This document contains questions and answers about Joomla! and extension development. It discusses differences between Joomla! 1.5 and 2.5 database structures, how to discover new modules in 2.5, whether too many extensions can slow a site, whether extensions must be open source, and reasons to switch from 1.5 to 2.5. It also provides tips on using jQuery with Joomla! and lists resources for learning more about Joomla! and extension development.

1. Vishwash Gaur
© 2012 Vishwash Gaur. All rights reserved.
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respective owners.
Image Credit: http://ayadipro.com/blog/high-tech-education/25-improvements-in-joomla-2-5/
Disclaimer: Images used on this slide are for representative purposes only and belong to their respective owners.

2.  What is the basic database structure difference
between Joomla! 1.5 and Joomla! 2.5 versions?
 From the module and component development
point of view, table structure has been updated.
 Earlier, we had #__modules and #__components
tables which have been merged to #__extensions in
the new version.
 This new table includes all type of extensions in
single table.

3.  I was able to create and load modules easily in
Joomla! 1.5 but I can't do the same in Joomla! 2.5?
 In Joomla 1.5, system was able to detect a new
module automatically but in Joomla 2.5, you would
need to discover the module post development.
 For this, please go to yoursite/admin and select
top-menu/extensions/extension manager and
click on the discover tab.
 On discover tab, you would be able to find new
extensions by clicking the discover button on top-
right toolbar.

4.  Are too many modules a problem for the Joomla!
site?
 Yes, it there are many modules or extensions then
it put extra load on the loading of the page and
website.
 Some of the websites have been experienced
working good with up to 50 extensions but some
might start delay in loading.

5.  Does the extension be compulsory an open source
code?
 No, but since the CMS is open source and if you
want to take benefits of community then it should
be an open source code.

6.  Do I really need to switch to Joomla! 2.5 from
Joomla! 1.5 and why?
 Yes, there are two types of releases
◦ STS: Short Term Support
◦ LTS: Long Term Support
◦ 1.5 version is LTS version and Joomla! has officially
stopped support for it from April, 2012 so for any
further system level issue, it won’t be supported
hence it is good to move to next release for code
level support. However, forums and community is
always available.

7.  How and where can I get more information on
Joomla! extension development?
 http://docs.joomla.org

8.  Can I use Jquery framework in the extension
development while Joomla! uses MooTools JS
framework?
 Yes, and if any conflict arises, please use below
code to avoid the situation:
 <script type="text/javascript">
jQuery.noConflict();
</script>

9.  XAMP: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html
 Joomla!: http://www.joomla.org/
 JED: http://extensions.joomla.org/
 Joomla! Forum: http://forum.joomla.org/
 Joomla! Magazine: http://magazine.joomla.org/authors/itemlist/user/65-Nicholas-G-Antimisiaris
 Joomla documentation: http://docs.joomla.org/
 Joomla 2.5 essential training: http://www.lynda.com/Joomla-tutorials/Joomla-Essential-Training/95699-2.html
 Joomla! For beginners guide 2012: http://www.danconia.com/joomla-for-beginners-guide-2012.html
 Joomla! Developers guide: http://cocoate.com/sites/cocoate.com/files/private/jdev.pdf