To really get under the hood of Drupal 7 I’ve decided to build an e-brochure module. Some would say that I should start with something easier but what the the hell I’ve already built it on Codeigniter so I’ve got the basics already.

Outline:

• Categories that can be used for menu, blocks etc.
• Product can belong to one or more categories.
• Product can be a single product type with or without children products (Attributes)
• Products can be updated online or through uploading a ‘csv’ file. This is particularly useful for price updates.
• Specials or featured function that can be used for displaying in a custom block.
• Discount Groups that can be added on the fly, setup through the user page.
• Each product has multiple prices according to the discount group (note I call it buying group).
• Each child (or attribute) has prices set by discount group
• NO CART
• Order form that allows customers to place and email an order.

I’ve decided not to use the node entity for this module, I want to really understand what is going on inside drupal so I shall create my own tables and build up from there.

I tried something like this with Drupal 6 but I really couldn’t get on with Drupal 6 so I continued to develop using Codeigniter. If you are new to programming, with a bit of basic PHP you can really rock with Codeigniter and learn PHP development within the MVC (Model View Controller) pattern. Something that Drupal is not. However I’m keen to use Drupal because to me it’s not just CMS (Content Management System) but because it Content Management Framework. Meaning ! Drupal looks after the core issues such as Access Control, Email Library, Forms PLUS PLUS PLUS.  I want to create the code that does stuff (solves the clients problem) and not spend most of my time repeating all the functionality that runs the admin system. Joomla and Word Press do not cut the mustard for me.