your_template/templates/tpl_middlebox_controller.php      test  gjh42 2010-09-20
 */
?>

<!-- Begin Main Page Middleboxes -->
<div id="navColumnMiddleWrapper">
<?php
for($i=1; $i<=MIDDLEBOX_QTY; $i++){
?>
<div class="middleBoxContainer" id="middlebox_<?php echo $i; ?>">
<h2 class="middleBoxHeading" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Heading"><?php echo constant('BOX_HEADING_MIDDLEBOX' . $i; ?></h2>
<div class="middleBoxContent" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Content">
<?php require zen_get_file_directory(DIR_WS_LANGUAGES . $_SESSION['language'] . '/html_includes/', constant('FILENAME_DEFINE_MIDDLEBOX_' . $i), 'false');?>
</div></div>
<?php 
}// /for ?>
</div>
<br class="clearBoth" />
<!-- End Main Page Middleboxes -->

gjh42:

This arrangement would allow any page file to call the middleboxes, by inserting the require() (without the if test) in the desired location.

Okay so I've got this partially working..

I have now added a call to the tpl_index_default.php and tpl_index_categories.php to the newly created tpl_middlebox_controller.php.

But the code for the tpl_middlebox_controller.php makes the right sideboxes disappear and the content below the main page greeting disappears. (middleboxes, featured products, new products, specials, footer, etc)

So temporarily I've put the original middlebox code in the tpl_middlebox_controller.php just to test the call from tpl_index_default.php and tpl_index_categories.php (particularly the tpl_index_categories.php call). That all works beautifully.. (See http://zentestcart.overthehillweb.com/)

I'm not entirely sure why I am getting the result I am getting.. sigh

HELP!!

gjh42:

Here is a sample of how you might structure the middlebox file and its call.```php

> ```php
<?php
/**
 * Page Template
 *
 * Centerboxes are called as necessary
 *
 * @package templateSystem
 * @copyright Copyright 2003-2006 Zen Cart Development Team
 * @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
 * @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
 *  /includes/templates/your_template/templates/tpl_middlebox_controller.php      test  gjh42 2010-09-20
 */
?>

<!-- Begin Main Page Middleboxes -->
<div id="navColumnMiddleWrapper">
<?php
for($i=1; $i<=MIDDLEBOX_QTY; $i++){
?>
<div class="middleBoxContainer" id="middlebox_<?php echo $i; ?>">
<h2 class="middleBoxHeading" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Heading"><?php echo constant('BOX_HEADING_MIDDLEBOX' . $i; ?></h2>
<div class="middleBoxContent" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Content">
<?php require zen_get_file_directory(DIR_WS_LANGUAGES . $_SESSION['language'] . '/html_includes/', constant('FILENAME_DEFINE_MIDDLEBOX_' . $i), 'false');?>
</div></div>
<?php 
}// /for ?>
</div>
<br class="clearBoth" />
<!-- End Main Page Middleboxes -->

gjh42:

This arrangement would allow any page file to call the middleboxes, by inserting the require() (without the if test) in the desired location.

Do you have MIDDLEBOX_QTY defined somewhere? (Set to '3' for your standard 3 boxes.) I'm going to work on getting a new test site set up so I can debug things like this myself.

gjh42:

Do you have MIDDLEBOX_QTY defined somewhere? (Set to '3' for your standard 3 boxes.) I'm going to work on getting a new test site set up so I can debug things like this myself.
Yes.. Not sure if I did this right though.. I created this file: includes/languages/english/extra_definitions/custom_template/middlebox_qty.php. Here are the contents:

<?php
/**
* @package languageDefines
* @copyright Copyright 2003-2006 Zen Cart Development Team
* @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
* @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
*/

// DON'T EDIT THIS FILE UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

// This is used to display the number of middleboxes to display
    define('MIDDLEBOX_QTY', '3');
?>

I just noticed a typo in one line of my code above. I left out a closing ) at the end of this line:

The lack of that would cause a fatal error, and adding it may fix the problem.

deleted

gjh42:

I just noticed a typo in one line of my code above. I left out a closing ) at the end of this line:

<h2 class="middleBoxHeading" id="middlebox<?php echo $i; ?>Heading"><?php echo constant('BOX_HEADING_MIDDLEBOX' . $i); ?></h2>

The lack of that would cause a fatal error, and adding it may fix the problem.
Okay.. Now we're cooking with Crisco!!!:laugh: That little change did the trick..:clap:

I went one step further, and I now have the middleboxes admin configurable. I can set the number of middleboxes I want to display along with whether or not the middleboxes show above or below the products categories (if categories on the main page are enabled) from the admin.

I'm a little unsure if the WAY I've implemented the categories positioning is correct. It works, but I can't help but wonder if there isn't a more effective way to do this.. Can you take a look and give me your thoughts??

Here's what the code in the tpl_index_categories.php looks like:

<!-- Begin Main Page Middleboxes -->
<?php if (MIDDLEBOX_POSITION == 1) { ?>
<?php
if($this_is_home_page) require($template->get_template_dir('tpl_middlebox_controller.php',DIR_WS_TEMPLATE, $current_page_base,'templates'). '/tpl_middlebox_controller.php');
?> 
<?php } ?>
<!-- End Main Page Middleboxes -->

<?php } else { ?>
<h1 id="indexCategoriesHeading"><?php echo $breadcrumb->last(); ?></h1>
<?php } ?>

<?php
if (PRODUCT_LIST_CATEGORIES_IMAGE_STATUS_TOP == 'true') {
// categories_image
  if ($categories_image = zen_get_categories_image($current_category_id)) {
?>
<div id="categoryImgListing" class="categoryImg"><?php echo zen_image(DIR_WS_IMAGES . $categories_image, '', SUBCATEGORY_IMAGE_TOP_WIDTH, SUBCATEGORY_IMAGE_TOP_HEIGHT); ?></div>
<?php
  }
} // categories_image
?>

<?php
// categories_description
    if ($current_categories_description != '') {
?>
<div id="categoryDescription" class="catDescContent"><?php echo $current_categories_description;  ?></div>
<?php } // categories_description ?>
<!-- BOF: Display grid of available sub-categories, if any -->
<?php
  if (PRODUCT_LIST_CATEGORY_ROW_STATUS == 0) {
    // do nothing
  } else {
    // display subcategories
/**
 * require the code to display the sub-categories-grid, if any exist
 */
   require($template->get_template_dir('tpl_modules_category_row.php',DIR_WS_TEMPLATE, $current_page_base,'templates'). '/tpl_modules_category_row.php');
  }
?>
<!-- EOF: Display grid of available sub-categories -->


<!-- Begin Main Page Middleboxes -->
<?php if (MIDDLEBOX_POSITION == 2) { ?>
<?php
if($this_is_home_page) require($template->get_template_dir('tpl_middlebox_controller.php',DIR_WS_TEMPLATE, $current_page_base,'templates'). '/tpl_middlebox_controller.php');
?> 
<?php } ?>
<!-- End Main Page Middleboxes -->

Glad it's working, and admin control sounds like a good improvement. I think you want the top set of middlebox code below```php

I would suggest adding a third option, to put the middleboxes below the featured etc. centerboxes (just below the while loop). If you are adding the switch anyway, you can easily make it more flexible now.

gjh42:

Glad it's working, and admin control sounds like a good improvement.OMG you rock!!! You are one of the many personalities on this forum who I truly admire.. Thanks sooooo much.. I am TRULY grateful for your code.. Gonna do some more tweaking here.. Hope ya don't mind me tapping you on the shoulder to grade my "final" paper!! :laugh: I couldn't have done this without you!!!

I think the admin controls will make this module soooo much easier for folks to use.. This leaves the user only needing to use CSS to tweak the middleboxes in terms of look & feel and positioning, etc. I'll add a few tips on "common" basic kinds of tweaks in the readme..

gjh42:

I think you want the top set of middlebox code below```php

gjh42:

I would suggest adding a third option, to put the middleboxes below the featured etc. centerboxes (just below the while loop). If you are adding the switch anyway, you can easily make it more flexible now.I had already done that:smile:, but wanted to get your "grade" on how I executed the positioning code before I included it..

This is shaping up quite nicely now.. I have cloned three more middleboxes and I am currently testing how this new code works with more than 3 middleboxes enabled. So far so good with my testing.. Your code gave this module the flexibility that it needs with a LOT less code..

guitarz:

Hello,

I'm trying to get 6 centerboxes also and am wondering if Dee's mod is available somewhere. I tried to go to Dee's example site and it's under construction.

Dee, is there a place to download the whatever changes you've made or is there and example/documentation of what you did to get the 6 boxes?

I'm a css/php noob, have zc 1.3.8 installed on a windows testing server, purchased template installed and Editable Centerboxes mod installed, customized and working with 3 boxes.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

KimoQuick answer.. Cloning the middleboxes is pretty easy.. (Tedious, but easy) Each middlebox has a number of support files needed for each one. They are easy to identify as they are all named something like middlebox_#, etc.

You will need to clone each of these files in the same folders they are found. Then re-name the cloned files from wherever it says middlebox_# to the new middlebox number (4, 5, 6 etc)

Once you have cloned all of the middlebox files, you'll then need to edit the contents of each file and change the classes IDs, and definitions to match the new middlebox number. (ie: wherever it says middlebox_1, change to middlebox_4, etc) This part is pretty easy (though tedious) You'll only need to change the middlebox number to match the new middlebox.

You'll then need to edit the CSS file to add the additional classes and IDs needed for the new middleboxes.. Again this is easy, you can copy the existing classes and IDs and simply change the number to match your new middlebox.

I will be submitting an updated version of this module tomorrow. Thanks to gjh42 for his selfless help on this.. The module has a much simple more intelligent codebase which supports as many middleboxes as you wish.

Additionally, the module will now have admin controls to configure the middlebox position, and to define the number of middleboxes to display. The module includes the code for up to NINE middleboxes. (See in action here: http://zentestcart.overthehillweb.com)

Users who want more middleboxes can modify the module to support more, with a little work of course. (Requires cloning the additional middleboxes and a SQL update to update the admin controls to execute -- a little work but VERY doable -- if I can do it so can ANYONE!!)

In light of the new update I wanted to summarize all the tips/hints/suggestions for modifying and/or using this module.

Tips on modifying the title bar for the middleboxes.

Muzz:

I changed my titles here:

\includes\languages\english\extra_definitions\YOUR TEMPLATE\

middlebox_1.php
middlebox_2.php
middlebox_3.php

Edit: define('BOX_HEADING_MIDDLEBOX1', 'Put your title here');

You edit the size of the font tile in the stylesheet_middleboxes.css file

h2.middleBoxHeading, h2.middleBoxHeading a {
font-size: 1.2em;
color: #96b710;

}

Edit the font there as I just tested and that works for me.

Quick tips on how to clone the middleboxes

DivaVocals:

Quick answer.. Cloning the middleboxes is pretty easy.. (Tedious, but easy) Each middlebox has a number of support files needed for each one. They are easy to identify as they are all named something like middlebox_#, etc.

You will need to clone each of these files in the same folders they are found. Then re-name the cloned files from wherever it says middlebox_# to the new middlebox number (4, 5, 6 etc)

Once you have cloned all of the middlebox files, you'll then need to edit the contents of each file and change the classes IDs, and definitions to match the new middlebox number. (ie: wherever it says middlebox_1, change to middlebox_12, etc) This part is pretty easy (though tedious) You'll only need to change the middlebox number to match the number of the new middlebox.

You'll then need to edit the CSS file to add the additional classes and IDs needed for the new middleboxes.. Again this is easy, you can copy the existing classes and IDs and simply change the number to match your new middlebox.

I wanted to point out that if this module is installed correctly you do NOT need to copy ANY of the override files to the the default_template folders, and in fact you should NOT be copying ANY of the files from this mod into the default_template folder. Just be sure to re-name all of the YOUR_TEMPLATE folders in the module's fileset to match the folder name of your store's template and this module will work the FIRST time you install it. In my experience most install issues with ANY Zen Cart module is due to incomplete/incorrect installs.

deemurphy:

One of the things I found out was that I have to place the files that are in whatever templates you are using like the css file and tpl_index_default also have to go into the css directory of the template_default and the same for the tpl_index_default

So following Glenn's suggestion I went a whole bunch of steps further and now I think this new version is ready for submission.. I've tweaked this so that there are SEVEN possible positions for the middleboxes. Three if you do not have categories set to display and four if you do. There should be something for everybody in this now without folks having to do a lot of modifications on their own. Once installed and configured any remaining styling can easily be handled via the included stylesheet... I think that covers everything.. If anyone thinks there's anything I might be overlooking let me know.. I'm on a roll now.. :laugh::laugh:

gjh42:

Glad it's working, and admin control sounds like a good improvement. I think you want the top set of middlebox code below```php

Has this module been updated to include all these admin features? I cant seem to locate it in the download section.

Thanks In advance.

M

PS> GREAT mod.

boselixer:

Has this module been updated to include all these admin features? I cant seem to locate it in the download sectionNot yet.. got tied up with another client project.. But send me a PM and I can send you the files for the updated version.. It's pretty much what will be submitted as soon as my time permits.. Only real thing I need to do to the core files is double check them against the latest Zen Cart version just in case there are mods from core files needed -- should be pretty easy for you to make those checks yourself.. The readme is what needs to be updated, but the rest of the module files is going to be the final version that will be submitted..

boselixer:

PS> GREAT mod.Thanks..:smile: But a special thanks has to go to Glenn.. His contribution is what really makes this new version really cook!!!!:clap: