Discussion
template_settings variables(back to index)Template designers (and other users):
How do you feel about moving certain variables to the template_settings.php (from fb_vars.php)?
I am thinking $thumb_maxsize, $square_thumbs, $show_thumbs, $show_empties, and $rand_thumbs might be better placed on the template_settings page, to give designers easier control over thumb placement, inclusion, and size.
The only downside to this is that the average user would have to open a second file besides fb_vars.php during the install process if she wanted to change said settings. (Although, even with the current system, because template_settings.php is loaded second, template writers can override any of these variables anyway.)
Also, for consistency's sake, should template_settings.php be renamed template_vars.php, or does it just not matter? Thoughts?
posted by
donald on 6 Jul 05 at 8:06 PM
I don't see a pressing need to move any of the current variables from 'fb_vars.php', as they can be reset in 'template_settings.php' if need be. Just as you say, adding another file to edit as part of a basic install just adds a layer of complexity most users could do without. A real boffin can tinker with the whole program and template, if need be, but the user that simply wants the thing uploaded and working will probably do without the hassle.
Also, resetting some of these variables is a way for designers to ensure things work the way they expect, even if the user has put something unworkable (for their template) in 'fb_vars.php'. I do this myself, to change the defaults. This way, all a user needs to do to get a template working is install it; there's no need to edit 'fb_vars.php' again.
Changing the name of 'template_settings.php' to 'template_vars.php' might be an idea, though I would personally change 'fb_vars.php' to 'fb_settings.php', as the avarage user may not know what a variable is, or what 'vars' means. Everyone with a computer knows that programs have a "settings" option.
posted by
Elwing on 7 Jul 05 at 8:50 AM
Overwriting some vars in the template_settings.php is a good idea, thanks for this tip Elwing. I will do that in my template too.
Therefore I agree that moving variables from fb_vars.php to template_settings.php isn't really necessary.
posted by
jowra on 7 Jul 05 at 9:14 AM
Thanks for the input — I've updated the latest version accordingly.
posted by
donald on 7 Jul 05 at 1:34 PM
