Products

Solutions

Resources

Partners

Community

Blog

About

QA

Ideas Test

New Community Website

Ordinarily, you'd be at the right spot, but we've recently launched a brand new community website... For the community, by the community.

Yay... Take Me to the Community!

Welcome to the DNN Community Forums, your preferred source of online community support for all things related to DNN.
In order to participate you must be a registered DNNizen

HomeHomeOur CommunityOur CommunityGeneral Discuss...General Discuss...Lists Core Module OverlapLists Core Module Overlap
Previous
 
Next
New Post
2/5/2009 2:19 PM
 

   I've been doing a little look-see at the various modules that are available to create lists, including the User Defined Tables module, Repository Module, and the Documents Module. I'm finding that there is a lot of overlap in features between the modules, but not one of them seems to do it all. The Repository module has the most features, but lacks the ability to easily create fields, which the UDT module does really well. I understand that the forthcoming 5.0 version of the Repository module will/may add this additional functionality and more (hopefully soooon).

   As you are probably aware, SharePoint is nearly totally designed around the concept of a list, and does a very good job at creating various kinds of lists. While the platform may have many shortcomings, creating useful lists isn't one of them.

   I wonder if DotNetNuke would benefit from a generalized list module, like SharePoint, and if the Repository module is best suited to take on that role? Or maybe better still; Some of the features of the Repository and UDT modules, such as easy list creation, comments, ratings, sorting , and filtering could be generalized and brought into the core, like the RSS and Print features are in Page Settings (e.g. Allow Comments, Ratings, etc.)?

   On a side note, as a long time DotNetNuke user, since the first version, I have to say that while I was a bit concerned about the whole idea of a DotNetNuke corporation, but I'm finding that the releases are getting better all the time. The new documentation for the Documents module is top notch. Keep up the good work.

 
New Post
2/5/2009 3:02 PM
 

Mark,

I find that this is a very common question that gets asked, and I have to say that I ask it myself all the time.  Especially with being the team lead of the Documents Module.  First of all I want to make a note first of all that the following are just MY opinions!

I feel that right now we really have three distinct modules, yes, some have "similar" traits, but in all reality they are servicing different needs.  The documents module for example as I see it, should be a top notch documents listing module, with sorting, paging, and file security that matches that of the DotNetNuke core.  We do not intend to grow this module past this functionality, but we intend on making this module the best module for that purpose, including Bulk Uploads, and more administrator assistance options.

I see the repository as a different animal, it is a collection of items, but they can be user submitted, and they typically include a lot more information with it, have a community feel for ratings, comments, and more.  This system I think fits it well, as it is a different Niche implementation.  The UDT is the real "jack-of-all-trades" if you will and can be used as a very powerful tool to solve many business needs.

I guess my point is that I feel that keeping them separate, although at tims creating overlap, will allow DotNetNuke to offer a much larger, more robust offering of specialized modules that have specific functions and do them well.


-Mitchel Sellers
Microsoft MVP, ASPInsider, DNN MVP
CEO/Director of Development - IowaComputerGurus Inc.
LinkedIn Profile

Visit mitchelsellers.com for my mostly DNN Blog and support forum.

Visit IowaComputerGurus.com for free DNN Modules, DNN Performance Tips, DNN Consulting Quotes, and DNN Technical Support Services
 
New Post
2/5/2009 3:08 PM
 

Upcoming UDT version 5 ("form and List) will focus on offering forms options - this will for sure overlap with the Fedback module - but IMHO there is an advantage in modules with competing feature sets for common use cases: You get the choice!


Cheers from Germany,
Sebastian Leupold

dnnWerk - The DotNetNuke Experts   German Spoken DotNetNuke User Group

Speed up your DNN Websites with TurboDNN
 
Previous
 
Next
HomeHomeOur CommunityOur CommunityGeneral Discuss...General Discuss...Lists Core Module OverlapLists Core Module Overlap


These Forums are dedicated to discussion of DNN Platform and Evoq Solutions.

For the benefit of the community and to protect the integrity of the ecosystem, please observe the following posting guidelines:

  1. No Advertising. This includes promotion of commercial and non-commercial products or services which are not directly related to DNN.
  2. No vendor trolling / poaching. If someone posts about a vendor issue, allow the vendor or other customers to respond. Any post that looks like trolling / poaching will be removed.
  3. Discussion or promotion of DNN Platform product releases under a different brand name are strictly prohibited.
  4. No Flaming or Trolling.
  5. No Profanity, Racism, or Prejudice.
  6. Site Moderators have the final word on approving / removing a thread or post or comment.
  7. English language posting only, please.
What is Liquid Content?
Find Out
What is Liquid Content?
Find Out
What is Liquid Content?
Find Out