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2.3. Core Modules & their Functions, Environment Variables

2.3.1. Core Modules
2.3.2. func
2.3.3. Other important Environment variables
2.3.4. Logging events with the vmLogger object

In order to make it easier to add new features for VM, the concept of using Core Modules has been introduced. A Core Module defines a feature set of VM by providing class files and html layouts related to that particular Core Module. It is very important to understand how Core Modules work since everything, including the shop, is such a module.

Each module is defined and set in the VM module register (all core modules are listed in the database table jos_vm_module). The module form allows the site administrator to define the information for each module, e.g. the module name, the group access rights of this module and its description.

You can reach the module list in the administrative interface using "Admin" ⇒ "List Modules".

Example: The core module "product" is one entry in the table jos_vm_module. Its pages can be accessed using the URL parameter "..&page=product. ....". If the user has appropriate permissions, the page is loaded - if not, the access is denied and an error message is presented.