CMPS Module - New/Random Entries (updated for v1.0.0)

[Brian]

Here's a simple module that will allow you to show new or random entries on your CMPS. It's about the same as the moudle that comes with vBa Dynamics, but modified a bit to work with the CMPS.


To install the module, first download both attachments below.

Now, go to the 'Download Upload Plugins' link in your Admin CP. Note that if you have installed a previous version of this module, you will need to delete the following plugins before proceeding:
vBa Dynamics CMPS Module (globalize $vba_dyna class)
vBa Dynamics CMPS Module (load $vba_dyna class)
vBa Dynamics CMPS Module (Special Templates)

Upload the 'cmps_dynamics_module_plugins.xml' file that you just downloaded from this thread.

Now, click on the 'Download / Upload Moudule' link under the 'vBa CMPS' group, and upload the 'whatsnew.module' in the place provided there. When you see a message asking if you would like to overwrite the templates, be sure that 'No' is choosen and continue.

Now click on the 'Default Settings' link under the vBa CMPS group and add 'vba_dyna' (without the quotes) to the 'Portal Output Global Variables' setting.

Last, activate the module on any of your CMPS pages that you wish it to appear on, and modify any of the new settings for the module to your liking.


Multiple Instances
For those who would like to run this with multiple instances, or with a secondary instance, please note that you will need to add an additional plugin to the 'init_startup' hook location with the following code:
if (defined('VBA_PORTAL'))
{
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_rand'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_cats'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_perms'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_opts'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_attach'";

$phrasegroups[] = 'adv_dyna';
}

Replace each red instance of 'adv_dyna' there with the prefix you are using for that instance of vBa Dynamics. Then edit the settings for this module and enter the same instance prefix in the 'Dynamics Instance Prefix' setting.

Also note that after uploading or copying the module for your secondary instance(s), you will need to edit the 'Templates Used' setting for the new module and replace anywhere you see 'adv_dyna' in the template names listed there with the instance prefix you are using. So for example, if you are using 'reviews' for your instance prefix, you would need to change a template named 'adv_dyna_entrybit' to 'reviews_entrybit'.

Those using vBa Dynamics v1.0.2 or earlier, be sure to download the whatsnew_old.module file below. Those running v1.0.3+ will need to download the whatsnew_1_0_3.module file.

[KW802]

:cool:

Any ideas on how many queries it'll add to CMPS or is it all cache based?

[tintin74]

Is this module compatible with multiple vbadvanced instance?

Could I display this module (duplicated) for every vbadvanced istance into 1 page?

Thank you

[Brian]

Kevin - It should perform 2 queries. 1 to get the cache, and 1 to get the entries.

tintin74 - Yes, it should work with multiple instances. I've just updated the first post to include further instructions for that. ;)

[neverstop]

Does this support attachment thumbs now?

[Brian]

Yes, there is an option to enable displaying the first attachment.

[neverstop]

Gah... even when it was checked "no" it overwrote all my templates.

[neverstop]

Also, I see no option for the attachment thumbs in the ACP... could this because I had the old version installed?

[Brian]

Did you make sure to upload the new .module file attached to the first post?

[neverstop]

Yup...

I just tried it again after realizing I still had the older version of the module there as well just to be sure.

I deleted both modules, and redownloaded the .module file to be sure.

Again it overwrote the templates even when set to "no". (could this be because of multi instance? I saw three of each template in the list when uploading the module)

And there is still no option in the admin cp for adding the attachment (no checkbox in the Entrybit Elements, and no option anywhere else).

Cheers

[tintin74]

Multiple Instances
For those who would like to run this with multiple instances, or with a secondary instance, please note that you will need to add an additional plugin to the 'init_startup' hook location with the following code:
if (defined('VBA_PORTAL'))
{
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_rand'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_cats'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_perms'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_opts'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_attach'";

$phrasegroups[] = 'adv_dyna';
}
Replace each red instance of 'adv_dyna' there with the prefix you are using for that instance of vBa Dynamics. Then edit the settings for this module and enter the same instance prefix in the 'Dynamics Instance Prefix' setting.

Brian , adding this plugin , it solve these issues:


Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /includes/vba_dyna_class.php on line 602

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 250

Thank you.

But it didn't solve the problem regarding the url.

Creating 1 cmps page, adding this module for 1 dynamics istance and duplicate the same module for another dynamics istance (changing for this adv_dyna into adv_2ist), I still have the first module right url entry but the second module has wrong url.

Example:

First module istance entry url:

http://www.mydomain.com/first-istance/first-istance-entry-1.html


Second module istance entry url:

http://www.mydomain.com/first-istance/second-istance-entry-34.html

As you can see , the system get the right entries from distinct istances but the second url has still /first-istance/ before the entry name.

Hope you can solve this problem, please. I think there is a conflict between the duplication of this module. If I inactive one of this module, the active one works well.

Thank you


Something else:

If I invert the order of the modules into the page, I get now this urls:

First module istance entry url:

http://www.mydomain.com/second-istance/second-istance-entry-1.html


Second module istance entry url:

http://www.mydomain.com/second-istance/first-istance-entry-34.html

[Brian]

I can't seem to reproduce any problems with running the module with multiple instances, but if you'd like to submit a support ticket via the Members' Area here I'll be glad to take a look at things for you.

[Classico]

Yup...

I just tried it again after realizing I still had the older version of the module there as well just to be sure.

I deleted both modules, and redownloaded the .module file to be sure.

Again it overwrote the templates even when set to "no". (could this be because of multi instance? I saw three of each template in the list when uploading the module)

And there is still no option in the admin cp for adding the attachment (no checkbox in the Entrybit Elements, and no option anywhere else).

Cheers

I have the same problem here. :(

[juinjuin]

Hi

Will this work with CMPS v2.2.1 (vB 3.6)?

I have tried and it doesn't seem to work. After importing, the module appears in Edit Modules page but without a name. Without a name, I cannot click on it to edit. Only the arrows appear.

Thanks

[Brian]

No, the module will not work on versions prior to 3.0 RC1.

If the module's title somehow did not get inserted then you can hold your mouse over one of the arrows and check your browser's status bar to find the 'modid'. Then you can go to this link to edit the module:
admincp/vba_cmps_admin.php?do=editmodule&modid=X

[juinjuin]

Hi

I did try that, and managed to get to the Edit Module page, but when i try saving after giving it a name, I get the following error:

Could not find phrase 'adv_portal_must_choose__include'

Incidentally, the phrase 'adv_portal_must_choose_include' with 1 underscore exists, so I duplicated it and name it 'adv_portal_must_choose__include. Still getting the same error.

I was thinking, even if I managed to update the module name, will it work? Currently, without the name, it doesn't appear in any page I add it to, so my guess is it won't appear even with a name.

Also, I looked into the whatsnew.module file and noticed a reference to dyna_newrand_cmps.php, which I cannot find anywhere.

..shoud I give up?

Thanks for the help:)


No, the module will not work on versions prior to 3.0 RC1.

If the module's title somehow did not get inserted then you can hold your mouse over one of the arrows and check your browser's status bar to find the 'modid'. Then you can go to this link to edit the module:
admincp/vba_cmps_admin.php?do=editmodule&modid=X

[Classico]

And there is still no option in the admin cp for adding the attachment (no checkbox in the Entrybit Elements, and no option anywhere else).


has anybody solve this? Can anybidy see the attachment thumbs?

Thanks

[tfw2005]

Just for reference, installed this on my second license site, and chose NO for overwriting templates, still did. Had a very customized entrybit_expanded template that I need to do over.

[juinjuin]

Yeah it is always overriding even if you choose no. Really troublesome to redo all those template edits. Second time round, I was a bit smarter and backed up all affected templates before importing.

Just for reference, installed this on my second license site, and chose NO for overwriting templates, still did. Had a very customized entrybit_expanded template that I need to do over.

[tfw2005]

has anybody solve this? Can anybidy see the attachment thumbs?

Thanks

Brian, need this as well. I thought it was part of this release, so I didn't think twice about installing Dynamics as my news system on the new license. I know you hacked up a version before, and see that work in the new files, but the setting isn't there, and when I import the hacked version of the other module to the new site, get an error code (for each, 663 in dyna_class, which is attachment call).

So, any way to get this worked out ASAP? At this point, just waiting on that to go live, all other editing and importing done here on new license.

Thanks!

[tfw2005]

OK, I got the hacked version you did Brian to work. Would you like me to clean it up and post it here? I'm not sure why you haven't released it as so, I'm guessing either forgot, or there is an issue and you didn't want to release it till fixed. So, just let me know.

[neverstop]

Can you post the hacked version tfw? Ive been waiting on this fix (the attachmnet thumbnails) for a while now... Cheers.

[tfw2005]

I'd rather let Brian either say it's ok to do so, or do it himself, as there may be a reason that he didn't yet. I don't want to expose a possible error or security issue that I don't know about as of now.

[Classico]

I'd rather let Brian either say it's ok to do so, or do it himself, as there may be a reason that he didn't yet. I don't want to expose a possible error or security issue that I don't know about as of now.

Congratulacions for the hacked version!!!!

I agree with you, so let´s wait a while.

I also need the hacked version because i still have no attachment thumbs... :(

[reotto]

Brian,

Can you explain why:

$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_attach'";

This line is not included in the included xml file above. Thanks for your quick repsonse in advance.

[kushaaal]

My host does not allow the module folder to be made 777, how can I do it manually?

[incendrix]

Okay, I followed the directions, and got it working great with the first instance. Then I tried to do a second instance, and cmps and forums came back with database errors. Looked to see what I messed up, and couldn't find anything, so I removed the modules, now I have no cmps, no forums, and no admincp, they all return with Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_STRING in /home/fwus/public_html/forums/includes/init.php(329) : eval()'d code on line 19

If anyone knows what I need to do to fix this, my site is basically dead at the moment :(

[incendrix]

Okay, got everything back up and running, but had to uninstall dynamics and vba to get it back on line (the good news is I upgraded to vb 3.7 at the same time). Now, before I try this again, I was hoping someone could answer a few quick questions for me:

1. "please note that you will need to add an additional plugin to the 'init_startup' hook location with the following code:" Exactly where do I add this code? I see several 'init_startup' sections and I think that's where I screwed up last time.

2. Do I need to upload the files again for each instance? Or do I simply "copy" the module and add the extra code in the copied module?

Thanks for any help!

[NashChristian]

Hello Brian,

I just got this installed, and apparently working.

Couple of questions:

When you see a message asking if you would like to overwrite the templates, be sure that 'No' is choosen and continue.

What happens if you selected 'Yes' by mistake? Does it do any PERMANENT damage? I only ask this, because I made that mistake before I read this part. In an attempt to rectify this, I completely uninstalled the module, as well as the plug-ins, and then reinstalled them. Was that an acceptable solution, or did I do some lasting harm to some other dyna templates? How should I fix it?

Next question - shouldn't this code:

$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_perms'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_opts'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_attach'";

Shouldn't this include opening ' notations? Shouldn't this really be as follows:

$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_perms'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_opts'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_attach'";

I had problems getting this to work with my secondary instance "articles", but it seems to be working alright after adding an opening ' notation on each of these three lines.

Now click on the 'Default Settings' link under the vBa CMPS group and add 'vba_dyna' (without the quotes) to the 'Portal Output Global Variables' setting.

Do I need to add "articles" to the 'Portal Output Global Variables' setting as well, since that is the instance that I am using this module with?

For some reason, when the articles are new and there have been NO REPLIES, the module is showing that the "Last Reply" is by "Guest", instead of by the original author, as it should be. Please reference below:

Shed Blood by Sparky on Friday, May 16th, 2008 12:03 AM Friday, May 16th, 2008 12:03 AM by Guest 0 3
Love Song by Sparky on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 09:23 PM Thursday, May 15th, 2008 09:23 PM by Guest 0 3
I wait by Sparky on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 09:13 PM Thursday, May 15th, 2008 09:13 PM by Guest 0 2
Up Is Down by Sparky on Monday, May 12th, 2008 09:21 PM Monday, May 12th, 2008 09:21 PM by Guest 0 12
Hurry by Sparky on Monday, May 12th, 2008 11:13 AM Monday, May 12th, 2008 11:13 AM by Guest 0 8


Any idea how I can correct this?

One small step for vBa, one large step for mankind!
Thanks for your help!
:) Jeff

[NashChristian]

Bump...

I also just realized that my links directory is no longer working since I installed this module, but am unsure whether that is caused by this module, or template conflicts since upgrading all my vBa software.

See HERE (http://www.vbadvanced.com/forum/showthread.php?p=145707#post145707)

Please help!

[Brian]

1. "please note that you will need to add an additional plugin to the 'init_startup' hook location with the following code:" Exactly where do I add this code? I see several 'init_startup' sections and I think that's where I screwed up last time.
Admin CP => Plugins & Products => Add New Plugin => Plugin PHP Code

2. Do I need to upload the files again for each instance? Or do I simply "copy" the module and add the extra code in the copied module?
Just add the additional plugin for each instance as mentioned in the first post and then copy the module through the Admin CP.




What happens if you selected 'Yes' by mistake? Does it do any PERMANENT damage? I only ask this, because I made that mistake before I read this part. In an attempt to rectify this, I completely uninstalled the module, as well as the plug-ins, and then reinstalled them. Was that an acceptable solution, or did I do some lasting harm to some other dyna templates? How should I fix it?
That would overwrite your templates, so you may want to check in your Style Manager to see if any of the 'adv_dyna_entrybit*' templates have been customized, and if so (and it wasn't you that customized them), delete them.

Shouldn't this include opening ' notations? Shouldn't this really be as follows:
Where exactly are you seeing that code? I checked the .xml file attached here and any code in the original post, but I'm not seeing the missing single quotes.


Do I need to add "articles" to the 'Portal Output Global Variables' setting as well, since that is the instance that I am using this module with?
No, only 'vba_dyna' should need to be added.

For some reason, when the articles are new and there have been NO REPLIES, the module is showing that the "Last Reply" is by "Guest", instead of by the original author, as it should be. Please reference below:

It sounds like that might be due to overwriting templates when you first installed it. So if you've already reverted your templates by the time you read this part, it could already be fixed.

[kholtman]

So was a new version of this ever released, or are people still having difficulties with it?

[MediaHound]

Installed, thanks.

[kushaaal]

Once I create plugin, it returns a database errors.

1. For which product should I create this plugin, for vbulletin or vBa_CMPS or other?

I had vb_ as prefix, and I tried adding that too with same results.

[NashChristian]

Where exactly are you seeing that code? I checked the .xml file attached here and any code in the original post, but I'm not seeing the missing single quotes.

Here, at the top of this thread:

Multiple Instances
For those who would like to run this with multiple instances, or with a secondary instance, please note that you will need to add an additional plugin to the 'init_startup' hook location with the following code:


if (defined('VBA_PORTAL'))
{
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_rand'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "'adv_dyna_cats'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_perms'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_opts'";
$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_attach'";

$phrasegroups[] = 'adv_dyna';
}

QUESTION:

What happens if you selected 'Yes' by mistake? Does it do any PERMANENT damage? I only ask this, because I made that mistake before I read this part. In an attempt to rectify this, I completely uninstalled the module, as well as the plug-ins, and then reinstalled them. Was that an acceptable solution, or did I do some lasting harm to some other dyna templates? How should I fix it?
That would overwrite your templates, so you may want to check in your Style Manager to see if any of the 'adv_dyna_entrybit*' templates have been customized, and if so (and it wasn't you that customized them), delete them.

Would this affect the templates of any of my secondary instances, or just the primary, which in my case, I'm not using? All that I need to do to fix this is revert the 'adv_dyna_entrybit*' templates?

One more question Brian about this module, what code would I need to modify (and in which templates) to make my LAST REPLY data wrap, so that it won't hog my module display?

Also (one more, one more) where would I modify the text display "Title / Author, Last Reply" in the Module header, so that I can make it match the text display in the Newest Forum Threads module on CMPS "Title, Username, & Date, Last Post" AND vice versa (where could I modify this text in the Newest Forum Threads module).

Thanks again for the help!
:D Jeff

[shlomot]

Thanks, Brian, for allowing this integration with the rest of the community.

Please note that the mod searches for replies to the main article and post "Last post by Guest" even if there are no posts and counters have been reset.

[kholtman]

So, has this module been fixed?

Honestly, it seems as if it would be of great value. I'm trying to get my home page to look less "forum-ish," and I'd like to be able to put my news category from dynamics into cmps.

Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? :)

[NashChristian]

So, has this module been fixed?

Honestly, it seems as if it would be of great value. I'm trying to get my home page to look less "forum-ish," and I'd like to be able to put my news category from dynamics into cmps.

Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? :)

YES. The Module is working GOOD now!

:D

[Stilgar]

How would I change the Title of the New/Random Entry. Right now the Member's Name that posts the Entry is larger then the Entry Title. I would like to increase the font on the Entry Title.

Thanks for any and all assistance,

James

[Brian]

You would need to edit your 'adv_dyna_entrybit_expanded' template and adjust the code in there.

[Stilgar]

There it is! Thanks Brian.

[deathemperor]

i want to add another whats new or random entries for another instance for vba dyna
,
i use this hack for the first one
and need another block with the same feature for another instance
can be done or should i modify some codes in this module?

[deathemperor]

ok it is done
but how to make 2 instant vba dyna , show in one block in center and every one of them has its showing entries

[deathemperor]

how to make the modules work in center block as this :
|___1___|
|_2_|_3_|
|_4_|_5_|

[msolano]

Well: i added this code:

$datastore_fetch[] = "adv_dyna_attach'";

to my plugin: vBa Dynamics CMPS Module (Special Templates)

But as you see the code has an error, it need an inicial '

Now my site is all down cause i have the error:

SELECT *
FROM vb_datastore
WHERE title IN ('adv_dyna_rand','adv_dyna_cats','adv_dyna_perms','adv_dyna_opts',adv_dyna_attac h');

Even i deleted the code from the plugin the error is there yet.

I wrote an support ticket but i have an emergency.

Somebody can help me?! Thank you.

[msolano]

Solved:

disable the plugins : adding this line to your includes/config.php file : define('DISABLE_HOOKS', true);

load ADMINCP

Search the plugin with the problem and save it again.

Delete the line define('DISABLE_HOOKS', true); in includes/config.php

Ready

[PhilMcKrackon]

When using this module with multiple instances the modules (I made copies) work fine as long as I use the 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template' option 'yes'. When set to 'no' the modules show the correct information but they all link to the same content.

For instance - module 1 'Dynamics Instance Prefix' is adv_dyna and the content is correct as well as the links when set to 'yes' under the 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template' option. Link = http://www.xxxxx.com/clubs/showentry.php?e=6

Module 1 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template' = 'no' and content is correct but link now = http://www.xxxxx.com/docs/showentry.php?e=6


'docs' is another of my multiple instance installs. The module for 'docs' works correctly no matter what option I select under 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template'.

Also, another copy of this module exhibits almost the same behavior as the 'clubs' (original instance called 'adv_dyna') except it works fine when 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template' is set to 'no' as long as I have 'views' and 'icon' checked. As soon as I uncheck 'views' the link goes from 'http://www.xxxxx.com/reviews/showentry.php?e=2' to 'http://www.xxxxx.com/docs/showentry.php?e=2'

Any ideas on what may be causing this?

Thanks!

BTW - Disabling every plugin but the dynamics and cmps still gives the same error.


A little more info. I haven't been able to come to any conclusion on this. I set 'Use Expanded Entrybit Template' to yes on every module and deselected every option (except 'preview) in the 'Entry Bits Elements' and the links are still screwed up.

And if I also unselect 'preview' the this happens - Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in [path]/includes/vba_dyna_functions.php on line 1287


Weird...

[PhilMcKrackon]

Well, after trying about every combination and reloading and deleting and reloading the modules I still can't come up with a reason why this is happening...

Thought anyone?

[tfw2005]

From what I understand, multiple instances don't fully work on the same page, only single instances. I believe Brian was trying to get it sorted a while back, but it never fully worked itself out.

I am still waiting for this as well, I'd like to have multiple CMPS pages, featuring multiple blocks from each instance (2 from instance 1, 1 from instance 2, 3 from instance 3, etc) all on one page. All using different entrybit layouts (lean, expanded, simple, etc).

[PhilMcKrackon]

Thanks for the update and reply.

Brian, is there something or somewhere I could start looking at the code to try and get multiple instances to work? See post #47.

Thanks,