How do I set the correct file permissions for Composr?
Answer
If you're using the quick installer, it will handle file permissions automatically. On a suEXEC-style server, default permissions (744 for directories and 644 for files) are usually sufficient. However, _config.php should have 600 permissions for security.
Without suEXEC, specific directories (e.g., caches, uploads) and files (e.g., _config.php) require 777 (full access) or 666 (read/write) permissions. The fixperms.php script can automate this process on Linux and Windows.
What are the prerequisites for installing Composr?
Answer
Before installing Composr, ensure your web host meets the minimum requirements. Familiarize yourself with your web host's control panel (e.g., Plesk, cPanel), which you'll use to manage databases, subdomains, and other settings. Gather your SFTP/FTP credentials (hostname, username, password), usually emailed upon signup. Set up a MySQL database and note its details: hostname (often 'localhost'), username, password, and database name. Ensure the database user has full read/write/administer access to the database.
What tools are available for debugging Composr code?
Answer
Composr offers a code quality checker addon that helps identify various types of errors, including parser errors, run-time errors, and logical errors. This tool can significantly reduce debugging time and enhance code reliability. It is available through the testing_platform addon.
Composr emphasizes clean, well-structured code with a focus on readability and maintainability. Key standards include proper indentation, consistent use of comments, and clear function headers with type definitions. Remember: beautiful code leads to better functionality and collaboration!
The Code Editor is a web-based tool for editing Composr code files directly on the server. It requires password authentication and automatically manages overrides within _custom directories.
Composr allows exporting addons as TAR files, containing all necessary files and an addon.inf file for metadata. You can import these addons to share and reuse them across different Composr installations.
To do this, make your necessary files for the addon in the Composr installation, and then go under Admin Zone > Structure > Addons > Export addon. You can select the relevant files for the addon, provide information about the addon, and then download the TAR file (which can then be imported on other Composr sites).
All times in Composr statistics are displayed according to the configured website time zone, regardless of visitor or user account time zones. While this is a limitation due to pre-computation, some graphs displaying hourly stats and country filtering offer insights into local times for manual analysis.
What are the limitations of pre-computed statistics in Composr?
Answer
Pre-computed statistics introduce certain limitations:
Filtering constraints: Limits filtering options to those incorporated in the data structure.
Historical data limitation: To maintain site stability, statistics older than 31 days aren't pre-processed. This may lead to data gaps if the system scheduler malfunctions or statistical data is manually deleted.
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are specific measurements selected for marketing analysis. In Composr, time-series graphs can be added as KPIs. They offer several benefits:
Quick reference: Available on the Admin Zone dashboard staff checklist.
Target setting: Allows setting targets against KPIs, visualized on graphs and in overview summaries.
Notifications: Staff members receive regular notifications regarding target achievement status.
Tracking codes help you identify the sources driving user sessions to your website or associate specific split testing variations with users. Composr offers integrated referral tracking through various means:
URL parameter: The _t URL parameter can contain any custom tracking code, automatically registered by the stats addon.
Recommend addon: This addon automatically includes tracking codes for the referral source, referring member, and the referred page.
Member joining: When a referred member joins, the referring member receives points and a friend request.
Referrals addon: Allows manual tracking code input upon joining and facilitates a referrer reward system.
Stats addon: Generates graphs of tracking codes, including conversion rate measurements.
User lookup tool: Allows checking if a user accessed the site via a tracking code.
Tempcode integration: Inject tracking codes into Tempcode using symbols like {$SET_TRACKING_CODE,some code} or {$SPLIT_TEST,some code,some other code}.
What are the different ways to track events in Composr?
Answer
Composr offers various methods for tracking events:
Inbuilt events: Automatically recorded for actions like form submissions, purchases, newsletter signups, etc.
Tempcode symbol: Use the {$LOG_STATS_EVENT,event} symbol within your templates to track events when the template is displayed.
JavaScript function: Employ the $cms.statsEventTrack JavaScript function to track events from within your JavaScript code.
HTML data attribute: Add data-click-stats-event-track="{ category: 'some event', nativeTracking: true }" to HTML elements. This method acts as a wrapper for the JavaScript function.
URL wrapping: Wrap URLs in links using the {$STATS_TRACK_URL,URL,event} symbol. This approach records events via a redirection script and doesn't rely on JavaScript.
The JavaScript and HTML data attribute methods can also be integrated with Google Analytics events.
How do I install geo-location data for Composr statistics?
Answer
Geo-location data installation is usually automatic during the Composr installation process. If not, you can manually install it by navigating to Admin Zone > Audit > Site statistics > Install geolocation data. This action will reschedule the installation task. If you don't see this option, the geo-location data is already installed.
What tools and strategies can be used for staff training and development?
Answer
While Composr itself doesn't provide built-in training features, several approaches can be used for staff development:
Documentation & Tutorials: Utilize the extensive Composr documentation and tutorials available online to familiarize staff with the platform's functionalities.
Mentorship: Pair experienced staff with newcomers to provide guidance and support during the initial learning phase.
Private Forums & Chat: Create dedicated communication channels where staff can exchange knowledge, ask questions, and share best practices.
Regular Meetings: Conduct regular staff meetings to discuss updates, share information, and address any arising challenges.
External Resources: Leverage external resources like online courses or workshops focused on relevant skills, such as content management or community moderation.
By investing in ongoing staff training and development, communities can ensure their teams possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively and contribute to the platform's overall success.
