Forum Home Enhancements - [AJAX] Tabbed Forum Home

Tabbed Forum Home version 1.01

[AJAX] Tabbed Forum Home version 1.5.0 (BETA)

NOTE: Works with both 3.7x and 3.6x

Description: This MOD is for creating a "Tabbed" Forum Home Page to have Categories displayed within Tab containers (similar to what the new Profile System looks like on vb3.7). Please do not confuse this with the Tab Menu System here at vbulletin.org. They are totally different systems. These Tabs actually switch the content without leaving the main forums page.

I wrote the initial Non AJAX version based on reading many requests from members asking about how namepros created their custom tabbed forum home page. The first implementation I did was a request by bbwforums.net (which you can visit to see a working example). I have shared this version with many members already and decided to release it since it seems to be something that a lot of members are interested in.

UPDATE: I have released a BETA [AJAX] version for those that what something a little more robust and easier to install/configure. This Beta version will never go into production tho as version 2.0 will utilize the YUI AJAX Tabview Toolset. It IS stable tho and is currently running on a few live sites.

NOTE: Keep in mind, I wrote this with the assumption that you are fairly well versed and comfortable with editing files/templates and following the flow of things. If there is something you don't understand, PLEASE let me know so that I can help you understand it. This IS NOT a product that a novice can just plug and play and it takes a little bit of time to setup, but its well worth it in the end (if you want a custom unique look to your forum home page)... the next version (Don't ask when, cause its just on the drawing board) will be a product with ACP controls for easy setup

The attached Zip File(s) contain the Files and Instructions necessary to install each version.

DEMO: www.bbwforums.net or www.namepros.com
[Moderator Edit: The first URL has been un-linked as there has been reported malware on that domain. The mod author may edit this notice once the situation has been cleaned.]

Screen Shots: None, visit one or both of the above links as seeing them in action is better than some static image(s)..

Bobster

Change Log

version 1.01 -
tabcontent.js ver 2.2 to support remote links
updated install instructions (both in txt and rtf format)

version 1.5.0 -
BETA [AJAX] version

July 8, 2008 - Added xml file for WOL
Sep 2, 2008 - Updated xml file for WOL

[tiekie]

just what i was looking for

[heXagon]

One should keep in mind, that when javascript is turned off there won't be displayed any forums at all. Should have a workaround for that handy!

[bobster65]

Originally Posted by heXagon

One should keep in mind, that when javascript is turned off there won't be displayed any forums at all. Should have a workaround for that handy!

There is a very simple work around. Use the child style created in the initial steps (1-4) so you have a Tabbed Style and a NON Tabbed Style. The edits to the index.php file won't effect the non tabbed styles on the site. This is what I do to give my members a choice. Some don't like the Tabbed Layout, others do and for those that don't have JS enabled, they also have a choice

[Discussions]

Originally Posted by heXagon

One should keep in mind, that when javascript is turned off there won't be displayed any forums at all. Should have a workaround for that handy!

I don't know many computer users who have Java turned off, or don't have Java installed at all. It has become a small issue though after Microsoft was forced to stop distributing Java with all operating systems.

[Soonerdude]

I have a question about putting more than one category under a tab.

$forumbits2 = construct_forum_bit(13,1,0);

The instructions say the first number is the category number, what would I put if I wanted Category 13 and Category 14 to be in that same tab?

[bobster65]

Originally Posted by Soonerdude

I have a question about putting more than one category under a tab.

$forumbits2 = construct_forum_bit(13,1,0);

The instructions say the first number is the category number, what would I put if I wanted Category 13 and Category 14 to be in that same tab?

Multiple categories can be under the same tab. You still need to construct a forum bit for each one tho.. so you would do something like

$forumbits2a = construct_forum_bit(13,1,0);
$forumbits2b = construct_forum_bit(14,1,0);

In the instructions document, Tab 3 Sample is set up to display multiple categories, so just take a look at that part of the setup

[Our House]

Great job Bobster! *installed and looks nice*

Is there any way to use these tabs for individual forums also (instead of just categories)?

[bobster65]

Originally Posted by Our House

Great job Bobster! *installed and looks nice*

Is there any way to use these tabs for individual forums also (instead of just categories)?

what did you have in mind for individual forums?

[Our House]

Originally Posted by bobster65

what did you have in mind for individual forums?

Well...

I noticed that when I tried to add one (using the forumid of a singular forum in construct_forum_bit function call), nothing appeared in the forumbit display for that tab. I'm guessing that a threadbit needs to be built instead, right?

I tried using the variables that point to threads in a normal forumdisplay, but they probably aren't in the index.php file or plugged in to the forumhome templates.

[CHIPIT]

Originally Posted by bobster65

SNIP
Bobster

Thank you very much!