Custom asset types

(Clementoke) #1

Hi there,

Does anyone know if it is possible to create your own custom types in Matrix like you can in WordPress?

Thanks,

Coke

(Nic Hubbard) #2

You can write your own assets yes, but you need an understanding of PHP and how Matrix Assets work.  If you have those and no SLA then you are set.

 

Let me know if you have specific questions, I have created lots of custom assets.

(Clementoke) #3

Hi Nic,

I've done similar in WordPress and understand PHP. Haven't got an SLA and would like to create custom assets for vacancies and case studies with predefined fields that I can refer to as attributes of the asset like the Summary attribute of news items. I was looking at using triggers to create a set number of Bodycopy DIVs to work around this but a custom asset would be great. Have you got examples or a walkthrough?

(Nic Hubbard) #4

Hi Nic,

I've done similar in WordPress and understand PHP. Haven't got an SLA and would like to create custom assets for vacancies and case studies with predefined fields that I can refer to as attributes of the asset like the Summary attribute of news items. I was looking at using triggers to create a set number of Bodycopy DIVs to work around this but a custom asset would be great. Have you got examples or a walkthrough?

 

As a alternative could you just use Metadata?

 

If you really want to build a custom asset you will need to start familiarizing yourself with the Matrix internals. A good start is to use the Standard Page asset and duplicate it. Then change all of the classes etc to your asset type name. You will then have to run step_03.php and compile_locals.php in order to install it.

 

Doing more complex things in the assets will require you to look at some of the different asset types and see how they are created, this is pretty much how I learned.

 

Hope this helps!

(Clementoke) #5

Hi Nic,

I've been using Metadata just trying to find a way of having all the fields on one screen so I'll try the second option. Might need to set up a test installation somewhere to practice first. Any recommended hosting solutions?

(Nic Hubbard) #6

Hi Nic,

I've been using Metadata just trying to find a way of having all the fields on one screen so I'll try the second option. Might need to set up a test installation somewhere to practice first. Any recommended hosting solutions?

 

I always use Digital Ocean. $5/month can't be beat. :)

(Tbaatar) #7

Can't go wront with Digital Ocean.

 

I pay roughly $20 (£14) a month for the following spec:

  • 2 GBMemory
  • 2 CoreProcessor
  • 40 GBSSD Disk
  • 3 TBTransfer

 

Can't complain about the speed, you can choose to build the server in Holland and it will seem like the server is in the UK.

 

 

edit: damn Nic you beat me !

(Benjamin Pearson) #8

The guide is old, but the principles should be the same... http://matrix.squiz.net/developer/tutorials/creating-an-asset

(Tbaatar) #9

Awesome Benjamin.

(Bart Banda) #10

I use https://www.linode.com/ for my personal hosting needs, they offer greater control over Digital Ocean and more documentation and support. 

(Tbaatar) #11

Nice, they have data center in London.

 

Might give them a try.