Help Module (MSDN analogue) - Help Module [Lead: Phil Beadle]

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10/15/2007 4:18 PM

	sampai
9 posts

Help Module (MSDN analogue)

Hello, folks!

I'd like to add to my site an online help, but I'm not happy the way it's implemented in DNN Help Module.

Can u give me a hint if there is a module for DNN with functionality that is as much as possible close to MSDN (web):

dynamic tree (not only interface, but a content also);
cross-article links;
accessible permanent link to an article for an user (e.g. copy and send to a friend);
raiting, search etc;

Thanks in advance.

Sorry if I'm wrong with the forum, really don't have a clue what's the right destination.

10/15/2007 7:15 PM

	Philip Beadle
1138 posts
www.philipbeadle.net

Re: Help Module (MSDN analogue)

What do you mean by dynamic tree (not only interface, but a content also); ?? The tree is for the categories which when clikced shows the content in the assocaited Help list. Same as MSDN.

The current version we are working on has cross linking however we are not happy with performance and are changing the tree to load on demand.

You can get a permanent link by click the article and copying the address from the address bar.

there is already Search for the module and also integrates into DNN Search. We are considering ratings.

Philip Beadle (DNN Core Team)
My Blog
My DNN Blog
TDD DNN Module Template

10/17/2007 12:49 AM

	sampai
9 posts

Re: Help Module (MSDN analogue)

Dynamic tree loads nodes as and when required. AFAIK DNNTree doesn't support the feature and loads the whole tree in a time. There is a performance hit when the tree is huge.
MSDN tree contains categories and articles in the tree while it's common for an end-user experience.
A link to an article includes tabid parameter which is not const (e.g. reinstall DNN). I'd like to have resolving (redirecting) functionality resigned to permanent link.

Thanks.

10/17/2007 5:52 PM

	Philip Beadle
1138 posts
www.philipbeadle.net

Re: Help Module (MSDN analogue)

Hi,

The DNNTree already has Load on Demand support which we need to implement it on the Help module. The issue we have is that when editing an item we need to populate the tree for all the selected nodes which is quite difficult, but we have solution we are working on.

MSDN has a tree on the left and the articles etc on the right same as Help. The Help is in two parts so that you have more control over layout of the page etc, at from that o don't see any difference and we wont be changing the design. Its an example of how to use IMC with DNN.

I get what you mean about a Permalink, you're the first to ask for it so please add it to the feature requests page for Help here. http://www.dotnetnuke.com/Products/Development/Projects/ModuleHelp/FeatureRequests/tabid/1097/Default.aspx

Cheers

Philip Beadle (DNN Core Team)
My Blog
My DNN Blog
TDD DNN Module Template

10/20/2007 2:30 PM

	sampai
9 posts

Re: Help Module (MSDN analogue)

Hi!

> MSDN has a tree on the left and the articles etc on the right same as Help.

I'm not quiet agree with that. MSDN tree has articles, while DNN Help tree doesn't (only categories).

In any case we've decieded to write a module based on a third party help workshop.

Thank you for your time and help!

Should I still add feature request if I don't need any more?

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