Coding/Styling questions

[IzayaNeko]

I'm pretty sure this has probably been asked before, but for a coding newbie like me, who's trying to learn and code, Proboards has really helped me a lot. However going into V5 I don't know how much it's going to change. I know themes are the new skin, but since I haven't seen any images about the control panel or anything. So I hope I can ask a few questions about it.

I know you can use CSS, and you can make different new themes easier. But some of my questions start here.

1) Is it possible for people to have multiple types of themes? For example, one with sideboxes (If those are even standard available or added in) and one skin streamlined and center without any fancy codes or plugins? Or would this be possible with a simple plug in?

2) Are standard hex-codes still going to be there? Some people have told me no, and some yes. Is there more customizing CSS options? For example, using CSS in the coding of a site, you could change the link spacing, the no underline or overline, make it uppercase and the like- is that now standard of themes? Or do you still use CSS?

--- Second question from that line, or just the question from before rephrased, These new themes, are they more CSS customization friendly just through simple drop boxes?

3) Is there any CSS that you won't support- or the code won't read? I think this is a stupid question, but someone told me that you weren't going to be supporting z-index. I'm not sure how true that is. But it couldn't hurt to ask- since there are a lot of rumors, and I'm not sure any of them are true.

4) Is there any simple way, (Without revealing anything that hasn't been coded of course or talked through, no need to say anything like that), but a way to tell us, (If) the way of coding is different (Headers/Footers), is there a different way? Like, is there different headers/footers for each skin/theme- or some way that CSS is separated from the actual coding/plugins?

5) And since my friend wishes to know, since the Chatbox is supported by proboards, it would be monitored by the TOS correct? --Also, is it possible to use different chatboxes? Or is it strictly one? One one of my sites we prefer a simple little Cbox, and on another we prefer Chatango.

6) Are the standard things staying the same? Like, is it the same member group powers, the same security log, the same general settings? Or are those completely revamped as well?

--Sorry for all the questions, but I plan on sticking with Proboards for a while, and I just wanted to know /what/ to look out for when it does finally come around the corner. I hope these aren't too prying, but I'm just curious.

[Ryan Roos]

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

1) Is it possible for people to have multiple types of themes? For example, one with sideboxes (If those are even standard available or added in) and one skin streamlined and center without any fancy codes or plugins? Or would this be possible with a simple plug in?

1) Yes. Using the Plugin system you can make codes that are specific to certain themes.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

2) Are standard hex-codes still going to be there? Some people have told me no, and some yes. Is there more customizing CSS options? For example, using CSS in the coding of a site, you could change the link spacing, the no underline or overline, make it uppercase and the like- is that now standard of themes? Or do you still use CSS?

--- Second question from that line, or just the question from before rephrased, These new themes, are they more CSS customization friendly just through simple drop boxes?

2) Hex codes are still used everywhere. Now there are full palette color pickers with every hex code field as well to help pick any color. There are customizing CSS options. Many of the styles you mention can be accomplished in the Theme Manager, like the way links appear, it is now standard for most CSS options to be available for editing on every element. We still use CSS at the source, which you will also now have access to. So you can edit that directly if you don't want to use the Theme Manager's interface.

Here's an example I posted a few days ago showing some options for links. This is tightly cropped. There's also a preview window to the right so you can see your changes.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

3) Is there any CSS that you won't support- or the code won't read? I think this is a stupid question, but someone told me that you weren't going to be supporting z-index. I'm not sure how true that is. But it couldn't hurt to ask- since there are a lot of rumors, and I'm not sure any of them are true.

3) You have access to the pure CSS file for editing. To my knowledge there are no limitations. You need to find a better source for rumors.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

4) Is there any simple way, (Without revealing anything that hasn't been coded of course or talked through, no need to say anything like that), but a way to tell us, (If) the way of coding is different (Headers/Footers), is there a different way? Like, is there different headers/footers for each skin/theme- or some way that CSS is separated from the actual coding/plugins?

4) Headers & Footers still exists the way you know it now. Global, Main, Categories and Boards. There are no theme permissions in this section. It gets far to complicated to manage. This section can be used the same way its used in v4. Apply a code you want on all themes in certain locations. If you want to apply code to just a certain theme you can use the Plugin system to accomplish that. It also contains Headers & Footers for each section as well as specific areas for JavaScript and CSS.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

5) And since my friend wishes to know, since the Chatbox is supported by proboards, it would be monitored by the TOS correct? --Also, is it possible to use different chatboxes? Or is it strictly one? One one of my sites we prefer a simple little Cbox, and on another we prefer Chatango.

5) Your entire forum and everything in it are bound by the rules of the TOS. You have access to the Templates and could place any chatbox assuming it lets you embed. Our Shoutbox can be turned on and off at will.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

6) Are the standard things staying the same? Like, is it the same member group powers, the same security log, the same general settings? Or are those completely revamped as well?

6) Most every feature has been expanded or improved. Member Group powers are roughly the same for existing things, however there are lots of new features that required new powers. Some may have piggy backed others. For example anyone who can delete posts can also delete activity feed entries from profiles, since these are essentially user generated posts in a profile. The security log is greatly improved with more details and more types of entries. It also has sorting and search options now. General settings has expanded and now contains more options. Most of the ones you know are still there.

May 21, 2012 21:49:53 GMT -8 IzayaNeko said:

--Sorry for all the questions, but I plan on sticking with Proboards for a while, and I just wanted to know /what/ to look out for when it does finally come around the corner. I hope these aren't too prying, but I'm just curious.

Don't apologize for asking questions. That's what I'm here for. I love answering them.