Extension Basics
Extensions come in a variety of different forms. Some extensions are further along in development, while some are still in "beta" (testing). Each extension usually has a version attached to it, and each extension does something differently. You can find Open Source (Free to Use) and Commercial extensions at a variety of different outlets.
Extensions are currently written for Joomla Version 1.0, Joomla 1.5 Legacy Mode, and Joomla 1.5 Native. We suggest that you steer clear of all Joomla Version 1.0, and 1.5 Legacy Mode extensions, due to the upcoming release of Joomla 1.6.
You can see the version icon usually right on the extension download page. Here is what those icons look like-
Remember to select Joomla 1.5 Native Extensions to be prepared for Joomla 1.6. Joomla 1.6 will not support 1.0 or Legacy mode extensions.
If you see no icons illustrating the version type, be sure to ask the developer or find text that shows which version it is compatible with.
Extensions usually have their own interface, which plugs-in to the Joomla administration panel, under components, or modules. Having said that, each extension has its own set of settings that come in addition to Joomla that must be programmed.
Selecting appropriate extensions, is based on your function list, with settings. You may know you need a newsletter extension, but does the extension you are looking at, cover all the options you wish for it to have?
We need to research this, each extension usually has a description and a list of functionalities. Take a look at this while selecting your extension to see if it matches up.
The next step is to read the reviews on the extension. You can find reviews usually right on the site where you found it. Look at all of the reviews, positive and negative, take a look at the strenghts and weaknesses. If you are ever in doubt, you do not have to use it.
Here is the best place to find Joomla Extensions for Your Needs-
Overcoming Extension Limitations
When you are reviewing your sites functions and the list of extensions offered, you may not be finding an extension that covers all of your needs. That's okay, we have all been there before. We have a million ideas on what extensions we think should be there, but its just not possible. That is when we need to go back to the drawing board, to determine if there is any flexibility to the programming line-up. If there is none, we still have options.
When there is a required function for the site and you can't find an extension, you can sometimes ask the original developers to add customized functions, usually for a price. You can also sometimes find developers who will write a new extension just for you.
We suggest asking the extension developer first if they can create a customization for you, and we also suggest you use the Joomla Resource Directory in selecting a good extension developer. Do this by browsing the extension developers site and submit a support ticket or use their contact form.
Create a Beta Extension List
Now that we have a good idea on some extensions, lets create a beta extension list. We are calling it a beta, because we need to do some initial testing on our system. If we need to make changes to the extensions we can during development. Work up a list of the extensions that you feel match your project needs and start the process of downloading them and/or purchasing them if necessary. If you need custom extensions built or extensions modified, begin the process of hiring your programmers to execute the customizations.
When you are building your beta extension list, be sure to list all of the server requirements required next to each extension for future reference. We cover finding the best Joomla host and part of that article discussion is about meeting server requirements. It is critical to make sure our server will host our Joomla site and extension line up before even moving forward.