Using the new PHP Block

[acanuck]

I'm trying to use the new vb4 sidebar php block.

I enter something very simple like

PHP Code:

print 'test';' 


but it prints at the very top left of the page instead of inside the block. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Also can I access vb variables and bbcode in the block?

[Lynne]

Take a look at the template that is used to output the php block and you'll see exactly what it expects - it expects you to create a variable $output and it will output it in the block.

[acanuck]

Originally Posted by Lynne

Take a look at the template that is used to output the php block and you'll see exactly what it expects - it expects you to create a variable $output and it will output it in the block.

Thanks for the reply Lynne

Stupid question... but which template do I need to look for? I'm not sure how to find the template :erm:

[Lynne]

To find the template, do this - vboptions > General Settings > Add Template Name in HTML Comments > set to Yes . Then go back to your page and view the source code and you will see the name of the template called around your part of the code. (Sometimes the template is the one mentioned at the very top of the page source.)

[derfelix]

Well, maybe I am a little slow..
tried the same thing...
custom html/php block
template name: block_html

it expects the variable content
so i did a
$content='test';
and...
the block is there but empty... populated with the blocktitle only..
(its the default block title)
I even added a: global $content;

Any ideas?

thx in advance...

F.

[Lynne]

I wish vb has called these different blocks something completely different.

- If using the php block on the CMS page, you need to set your output to the variable $output.

PHP Code:

$output .= 'Hello World!'; 


- If using the php block on the forumhome page, you need to use return for your output.

PHP Code:

return 'Hello World!'; 


[derfelix]

Thank you lynne,
works perfectly as always...

To bad you cant use the template vars $content and $blockinfo["title"]
or return an array.

The advantage would have been to be able to phrase the title of the block for multilanguage purposes..

Example:
blocktitle: the newest 5 images.. (where 5 would be the amount of new images calculated in the php block..)
OR blocktitle depending on language...(for us multilanguage users)
As i run a chinese, german and english board, the titles are very important...

But anyway i hope i'll find a way...
I'm allready happy to see any content

F.

[Lynne]

Put it as a Suggestion over on vb.com and then put it in the Bug Tracker with a link to the thread about it.

[derfelix]

Originally Posted by Lynne

Put it as a Suggestion over on vb.com and then put it in the Bug Tracker with a link to the thread about it.

I asked about that... sometime in november..
answer: not planned for the moment...
BUT I think I found a way of doing it
In theory... but I'll run some tests tomorrow...

Simply.. As you can use your own template...
make a new one.. containing only:

<li>
{vb:raw content}
</li>

and then.. generate your own title and content.. and.. and.. in the sub template you use...

I guess they didnt plan it that way.. but it should be possible...

as I said.. i'm off now.. but i'll test tomorow..
F.