jmcgin51 wrote:
While I agree with the modular philosophy of CMSMS, I do think it would improve the "user-friendly" experience if the developers of the ecommerce "suites" could put together a separate package (call it "Calguy's Ecommerce Suite", or whatever is appropriate) that would include everything needed to implement a full ecommerce solution, preferably with a single installer. I would envision this being offered IN ADDITION TO, not in place of, the existing individual ecommerce-related modules. (If a single installer is unworkable, then could at least package all the modules together in a single tarball so that the user knows he is getting everything he needs with a single download.)
So a minimalist user could pick and choose only the modules he/she actually needs, while a noob could download/install the entire suite at once, without needing to figure out exactly which modules are required. The only choice required would be "do I use Calguy's apps, Duketown's apps, etc.?") Later, unused parts of the suite could be uninstalled individually, just as can be done now.
Just a thought.
I can't say that I disagree with this thought process, but I still think keeping it separate is the better way to go.
1.) Each time calguy updates one of the modules included in the package, he has to update the package. More work for his already overflowing plate.
2.) Which modules should be included? What one person needs here the next guy won't. You will
never create a package that satisfies everyone, unless you package every e-commerce module together. I just counted 17 (and I think I missed a few) modules that would/could/should be bundled together. But it is also redundant because there are multiple payment gateways, tax calculators and shipping calculators. Not everyone will use all options (sometimes you can only use one). This also brings me back to point 1. It would double calguy's time when it comes time to release an update to any one of those 17 modules. I downloaded all of those modules and found that the install size would be HUGE if you bundled them all together. It is 2/3 the size of the base installer for CMSMS.
I will see if I can't work on a page in the Wiki or have calguy put a list on his site that shows all of the "e-commerce suite" modules and their purpose so it will make it easier for everyone to figure out what they need and what they want to download. I can even provide links to the download page on the forge. The suite is awesome and continues to grow to this day so any promotion won't hurt
