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Big news from over at the Joomla headquarters , after a very long wait and a lot of hard work from the developers they have released the much anticipated 1.5 stable [Khepri]. This release sets up Joomla! to take a big step in the world of Open Source development and makes it one of the best CMS out there today.
If you can't wait to read to the end of the article to get your hands on the 1.5 release head to Joomla.com download HERE to get started on your newest site with the fully stable release.
So whats all the fuss about?
You can read the official release statement from the Joomla team HERE and you can check out the discussion on the Joomla Forums. But basically the Developers has gone back and reamped the entire 1.0 framework.
"
As an application, Joomla! 1.5 boasts remarkable advances over Joomla!
1.0 in the areas of extensibility, usability and internationalization.
Building extensions is vastly easier and
faster because of the comprehensive new API. The simplified user
interface eliminates unnecessary clicks and context changes for site administrators and managers. Support for extended character
sets, right to left languages, and translation of all static text in
the front end and the administrator allows enhanced
internationalization and worldwide use. New options for use of layout
overrides and template parameters give designers total control over the
look and feel of sites."
Before we break down the new features: here are some quick links INSTALLATION GUIDE I UPGRADING I MIGRATING
Site Administrators: - Simplicity & Control
The
Joomla! 1.5 Administrator is more refined and the main menu
simplified.The global configuration
was substantially reworked for simpler presentation and greater
control.
-A single installer
is available for all extension types
-New
image manager enabling you to browse media folders to select and insert
images directly into your article as you write.
-The core article manager is simpler. Gone are dual editor areas from
Joomla! 1.0.
SEO: Finally!
One of the more significant functional improvements are search engine
friendly URLs, easily implemented within the global configuration. System generated duplicate content is eliminated,
greatly improving site search engine optimization that was so needed in the last release.
FOR DESIGNERS: Freedom & Imagination
More control over templates:
Template designers can use custom layouts, often
referred to as template overrides, instead of the typical table heavy
output from Joomla! core.
"Template parameters are a new
feature that allow designers ability to construct templates in such a
way that users can change settings from within the template manager
interface
The need for end users to manually edit variables and settings
in template files is ancient history
FOR DEVELOPERS- Rapid Development & Logical Structure
Joomla! 1.5, developers have an object-oriented, pattern based API that follows best practices and is organized into well structured and logical framework packages.
Backwards compatibility to
PHP 4.3 while also supporting the most current versions of PHP 5
New MVC
based component objects. Developing using the MVC design pattern gives
developers a platform for rapid application development and
prototyping. The clear separation between logic and presentation helps
ensure code reusability and maintainability. Developers can hook into
nearly any part of the application stack using Joomla!'s newly reworked
events system
SCREENSHOTS
Here are a few shots of the new administration features:
MEDIA MANAGER
CHANGE MENU ITEM:
ARTICLE MANAGER:
More Screenshots can be found HERE
So what about the Frontend? Here are a few sites that have been developed using the new release.
Winner: 1.5 Debut Tempate
Bringing in over 50% of the final vote. The template JA Purita is a nice entry into the new 1.5 system. Designed by Joomlart.com to see the rest of the contestants visit HERE
Joomla 1.5 Portfolio
A new portfolio site by Balam Soto shows what is in store when designers get a hold of the new 1.5 template structure.
Rockettheme Template
The template Populus, designed by RocketTheme, demonstrates a good mix of visuals and text.
Thoughts/Comments?
What are your thoughts on the release? Too little too late:Drupal has them beat already or do you see this as a really great start to Open Source Content Management Systems breaking though into the mainstream?
{mxc}
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