Best way to split website?

Hello peeps!

Just started using MODX and I was wondering.. What's the best way to split a website into 2 "categories" ?

Since I'd like to create a splash page where visitors are able to select which side of the website they want to join. (For example: Professionals / Beginners)

Should I create 2 documents (professionals and beginners) in the manager and create pages (read: subpages) under it? That way visitors are able to visit a certain category by using the URL http://www.mydomain.com/professionals/pagename.html

..Or is there a better way to achieve this?

Thanks,
Donny

Are the users going to register to be able to access either side?

Jason

Quote from: dvstudiosinc at Nov 10, 2012, 05:09 PM

Are the users going to register to be able to access either side?

Jason

No no, it's just a simple website with some content.

Quote from: munkii at Nov 10, 2012, 05:18 PM

Quote from: dvstudiosinc at Nov 10, 2012, 05:09 PM

Are the users going to register to be able to access either side?

Jason

No no, it's just a simple website with some content.

Then the structure you had in mind will be the simplest path. Making two containers then putting the pages in them will organize the sections, especially if you are using something like the Wayfinder extra for navigation.

Modx has lots of different ways of doing this but you should probably look into contexts

http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Contexts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Contexts

That way you can use the same template but wayfinder (your navigation) will show independent content.

Quote from: upiorz at Nov 11, 2012, 09:56 AM

Modx has lots of different ways of doing this but you should probably look into contexts

http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Contexts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Contexts

That way you can use the same template but wayfinder (your navigation) will show independent content.

Contexts is certainly a more efficient way, but if you are just getting started in ModX, it could muddy the waters a bit (setting up a gateway, possible server configurations for domains, etc.).

If one is comfortable with setting up contexts and handling the routing, then it is ideal as far as information structure and following a "set it up for the future" mindset. I know when I started using ModX initially, I struggled with contexts until I gained a solid understanding on how ModX works with contexts. This site, in addition to the ModX documentation, was of great help : http://www.belafontecode.com/how-to-host-multiple-sub-domains-on-modx-revolution/

So, Donny, you will see as you dive further into ModX, there is rarely a "single solution" but numerous ways to do things only limited by one's own expertise/experience/knowledge.

Jason

You're absolutely right Jason, it might get complicated.

In my case I've done something similar (splitting a website in two or more different areas) but with multilingual sites. I'm sure you can probably apply the same technique using a great modx add-on called Babel by Mikrobi, although instead of calling different languages you would call your beginners and professional areas.

rtfm.modx.com/display/ADDON/Babe

You can follow this easy step by step installation and just change the names to the different areas, it will help you setting up your .htaccess and the gateway plugin.

http://designfromwithin.com/blog-webdesign-development/2012/01/12/modx-multilingual-setting-up-babel-and-have-a-website-with-multible-languages/

So as Jason says, Modx is so flexible you can mold it to your own with only a few tweaks.

And of course the Modx community is always very helpful and growing by the minute, so if you run into trouble just ask again

Hope this helps.