Joomla extensions enable the extension of existing features, with various free and paid extensions available for purchase.
Installing extensions onto a website is made easy using the Extension Manager, with quick and simple installations from either local zip files or URLs.
Templates
As with most CMS systems, Joomla comes equipped with many basic features by default; to expand its capabilities further, extensions need to be installed. There are three methods of doing so: 1) Use the Extension Manager to find and install templates from the web. 2) Upload an unzipped extension via FTP then unpack and set up its folder within your hosting server’s extension directory. 3) Make use of “Install from Directory” tab in Extension Manager wherein an input box allows users to specify folder names (for instance “t3”) which the extension installer then uses download and installation of files from.
Joomla provides users with an impressive collection of templates to assist in building websites with their desired layouts, styles and functionalities. All responsive templates provide fully optimized layouts for an enhanced user experience and can be utilized for various projects including portfolios and blogs.
Back-end templates can also be used to personalize the administrator interface of a Joomla website, providing administrators with a way to personalize its appearance without altering its core code. In addition, back-end templates provide crucial accessibility features essential to making sure their site can be used by those with disabilities.
Languages
Extensions are key components to expanding the functionality of a Joomla website, offering users access to numerous functions including:
Some extensions come equipped with multiple language packages and can be installed using the backend of a website, while others require downloading an individual package from either their developer’s website or web archive. Furthermore, many extensions require either one-time payments or annual subscription fees in order to activate.
Extensions can be found under the “Extensions” tab in a website’s backend, and downloaded and installed using the ‘Install’ button next to each language of interest. Once installed, use Statuses option to determine whether language is active.
Install only language packs tested by other developers to ensure proper operation without interfering with any other modules or Joomla functionality. Installing extensions may put extra load on a server and result in subpar performance or may fail when updated to newer versions of Joomla.
Plugins
Plugins are pieces of software code designed to extend the functionality of programs like Joomla. With it comes various plugins designed specifically to enhance functionality on sites and improve aesthetics – depending on what your needs may be there are many plugins that may fit the bill!
To install a plugin, log into your Joomla admin panel and navigate to Extensions >> Install Package File, selecting your ZIP file from your computer and clicking Upload & Install. This method of installing extensions tends to be the quickest and most reliable method; however, sometimes logging back in may help resolve issues that arise – sometimes simply refreshing your administrator panel can do the trick!
Note that the filename> parameter represents your short plugin name/alias from earlier, while filename> -> php is where Joomla will execute your main php file on article load on your front end. Additionally, this line holds several important attributes of your plugin – version/version is for Joomla versions that support it (e.g. 4.x), group is to inform Joomla it is content plugin etc.
Note that changing the value of $article->text does not alter what’s actually stored in your database; rather it just affects what Joomla displays on the front page. Therefore it’s wise to choose plugins carefully and only install those you know you need; unneeded ones could negatively impact site speed and performance.
Extensions
If the built-in features of Joomla don’t quite satisfy you, there is also an array of 3rd party extensions available that can expand its functionality with just a few clicks.
If you find an extension that interests you, simply click the Install button and follow the instructions to install it. When it has been successfully installed, it will appear in your list of extensions, where it can then be activated to begin using on your site.
Another way of installing extensions is via URL upload, which can be especially beneficial when dealing with large and expansive extensions that would be too cumbersome to upload using other methods. Simply enter the web file archive containing the extension you want to install before clicking “Install.” Joomla 3 will then download and install it automatically for you.
One important point to keep in mind when installing extensions is that not all are created equal. Some may introduce security threats into your website environment, so only choose reliable and regularly-maintained extensions. You should also pay close attention to which permissions an extension requests; if one demands too much control it might be best to consider uninstalling it altogether.