Things every New Zenner needs to know

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.

I would like to hear from New Zenners about this project. What did you have the most trouble with? What documents did you feel were lacking? What were the top problems and questions you had? -- Things like that.

**Background: ** I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.

I **configured the files **through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After **configuring admin in php **I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to **try to change something. **Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher'). :smile:

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:

The best and easiest way to install templates is to use your ftp client, and drag/transfer the complete contents of the includes folder to your ZenCart install. As all of the files are structured like ZenCart and are contained in their own folders, you can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. If you want to rename the directory, you go right ahead. But be sure to adjust the template_info.php file accordingly.

Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

Jake,
You have delivered a blistering commentary - but rest assured this is not meant to be a flaming kind of reply note - I am appalled at the rhetoric you have bestowed up this forum. Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

You 'intuiveness' regarding index.html is part of the growth experience you must endure... home pages in dynamic worlds consist of index.php, index.asp, index.cfm and the like.

Obviously you are intelligent - otherwise you would not put your heart on your sleeve - so to say - as you did... but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team. Please be compassionate as you have asked this community to be... reconsider what you have written from the viewpoint of current technology - and try to understand what has happened to the web since 1988. Go to the bookstore, the library, the web, and take a real hard and detailed look at what has happened to the world of open source - especially in regard to PHP.

Not to tout myself, but to share credentials - I started in this 'web' business in 1970 (have been in the communications industry since 1956) - I worked for a major computer company in the US and was a technology trainer (1970), specifically teaching the beginnings of the internet, "Teleprocessing Fundamentals." It has been a struggle for me to continue to grow in this "web stuff" but grow I must. You too must grow - it is painful - but fun. Resumes are not important to me anymore, but the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

It is my passionate and sincere belief the ZEN-CART team has YOUR SUCCESS as the first item on their agenda. However, no one can guarantee YOUR success... all the ZEN-CART team can do is continue to support you - provided you are willing to support yourself.

Literally ten's of thousands before you have tread where you are headed... and they want to be successful just like you... however, they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

Respectfully,
jund

Jake:

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.

**Background: **I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Much has happened in the way of the web since '88, considering it is less than 20 years ago... especially regarding HTML.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.

I **configured the files **through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After **configuring admin in php **I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to **try to change something. **Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher'). :smile:

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:

Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

Jake,

You can get the program flow chart from the downloads section here:

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_54&products_id=378

This thread was started to get all the common newbie first questions in one place in
the FAQs/Tutorials here:

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?category=16

If you can't get the e-start book right now, then some reading in the FAQs/Tuts section, the wiki, and the forum will get you the answers. They are there.

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen. :laugh:
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

And, Oh Yeah! You can see the majority of the contributed templates in action
here ( Thanks to kuroi ):

http://(sorry, site offline)/

Thank you for the responses. TShooters I will look at the links and read the material. Thank you in advance. I am certain the info will move me forward.

Now to Zund:

Currently:

My 16 yr. old daughter has informed me that she will help me learn the program. ("It's just like Xanga Dad! Don't worry...after a while it will be easy.") Good grief!

I was able to apply the security changes. As it turned out, it wasn't as difficult as I represented. :blush: I started at one of the FAQS and just followed the directions without knowing what I was doing. I setup a folder on my computer to save files extracted from my FTP. Then I would open them in my HTML editor, alter them, then reload them, then save them to a backup folder. After I did this to three pages, I discovered I could edit the pages in my admin program online. WOW. Very cool. (I am still backing up changed pages as directed.) I was able to write the privacy policy, conditions and terms, and a few other pages.

So, I think the admin function is a portal to all the files. I do not have to export them to HTML editor then reload them through FTP. Ok, I get it. So many files -- I wonder what they all do?

I tried to paste some text into the admin HTML editor and found that Firefox has a security limitation. I tried (unsuccessfuly) to fix that by creating a java script as directed by Mozilla. After a couple of attempts I sent a tech req. to my server for help. I moved onto something else.

I still can't figure out where the front page is so I can edit it. I will find it eventually.

Bottom line: I am having fun and making progress.

Old business:

Zund, I submitted my first post because the opening thread topic asked for feedback from new users. I was candid. I knew that I would one day look at "Post #1" and chuckle at how little I knew -- but my intention was to give you a passionate viewpoint of how I felt as a new user. Granted, there is learning curve and my viewpoint will change as I learn. Please consider that one day, after I am up and running, I will be able to relate to new users, and even reference that letter as a testament of my own initial frustrations.

Look, I am just asking for a link to an overview for new users. Something like "Welcome, read this first." In that doc someone could give a basic outline of what the learning curve is. It would have been nice to know that you can edit the pages from the admin page, for instance. That may seem like a simple thing that I should have already known, but in truth, I believe some new users do not know things like that.

Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

I certainly do not want anyone to ever be appalled at what I write. Let me be quick to apologize for the impression my writing made with you. It was only my intent to be open and forthright about my thinking as a new user (which I understood to be the topic of this thread).

Let me clarify -- it was not my intent to give you a bad report. The program is marvelous. It is simply overwhelming. I could just as easily have written a letter which delivered mountains of praise for the accomplishments of the Zen team. That report however is not germane to my needs, nor to the thread.

And I did look inward -- I made a comment that I realized HTML was not the driving force. I am glad to hear about .asp and .cfm (I have no idea what they are, but I will learn...) -- but I can assure you that as a businessman, I am unschooled about the database driven world.

Zund, believe me when I say that I in awe about what is going on here. TShooters is on the mark when he says:

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen.
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

Believe me, I look forward to learning. But how many of you could write an passionate letter about what your first impressions were like? Ah! We lose that perspective as we gain knowledge don't we? I was willing to let it all hang out, knowing that I would have to do some immediate back tracking, for the good of the cause. That was post #1. I am on #2 now -- look out world! Here I come!

but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team.

I was giving you fair and honest feedback based on my present understanding of the program. New users do not conduct thorough research. New users get frustrated. Confusion leads to frustration, which leads to anger, which leads to lost customers. (The Zen team said the program was easy. They did not say it was it was easy if you do thorough research, learn .cfm, .asp. .php and gain an understanding of the insights of the dynamic world of databases. I'm not winning friends and influencing people with that statement, but I feel a need to defend the ignorance of new users against your perspective on this one point.)

I agree with you though, the eCommerce offering of the internet is going to explode in the near future. People from every walk of life are going to want to have an eCommerce solution. Programming is a science, but making that program user friendly is an artform. Consumers take the path of least resistance. I want to diffuse any alarm you may have over my comments and instead, prompt you to consider my suggestions -- although, I will quickly admit I currently lack the skill base to make practical suggestions -- but on the other hand, the thrust of my message stated that I would benefit from a primer introduction to the world of Zen. That suggestion stands. Please do not infer from my proposal that I am not in awe of the program or what it is apparently capable of doing.

the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

I understand and appreciate your commitment. I am a tough customer but I am also a loyal ally. I'm not here to give anyone a hard time. I have 400 products that you will want to buy -- that is where my focus is -- helping others enjoy the benefits I provide through my business. We understand each other on this point. We are of the same temperament. You were wounded by my comments, and that detracts from focusing on my suggestions. That is my fault. I apologize.

they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

People who work hard often feel unappreciated -- and for good reason. Demands are high, the pace is quick, and the time for thanks seems to be the first item cut from a busy agenda.

I thank you and the team for the opportunity to further my business interests. I remain hopeful that my aforementioned suggestions and perceptions might be considered in future educational projects if they are deemed to be beneficial to a significant number of new users.

Respectfully submitted,
Jake

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

BigFanny:

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

Great comment - please first read the quote below,

"A graduate of Oxford University, England, Tim Berners-Lee holds the 3Com Founders chair and is a Senior Research Scientist at the Laboratory for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is co-Director of the new Web Science Research Initiative (WSRI) and is a Chair in the Computer Science Department at the University of Southampton, UK. He directs the World Wide Web Consortium, founded in 1994
In 1989 he invented the World Wide Web, an internet-based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing while at CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory. He wrote the first web client and server in 1990. His specifications of URIs, HTTP and HTML were refined as Web technology spread."

Of course Tim Berners-Lee invented the interent... no question. But, what many do not know is the original communication struggles that occurred (in an already mismanaged communications infrastructure) and it had to be flattened so that Tim could go forward with his concept. Tim's undaunted leadership is THE reason that YOU and I are able to succeed and grow.

My sincere thanks for pointing that out.

The other thing Tim has done - which is a mjor lesson to us all, is that he kept learning and growing - not for himself, but for the betterment of this unwieldly ship of fools - the Internet - he put it all together in a great consortium - the W3C... and believe me, there are many great ANSWERS there to our questions.

Again, BigFanny - thank you.
jund

BigFanny:

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

The Internet, then known as ARPANET, was brought online in 1969 under a contract let by the renamed Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) which initially connected four major computers at universities in the southwestern US (UCLA, Stanford Research Institute, UCSB, and the University of Utah).

More at link...

License is always appreciated...

Apart from BBs, which I rarely frequented, my chore in '88 was to lug a speedy Mac 512e from town to town demonstrating its utility with my products. After one particular demo, held in a commercial booth at a State Fair, where a small crowd had gathered to gawk at the mysterious box, one lone woman remained as the crowd moved on.

She asked, "What does the TV do?"

In '88 it might be said that the ship of fools had not yet departed -- but the passengers were curious to come on board.

J

:clap: Good to hear that you have hung with it and are making progress,
Jake. Your daughter is right. One day (in the very near future) the lightbulb
will go off, and you'll say to self "Wow! I get it!"

Do read up on how the template overrides system works. A little learning here will
save many headaches when it's time to upgrade.

Overrides Tutorials

Overrides Really Simplified There's also a printable chart in the Downloads/Other Modules.

Get the Firefox Web Developer add-on. It's really handy-dandy.

You can cut and paste in Firefox, not with Control+C/Control+V, but with your mouse.

And do get the e-start book as soon as you can. It'll save you lots of time!

Lookin' forward to seeing your store in the showcase soon! :thumbsup:

TShooter -

Tks. Saw the tutorial on CUSTOM folder and shied away from it (too difficult). However, the "really simplified" sheet is just what I was hoping for. I can see the whole process now. It is difficult at first to get a "feel" for where all the folders/files are. It will be helpful to ahve a visual map in front of me as I go searching for files.

I've got an idea to demonstrate what I am looking for in the way of a "map" of the program. It will take an hour or two to create. Stay with me.

I downloaded Firebug and it is just about the coolest thing I have ever seen. Will dwnld dev. tools next. I guess you already have the CoolIRIS plugin.

I read another page (after reading all the tutorials you referenced). I just made a **short **list of terms I was not familiar with.

Sidebox header
Category
Sub-category
Selectors
Template *Sidebox T., * Sidebox modules T.
Defines

I'm not asking you to spend time telling me what those are. I am sure there is another thread that is more appropriate for a question like that. Instead, from the perspective of a new user, I understand that the words above ref. complex ideas: each word embodies a greater base of knowledge. It is the Zen language -- and as such, it would be beneficial to be able to view a glossary of terms whenever one of these terms is introduced.

J

Jake:

it would be beneficial to be able to view a glossary of terms whenever one of these terms is introduced.The Glossary link is in the blue bar that appears above each FAQ entry. You'll find most of the terms to which you referred in there.

Sidebox header
This is the text and/or image that appears at the top of any one of the several sideboxes in your Zen Cart store

i.e. INFORMATION, MORE INFORMATION, MANUFACTURERS

Category
Created in your admin -> catalog -> Categories / Products
desiginates a category for your products
i.e. Paint

Sub-category
same as above except you drill down one level
i.e. Paint/Latex

Selectors
Used in the stylesheet.css to designate how various sections of a page will appear when rendered by the browser. there are two types of selectors (class and id)

This is an id selector
#topWrapper {
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
text-align: left;
width: 100%;
vertical-align: top;
}
This is a class selector
.navNextPrevList {
display: inline;
white-space: nowrap;
margin: 5px 0 50px 0;
padding: 5px 0 5px 0;
list-style-type: none;
}

Template *Sidebox T., * Sidebox modules T.

The sidebox templates are template files used specifically for the formating of the sideboxes in your zen cart store

Defines
These are found in the various language files and define an element that will be called in one of the template files. Using define statements avoids having to hard code information in the template files.

i.e. define('MY_ACCOUNT_TITLE', 'My Account'); The uppercase portion is the constant that will appear in the template file. the other portion is the text that appears when the page is rendered by the browser.

TShooter:

Ok, here it is. Two graphics which give visual interpretation of what Zen is.

**Zen.Tutorial.Graphic.jpg **shows a layout of the front page. There are links here and there which point to each component of the page. Underneath the "What's This?" prompt is the php name of the file which effects that component. Click "What's This" and a window pops up to explain the name of the component (i.e., header, side bar, etc.), one or more links to tutorials about that component, the location of the relevant file. A better design would forego the "What's This?" prompt and instead provide mouseover ballons with links to popups, or some other method of targeting selections.

Zen.Tutorial.Graphic2.jpg shows how I am currently trying to view how everything fits together. Is it layered? I'm not sure, but my suggestion is to explore the creation of a visual representation of the frontpage. break it apart visually. I am less impressed with this idea, but maybe it will prompt a better idea from someone else.

I'm sure someone could do this in a pub with a good pen and a bevnap. "Draw it out for me." Maybe this is not the preferred method by programmers, but I can attest that every salesperson can draw a conceptual explanation of every product on earth on a bevnap. (Complex ideas require more ale, but it can be done -- at least to the satisfaction of everyone who has drank as much ale.)

:smile:

Jake

(Downloaded Firefox Dev Tools. Perfect! Tks.)

Graphical representation is always a good idea, especially with something as visual as a Zen Cart.

Your first diagram is familiar (and I don't just mean because I recognise the specific site from which you took your screen print :D). I think that this has been done before, with answers, but without the fancy popups and links to specific area of the FAQ. But I don't recall seeing it recently. Maybe somebody else knows where it is.

The second though I think is a blind alley. I don't really recognize that as Zen Cart and suspect that it could inhibit rather than aid your understanding. It's set me thinking though, and if that thinking leads to inspiration, I'll be back to share.

clydejones:

Sidebox header
This is the text and/or image that appears at the top of any one of the several sideboxes in your Zen Cart store

Thank you ClydeJones. Saw your test site too. Lots of hours in that page! Very nice.

Kuroi -- Thank you for the link to the glossary. It is bookmarked. Special thanks for your work on the free templates section. Very helpful.

Jake

Jake:

TShooter:

Ok, here it is. Two graphics which give visual interpretation of what Zen is.

Try here in the WIKI for a visual overview of Zen Cart

Very simple and clicking on any of the links take you to a breakdown of that particular section.

The Wiki article is now bookmarked too. Great stuff.

Now everyone, I am going to have to go to the woodshed on this stuff. I'm going to leave this thread now. I am ready to move onto other topics. Tks for your help, links and ideas.

Jake has left the building.

Jake

Where is this text located?

Congratulations! You have successfully installed your Zen Cart™ E-Commerce Solution.

I am trying to edit(delete) all the text and images in the middle section.

I do not understand the logic behind where this text is located. Someone explain this to me please.

Where does the text reside (actually typed in as a designated addition)? What document?

What document calls it into the front page in that particular position?

Where is that particular page located?

How do I edit that text?

I can't figure out how to locate items without reading each particular FAQ for a task.

tks,
Jake

ok, that's enough for one day...

Got a lot done.

Found the doc for the page above.

Jake

Jake:

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. <...> I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

I have now uploaded images and am ready to start building pages. I have all the product names, descriptions, weights, prices, SKUs, of 400 products on an excel spreadsheet. I need to know how to transfer this data so it corresponds with the images I have uploaded.

I read on WIKI that a data manager is in development.

Re: Categories

I created a product category after reading the FAQ. I see I can add products to that category. I am not clear on how the sub-category comes into play in the architecture of the program.

J