The document discusses the Patterns Module, which allows for automated and shared site configuration in Drupal. It describes how the module works by saving configuration in XML files called "Patterns" and programmatically submitting forms. The presentation demonstrates using Patterns to quickly set up a fresh Drupal install. It also outlines the module architecture and components, as well as how Patterns can be defined, executed, and used by developers and site builders.

1. Drupal Camp, Pune 2009
Patterns Module
Managing and automating site configuration
Vojislav Jovanovic | vnd@graviteklabs.com
Jonathan Hebel | jonathan@graviteklabs.com

2. The Problem
Drupal site configuration is:
● time consuming
● tedious
● repetitive
● lacking a streamlined approach

3. The Solution
With Patterns Module site configuration can be:
● saved
● managed
● automated
● shared

4. How it works
Basic outline:
● site configuration is saved in XML files
called “Patterns”
● Patterns module handles programmatic
form submissions using configuration
defined in the XML Pattern file

5. Demo
Let's begin with a fresh install of Drupal 6:
● add Patterns module
● add any/all required modules
● run a Pattern
● oooh! aaah!

6. Patterns
A closer look at Patterns and how to create them:
● XML
● essential tags: <pattern>, <info>,
<modules> and <actions>
● defining functionality
● calling other Patterns
● Patterns form helper

7. Patterns Module architecture
Core module:
● Patterns management
● Import
● Execution

8. Patterns Module architecture
Components:
patterns
●
block
●
profile
●
● content
system
●
● imagecache
taxonomy
●
user
● menu ●
views
●
● node
and more coming...
●
● pathauto

9. Patterns execution workflow
A closer look at how the module works:
● enable all required modules
● execute all actions in the order they were
defined in the Pattern file
● each action emulates one form submission
● build $form_values array and additional
params and pass it to drupal_execute()

10. The Future
What's in store for the future:
● pattern exporter, recorder
● configuration framework
● pluggable input format support (YAML)
● make it easier to write components
● Integration with install profiles
● possible inclusion of configuration
framework in Drupal Core

11. Getting started
A few helpful resources:
● Get the Patterns module
http://drupal.org/projects/patterns
● Check out the documentation
http://drupal.org/node/346509

12. User involvement
Participate!
● use module and report bugs, request
features
http://drupal.org/project/issues/patterns
● help improve documentation
● Pattern user group on D.O.
http://groups.drupal.org/patterns

13. Developer involvement
Possible ways to help:
● submit patches
● write components
● write patterns

14. Module Maintainers
Possible ways to take advantage and/or help:
● write components for your own module
● consider using patterns for defining your
module configuration or example setups

15. Questions, please.
If any questions, ideas etc. came to your mind
during the presentation, feel free to ask/share!