Most Important Topics for web developer but modx newbie?

Hi all,

I’m new to modx. I’m a decent front end web developer and usually hand code everything. I’d call myself a beginner at php(with google as my guide). I’m looking for a framework to assist with some backend stuff such as authentication, email, and such, plus a forums addon. I’ve used dragonflyCMS and installed/tried a few others. Most made it too hard to integrate custom code or existing webpages.

Enter modx. Love the simplicity. I’m trying to get up speed quickly and have installed it, created a few pages, templates, and TV’s. Mostly trying stuff out, and referencing docs as needed. Basically, I skimmed the docs and am about to start migrating a small personal site over but I wanted to know if there’s anything in the docs I need to pay special attention to. Anything that will trip me up if I dive right in.

Thanks.

Here are a few tips:

• Try to keep the number of templates to a minimum. Most new MODx users create too many templates.
• There’s a great video on creating a template based on an existing site here: http://www.tipsfor.us/2009/04/30/creating-templates-in-modx-part-i-part-iv-in-the-series/.
• All PHP code on the site has to be moved into snippets.
• Remember to use back-ticks, not single quotes, around snippet parameters.

There’s more info at the site in my sig. Check out the page on "Porting Your Site to MODx."