Simple forms

{This is an English retranscription of needs expressed in Nouveau module liste}

The need for simple forms linked to the database is growing.

As per rule #1 of the eXtreme Programming approach, we limit ourselves to the most important feature, and tentatively describe a potential technical solution.

Actually, we can distinguish at least three different usages of web forms:

 overlay - this covers cases where a PHP script is available for the specialization of articles; to use them, the webmaster will simply configure target sections with the proper keyword; samples include: contact record, poll, events, votes, etc.

 file of cards - useful to capture simple pieces of structured data, for example: application to a job, information query sent to a company about some products, etc.

 application - here, software developement is mandatory, and YACS has been designed to host new scripts while providing a bunch of services (i18n, cache, templates, security, ...)

The feature we are looking after is for the simple construction of "file of cards". YACS integrates powerful solutions for other needs related to forms.

Description of the file of cards to be implemented in YACS:

 Associates (and only associates) can define as many forms as necessary.

 Forms content is defined through new YACS codes, to be defined. We are departing from the WYSIWIG model. However, the choice we make enables easy integration of text, and offers layout freedom, while staying simple.

 Each form is linked to a dedicated table of the database. This leverages the SQL environment to achieve any kind of queries. The module tables can be used to build nice tables out of dynamic SELECT statements.

 YACS has a single index page to list forms available to surfers.

 A surfer can select a form, fill all fields, and submit it to the server for storage and processing. Some forms can be accessible only by members or associates.

 On form submission an electronic message can be sent to selected recipients. Each form has its own list of recipients.

 Data storage is managed through overlays attached to articles, to leverage the YACS environment: image and file attachment, comments, categories, etc.

 YACS has one page per form, to list related filled cards.

 Associates can also create pages including tables objects to create ad hoc reports and lists.