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Question What is the Composr Repository?
Answer The Composr repository is a user-friendly representation of Composr's data, which is typically stored in a database and on the filesystem. It presents the data in an easily accessible format using the JSON standard and can be accessed as a folder on your computer via WebDAV.
Question What is Commandr?
Answer Commandr is a command-line interface designed for experienced system administrators who prefer using a command line over a GUI. It supplements the Composr Admin Zone, allowing you to execute commands in the form of:
  • PHP code (prefix :)
  • SQL database queries (prefix @) (queries must be executed one at a time; semi-colon separation is not supported)
  • Shell commands (prefix #)
  • Commandr-code scripts (store in the Composr filesystem's bin directory, and just type the name of the script)
  • Commandr-code commands (no prefixes)

You can access Commandr via the Admin Zone > Tools > Commandr or using the Commandr button in the footer.
Question Are there alternative chat solutions that integrate with Composr?
Answer Yes, you can integrate third-party chat solutions with Composr. For example, CometChat is a commercial chat system that provides a Composr integration. You can also leverage video chat services like Talky, Jitsi, or appear.in by embedding links within your chat templates. For sales-chat needs, consider integrating a dedicated live chat platform like Comm100.
Question Are there any limitations to the Composr Chat system?
Answer While the Composr Chat system provides robust chat and IM features, it does have some limitations. Currently, it does not support video chat, sales-focused chat features, desktop app integration, or optimal performance for very high volumes of concurrent users. Additionally, it is only near real-time as Composr queries for new messages using AJAX at a set interval.
Question Are there any safety guidelines for younger users?
Answer It's crucial to emphasize safety, especially for younger users. Encourage them to follow these guidelines: never arrange to meet anyone from a chatroom in person, be cautious about sharing personal information, and report any suspicious behavior to moderators.
Question Can I download chat logs?
Answer Yes, you can download logs of any chat conversation. Simply navigate to the chatroom, click on the "Download chat logs" link, specify the desired date/time range, and the system will generate a downloadable log file for you.
Question How can I moderate the chatrooms?
Answer Composr offers a range of moderation features. Moderators can edit or delete messages, ban disruptive users, and delete entire chatrooms if necessary. Inline moderation links are available within chatrooms for quick actions, while the Admin Zone provides comprehensive moderation tools for managing chat content and user behavior.
Question What is Chatcode and how can I use it?
Answer Chatcode is a system of simple commands that you can embed within your chat messages to perform advanced actions. These actions include sending private messages to specific users within a chatroom, interacting with automated bots, sending chatroom invitations, and even creating new chatrooms.
Question How does the chat system work?
Answer The chat system utilizes AJAX technology, enabling dynamic updates without requiring page reloads. It includes a "Chat Lobby" where users can view available chatrooms and manage their friend lists for instant messaging. Users can join chatrooms to participate in group conversations or engage in private conversations with friends.
Question What is the Composr Chat system?
Answer Composr Chat is a feature built into the Composr CMS that provides both chatrooms and instant messaging capabilities. It offers real-time, text-based communication for users on your website.

Top 10 Entries

Question How can I customize Composr without modifying the core files?
Answer Composr offers a robust override system. Instead of altering the original files, create a parallel structure within _custom directories. For example, to modify site/pages/modules/polls.php, place your customized version in site/pages/modules_custom/polls.php.

The tutorials outline additional information on how to utilise overrides.
Question What are the main components of the Composr framework?
Answer Composr consists of:
  • Modules: PHP files that provide related screens, forming the building blocks of addons.
  • Comcode: Text files containing content written in a simplified markup language.
  • HTML: Files containing standard HTML for web pages.
  • Sources: PHP code files for the core API and functionality.
  • Hooks: PHP files enabling addons to interact and extend each other's functionality.
  • Blocks/Miniblocks: Reusable components for displaying dynamic content within pages.
  • Themes: Folders containing images, CSS, and templates to define the look and feel.
  • Language files: Files holding text strings for multilingual support.
Question How can I embed third-party widgets into my Composr pages?
Answer Composr supports embedding widgets from various websites, like Google Maps, Vimeo, and YouTube, by simply pasting the URL. For manually embedding widget code, you can paste it into the HTML source view of the WYSIWYG editor or within Comcode html tags if not using the WYSIWYG editor.
Question What is the difference between blocks and boxes in Composr?
Answer Boxes are visual elements that provide a container for content, while blocks are functional units that generate and display dynamic content. Although blocks often appear within boxes in the default templates, they are not inherently tied to any visual representation.
Question Can I customize the appearance of blocks?
Answer Yes, you can style blocks by editing the associated templates and CSS. Templates are typically named after the block they represent. For example, the main_news block uses the BLOCK_MAIN_NEWS.tpl template.
Question How do I create custom filter forms for my content?
Answer The main_content_filtering block can help you generate filter forms automatically. You can use it to create a default form and then customize the generated Filtercode string to refine the filtering options. Once satisfied, you can either continue using the block or extract the HTML and modify it further.
Question Where can I use Filtercode and Selectcode in Composr?
Answer Filtercode is supported in various blocks, such as main_multi_content, main_gallery_embed, and main_cc_embed. It's also actively used in modules like catalogues, downloads, galleries, members, and news.

Selectcode is supported in blocks and Comcode tags that explicitly mention it, including the main_multi_content block and the if_in_group Comcode tag.
Question What is the difference between Filtercode and Selectcode?
Answer Filtercode is used for querying content based on properties and values, while Selectcode is used for directly specifying a list of IDs or categories to include or exclude. Filtercode offers more complex filtering options, while Selectcode is more straightforward for simple selections.
Question How can I filter content in Composr?
Answer Composr provides two filtering systems: Filtercode and Selectcode.
  • Filtercode is used for selecting content based on defined filters, such as field values, ratings, or keywords. It utilizes a syntax of comparisons, separated by commas, where each comparison specifies a field and a matching condition.
  • Selectcode is a simpler syntax for specifying a list of IDs or categories to include or exclude from the results. It uses a comma-separated list of match-specifier tokens, such as individual IDs, ranges, or wildcard characters.
Question What are blocks in Composr and how can I use them?
Answer Blocks are dynamic elements that can be inserted into Comcode pages to add interactive and data-bound functionality to your website. They are essentially reusable components that automatically generate content, such as recent forum posts or information about the logged-in user.

You can add blocks to your pages using the block construction assistant, which allows you to select from a list of available blocks, set their parameters, preview them, and generate the necessary Comcode.