Siemens PLM Blog Development on a Shoe String: Expression Engine + Image Upload + FreeForm - PART 1

This begins a series documenting a small application I'm building for the Siemens PLM Software Global Calendar Program. Since we didn't have much of a budget for this project, I took it on as a leap of faith and asked for little bits of change here and there. I mean, we've already plopped down the cash for hosting and for Expression Engine to host the blog. Why not use EE? It's total shoe-string development.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a developer. And I hardly know any PHP. I have a couple books gathering dust on my desk. I will read them when I find the time in between this full-time job and grad school lectures two nights per week. So I'm faking it, and learning as I go. Deal with it.

Benefits of the project:

• We grow the Siemens PLM Software Blog member list
• Cleaner data... and ONE set of data
• Less data entry after the winners are announced (thank goodness)
  
• I'm learning about Expression Engine
• I'm installing EE modules like FreeForm
• Promote our users!
  

Want to follow along? Here's what you will need:

• A Web host that supports PHP + mySQL. What's this? Good question. Just look up the platform info with your hosting provider. Most decent ones support this. We use Engine Hosting
• Expression Engine (installation instructions)
• FreeForm (from SolSpace)
• A good dose of patience

Outlining the Application
Here's how we outlined how this app should work:

• Register on the site
• Activate the registration (via e-mail) returns to the site
• Log in and upload image, caption and other info

Once we've received all of the entries, we will rate them, edit information as needed, and display a gallery of user-submitted images.

Step 1: The Intro Page

1. Create a New Template Group in EE - Templates
   
   
2. Create the landing page for your application. This is tricky. I set up two sections for the app. One if the user is logged out - telling them to register first, and then other for users who are logged in.
   
   CODE SAMPLE
   
   
   

   
   {if logged_out}
   <a href="{path=member/register}">Register, playa</a>
   {/if}
   

   
   
   
   AND
   
   
   

   
   {if logged_in}
   Put the upload form stuff here!
   {/if}
   

   
   
   
   

In Part 2, I will explain how to install FreeForm and get it working to accept new submissions from users.

It's [almost] Pumpkin Time!

I'm so pumped up about Halloween this year. I think it's the pumpkin carving part. I'm on the prowl for some good pumpkin carving designs. Got any?

Related post: Janet Leigh Scream Pumpkin | Halloween Party 2007!