Getting Started with Magento Module Development

This practical guide to building Magento modules from scratch takes you step-by-step through the whole process, from first principles to practical development. At the end of it you’ll have acquired expertise based on thorough understanding. **Overview** * Get a detailed insight into the structure of Magento * Learn about event/observer-driven modules * Get a hands-on introduction to custom shipping and payment methods **In Detail** Modules, are a group of php and xml files meant to extend the system with new functionality, or override core system behavior. Most of the base Magento system is built using the module system, so you can see why they are an important feature for this rich open-source e-commerce solutions. This book explores key module development techniques and teaches you to modify, understand and structure your modules making it easy for you to get a strong foundation for clean and unobtrusive Magento module development. Getting Started with Magento Module Development is a practical, hands-on guide to building Magento modules from scratch. This book provides an in depth introduction and helps you discover features such as; blocks, controllers, models, configuration files, and other crucial elements which contribute to the Magento architecture. This book introduces the you to real-world modules and helps provide a strong foundation which you need to become a professional Magento module developer. The book further explores best practices and tips and tricks offering you the ultimate go to guide. Getting Started with Magento Module Development focuses on three areas. First you are guided through the entire Magento structure, where each important directory or file is explored in detail. Then the essence of the module structure and development is explained through the detailed coverage of models, blocks, controllers, configuration, and other files that manifest a single module. Finally, a detailed set of instructions is given for building four real-world modules, including a payment and shipping module. **What you will learn from this book** * Explore the module structure * Learn about Block classes, Model classes, and Controller classes * Get to grips with Configuration files * Understand the importance of Event/Observer programming * Learn CRON jobs * Discover the key module functionality **Approach** This project-based tutorial gives you a strong foundation and guides you through practical, real-world examples. **Who this book is written for** This book contains valuable insights for both newbies and already established Magento developers. This book is targeted at new and intermediate PHP developers starting afresh with Magento module development.

In Detail

Modules, are a group of php and xml files meant to extend the system with new functionality, or override core system behavior. Most of the base Magento system is built using the module system, so you can see why they are an important feature for this rich open-source e-commerce solutions. This book explores key module development techniques and teaches you to modify, understand and structure your modules making it easy for you to get a strong foundation for clean and unobtrusive Magento module development.

Getting Started with Magento Module Development is a practical, hands-on guide to building Magento modules from scratch. This book provides an in depth introduction and helps you discover features such as; blocks, controllers, models, configuration files, and other crucial elements which contribute to the Magento architecture. This book introduces the you to real-world modules and helps provide a strong foundation which you need to become a professional Magento module developer. The book further explores best practices and tips and tricks offering you the ultimate go to guide.

Getting Started with Magento Module Development focuses on three areas. First you are guided through the entire Magento structure, where each important directory or file is explored in detail. Then the essence of the module structure and development is explained through the detailed coverage of models, blocks, controllers, configuration, and other files that manifest a single module. Finally, a detailed set of instructions is given for building four real-world modules, including a payment and shipping module.

Approach

This project-based tutorial gives you a strong foundation and guides you through practical, real-world examples.

Who this book is for

This book contains valuable insights for both newbies and already established Magento developers. This book is targeted at new and intermediate PHP developers starting afresh with Magento module development.

Annotation Modules, are a group of php and xml files meant to extend the system with new functionality, or override core system behavior. Most of the base Magento system is built using the module system, so you can see why they are an important feature for this rich open-source e-commerce solutions. This book explores key module development techniques and teaches you to modify, understand and structure your modules making it easy for you to get a strong foundation for clean and unobtrusive Magento module development. Getting Started with Magento Extension Development is a practical, hands-on guide to building Magento modules from scratch. This book provides an in depth introduction and helps you discover features such as; blocks, controllers, models, configuration files, and other crucial elements which contribute to the Magento architecture. This book introduces the you to real-world modules and helps provide a strong foundation which you need to become a professional Magento module developer. The book further explores best practices and tips and tricks offering you the ultimate go to guide. Getting Started with Magento Extension Development focuses on three areas. First you are guided through the entire Magento structure, where each important directory or file is explored in detail. Then the essence of the module structure and development is explained through the detailed coverage of models, blocks, controllers, configuration, and other files that manifest a single module. Finally, a detailed set of instructions is given for building four real-world modules, including a payment and shipping module Content: Cover Copyright Credits About the Author About the Reviewers www.PacktPub.com Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: An Overview of Magento Extension The root directory structure Code pools The theme system Basic extension configuration Controllers Blocks The model, resource, and collection The event / observer pattern Cron jobs Helpers System configuration options Summary Chapter 2: Building the Extension -- Maximum Order Amount Planning your extension Registering your extension Building the configuration options interface Adding the business logic Summary. Chapter 3: Building the Extension -- LoggerPlanning your extension Registering your extension Setting up the model and install script Building the visual components Adding the business logic Summary Chapter 4: Building the Extension -- Shipping Shipping methods Planning your extension Registering your extension Dissecting the existing shipping method Defining your shipping method Adding the business logic Summary Chapter 5: Building the Extension -- Payment Payment methods Planning your extension Registering your extension Dissecting the existing payment method. Defining your payment methodExtension business logic Summary Chapter 6: Packaging and Publishing Your Extension Magento Connect Free extensions versus commercial extensions Packaging your extension Creating an extension profile Uploading the extension package Summary Index.