Tabular data

Hi guys. I’m really new to MODx and just working on making an existing clients website CMS based but I’ve come across a snag. Is it possible to have tabular data updated by the client through MODx? I’ve been looking through my MODx help book but can’t find anything on tables.

Thanks everyone,

Harry

Depends on where the data is coming from. Resources? TVs? Files? External database tables?

The data will be coming straight from the client. The website is for an actress and as it stands, it has a table outlining all of the plays she has been in to date with other data about each production in each column. Am I using MODx for the wrong purpose here? Or should I be using a content editor program instead?

Thanks,

Harry

MODx is a content editor program.

To make things easier for a non-technical user to add data, what you really need is a way of storing the data in a raw form, then outputting it in the desired structure.

I would be inclined to use Jot here. Just set it up using a custom tpl to output the data in table form and custom fields as required. No complex can_edit, can_moderate, or any of the rest of it is needed. Have the client log in, and have her user (web or manager; if web then you’ll need to use can_post and can_edit on her web group in the Jot snippet call parameters) set to go to the page with the Jot on login. When logged in, a form for entering the data will appear. You can use a custom chunk tpl for this. Then you can style the form to look however you want... it can appear at the bottom or top of the list, and look like another row in the table with the addition of a "save" button.

Of course, this would mean somebody would have to sit down and take the time to enter the already existing items. But once that is done, you would have a flexible and simple data management system. What if for some reason a redesign is desired where tables aren’t appropriate any more? A simple change to the chunk tpl will solve the problem.

OK, thank you for your help but I don’t know what a "custom tpl" is? Can you elaborate please?

Thanks,

Harry

Don’t worry! I’ve figured it out. Thanks a lot Sotwell!

For others, a custom Tpl is a chunk with HTML and placeholder tags to display the desired fields. The name of the chunk is specified in a parameter in the snippet tag.

I’m sure I’m not the only noob that would really benefit from a basic tutorial on this.

Being able to let non-technical users enter tabular data would be brilliant for updating things like sports results etc.

I’ve read the Jot wiki but can’t figure out how or where to start :-(