Richard Bankert Web Design Blog

How to add user data into RSForm Pro free text area using php

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:34:33 +0000

The need may arise where you need to add some user data to an RSForm Pro free text box.
For example, you may want your form to say, “Hello User, welcome to my form”

To do this you will need to do a couple things. This is the barebones version, to see all the details please watch the video.

First your free text box uses straight html, so enter in your statement and include a placeholder tag, for example {my_user_text}.

Now go to properties, php scripts and use the first box, “Script called on form display”

Now enter in your php script. In this case we will use a script to call the username.

$user = JFactory::getUser();

$Z = $user->get('username');

We will then use a string replace to replace our tag {my_user_text} with the value from $Z

$formLayout = str_replace('{my_user_text}', $Z ,$formLayout);

Hit save and check it on the front.

First remember that a user must be logged in for the data to be displayed.
Second remember that the biggest case of frustration when using php is a mistyped character so if something is not working double check your work for errors.

How to auto populate fields with user data using php in RSForm Pro

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:57:22 +0000

Today I'm looking at RSForm Pro. What we want to do is want to auto populate the fields with user data after they have logged in and are ready to fill out the form.

To do this we have to go to RSForm Pro in the back-end of Joomla and click manage my forms.

On the front end I have already created a menu link to an existing form. By default the email field is blank, but we want the users email to be filled in for them.
To do this we will go to the form in the backend, open manage forms, and then select the email text box.

In the default value we will add the following code:

//

$user = JFactory::getUser();

return $user->get('email');

//

This will automatically pull the users email and auto populate the form with it.

You can also easily pull the following data
• $user->get('id') = user id
• $user->get('username') = the username
• $user->get('name') = registration full name
• $user->get('email') = registration email

Hit save and check it on the front end.

Need more explanation? Watch the video.

Adding email accounts in Outlook 2003

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:57:35 +0000

Quickly add your new emails to outlook 2003 with this simple, easy to follow, tutorial.

Adding email accounts in Outlook 2007

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:21:41 +0000

A quick tutorial showing you how to add your email account to Outlook 2007.

Adding email accounts in Outlook Express

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:46:58 +0000

Follow this simple tutorial to get your email accounts up and working in Outlook Express.

How can I use Filezilla? - A basic overview

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:23:35 +0000

This is how you can use Filezilla to upload files to your web server.
FTP stands for file transfer protocol, which is basically an easy way to upload things to your website.
The first thing you have to do is go to http://filezilla-project.org and download the latest Filezilla.
Once it is downloaded, double click the exe file and install it as you would any other program.
We are using a demo site we created called loonlearning.com.
Using the quick connect bar, type in your host, which should be ftp.yourwebsite.com, your FTP username and password. You can get that information from your website admin.
Once you have connected you can see your local computer on the left and your webserver on the right.
Simply click and drag files either way to copy them from one place to the other.
Need a more specific answer? Ask us a question.

On my website homepage, how can I get the articles to not show in their entirety?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:16:33 +0000

When you display a list of article in a Joomla menu that is called blog mode. Blog mode is often used for, well yes blogs, but also news items, etc.
By default Joomla will display the entire article. To fix this insert a "read more" tag into your article where you would like the article to stop displaying text.
The "read more" tag is located below your article text box.

Why do I get Database connection error (1): The MySQL adapter 'mysqli' is not available.

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:22:26 +0000

When there is nothing wrong with my installation folder. I am using XAMPP.

[SOLVED]

I struggled with this for a day when I suddenly got this error on my local xampp server. After finding out bits and pieces from various forums here is how I fixed it.

First I made a back-up of my xampp folder.
Then I went into the xampp folder, non back-up folder, and renamed the php folder to php-old
Then I installed xampp over top (it did keep all my files and databases so I did not lose them, no promises though so thus the back-up folder in step one.)
Up and running with no errors.

The apparent conflict is somewhere in the php file. Option #2 is to download a new version of PHP and copy the files directly over the php files. I can't really comment on it though as I have not tested it. Just an option if you are more comfortable doing that

What is your design process?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:11:38 +0000

The development process is working through the creation of website blueprints, and then building your website according to those blueprints. I have outlined each phase of the development process here with a brief description.

Throughout the development process, there will be constant communication with proofs, ideas, and reworks, as we develop. This will guarantee that the final product will meet your needs perfectly.

Strategy Development
I will start with communicating with you and your organization, finalizing your goals, and needs, and preparing menu diagrams, wireframes and other programming needs. You can relate this phase to creating a blueprint for a home.

Design Development
The design phase will create the website design, using your color scheme, framework and images. This will provide a uniformed website look, with easy to use navigation. I will provide you with electronic design proofs throughout the design phase.

Content Development
Once the design is complete we will begin inserting and creating the content. This includes images, text, videos, etc. For best results please have your staff begin preparing content right away so that it is ready to go for this phase.

Content development does not include the writing of content. I can write content for you; however, there are additional fees.

Programming Development
The programming phase will develop the download manager, translation manager, forms, etc.

Testing
Testing ensures that the latest browsers and mobile devices are displaying your website correctly. A system of testers will explore every part of your website, to find any errors, display issues, or browser compatibility problems.

Launch
The final approved website version is now available to the public.

How to insert a PDF into Joomla as a menu link

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:49:09 +0000

There may be times when you want to point a menu link directly to a PDF document. Follow this tutorial to easily link to your PDF so that it opens automatically in a new window. This option is used best when you do not have a downloads manager.

How can I display a PDF as content in Joomla?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:08 +0000

Converting a PDF content into web form is always challenging, however there is a little trick to display a single PDF file within your Joomla website.

How can I insert a PDF into Joomla as a Content Link?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:29:47 +0000

Inserting a PDF into Joomla content is very similar to inserting an image. You can use the image manager to upload and organize your PDF documents. Then create a link in your article to the same URL as your PDF document. This way when one clicks on the link the PDF will be opened.
It is best to make sure to set the link to open in a new window, as by default, when one is done looking at the PDF they will close the document and your website along with it .

Need a better tutorial? Follow this video, or if you need help then please contact me for Dedicated Help.

How can I integrate Mail Chimp with RSForm Pro?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:58:04 +0000

Integrating Mail Chimp with RSForm Pro is a great way to add additional users to your newsletter list. With Mail Chimps easy to use API you are able to easily integrate the two.

First you will need to have RSForm Pro's Mail Chimp plugin installed. Then follow this video tutorial on how to set it up.
Do you have better things to do? Ask me for a free quote on installing the plugin and configuring Mail Chimp for you.

How can I add a conditional field to RSForm Pro?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:49:50 +0000

Adding a conditional field is a simple process and can really help your forms to stand out. The most common use of a conditional field is to enable a form field if a certain criteria is met.

So for example if you have a drop down on how your visitors found your website. You may have the options of internet search, newspaper, magazine, radio, and other.

Now you want to have a text box for the option for other, however you don't want it to be visible all the time, that just looks bad.

Using a conditional field you can control the other field to only display when the other option is selected in the drop down.

How is this done? Check out this tutorial video!

Understanding basic form properties in RSForm Pro

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:43:35 +0000

There are two main parts to the RSForm Pro forms, the component which has all the form fields, and the properties. The properties contain all your form details including the form name, email settings, etc.

Watch this video tutorial to understand how to configure your basic form settings.

How to create a simple contact form using RSForm Pro?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:39:21 +0000

Using RSForm Pro in Joomla you can easily set up a contact form for your website. Don't miss out on valuable user feedback and information. Set-up your form by following the video tutorial below.

What is RSForm Pro and how do I use it?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:12:20 +0000

RSForm Pro is a great component and very robust. This means that can do a ton, and thus can be a bit overwhelming at first. Follow this video for an easy to follow overview of RSForm Pro.

How do I add a menu to Joomla 2.5 in three steps?

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:32:04 +0000

Adding a menu to Joomla 2.5 is a three part process.

First create a new menu using the menu manager.
Second create a menu item and assign it to the menu that you just created in step 1.
Third create a menu module that will display your newly created menu.

Not sure how to do all that? Not a problem, follow the video below for a complete explanation on how to get your Joomla 2.5 menu up and running quickly.

How to configure the Fox Contact Form in Joomla 2.5 by the Menu Manager.

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:54:25 +0000

This is a brief tutorial on how to set-up and configure a Fox contact Form via the menu manager.

How to add a read more tag to Joomla 2.5

info@richardbankertwebdesign.com (richard bankert) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:21:27 +0000

Adding a read more tag to Joomla 2.5 is a simple process.

First open your article for editing and place your cursor where you would like your read more tag to appear.

Beneath the article text box you will see a read more tag button. Selecting this button will place the read more tag in your text.

Click the save button and your article will now display the shortened text in category blog mode.