Custom module development

Check out four examples to understand how the development of custom modules helps the client business. When to start to think about tailor-made solutions? You will find the correct assessment in the content below.

It is the possibility of developing your custom modules and the Drupal API that makes Drupal one of the best content management systems - when running a simple or multilevel and multilingual website.

For the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians Active in Construction (ČKAIT), we developed nine customized modules. We thus provided the client with a well-thought-out and comprehensive solution.

For Prague Classic Rental dealing with the rental of apartments in Prague, we overloaded the module. We also re-designed the site.

We suggested two own solutions for the insurance company RESPECT Group. We also migrated web content from D7 to D8.

# 1 When should we start thinking about a custom module?

The very core of Drupal is the foundation, which is enhanced by other functionalities.

• The basic set of modules (so-called Drupal core modules) is used for this purpose.
• The Drupal community created and managed the additional modules (so-called contrib modules).

And at the moment when the basic module is not enough, and you do not find the required solution even in the database of modules, there is room for creating your custom module (so-called custom module). If you are not a skilled programmer, contact us, we will save you time.

# 2 How is done the development of your Drupal module? What does a programmer need from me as a client?

It is advisable to compile all the target requirements and ideally carry it out through a discussion with a Drupal expert. It adds the view of a person who sees the system as a whole and understands the various dependencies in the system. Sometimes even a small change in the assignment means a transition from complicated custom functionality, requiring tens of hours of work, to functionality supported by the community and feasible in a significantly shorter time.

If even after the assembly of the main core of the functionality, it is still a custom solution, it is necessary to take into account its robustness. Is it a fast fixed functional feature, or will it change or expand over time? Is it advisable to leave it configurable by the module creator for faster behaviour changes? Wouldn't it be desirable to create a configuration page in the administration so that the client can change the configuration itself? Will the module not be operated on more than one website with minor differences? Based on such an overview, it is already possible to fully determine the scope of work and start the actual implementation.

# 3 How does the custom module work? Through what it functions?

The module works in the same way as other modules in Drupal - by implementing hooks. Hook means the way how the core and the module itself interact. After a request is made by a user (such as a request to view a specific page), the core goes through a list of hooks, allowing each enabled module - which implements an initialization hook - to "hook".

Hooks are often referred to in IT as "events". If certain events occur, Drupal allows modules to respond to them.

# 4 Can one custom module be continuously developed?

Of course, for example, if you are planning other follow-up functions. And since Drupal is an open-source solution, the Drupal community can make a significant contribution to its development if we share it.

# 5 What to keep in mind when developing a custom module to avoid mistakes?

We recommend using the accompanying documentation for the version of Drupal for which the module is being developed. The individual versions of the content management system can differ considerably from each other, and in the case of using another API - mostly higher - the version often encounters errors. It is also not advisable to interfere directly with the Drupal core or with downloaded additional modules, as you prevent updates by entering your modifications.

# 6 What else can you help me with on Drupal?

The services we provide are relatively comprehensive. First of all, we deal with Drupal management. It has two forms - on the one hand, we can talk about regular management, which focuses mainly on ensuring web security and implementation of necessary updates, and on the other hand about programming management when we incorporate your specific requirements. The whole project can be - as in the case of custom modules - implemented to measure.

We also offer Drupal hosting for both small, medium or large websites and e-shops. Our solution is characterized by high performance and wide availability, which was also convinced by our important clients, such as Czech Television, Czech Radio or FTV Prima.

For your website to be visible in search results and to be filled with quality content, we also focus on SEO or Search Engine Optimization: technical SEO and content SEO.

If you are not yet using the latest version of Drupal, we will help with the transition to the latest version and also with the migration from another content management system.