The categories module may be a little daunting at first, but once you start using it things get easier.
In a default Zikula installation the categories module has three main sections to the category tree. The first labeled 'General' provides a set of general purpose 'categories' to simplify management of list-type controls within modules.
In theory the categories module could provide content to just about every drop-down list box, radio control within a site.
For those that have used a content management system in the past and are familiar with site wide topics, the categories module can function that way, if that's what you wish. It can go beyond the standard site wide topics though, and allow you to create separate categories for each module.
A simple example of how you can arrange your content:
If you were to run a site for your local community, you may have a news section with the categories: Local Crimes, New Community Members, Events, Sports.
In your photo gallery, these categories might not be suitable so you could have a separate group of categories like: Local Scenery, Event Photos, Local Animals, Architecture.
This simple example gives you a glimpse of how you can use the categories module to simplify the organization of the content on your web sites.
- View Categories
A hierarchal list of categories will be displayed
- Create Category
Allows you to create a new category at any level of the category tree.
- Category Registry
The categories registry is how a module ties into the categories tree. The entries in the categories registry tell each module which categories to use.
- Rebuild paths
If you have having issues with your categories, please try this option
- Settings
Basic settings for the categories module
By default, when installing any of the value addons, they setup the requirements for both site-wide and module specific categories.
A category can have multiple attributes that add additional data to the category. This data may be used by a module for any purpose. A site owner can add additional attributes for thier own use if desired.
An example of a category attribute in action is available within the news module. Should a category assigned to the news module have the attribute topic_image this attribute value will be used as the image source for a graphic for this category. This mirrors the topic image within the old .7x topics module.