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Proposal

  • Name: Michael Benedict Arul
  • Email: rowoot@gmail.com
  • Gtalk : rowoot
  • Yahoo : volveron2k

“Theme Framework” Project Proposal

Introduction :

I am a Web Developer/Designer and do freelancing jobs to set up blogs and design themes for clients. One thing I have always had trouble with, is creating a “New Theme”  for WordPress using the age old method (i.e code out in HTML, write CSS, Define Javascripts). Not only me, but most of the theme designers for wordpress would agree with me and secondly its tough for any Novice/Beginner to design his or her own theme.

Existing System :

For a Novice or a Beginner, either he would have to select from a list of free themes for wordpress or hire a developer to develop a theme for him/her (with a hefty price). The latter however kinda removes the “FREE” effect, since WordPress itself is available for FREE why should you pay to develop Themes ??

Project Proposal :

So here is my proposal, I wish to modify the current Theme Management in WordPress, by adding a new page (kinda like a ScratchPad) which will enable the Novice/Beginner’s to create their own themes by simply dragging and dropping elements to their Scratch Pad.

I plan to make, creating layouts such as header + 2 coloumed + footer, header+3 coloumed+footer or other styles easier by taking simple inputs from the user and translating them into a layout on the scratchpad in real time.

I plan to use Prototype+Script.aculo.us to help the placing of elements using drag-drop on the scratch pad. Also I plan to write a Custom CSS Framework, which will have a simple interface to change colors of the theme being designed, fonts, etc. (Similar to a ThemeRoller used in JQueryUI which seemed very user friendly and simple to learn).

The above was just a small excerpt of how I plan to go about developing the system, Since my target of Users will be Novice/Beginners who either opt for free themes or pay heavily to get a theme designed, this Project may prove to be a boon to them. I`ll be concentrating on the UI to be as User Friendly as possible and to provide maximum functionality at the same time.

If possible, I plan to make it plugin ready using the awesome WordPress Plugin API, the community can expand it if they wish like.

The “Theme Framework” won`t be so robust as to develop superb high-end themes with lots of graphics (for now atleast… *grins*), but hey it may give you a good start to start to develop your own themes with simple layouts and sweet colors.

Detailed Technical Information about this Project :

Currently a theme in wordpress has the following files

  • Theme Name (Dir)
    • 404 Template = 404.php
    • Archive Template = archive.php
    • Archive Index Page = archives.php
    • Comments Template = comments.php
    • Footer Template = footer.php - (always shown)
    • Header Template = header.php - (always shown)
    • Links = links.php
    • Main Template = index.php
    • Page Template = page.php
    • Popup Comments Template = comments-popup.php
    • Post Template = single.php
    • Search Form = searchform.php
    • Search Template = search.php
    • Sidebar Template = sidebar.php
    • Stylesheet = style.css
  1. When you click on “Create New Theme”, the application will create a new directory with the “theme name” and by default create a set of the above files, more like a bare theme or naked theme (which will have only php calls).
  2. Secondly, the next page will show a scratchpad with the bare theme’s look. (header.php + index.php + footer.php). If any new divs are added or colors are changed, they`ll be easily reflected in the scratchpad.
  3. If the user wants to modify the individual post page (single.php), then when he clicks on Individual Post page, page will load with (header.php + single.php + footer.php). He can modify this page as per his needs i.e create divs, add colors, change colors, modify layout from 2 coloumed to 3 coloumed etc.

themeframework

Schedule of Deliverables

The Project is Divided into the following modules :

  1. User Interface
    • Develop Scratchpad (Window where elements will be dragged and dropped)
    • Develop Element Base (which consits of tables, divs and other HTML elements)
    • Write Extensive Javascript functions,Includes various functions which will be used for functioning of UI. (using prototype, script.aculo.us)
  2. Custom CSS Framework or try intergrating Existing CSS Frameworks (open source)
  3. Open,Save Theme Module -  They can be previewed.

Looking at the vastness of the project, Starting Coding from May 23rd

  • Decide on Theme Formats, variables , PHP/Database Calls (approx 3-5 weeks)
  • Develop User Interface (approx 2-3 weeks – from June 27th onwards)
  • Develop Custom CSS Framework or integrate exisiting Framework (approx 3-5 weeks)
  • Integration of Project (approx 2 weeks)
  • Testing

My Exams get over mid-may and I`ll be a graduate then. :) . I`ll be free for the next 6months.

Open Source Development Experience

  • Developed OptimaPrime – Enterprise Project Management System
    (Won 1st Prize as Best Project in P^Cube of our College)
    The Entire Project was coded in PHP. A Custome Web Framework was developed for this purpose.
    Link : http://visionmasterdesigns.com/a-month-long-ordeal-finally-over-product-optimaprime-result-first-prize/
  • Developed MyADManager - WordPress Plugin which integrates AD Management with Paypal IPN. ADs are automatically displayed on successful payment.
    Link : http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/myadmanager

Work/Internship Experience

  • Developed OptimaPrime – Enterprise Project Management System (Won 1st Prize as Best Project in P^Cube of our College). Managed a team of 3.
  • Currently a Freelancer. Have worked in Web Development/Designing. Link – http://visionmasterdesigns.com/portfolio/
  • Experience in developing Sites using PHP Frameworks, standalone websites using PHP/MySQL, themes for WordPress, plugins for WordPress
  • Developed Custom MVC Framework for PHP (Innovite) which powers 2 of my clients websites :)
  • I am placed with Infosys. One of the leading Software Firms.

Academic Experience

  • Currently in the last year of B.E in Information Technology from Fr.Conceico Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
    Secured Distinction (73% in the previous Semester VII, Came 2nd in Class)

Why WordPress

Simple… It`s really Simple to work on :)
Wordpress was the first blogging software I had encountered, and I have seen a numerous softwares but none come close to WordPress. It is the numero uno in CMS and Blogging.

A Very Simple API to develop plugins, and the core code is clean as it can be. A lil Resource hungry, but hey, for the features it offers, its awesome :)