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Directory of Sustainable Organisations

Submitted by Jim Kirkpatrick on 12 September, 2008 @ 1:22am
A database-driven directory site with secure administration section written in PHP.

What they had...

Dorset Agenda 21 (DA21) had an existing directory of sustainable organisations Dorset, but it was becoming unmanageable because it was a collection of static web pages. As it stood, each entry in the directory and all listings pages were hand-crafted by DA21's staff so that each new addition to the directory caused the editing of dozens of pages. They wanted the directory to be upgraded to a database-driven system so that they could just enter each organisation's details and all the relevant pages and indexes would be created automatically.

What I did...

I created a MySQL database representing DA21's Sustainable Organisations directory, ensuring it was fully normalised so it could be extended along whatever future lines they saw fit. They needed a secure administration section to allow their staff to edit and add entries, so one was built that allows anyone with basic web skills to update and manage the directory. Finally, I re-created the existing directory pages and indexes using PHP and database queries.

Website: 
http://www.da21.org.uk/sustainable

Hi, Just wondered, did you

Submitted by coling (not verified) on 16 December, 2008 @ 7:54pm.

Hi,

Just wondered, did you not consider using a CMS like Joomla for this project? It sounds like you hand-rolled your own!

Colin

Using a CMS

Submitted by Jim Kirkpatrick on 16 January, 2009 @ 4:36am.

The project brief was actually quite simple at first: Data-enable some static pages. So I did.

You're right though, and if I were doing this again today I would have definitely used Drupal (my preferred CMS). To be honest, I was yet to have my eyes fully opened by open source software back then, and was still rather stuck my Microsoft development ways.

Using a CMS

Submitted by Paul McIntosh (not verified) on 26 February, 2009 @ 8:48pm.

Hi Jim,
I thought that what you did was very clean and well thought out, and fitted the brief exactly.

Still trying to figure out that brief database presentation you did for me in the office that time!

Also trying to figure out how you are listed 3rd in rank when googling da21!

Finally got some funding for a website Jim, not much, but would like you to have a chance to do the work, drop us an email. Looking at functionaility similar to Civi CMS which fits into drupal, but not sure about interface, bit generic.

Paul
da21

Thanks Paul!

Submitted by Jim Kirkpatrick on 3 March, 2009 @ 4:07pm.

Thank you for your words of support, Paul! I am indeed intersted in working with you & DA21 again. I'll drop you a line shortly.

Might use your comments as a testimonial, too.

Best,

Jim