SugarCRM Contributed Modules: Version Numbers

Posted Sun, 11/29/2009 - 12:51 by sugardev.net

In order to make clear which versions of SugarCRM a particular module is suitable for, I will use the following guideline for installable modules, themes, etc from now on:

moduleName-compatibleVersions-moduleVersion

And the module package:

moduleName-compatibleVersions-moduleVersion.zip

Such as:

  • config-5.x-0.5.zip
    To indicate the module is compatible with all SugarCRM versions in the 5.x branch up to the day that the module was released. So releasing it in December 2009 (current version: 5.5) doesn't mean it's compatible with 5.6 (hypothetically released in March 2010).
  • xyz-5.0-5.2-0.3.zip
    To indicate the module is compatible with SugarCRM 5.0.xx, 5.1.xx and 5.2.x, but not 5.5.0

Config Tutorial

Posted Sun, 11/29/2009 - 12:10 by sugardev.net

Config is a 'background' module providing developers and extensions an easy way of saving configuration settings in a existing SugarCRM database tabls. Storing variables in a database has some advantages over storing in configuration files, such as difficulty in handling existing code in config_override.php and SugarCRM's tendency to remove all unexpected code upon saving.

SugarDevTools 0.7 adds Developer Bar, More System Settings & More

Posted Tue, 11/17/2009 - 11:07 by sugardev.net

SugarDevTools 0.7 is just out.

Download

Full change log:

  • Adding a simple Developer Bar to quickly access Admin links from everywhere
  • Adding a lot of options to "More System Settings"
  • Using PEAR Text_Diff for diffing now
  • Requiring Config 0.4 (was 0.3)
  • Fixing language string bug that overwrote other custom strings in some Sugar versions
  • Adding an option to disable Vendor settings from config_override.php using sugardev_tools_novendor' (set to true to disable database backups)
  • Fixing a bug causing the preg match filter to be always empty
  • Fixing a security issue
  • Adding a feature to disable database backups from config_override.php using 'sugardev_disable_db_backups' (set to true to disable database backups)

5.5 RC3: What's cooking?

Posted Fri, 11/06/2009 - 16:08 by sugardev.net

It's been some time since the 5.5 betas were released, and I'm sure most of you (or at least some of you) have tried it for a spin. SugarCRM 5.5 adds some nice new features: Dynamic Teams, Advanced Password Management, Mobile layouts in the Studio, better Web Services and a better Themes Framework. However, those are just juicy new features from the press release. This is a quick overview of notable code changes.

SugarCRM Slimming Down?

Posted Fri, 11/06/2009 - 11:05 by sugardev.net

You might have noticed a slightly different attitude from Sugar towards feature expansions. There are definite signs that Sugar has committed to 'less = more', at least for now. A list of things to be towed:

  • (Advanced) Projects Slated to be removed from 5.5.1 onwards and to be released to SugarForge. The good: Advanced Projects for CE!
  • RSS Slated to be removed from 5.5.1 onwards and to be released to SugarForge
  • My Portal Slated to be removed from 5.5.1 onwards and to be released to SugarForge

Creating an intelligent language pack

Posted Fri, 08/28/2009 - 12:37 by sugardev.net

For quite some time I have been maintaining the Dutch language pack for SugarCRM while working at Madcap. A number of users turned out to have a simple request: Change the name of a module throughout the application. However simple this may sound, it proves to be a tiresome job when using Sugar's flat language files. This article shows a solution for this common problem which requires a lot less effort to implement.

SugarCRM TestFest

Posted Tue, 08/25/2009 - 09:08 by sugardev.net

In a few weeks, the second beta of SugarCRM 5.5 will be out on the streets. Before the final build is completed, SugarCRM has coined the idea of organizing a "TestFest" to squash the last few bugs out of it before it's finally released. But let SugarCRM do the talking:

What is TestFest?

A collection of end-users, developers, and SugarCRM employees who work closely together to validate new features and bug fixes in Sugar components that are important to their business.

When is TestFest?

TestFest is tentatively planned within two (2) weeks after the release of SugarCRM 5.5 Beta 2. Beta 2 should be released in the first week of September 2009. I will be in contact with you (the volunteer) as the dates begin to solidify.

Why TestFest?

Users, developers, and partners like YOU have made it clear to us that you want quality to be paramount. We have stepped up our internal testing, revamped the release process, and now are looking for your help to make SugarCRM 5.5 the best it can possibly be.

SugarDev is always trying to increase quality and joins this community effort. I suggest you do too.

Read more here or signup.

Are you joining TestFest?

Posted Tue, 08/25/2009 - 09:02 by sugardev.net
Definately!
46% (6 votes)
Perhaps
15% (2 votes)
Ooh, I can' think of anything but I'm sure I'm preoccupied...
38% (5 votes)
Total votes: 13

Ideas to Improve Relate Fields in SugarCRM

Posted Thu, 08/06/2009 - 08:32 by sugardev.net

Introduction

For my ongoing documentation work I've investigated the workings of the Relate field type, both the Vardefs and the SugarField. To see the Wiki pages on this see:

1. Vardefs: http://www.sugarcrm.com/wiki/index.php?title=Relate_(Vardefs_field)
2. SugarField: http://www.sugarcrm.com/wiki/index.php?title=Relate

The Relate field type can be a very powerful way to display fields from other beans, but at this moment it's limited by Sugar. Relate fields are used by one-to-one or one-to-many (on the 'many' side) relationships, and thus hold the contents of one related bean. That way it's possible to display the Account Name in Contacts, for instance.

Handy: A SugarCRM Download Archive

Posted Wed, 06/10/2009 - 08:25 by sugardev.net

Just wanted to drop in to give you this handy tip: An archive of all SugarCRM release files, all the way back to SugarCRM-FinalBeta-0.9.zip! How nice is that!

Edit: Fixed link.

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