ImageCMS 4.0b Release - New Interface and Functionality Flexibility

    Over the past six weeks, our team has been fully dedicated to translating the wishes of ImageCMS users. All these wishes come down to making the online store management a concise, flexible and functional process. The release of 4.0b ImageCMS and ImageCMS Shop represents our implementation of these solutions.
    This version is the key in the development of the system, since one correct vector has been selected for subsequent development of new features, modules and templates, and setting up a flexible update system.

    Adaptability of the design of the administrative part has become for us one of the main projections of development - today we cannot ignore this issue in the context of usability of the interface. The ability to work with the administrative part of a site or store based on mobile devices is becoming increasingly popular for a modern person.

    Another area actively worked out by our team in this release is SEO goals. Correct, structured HTML code helps optimize the process of promoting your website and online store.

    Let's go over the key features of the new version of the system.


    1. Bootstrap & Jquery


    To build the interfaces of the administrator part, Bootstrap, a framework from Twitter, was used . This tool allows you to quickly and conveniently create templates for modules of the ImageCMS system. In addition, the process of complementing and customizing existing solutions is as easy as creating your own solutions. The framework supports the capabilities of HTML5, CSS3.
    In previous releases, before version 4.0b, we used mootools and mochaui to build the UI. This greatly limited us in terms of flexibility and scalability. Modifying the underlying principles of the mochaui user interface library was a rather time-consuming task.
    Bootstrap is a powerful designer tool that will help you respond as quickly as possible to your wishes and comments regarding further improvements to the interface.
    Along with Bootstrap, there is also support for the Jquery library. Write less - do more! Create your own modules, make adjustments to the existing interface using Twitter Bootstrap and Jquery.


    2. Changes in the interface


    • added more autocomplete fields and convenient filters to all sites in which the search could be difficult due to the large amount of content.
    • worked out the form of the list of products - now there is quick access to the filter (in the previous version it was not at all). Make the necessary changes even faster, set statuses and adjust prices directly from the list. Manipulations are also available for many products - just check the box and apply the action from the top menu.
    • for convenience, the top menu is now fixed on top of the browser workspace even after scrolling the page.


    3. Orders


    We have added tools that make the order management process even easier. Apply filters by date, status, customer, product and order amount. Also use information tools such as quick viewing of the contents of an order and make changes to already completed orders.


    4. CSV import of goods


    ImageCMS Shop's new approach to working with the product database is through CSV. Now we suggest using one of the three slots for storing files.

    Files are checked and stored in the backups folder. Near each of them the time of creating the instance is indicated - you can return to each file at any time if necessary.
    Based on the selected slot, a line of field correspondence is formed for uploading to the storefront. The first line is read from the specified slot, on the basis of which it is now possible to visually establish correspondences. Just select the one you need from the list of available values ​​and start the import.


    5. Hot keys


    We have already taken the first step - the Ctrl + S function is now at your disposal. We will actively work on the hotkey map in the near foreseeable future.

    6. Gallery module


    This module has undergone several aesthetic adjustments:
    • updated and improved the interface;
    • developed multiboot images (HTML5);
    • launched the drug & drop function.

    We also worked to make the content management of the module as convenient as possible - now it is possible to sort categories, albums and photos.


    7. The module "Comments"


    Improvements to this module also mainly concern the convenience and optimization of working with comments:
    • developed a more functional interface;
    • launched the ability to work with comments directly from the list page;
    • added the function of mass change of comment status;
    • provided comment support for microdata.



    In addition to innovations, we also worked on existing bugs. In the new version, we destroyed the following “problem areas”:
    • filters. We rewrote the part responsible for working with the database - now requests come much faster, the number of competitive requests has also decreased;
    • list of comparisons. We redid the logic of functioning - the button "Only differences" works;
    • brand viewing page. Added sorting by rating, quantity on the page of products of this brand - all categories where the requested brand is found are displayed on the left;
    • Browse categories. We solved the problems of choosing an option, filter by price, displaying the old price, added shortcuts (“Promotion”, “Hit”, “New”).

    In addition, bugs related to placing an order have been fixed.

    We suggest that you personally verify the result of our work - go through a test drive of the release on the demo version and make your own decision regarding ImageCMS 4.0b. We look forward to feedback and suggestions in the comments and on our blog !

    PS We are already working hard on the next release of the system, which will include new features and additions that were not included in the starting ImageCMS 4.0b.
    Recall that ImageCMS is a powerful free open-source tool for creating corporate sites; ImageCMS Shop is a flexible system for managing online stores.

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