Code Add-Ons

Overview

This chapter examines how DotNetNuke add-ons can be distributed and installed. As DotNetNuke has progressed, functionality has been added to enable developers to package and distribute extensions to the DotNetNuke framework. These add-ons enable the administrators and users to customize the portal to suit their particular needs. Add-ons can provide additional functionality or can alter the visual presentation style for the portal. DotNetNuke uses zip files to package and redistribute add-ons. Each add-on type defines the specific files that can be included in the package. The custom add-ons are divided into three major categories:

• Code add-ons

  • Modules

  • Skin objects

  • Providers

• Skinning add-ons

  • Skins

  • Containers

• Language add-ons

  • Language packs

There are many aspects to consider in the distribution of add-ons, and this chapter answers the following questions as you look at each of these add-on types:

• What is the format of the manifest or configuration files for the add-on?

• How do you package all of the elements that go into a single add-on?

• How do you install the add-on?