Hi Core Coders,
There are a few changes I am thinking about making to the core modx code, however would like to know if and how to contribute these changes back to the community?
1) Resource Editing
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One of the issues I find with MODx resources(templates, chunks, snippets) at present, is how they are stored in the database, I realize this keeps data in a central location, however would prefer to keep (or possibly have the option) these stored on the filesystem, this allows us to use our own PHP/HTML editors (complete with syntax highlighting and coding tools). The textarea for editing is painful.
With snippets, we can just include another class file, however templates, and chunks etc need the cut & paste from the editor at some point. If these were on the file system, than things that are currently manually done, (like inputting snippet name, description etc) could be placed as part of the snippet, or associated file (ie snippet.info).
2) Version control -
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Document Revisions - Revisions stored in new table `site_content_revisions` or something along those lines.
Resource Revisions (ie templates, chunks, snippets, etc) - if using the file system, revisions could be stored in the db, with the current version stored on filesystem, this way external editor could change the current version, modx could detect when a file has been changed and create a new revision in the db automatically.
3) Various User Improvements
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* For instance document editing, show a simpler interface possibly with button for advanced options
* template variables that use images and assigned to template show thumbnails within the document editing area.
Quote from: OpenGeek at May 06, 2007, 11:10 PM
1 and 2 are being developed as part of the core rewrite for 0.9.7, though versioning may not be introduced until 1.0. Feel free to contribute some smaller pieces via the forums, or as patches attached to feature requests in the bug tracker. We notice active contributors, making quality contributions, and sooner or later, they are absorbed into the collective. Resistance is futile... 
Number 1 (storing snippets etc. as files) will be awesome. Us DreamWeaver users salute you. Clearly MODx will soon rule the earth and most nearby planets. Should enhance performance a little at the same time.
Will this be the default, or an option?
Won’t this allow people to do development using a local editor and overwrite the files via ftp without ever being in the manager? If so, how will version control be implemented? I suppose you could "check out" files in the manager and create the deltas on "check in."
I love MODx, but hearing about the fantastic stuff that’s in the pipeline is keeping me in a constant state of anticipation. It’s Christmas Eve every day ...
Bob
MODX Staff
