A lot has happened in the last few weeks, and what was supposed to be a "small" bugfix release has turned into an incredibly great feature update for the ever-popular "agile downloads module". But what all has happened? I will go into more detail in this blog post.
Everything started at the end of March when I started to provide some small bugfixes (nothing earth-shattering). In a small break I had the idea that it would be great if you could filter the content (files)? - I had already developed something similar for another project a few months ago and knew that there is a javascript lying around somewhere that can help me... At this time I decided that this would be a great thing for a 1.1 or 1.2 update and continued to work on the optimization for version 1.0.6.
Coincidence?
Shortly before I was satisfied with the contents of the update 1.0.6, three emails came into my inbox on the same day. All three were feature requests for the "agile downloads module" - I didn't hesitate - you know how I am - if I can fulfill your wishes and it brings an increase in value for others I'm in!
Said - Done
Now the release 1.0.6 became probably the shortest of all times - in fact it lived only a few seconds before the branch 1.1 was started. The bugfixes of the version 1.0.6 were directly taken over and released under the branch 1.1. And this is the changelog of version 1.1.2:
Improved: Module Backend Performance
Changed: New AJAX fieldtype to select watched directory
Changed: "slightly" decreased hover scale factor in list view
Updated: German language translation
Updated: English language translation
Added: Option to disable hover scale in list view
Added: Lightbox Option for supported filetypes
Added: Sort files by creation date
Added: Sort files by modification date
Added: Display file creation or modification date in list
Added: Possibility to enter watched Folder path manually
Added: Security Check for Secure Folder - you cannot "lock" sensitive folders
Added: jQuery 3.6.0 Optional
Yes, I know it doesn't sound like much, but a quick look reveals that some things have changed...
New AJAX Fieldtype (Select Folder)
One of the main points that has bothered me since the beginning - the Joomla root field for the folder selection, this thing is sooooooo damn slow. So that came away and instead now my new AJAX solution is used in the module backend:
You can now either enter folder names directly OR comfortably select them via the modal.
Lightbox Option
One of the feature requests was interesting, in detail they asked for the possibility to provide a lightbox preview for single files. Since the whole module is already based on Uikit this was a little challenge but technically feasible. In the FOlge I have created a completely new area in the backend where you can configure the lightbox. After the basic activation you have to define for which file types the lightbox should be used. This has already been tested with various standard image formats, mp4 videos as well as PDF,TXT,HTML,HTM,RTF and XML files.
Last but not least: Filter / Search
I had the idea with the filter / a search - After I had implemented all the "customer requests" and had applied some polish everywhere it was time to bring that now but also. The new filter / search function can be activated in the module settings and generates above the file view in the frontend a search field for the files. If a term is entered, the list is adjusted accordingly and only files that match the filter are displayed.
And that's it - and for all of you who are thinking "wow - must have" here's a little goodie: Use the code FDGBRGTC when buying a subscription for the agile Downloads Module and benefit from a 10% discount! Discount valid for paid subscription registration until the end of June.
kind regards
Marco
