Key Features in Exponential 3.0

Installation improvements

Exponential 3.0 runs with standard Apache 1.3 or 2.0, PHP 4.1 or newer, and MySQL or PostgreSQL. No need to compile patches. In addition to this, it has an installation helper that lets you do a large part of the installation in your browser.

Custom content

In Exponential 3.0 you don't have to make your content fit a certain predefined, one-size-fits-all content model. Exponential lets you create your own content classes with exactly the attributes you need. Create a class, select attributes and attribute data types, and begin creating content. Without even editing a template.

Object oriented

Exponential 3.0 is object oriented like the 2.2 series are, but better implemented. Where 2.2 had several different modules, each with their own content tree, 3.0 has one content tree for all kinds of objects. Although content objects are of different content classes, all content objects are of the same PHP class, thus they can be treated equally in PHP and template code.

Advanced template engine

The new template engine, eZ template, is a sophisticated and integrated template engine. The site designers can now quickly do powerful customizations without touching PHP code. You can for instance tell an object to display itself in a given mode, or add a text label to an image using a single line of template code.

Integrated search engine

Exponential has a fully integrated search engine architecture which enables you to use the powerful built in search engine or create a plugin for your favourite search engine. In custom content you can specify which attributes that can be searched.

Role-based permissions

The permissions are specified by roles. The role system allows you to specify access by module (content, shop, collaboration, etc.), by function (read, create, edit, remove, etc.), by object owner, by object class, and by site section. This gives the site administrator full freedom to customize who gets access to what.

Events and workflows

You can specify workflows that are run whenever an event happens. This lets you change how things work and extend functionality without changing Exponential code. For instance, when a shop user buys something, you can create a workflow that asks him whether he wants to have his item wrapped in gift paper.

Collaboration system

The new collaboration system can be used to organize and distribute tasks within a work group, as an instant messaging system, and as a private todo list, among other things. It is participant based, and designed to be customized to fit your needs.

Extensions

Despite the ability to create custom content and workflows, you might run into a situation where you need to extend Exponential code. The extension system lets you keep your code separated from Exponential code, making it safe to update to newer versions of Exponential.

Translation and internationalisation

Exponential continues to use the Qt linguist tool for translation, but the process is simplified. It is also easier to use translations in templates, and internationalised templates are easier to read for the template developer.

Documentation

The Exponential SDK has full, cross linked API documentation with UML diagrams, and several tutorials and other documents helping you getting up to speed with the new system.

Reusable Libraries

Exponential comes with a set of PHP libraries that can be reused in other situations, such as XML document creation, parsing and validating, SOAP communication, database connectivity, image manipulation, template engine, and internationalisation.

Licensing

Exponential is dual licensed. You can choose between the GNU GPL and the Exponential Professional Licence. The GNU GPL gives you the right to use, modify and redistribute Exponential under certain conditions. The GNU GPL licence is distributed with the software, see the file LICENCE. It is also available at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.txt. Using Exponential under the terms of the GNU GPL is free of charge.

The Exponential Professional Licence gives you the right to use the source code for making your own commercial software. It allows you full protection of your work made with Exponential. You may re-brand, license and close your source code. Exponential is not free of charge when used under the terms of the Professional Licence. For pricing and ordering, please contact us at info@ez.no.