Topic: Difference between articles and pages?

[rexall]

Sat 12 Jul 2014, 7:50 pm

Hello All,

Sorry for the noob question, but I don't understand the difference between articles and pages.  Can pages be hidden, but opened with a link?

Thanks, lah!

[danget]

same here! i also want to know whats the difference between articles and pages

[Smasher]

The Pages are basically new pages that you are creating for your site using BBC, HTML or PHP. So for example if your site does not have a contact page you can write one in HTML or PHP and make a link to it. 

The Articles are special posts that you create to go within a portal block on a page. There can be multiple articles on a page which is definied in the Admin section (SimplePortal > Configuration > Article Settings). If I remember correctly the articles can also be replied to by the members of your forum.

[rexall]

Sun 13 Jul 2014, 6:36 am

Thanks a million Smasher!

The "how to" of articles, et al is perfectly clear.  However, personally, I find it very difficult  to follow instructions if I don't first have a concept of what the object actually is and what it and does.  I find a lot of documentation (not just SMF) skips over this basic step and assumes the reader knows what they are talking about.  So, thanks for that.

So, I get it.  I think:  articles go in blocks.  Blocks go in pages. Can you have an article on page that ISN'T in a block?  Or is that a stupid question?  If you create a new page, does that assume that the central part of the page IS a block?

Thanks! 

[Smasher]

Sun 13 Jul 2014, 6:36 am
So, I get it.  I think:  articles go in blocks.  Blocks go in pages. Can you have an article on page that ISN'T in a block?  Or is that a stupid question?  If you create a new page, does that assume that the central part of the page IS a block?

Yes... Articles go in blocks and blocks are part of pages. New pages that are created though can only utilize blocks that already exist. For example if you have a left side user block or a top side custom header block you can click on them to add them to the new page...

When you create a new page you need to take note to the (PageID) - and your link would be http://sitename.com/index.php?page=(PageID)

[andy]

Simple Portal installs with an example articles block activated on the portal as well as other example blocks. Otherwise all blocks need to be made with position and permissions decided by you.
Best to read the documentation about blocks and try some test examples - that way you will learn things much more quickly.

http://simpleportal.net/index.php?action=docs;area=working_with_blocks

[oNLy1]

So, I get it.  I think:  articles go in blocks.  Blocks go in pages. Can you have an article on page that ISN'T in a block?  Or is that a stupid question?  If you create a new page, does that assume that the central part of the page IS a block?

No ... Articles do not have to go in blocks, it can be stand alone on the front page (if you want to call a center block you cant edit or define a block, then yes) Blocks don't have to go on pages, you can put blocks on the forum, posts pages, etc... you can even define where a block can or not be shown. Say you only want to show a block on the Arcade or Blog, Wiki, whatever modification you have installed ...it can be be shown there, only there or and there.

[[SiNaN]]

To put it simply;

Blocks are the boxes that you have on the left here. Pages are custom pages to extend your site. (ie. click the About link at the top right) Articles are selected forum posts. (ie. posts listed on portal home page here).

Let us know if you require further assistance with this one.