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Question What are redirects and how can I use them for subsites?
Answer Redirects let you create custom URL paths that point to different zones and pages within your site.

Examples:
  • Sharing modules across zones: Create a redirect to make a module in one zone appear in another.
  • Creating shortcuts: Use a redirect to point a short URL to a longer, more complex URL.
  • Moving pages: Use a redirect to ensure old links still work after moving a page to a new location.

Go to Admin Zone > Structure > Redirects.
Question What are virtual roots and how do I use them?
Answer Virtual roots let you make a sub-category within a Composr module (e.g., downloads) appear as the top-level category. This is useful for creating separate "databases" of content for different subcommunities.

To create a virtual root:
  • Enable "Virtual root links" in the Admin Zone > Setup > Configuration > Feature options > Advanced.
  • Navigate to the desired category while logged in as staff.
  • Click the rightmost link in the breadcrumbs (it will be an anchor for virtual root creation).
  • Use the resulting URL in your menus to link to the "virtualized" category.
Question Can I have subsites and subcommunities within a single Composr installation?
Answer Yes, Composr offers various tools to create subsites and subcommunities within a single installation:
  • Zones: Create separate sections under different URLs with their own pages and content.
  • Redirects: Make modules appear in different zones without actually moving them.
  • Categories & Virtual Roots: Organize content like galleries, downloads, and catalogs into sub-trees that appear as separate entities.
  • Usergroups & Permissions: Group members into subcommunities and control their access to specific content.
  • Themes: Customize the look of different zones.
Question What is the difference between a central site and a satellite site in an M.S.N.?
Answer The central site hosts the shared forum, member database, and netlink system. It is the core of your M.S.N.

Satellite sites are the additional websites within your network. They connect to the central site for member information and forum access.
Question What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an M.S.N.?
Answer Advantages:
  • Full control: You have complete control over each site's settings and content.
  • Administrative separation: Managing staff and content for each site is more organized.
  • Special M.S.N. features: Composr provides specific features like the 'netlink' system for easy navigation between network sites.

Disadvantages:
  • Configuration and maintenance: Setting up and maintaining multiple sites can be more complex.
Question What is a multi-site network (M.S.N.) in Composr?
Answer An M.S.N. allows you to run multiple Composr websites (installations) that share a common forum and member database. It's ideal for website networks with shared communities but segmented content, staff, or branding. In essence, members who join one site automatically have accounts on all sites within the network.
Question What are the key classes and utilities provided by Composr Mobile SDK?
Answer CMS SDK provides several classes with utility functions mirroring PHP and Composr APIs, including:
  • CMS_Arrays: Array operations (e.g., implode, explode, list_to_map).
  • CMS_Strings: String manipulation (e.g., strip_tags, html_entity_decode, strpos).
  • CMS_Langs: Localization functions (e.g., do_lang).
  • CMS_Preferences: User preference management.
  • CMS_Timestamps: Timestamp functions (e.g., get_timezoned_date_time, time).
  • CMS_HTTP: Web service interactions (e.g., rawurlencode, json_decode, http_get_contents).
  • CMS_Users: User data and permission checks (e.g., has_page_access, is_staff).
  • CMS_Flow: App flow control (e.g., access_denied, attach_message).
  • CMS_Forms: Form building and management.
  • CMS_Database: SQLite database access and manipulation.
  • CMS_Notification: Push notification handling.
  • CMSNetworkManager: Network request execution and response handling.
Question How do I set up Composr Mobile SDK in my iOS and Android projects?
Answer iOS (Xcode):
  • Create a new project or open an existing one.
  • Add a Prefix Header file (.pch) if you don't have one, following the provided instructions.
  • Add required frameworks to your project's Build Phases.
  • Add the CMS SDK to your project, then remove references to unwanted files.
  • Set the header search path to the CMS SDK folder in build settings.
  • Add a compiler option for the JsonKit library.
  • Import CMS_SDK.h in your .pch file.

Android (Eclipse):
  • Create a new project or open an existing one.
  • Import CMS SDK into your workspace as an Android project.
  • Ensure "Is Library" is checked in the CMS SDK's "Android" properties tab.
  • Add CMS SDK as a dependent library in your project's properties.
  • Clean and rebuild your project.
Question What are some key concepts related to mobile app development with Composr?
Answer Essential concepts include:
  • SDK (Software Development Kit): An API implementation, typically as a library.
  • API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules for software interaction.
  • JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A common language for structured data transfer over REST.
  • REST (Representational State Transfer): An architectural style for web services.
  • Push notification: A notification sent to a mobile device.
Question What other approaches exist for mobile integration with Composr?
Answer Other approaches, in various stages of development, include:
  • Tapatalk: A third-party forum app with an official Composr addon, offering a high-quality "out-of-the-box" Composr app experience.
  • Further Composr Mobile SDK development: Plans and issues relating to the SDK's evolution can be found on the Composr tracker, driven by commercial projects and feature sponsorship.

Top 10 Entries

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.