Jul
18
2017
DotNetNuke Development, A Look Inside the DNN Framework
DNN Software is one of the top level performers when it comes to creating a content management system. Put simply, DNN, known in full as DotNetNuke is a CMS platform that was created for e-commerce solutions. The platform poses as the foundation for more than 800,000 websites, and it continues to develop offering more features for webmasters who want a complete package. We have a team of DotNetNuke Developers who can help you get the best experience using the platform.
Created with C# coding language, DNN is created with a simple and intuitive interface that allows it to be used by beginner level webmasters. While the earlier model of the software used to offer server side functionality, the latest editions are enhancing client-side experiences. Over the past few years, DotNetNuke has developed to offer not only web forms but also single-page application and model view controller.
The platform, which runs on Microsoft .NET, can be extended by use of third party modules and also through providers that seek to improve the functionality of the website either from the client or the server side. You can customize the appearance of pages using the skins that comes with the software. DotNetNuke development is made easier by the platform's compatibility with third party modules.
DotNetNuke Module Development
The default DNN functionality will give you the basic features needed, but you may still need to tailor your website to meet the needs of your business. This functionality can be expanded by use of third party modules from third-party authors, existing module store or through in-house module development. If this gives you quite a challenge, we have DotNetNuke developers who can help you.
Without adding modules, DNN gives you security, content management and user administration features. The basic DNN package is offered with a set of basic modules that help webmaster create an eCommerce site, a public web site, intranet and a custom web application. These modules are maintained by a volunteer team community. As at 2016, the community was moved from DotNetNuke to Github where DNN development topics are discussed.
When DNN is used, web pages have skins, which define the exact space on a page where modules and other extensions can be placed as availed by page administrators. With each page and module, the administrator can set access conditions, defining who can or cannot edit a given page of module.
There are different ways to create DNN modules. The most common modules are created in VB.NET or C# scripting languages following the web application project model. Dynamic DNN modules are created following Web Site Project model while Razor modules are created using C# and VB.NET scripting languages.
DotNetNuke Skin Development
DNN Skins enhance the layout of a website creating a clear outlines of the content and other items on a page. DNN skinning architecture lets DotNetNuke developers create skins with their knowledge of HTML and simple understanding of how to layout and package the skins. Development knowledge in ASP.NET is not a requirement when designing skins.
Skins are simple and contain basic HTML files created with placeholders for content and menus among other functionalities. Additionally, they come with supports files including JavaScript, images and style sheets all delivered in a ZIP folder.
The release of .NET Framework Version 2 by Microsoft saw the introduction of master pages, a functionality that aimed at encouraging code recycling, aesthetics and consistent website design. The functionality allows webmasters to create master pages with placeholders, which accommodate the content that the webmaster adds later.
Webmasters can upload skins and through the administrator pages, install them automatically. When a compiled page fails to feature ASP.NET user control files, the skinning engine in DNN software creates one following various tokens. The engine will follow the HTML file, which indicates the various sections of a web page.
Developers are using CSS3 and HTML5 in developing skins ensuring that websites with skins are responsive and usable in mobile devices as well as on PC. These skins also feature JavaScript libraries. Seeing that there is no credentialing, the quality of skins will vary greatly, but there is always a trial period.
Our developers can help you out with DNN skins.
DNN Hosting
DNN is compatible with most hosting services with 1-step installation on Microsoft. DNN 7.0 requires a minimum of Windows Vista, .NET 4.0, IIS 7+ and SQL Server 2008. The platform can also be installed on Azure cloud computing system. The IIS medium requirement has hindered the expansion of DNN with most hosting companies being left out, especially the mainstream hosts.
DotNetNuke Developers Community
DotNetNuke development is taken up by thousands of developers globally. DNN has over 1 million users who are registered, and by the end of 2013, there were about 750 thousand websites running on the platform. With so much success, it is a no-brainer that DNN development has grown so popular.
The community edition of the DNN is contributed by community members on Github. Developers contribute to the open-source platform, helping each other create modules and skins. On Github, DotNetNuke provides API reference information for skins and documents. There are also more than 400 wiki pages addressing any weaknesses that the Github community may be facing.
DotNetNuke has been in operation since 2006, but DNN development started in 2009 when the company launched a partner program to offer support to developers and web designers.
Our team of DNN developers can help you with skins and modules to tailor your website to meet your business needs. Reach out to us.