Template Manager - Help, Ideas, Suggestions Needed

[azpro]

Does anyone else have comments, ideas, suggestions for the page, or what
each `template card` in the page might show.

Many thanks to all who have replied in the thread, so far, I really appreciate you taking the time.

Nice work! Maybe a test mode would be nice. So only a logged on admin could see / test the template.

[bonbec]

I am currently working on a Windows 11 machine using wamp64 and PHP 8.4 (version 1.1.0.8).
I created the necessary files for a new template by copying the `override` folder and then changing every instance of `override` to `aradefault` (my template's name) within the `templates\aradefault\includes\template.php` file.
I also created an image named `aradefault.png` and placed it in `templates\aradefault\static\`.
Then, I went to the administration area under Configuration > Templates and selected `aradefault`. The template works fine—no issues there.
However... in the administration area, under Configuration > Templates, I see this:

Templates_Phoenix_Cart_Administration_Tool.png

For starters, the `override` template appears twice, and the installation links for both entries point to the installation process for the `override` template.
Logically, I should see the `aradefault` template marked as "installed" and the `override` template marked as "install."
Is this a bug, or did I make a mistake somewhere?

[burt]

You did not mention the new manifest file contained in /templates/aradefault/static...
Have a look at that and report back..

My suspicion is that this file still contains "override" in places.

[bonbec]

You're right. I hadn't thought to check the .json file.
Thanks a lot; I made the changes and:

Templates_Phoenix_Cart_Administration_Tool2.png

[burt]

You should be able to also change the name (in the manifest) from `Over Ride` to `ARA Default`...as well as other stuff like the template maker name and so on.

[bonbec]

Exactly—it was only when I posted the screenshot that I realized I hadn't cleared the cache. Fred's tired!
Here is the correct screenshot.

Templates_Phoenix_Cart_Administration_Tool2.png

[bonbec]

Just a thought:
When installing a template that requires specific modules, you enable the module by setting it to TRUE, like this:

page_heading_module_true.jpg

.
However... this enables the module for all templates, which can cause issues.

My idea—though I suspect it might be a major undertaking—is this:
Display checkboxes for the templates to allow or disallow the module for each specific template. Something like this:

page_heading_module_true_checkbox.jpg

.
The list of modules required for the template could be located in the manifest.json file.

[burt]

Never thought of doing that - it would be amazing.
Have you coded it, or is that image a photoshop mockup ?

--

The way I attacked this was to have a completely Blank TPL override in the Template.

eg let us imagine your aradefault needed no title in the shopping_cart;

/templates/aradefault/includes/modules/content/shopping_cart/tpl_cm_sc_title.php <--- with nothing in that file

You then revert back to (eg) override ... and the title does indeed show, as it uses the standard output.

[bonbec]

Sorry this is a Photoshop mockup. I like to "sketch out" what I’d like to have so I can visualize it better.

The empty file idea is appealing, but I don't think it's the solution. Let's say I have three templates:
- aradefaut
- araEaster
- araChristmas
Then I install "ignis." It modifies the navbar using `tpl_nb_boxes.php`, and suddenly that "Explore" item appears in all my templates. If I don't want that, I'd have to go into every single template to add an empty file.
Doing that locally, uploading via FTP, and so on ...
It’s too time-consuming and complicated, at least based on my understanding of the system.

[burt]

Yes, you have understood precisely - it can get complicated.