EasyPopulate 4.0 Support Thread

I've installed EP4 onto Zen Cart 1.5.7b and it mostly works fine, however unlike previous versions I could upload subcategories from a CSV. This version is only uploading everything to the top level so for instance I want: Shoes > Blue > Nice Blue Trainer. But I am getting instead is Shoes > Nice Blue Trainer.

I am using the category headings of v_categories_name_1, v_categories_name_2, v_categories_name_3 and so on but everything is being uploaded into v_categories_name_1.

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks, Rich

RichBarnett:

I've installed EP4 onto Zen Cart 1.5.7b and it mostly works fine, however unlike previous versions I could upload subcategories from a CSV. This version is only uploading everything to the top level so for instance I want: Shoes > Blue > Nice Blue Trainer. But I am getting instead is Shoes > Nice Blue Trainer.

I am using the category headings of v_categories_name_1, v_categories_name_2, v_categories_name_3 and so on but everything is being uploaded into v_categories_name_1.

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks, Rich
Yes. If you have used some other version of Easy Populate, then likely it did not support multiple languages... the number that follows the underscore represents a language at least in cases where "true" text is involved. To use sub-categories, the relationship is presented using a carat (^). So for the above, Shoes^Blue^Nice Blue Trainer to represent the product to be in the main category of Shoes, the sub-category of Blue and then within that sub-category to dig deeper into the sub-category of Nice Blue Trainer.

This "difference" is described in the instructions.

mc12345678:

Yes. If you have used some other version of Easy Populate, then likely it did not support multiple languages... the number that follows the underscore represents a language at least in cases where "true" text is involved. To use sub-categories, the relationship is presented using a carat (^). So for the above, Shoes^Blue^Nice Blue Trainer to represent the product to be in the main category of Shoes, the sub-category of Blue and then within that sub-category to dig deeper into the sub-category of Nice Blue Trainer.

This "difference" is described in the instructions.

Sorry, I didn't explain myself properly.

So the previous version that I used was on an older website. I am now building a completely new website so there is no history or connections to older versions, it's a completely different database.

So, if I use the older website I can use v_categories_name_1, v_categories_name_2, v_categories_name_3 to create subcategories. On the new website, it only recognises v_categories_name_1 and nothing more. How can I get it recognise v_categories_name_2, 3 and so on?

Thanks, Rich

RichBarnett:

Sorry, I didn't explain myself properly.

So the previous version that I used was on an older website. I am now building a completely new website so there is no history or connections to older versions, it's a completely different database.

So, if I use the older website I can use v_categories_name_1, v_categories_name_2, v_categories_name_3 to create subcategories. On the new website, it only recognises v_categories_name_1 and nothing more. How can I get it recognise v_categories_name_2, 3 and so on?

Thanks, Rich
And perhaps I did not explain myself, but in addition to that I would like to ask for some information.

A few questions first:

1. In exporting a copy of what is currently in the database (full export or by use of the dropdowns along the top to target a smaller grouping), how do the headings associated with v_categories_name appear? Do they contain _1, _2, and/or _3?
2. How many languages are installed to this new site?
3. In the upper right corner of the EP4 window, what are the designations for the language(s)?
4. What is an example of information populated in v_categories_name_1 for the uploaded file?
5. What version of EP4 is being used on the two sites?

To try to explain what is likely incorrect based on the recent response, I (mis)understood that where a product was to be placed into a sub-sub-category of Nice Blue Trainer, that v_categories_name_1 was populated with Shoes, v_categories_name_2 with Blue and v_categories_name_3 with Nice Blue Trainer. Because the problem described (all items appearing in just the "first" category) and "older/other" versions of Easy Populate (not EasyPopulate V4) acting this way, I assumed that the older site was using such an older (non-EP4) version.

I haven't been told of any issues with multiple languages and product being attempted to be entered into sub-categories by use of the language_id (1, 2, 3, etc). If such a problem exists, I would really like to resolve it. Not being told about such a problem doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Ideally we can get to the issue(s) and resolve whatever needs to be addressed.

Thank you for your response and sorry to sound thick.

In response:

1. So in EP4 the CSV export only offers v_categories_1 - this is installed on the new website. On the old website EP0 is used and exports a CSV with the headings v_categories_1, v_categories_2, v_categories_3 and so on up to 7.
2. Only English.
3. Just English
4. Shoes for instance below:
   v_categories_name_1 v_categories_name_2
   Shoes Size 6
   Shoes Size 5
5. I've taken the latest version of EP4 for the new website. The old website uses just Easy Populate from several years ago.

Thanks, Rich

RichBarnett:

Thank you for your response and sorry to sound thick.

In response:

1. So in EP4 the CSV export only offers v_categories_1 - this is installed on the new website. On the old website EP0 is used and exports a CSV with the headings v_categories_1, v_categories_2, v_categories_3 and so on up to 7.
2. Only English.
3. Just English
4. Shoes for instance below:
   v_categories_name_1 v_categories_name_2
   Shoes Size 6
   Shoes Size 5
5. I've taken the latest version of EP4 for the new website. The old website uses just Easy Populate from several years ago.

Thanks, Rich
No problem. The questions were asked to help ensure that we are/would be on the same page.

Okay, so... If English is the only language that is used, then when working with fields that are language based such as "v_categories_name" the _1 that follows will assign the data to the language that is identified as having a language_id of 1... In a standard default install of Zen Cart that will be English.

So, to identify the category name information for English in a standard install, that data will go into the column that is titled v_categories_name_1. For a products_description, the v_products_description_1 column will be populated with the description to be presented in English.

So... How are sub-categories handled? Well, for English, all information has to be placed under the v_categories_name_1 column, but somehow the main category has to be identified to have a sub-category.... This is done by listing the main category separated by something and then followed by the sub-category of that main category. In a default EP4 installation, that dividing character is the carat (^) (shift 6 on a Standard US based computer keyboard).

For your example, the category information to put a product in the sub-category of Size 6 under Shoes, then the information in the field (column of v_categories_name_1) would be:

Shoes^Size 6

For the product that is to be in Size 7 of Shoes:
Shoes^Size 7

Now if you had a category that was a sub-sub-category, then something like:

Shoes^Blue^Size 6

Would place the product of that row into the Size 6 sub-category of the Blue category that is in the Shoes category....

Such above information would also be displayed in the output file if product were exported.

As to "several years ago", EP4 has been around for a long time thanks to the work of several others before me (as can be seen by going to the first post of this thread). This version though works differently than others have worked.

Does that help at all?

If you look back through this thread (use a search in the forum or perhaps even better from your favorite internet search tool) for say CONCATENATE, then there are instructions provided throughout about how you can "convert" an existing import file from the way that/those versions of Easy Populate operated to how EP4 works.... I know that I have provided such instruction multiple times but haven't gone back myself anytime recently to locate the posts...

For an example in say cell Y2:
=IF(N2<>"", CONCATENATE(M2,"^",N2),M2) & IF(O2<>"",CONCATENATE("^",O2),"") & IF(P2<>"",CONCATENATE("^",P2),"")

That would combine four cells together into a single cell where all of the content is combined as "expected". That result could then be copied to your v_categories_name_1 field....

mc12345678:

No problem. The questions were asked to help ensure that we are/would be on the same page.

Okay, so... If English is the only language that is used, then when working with fields that are language based such as "v_categories_name" the _1 that follows will assign the data to the language that is identified as having a language_id of 1... In a standard default install of Zen Cart that will be English.

So, to identify the category name information for English in a standard install, that data will go into the column that is titled v_categories_name_1. For a products_description, the v_products_description_1 column will be populated with the description to be presented in English.

So... How are sub-categories handled? Well, for English, all information has to be placed under the v_categories_name_1 column, but somehow the main category has to be identified to have a sub-category.... This is done by listing the main category separated by something and then followed by the sub-category of that main category. In a default EP4 installation, that dividing character is the carat (^) (shift 6 on a Standard US based computer keyboard).

For your example, the category information to put a product in the sub-category of Size 6 under Shoes, then the information in the field (column of v_categories_name_1) would be:

Shoes^Size 6

For the product that is to be in Size 7 of Shoes:
Shoes^Size 7

Now if you had a category that was a sub-sub-category, then something like:

Shoes^Blue^Size 6

Would place the product of that row into the Size 6 sub-category of the Blue category that is in the Shoes category....

Such above information would also be displayed in the output file if product were exported.

As to "several years ago", EP4 has been around for a long time thanks to the work of several others before me (as can be seen by going to the first post of this thread). This version though works differently than others have worked.

Does that help at all?

If you look back through this thread (use a search in the forum or perhaps even better from your favorite internet search tool) for say CONCATENATE, then there are instructions provided throughout about how you can "convert" an existing import file from the way that/those versions of Easy Populate operated to how EP4 works.... I know that I have provided such instruction multiple times but haven't gone back myself anytime recently to locate the posts...

For an example in say cell Y2:
=IF(N2<>"", CONCATENATE(M2,"^",N2),M2) & IF(O2<>"",CONCATENATE("^",O2),"") & IF(P2<>"",CONCATENATE("^",P2),"")

That would combine four cells together into a single cell where all of the content is combined as "expected". That result could then be copied to your v_categories_name_1 field....

Well, that has just worked superbly!

Thank you for your extensive and comprehensive responses on this! Really appreciated.

Best, Rich

RichBarnett:

Well, that has just worked superbly!

Thank you for your extensive and comprehensive responses on this! Really appreciated.

Best, Rich

Excellent! Now, thing is though that if this new site wasn't restored back to before the "problem" import and if it is not (re-)designed to support product in categories with sub-categories, then need to take action to basically remove linked product from those "parent" categories.

At the moment I forget the detail, but it is covered in the instruction about reassigning the master_categories_id using the status value of 7.

If it was just a development site (recommended for initial testing) then restoring the database should be easy.

No, that's all fine as I'm taking the opportunity to re-design my categories so I'm not taking a straight copy. Everything is being uploaded in stages and is working well so far.

I am getting error when importing my database.

[03-Feb-2021 02:08:08 UTC] Request URI: /cart/zcadmin/index.php?cmd=easypopulate_4, IP address: .
#1 sizeof() called at [/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php:661]
#2 require(/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php) called at [/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/index.php:11]
--> PHP Warning: sizeof(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php on line 661.

donhorn:

I am getting error when importing my database.

[03-Feb-2021 02:08:08 UTC] Request URI: /cart/zcadmin/index.php?cmd=easypopulate_4, IP address: .
#1 sizeof() called at [/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php:661]
#2 require(/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php) called at [/home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/index.php:11]
--> PHP Warning: sizeof(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/encoredance1/public_html/cart/zcadmin/easypopulate_4.php on line 661.
The usual questions:

• when did this start?
• when did it last work properly?
• what software changes have occurred on your server lately? eg: php versions
• what version of Zen Cart?
• what version of EP4?
• etc.

receiving the same messages:
fresh ins tall 1.5.7b
EP 4 master from gibhub
no changes PHP 7.4 ( but also same message in 7.3)
( installed into a fresh install, no update but empty, no demo shop)

Hope this is also same as Donhorn, so we can figure out what this is :D
( i hope mearly a typo in the files, but still i can't find them)

Greetings
kerneheimer

DrByte:

The usual questions:

• when did this start?
• when did it last work properly?
• what software changes have occurred on your server lately? eg: php versions
• what version of Zen Cart?
• what version of EP4?
• etc.

kernheimer:

receiving the same messages:
fresh ins tall 1.5.7b
EP 4 master from gibhub
no changes PHP 7.4 ( but also same message in 7.3)
( installed into a fresh install, no update but empty, no demo shop)

Hope this is also same as Donhorn, so we can figure out what this is :D
( i hope mearly a typo in the files, but still i can't find them)

Greetings
kerneheimer
Problem is... the current github version of admin/easypopulate_4.php doesn't contain the word sizeof which in the previous report of the issue was identified as being on line 661...

Line 661 currently reads:

Forgive me, ( to much dyscalculatic ( serious) and english not quite my first... what do i need to change to avoid the bug rappot?
thanks for your help!

mc12345678:

Problem is... the current github version of admin/easypopulate_4.php doesn't contain the word sizeof which in the previous report of the issue was identified as being on line 661...

Line 661 currently reads:

<?php That's all.

kernheimer:

Forgive me, ( to much dyscalculatic ( serious) and english not quite my first... what do i need to change to avoid the bug rappot?
thanks for your help!
Macht nichts. Sie sollten der Software von: https://github.com/mc12345678/EasyPopulate-4.0 benutzen. Es gibt ein versionnen autocheck, Sie deaktivieren muessten. Normalerweisse, hat webchills information daran.

you are totaly cute! i can speak and read fluendly german and even grew up there a big time of my childhod, but I really am very Dutch :D :D
thanks so much, Danke :D sehr herzlichen dank.

mc12345678:

Macht nichts. Sie sollten der Software von: https://github.com/mc12345678/EasyPopulate-4.0 benutzen. Es gibt ein versionnen autocheck, Sie deaktivieren muessten. Normalerweisse, hat webchills information daran.

kernheimer:

you are totaly cute! i can speak and read fluendly german and even grew up there a big time of my childhod, but I really am very Dutch :D :D
thanks so much, Danke :D sehr herzlichen dank.
Thank you for your understanding.

I guessed that German might be understood. I should have asked, but wanted to help quickly.

If you have translations for the plugin, please feel free to add on github.

I would love to try to translate to Dutch, ( we don't have a good 1.5.7. version yet, i'm working on it also) but i need to understand what you meen with the version check beeing disabled. I have no idea where to look for that.

mc12345678:

Thank you for your understanding.

I guessed that German might be understood. I should have asked, but wanted to help quickly.

If you have translations for the plugin, please feel free to add on github.

kernheimer:

I would love to try to translate to Dutch, ( we don't have a good 1.5.7. version yet, i'm working on it also) but i need to understand what you meen with the version check beeing disabled. I have no idea where to look for that.
The statement was made based on using the German provided version of Zen Cart. In the German provided Zen Cart the version check option is disabled/removed.

With the removal of the version check software in the German Zen Cart, older versions oF EasyPopulate V4 would generate errors because it does try to check the US/Canada Zen Cart site for newer versions.

I know I wanted to make EP4 easier for use when installed. I need to look to see if I did anything to make it easier. Otherwise, I know I have seen some discussion in the following forum group about how to use this version of EP4 with the ZC provided by webchills: https://www.zen-cart-pro.at/forum/forums/38-Easy-Populate

So, question is does it work now or are there still problems?

The store admin accidentally deleted a complete product category and asked me to fix this. The latest database backup available is three weeks old, so instead of restoring the complete database, I figured I could use EasyPopulate to

1. Export the category after restoring the backup. I intend to do this on a local copy of the website (xampp) that I currently have runnin because of a recent upgrade after years of not working with Zen Cart.
2. Import the export file into the live site.

I never worked with EP before so I tested it first on the locally running site by

1. Creating an export of a product category. This seems to work.
2. Deleting said product category. This obviously works.
3. Importing the export. This does not work. The bar at the top displays "File Import Completed," but the import report at the bottom says

Import Results

Filename: Full-EP2021-02-14-093948.csv

Finished Processing Import File

Updated records: 0
New Imported records: 0
Errors Detected: 0
Warnings Detected: 0
Memory Usage: 5638888
Memory Peak: 6571048
Execution Time: 0 seconds.

To make things simpler, I created a new category of 1 level with only one product. I exported this category, then deleted the product (but kept the category), then tried to import with the same result. The export file looks like this:

v_products_model,v_products_type,v_products_image,v_products_name_2,v_products_description_2,v_products_url_2,v_products_name_8,v_products_description_8,v_products_url_8,v_specials_price,v_specials_date_avail,v_specials_expires_date,v_products_price,v_products_weight,v_product_is_call,v_products_sort_order,v_products_quantity_order_min,v_products_quantity_order_units,v_products_priced_by_attribute,v_product_is_always_free_shipping,v_date_avail,v_date_added,v_products_quantity,v_manufacturers_name,v_categories_name_2,v_categories_name_8,v_tax_class_title,v_status,v_metatags_products_name_status,v_metatags_title_status,v_metatags_model_status,v_metatags_price_status,v_metatags_title_tagline_status,v_metatags_title_2,v_metatags_keywords_2,v_metatags_description_2,v_metatags_title_8,v_metatags_keywords_8,v_metatags_description_8
"","1","","test","beschrijving","","test","description","","","","","9.92","0","0","0","1","1","0","0","","2021-02-14 09:39:04","0","Anemoontje","pakketjes","pakketjes","19","1","0","0","0","0","0","","","","","",""

I use ZC version 1.5.7b and the latest EP from the github link from the plugins page.

Thanks in advance for any help!