G2 <-> ZC Bridge for ZC 1.3.9.
This module offers an e-commerce solution to users of Gallery 2.3 by linking their galleries to a Zen Cart 1.3.9 installation.
Zen Cart is a fully featured and commercial grade e-commerce application.
Please read the Codex for relevant documentation.
********UPDATE: Version 3.3.4********
08/09/2011
Change Log
1) Resolves bug that generated an internal server error when a new user was added to G2. (Thanks to drhiii for reporting and debugging).
********UPDATE: Version 3.3.3********
07/01/2011
Change Log
1) Resolves bug that prevented configuration after wrongly concluding Zen Cart has not been installed as a subdirectory of Gallery2.
2) Introduces checks on Zen Cart installation folder for improved security and tighter Zen Cart compatibility.
3) Resolves bug that may result in missing or truncated thumbnail urls. Users not using the prepatched Zen Cart 1.3.9h fileset may need to run the "Alter Table" sql queries set out in the codex.
Notes
1) The optional patched Zen Cart fileset has been updated for Zen Cart 1.3.9h. This file set includes compatibility enhancements related to the ZCG2 module particularly related to thumbnail generation errors. Also, Mac format resource files contained in the 1.3.9g release have been removed.
********UPDATE: Version 3.3.2********
01/01/2011
Change Log
1) Resolves bug that prevented configuration due to an error in the checks carried out to verify that Zen Cart has been installed in a subdirectory of Gallery2.
********UPDATE: Version 3.3.1********
22/10/2010
Change Log
1) Updated to cater for compulsory requirement to rename Zen Cart admin folder in Zen Cart 1.3.9g.
2) Resolves bug that sometimes caused session errors on Gallery2 log in/log off.
3) Bypass module compatibility added for Zen Cart thumbnail generation.
4) Enforces requirement for Zen Cart to be installed as a subdirectory of Gallery2.
Notes
1) Zen Cart 1.3.9g requires that the Zen Cart admin folder be renamed before using the application. This version of the module has been amended to accommodate this. The module can now not be configured and/or activated until the Zen Cart admin folder has been renamed.
********UPDATE: Version 3.3.0********
16/06/2010
Change Log
1) Updated for Zen Cart 1.3.9
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.5********
05/04/2010
Change Log
1) Drops experimental code added in v3.2.4 which lead to execution errors
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.4********
18/12/2009
Change Log
1) Resolves bug that meant that items added did not have correct permissions.
2) Resolves bug that meant thumbnails for items added sometimes did not appear in Zen Cart
3) Drops support for Gallery 2.1.x and now requires 2.2.x to 2.3.x.
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.3.1********
31/10/2009
Change Log
1) Resolves issue with thumbnails of added items not showing in Zen Cart
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.3********
08/12/2008
Change Log
1) Resolve issue with guaranteed time limit to allow scaling up for installation of large galleries
2) Refines Access Control setup
3) Resolves "ItemID bug affecting module activation.
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.2b********
17/08/2008
Change Log
1) Extends guaranteed time limit in module activation function to allow scaling up
2) Resolves SEO / domain name metadata issues
3) Replaces missing buttons
4) Fixes misc style sheet issues
5) Fixes misc usability issues
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.1c********
09/02/2008
Change Log
1) Resolves bugs in V3.2.1.
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.1********
24/01/2008
Change Log
1) Several misc modifications
2) Resolves missing variable in Item Admin
3) Tidies item description
4) Introduces "Back" button to checkout pages
5) Introduces Password Control for albums and individual items - See "Access Control" in Codex
********UPDATE: Version 3.2.0********
11/01/2008
Change Log
1) Updated for ZenCart 1.3.8a
********UPDATE: Version 3.1.2********
3/12/2007
Change Log
1) Rolls back changes made between Version 3.0.2 and Version 3.1.0.
********UPDATE: Version 3.1.1********
30/11/2007
Change Log
1) Adds G2 description to ZC Gallery Item Page.
********UPDATE: Version 3.1.0********
23/11/2007
Thanks to Chuck Redman for the bug fixes.
Change Log
1) Resolves issues with errors generated by installing using the module in empty gallery and then adding images later.
2) Removes code dependencies that make following ZC security advice difficult.
********UPDATE: Version 3.0.2********
30/10/2007
Change Log
1) Repositions additional checkout button introduced in V3.0.1.
2) Removes "Continue Shopping" Button from cart page to strengthen flow of using G2 for browsing and ZC for commerce.
3) Changes to link names in G2.
********UPDATE: Version 3.0.1********
29/10/2007
Change Log
1) Adds checkout button to item display page if there are items in the cart.
********UPDATE Version 3.0.0********
24/10/2007
Change Log
1) Several Installation Errors Resolved.
2) Two PGTheme inspired templates provided (PGSnow & PGCharcoal).
3) Three "Return to Gallery" links on every Zen Cart page (Breadcrumb, Logo & Footer) so no more stranded visitors.
4) Separate Add to Cart and Checkout links in Gallery2 - Checkout link goes directly to Zen Cart shopping cart page.
5) Errors generated while adding items in Zen Cart directly (e.g Gift Vouchers) resolved.
6) Give Permissions like other Gallery2 modules
7) Intelligent default permissions on insallation... add to zencart applied only to data items while view cart page globally available.
8) Converts BB Code if used in Gallery2 for name, title or description to html in Zen Cart for proper display.
Posts: 397
Will slurp down and give it a go, and report back with info on the installation. Always excellent to see upgrades along this nature!
drh
Posts: 1642
Cool.
My steps for doing the tests were:
1) Uninstall and delete previous ZC module in G2 admin
2) Install ZC 1.3.7 and select a unique database prefix for it
3) Configure ZC 1.3.7 making sure a category is created for images
4) Copy previous ZC module folder to another location
5) Upload new ZC module
6) Carry out G2 admin installation steps.
Let us known how it works. Works on my site although not active for visitors since my pics are actually not for sale lol.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
Nice going Dayo, I'll load it up the test server and see how it behaves.
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 19
Installs fine from fresh ZC and G2 installs, but I get a
as soon as I switch to any of the PG themes/templates in Zen Cart
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 1642
cer
Deactivate the PGTheme Templates. I know what the issue is (I did not complete converting them from 1.2.7).
I will modify and brand them as G2White, G2Charcoal etc instead.
The templates only affect apearance so if the module functions with the default template then it is good and the templates can easily be fixed.
Please delete the following folders.
1) /includes/languages/english/html_includes/pgxxxx
2) /includes/templates/pgxxxx
I have removed them from the download file so others don't have this issue.
Thanks for the feedback.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 1642
cer
Are you running PHP5?
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
Yes indeed I am, PHP 5.2.0 on the system on which I loaded the new installs.
Posts: 1642
cer
Cool. Confirms my suspicion. The templates work with PHP4 and need to be made PHP5 compartible.
Taken them out until this is done.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
Ok, Checked out on standard web server and suexec on php5, all looks fine. Couple of issues with suexec, but due to my large fingers, no problem with the mod.
Permissions etc seem operational.
Rgds,
Posts: 1642
cer
Nice to hear.
Yes, I added the facility to assign permissions as with any other G2 module which was a weakness of the original module version.
The G2 specific templates will make it hard to access ZC directly and users will have to get there through G2. This is neccesary as items with permissions withheld are actually still added to ZC.
Thanks for the feedback.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 2
thanks for the Zencart Module Update!!
i would like to try it. you appear to have moved the file since
the above link yields a 404 at http://dakanji.com/g2stuff/zcg2-1_0_0.zip .
i checked the modules at zencart.com ~ and found 0.9.1 ~
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_47&products_id=581
tried google: Your search - zcg2-1_0_0.zip - did not match any documents.
in the past i have set up zcg2 0.9.0 (or was it 0.9.1??) with gallery2 2.2.2 and zen cart 1.3.7,
and using short urls for thumbnails (adding length to the field in mysql did not work for me)
and fixing the thumbnail sizes in zc, it worked fine and dandy. thanks to all!
pardon my changing the subject, i would like to try 1.0.0 if i could find it.
Posts: 1642
hyperopto
You can try again. If you have successfully used 1.3.7 then there may be little point though.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Finally snagged the time to devote to making a run at an installation. Everything worked A-Ok. Wonderful as a matter of fact. Had the usual wrestling match with some things but it was all operator error.
This really is a terrific piece of work Dayo.
Couple of questions that I saw while rereading everything. Was there mention of a template file, an .inc file that contained the sample photo pricing list in a flat file? I recall reading about it but can't find that reference again.
Was there also mention of some quickie templates to match up with white, gray, etc? I may be imagining that.
Finally, wondered about something as I pressed through various simple scenarios.... appears that once a user commits down into the checkout, I wondered if there was thought to being able to return to the top-top level, meaning gallery2? In particular, where once left off in the particular albuum/image? One can Return to Gallery while viewing the image in ZC, but once one commits to a Checkout, the link I think is lost and there is no elegant way to get back to at the least, the top level of g2.... or am I missing something which wouldn't be the first time.
There were other cool 'to-do' things in the readme file that look nice as well.
Anywayz... this is great work. Made for a pleasant evening.
Oh, one thing I varied and was sure it would work, but it did, was I stacked directories instead of placing them side by side as the docs recommend. Instead of tld/gallery2 and tld/zencart I tried, and it worked: tld/gallery2/zencart I recall having a prob with that in a first attempt a bit ago, but this stacking of dirs appears to work no prob.
regards
Posts: 1642
drhiii
I removed the integration templates (These had been done for ZC1.2.7 and addressed the issues you raised) as there were issues with this version due to a requirement to make them PHP5 compartible. They work with this version if you run it on PHP4 but I felt it was better to remove them until fixed for PHP5. I will implement this for 1.3.7 shortly when I am able to snag the time to devote to it.
The sample pricing is in Module.inc
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Acknowledged all.
I poured over the readme.txt file and have to say, it is one of the more concise readmes I've seen. Also well done. The whole bridge came up and has run well. I am looking forward to drilling down into more and more.
Where, rather what module.inc file, or where is it located. There are a bazillion under the TLD and havin't found the correct one yet.
Man, it is nice to gets one's mitts into this stuff that just works. I will work to contrib back into the mix as I can.
drhiii
Posts: 1642
drhiii
Look at gallery/modules/zencart/modules.inc.
You may wish to note that the setup there is just a sample and that you can edit the setup in G2 Siteadmin or in ZC which however can be time consuming.
The advantage of using module.inc is that you can set things up in there relatively quickly, uninstall and reinstall the module, and you will be close to a final setup.
The kudos should go to M Torrent (the original developer) as well as Chuck Redman on the ZC Site as what I did is very superficial.
The integration files are where I have done more work but as said they are for ZC1.2.7 although they will work with ZC1.3.7 if you are on PHP4. You can try them if you wish. Even those are based on work by Das123 as used on www.trekviews.com who kindly sent me his files for me to work on.
On the G2 / ZC setup, I think the best way is for it to be in a folder under G2. So that your store is "yoursite/gallery/store.tld" and your gallery remains "yoursite/gallery.tld". That works for me and looks and sounds rational. The instruction that g2 had to be under the store folder in the instructions for the previous version is incorrect and will give you "yoursite/store.tld" for the store and "yoursite/store/gallery.tld" which is wierd. No need to mess around with htaccess.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Acknowleged location of modules.inc. I was looking in the ZenCart installation dirs. Makes sense now. Yes, I can see how tweaking the ZC side could be time consuming... it all bolts together very nicely though. I will drill into this .inc file and work with its behavior. One thing that I've always felt was the need to pursue commerce templates, to allow non techs the ability to slide in a template to come close to their genre. This could extend beyond photographers of course... another story.
And yes yes... to have Zencart nested below G2 is of course, the ticket. I was fiddling with URL Rewrites to accomplish some stuff and ended up getting wrapped around the axle too much. Agree that this nesting is the way to go.
And I know there several hands involved with mods like this. I've been working on some stuff too but it is not ready for primetime into the community. Still, the energy you have placed into this, ESPECIALLY the clear communications in readmes as well as posts which is not usually the rule, is much appreciated.
drhiii
Posts: 19
Thanks for the kind words Dayo, but may I say that I think you sell yourself short. I agree that Das123 did a stunning job of the template integration, but I believe that having your templates available with the mod, even if they are not fully working, is a huge benefit to the community. Because of the different template models used by the two packages having an example from which people can work is a MAJOR improvement over just having the default installations on both packages.
On the 'futures' side, I've found a couple of 'gotchas' in the code that are probably the cause of some installation headaches I've heard about, and I'm looking at them as time permits, as well as a couple of areas that work with 1.3.7, but more by luck than by design.
I've also almost completed a zipfile download section that allows Gallery to create the downloads for Zen Cart to administer, and a couple of other minor improvements.
drhii, I agree that when you reach the 'checkout success' page you are effectively 'stranded'. A similar thing happens if you don't turn off the 'Display Cart after adding product' in the Zen Cart Configuration. What would you like to see here? Remember that there are two distinct 'models' of use.
In the one, you promote the Gallery as a browsing tool and direct people there, with purchases being switched to the Zen Cart side, in the other, the Gallery is an Administration tool to allow you the owner to add and configure the images, and visitors are directed to the Zen Cart main page.
The simplest possibility would of course be a simple 'Back to the Gallery' link which is not too difficult to implement.
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 1642
cer
I didn't realise you are Chuck Redman.
I have finalised Version 1.1.0 that addresses several of the issues including the installation issues, returning to gallery from all pages and fixes the templates.
I will upload it tomorrow as I have just returned from spending time with a client at the pub and had to match him pint for pint and I think the upload will go better if I do it with in full control of my faculties.
I am able to type ok but will rather not take chances. Operational on my site for now though.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Hello gentleman! This is fantastic to have court with both of you on this terrific bridge.
Yes, that is a good way of putting it... purchasers are effectively 'stranded' once they get past a certain point. I'd thought of maintained the return path to G2 and adding some kind of link to a header, but this would be great if this were engineered by the engineers who know the code, and would create an effective and replicable function. That would be most helpful. And per your two ways of viewing G2 / ZC, the first scenario I feel contains more import. That of being a front end or browsing tool that then passes a potential purchaser to the transaction layers of ZC. But I have to admit that being able to define defaults inside G2 has a lot of weight as well. Am I waffling if I suggest both are important?? Both scenarios have plusses.
To gain an audience with you gents is great however. I will drill down into the behaviors of G2 and ZC in the next day or two. One thing I created was the ability to cookie cutter a skeleton site, down to the theming, and was about to see if I could carry the work over to ZC. Am able to create a fully formed ready to go site in 3 minutes instead of 2 to 3 hours it takes to build one from scratch. If I can include ZC in this mix, it would be most helpful to build sites, including ready to tweak commerce backends as well.
This really is great work that has occurred in this bridge gentleman...
drhiii
Posts: 1642
drhiii
Try the latest version from the first post (you will notice the post has been edited)
It has resolved the issues and users can now return to G2 from any point in ZC through the links provided if one of the included pgxxx templates (or variants thereof) are used.
Refer to the readme file for info.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Dayo!
This is terrific work. Before installing the new bridge, I began to read the changelog at the beginning of the thread and fell over. Way more additions than I would have thought possible... this is going to be very cool I thought. And it is. At first I couldn't believe the increased ZIP filesize from the prior release. But now I see why.
The template additions are most excellent for starters fro PGCharcoal and PGSnow. Makes for a very nice, clean screen. But then the new permission schema, the return links (3 of them), and the very clean header menu in ZenCart is really smooth. Aesthetic is a better word.
And I have to add mega kudos for a line that may have been there before but it jumped out this time as I carefully read the text before pressing forward (RTFM). From the Wiki:
"You can also simply delete the relevant english.php with the same effect with the only difference being that your items will be referred to as "products" rather than "items". I think pictures are items or art and not products myself."
Spot on. A nice critique of language use, and I totally agree.
I got caught by the long URL but simply followed the recovery instructions that I had done in prior versions and it resolved the issue exactly as detailed, again. In fact, as I've mentioned before, the attention to langauge and detail is complete, accurate, and clear. One of the better experiences at bolting in a module or plugin that flows logically, aesthetically, and has the language to support it. Well done.
I've got work to do to drill down into a more intimate knowledge of ZC's behaviors, which I will do in the next couple of days. The interaction between G2 and ZC is very nice... the return links make all the difference. But will look to return with constructive commentary. I kept waiting for the wheels to come off somewhere so I could provide some useful debugging, but everything worked. Felt happily useless in this first pass at it.
Will drill into it and pay special attention to the permission behaviors between the two applications. But this is bang up to say the least. Was not expecting the depth of this new version. Very well done. Will be interesting to see if one can tweak Pedro about adding functionality of the "Add to" and "View" functions to icons that can be placed either via icons along the album view, or below the item.
Admit to being happily overwhelmed with the advancement. Will press into it and come back with hopefully some worthy dialogue.
drhiii
Posts: 1642
I am administering PGTheme (See Here). I already released 1.2.0 a while back and slowing working on 1.3.0 which is operational on my site.
I had already started looking into adding Cart Icon links to Zencart in PGTheme 1.3.0 and will start to look into packaging it for release once it is done.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Dayo,
Learning something new everyday. In this case, several things.
I grabbed PGTheme from the link below, installed, and ran it through many paces. Again, I am very impressed by all this wonderful work that has transpired.
Some quick notes which may be stating the obvious, but things that I observed during many cycles on it.
First, it runs well. I like the logic of things very much. I was especially impressed when I went directly to ZenCart and found that the header logo took one to the top level URL, but if one had entered ZenCart from an Item Selection, it would return you to that location. Really nice flow here.
Dunno if is logical or illogical, but noted that when one selected an Item, there was no "Continue to Checkout" selection once inside ZenCart. You had to return to the G2 side, then click down into the checkout mode. I found myself looking for a Continue to Checkout, even if one did not select the item. In one sense, it makes sense to have to return to G2 because one is either selected the item, or not. A return to G2 makes sense at this point. However, found myself wanting to Continue to Checkout without having to verify selection of the item.... instead having to return to the G2 view before proceeding. Just a thought....
This is my problem, but find both Firefox and Opera under Ubuntu do not render the sized images properly. I have to either clear cache or refresh, or something, and under PGTheme, the sized images do not display at all. Odd behavior, and it is defintitely on my side. Things work under Xtreme... just a note is all.
There are some other things, nit picky. But the overall behavior and logic flowed very nicely. Oh, like all the the theme choices too. Nice.
Will come back with more. But wanted to leave responses which are all positive.
regards, drhiii
Posts: 1642
drhiii
There should be a checkout link in the breadcrumb if you have items in your cart and you should not have to return to G2 to checkout (of course there is no point trying to proceed to checkout without having selected at least 1 item).
However, I have added some code that should make a button available on the item display page if there are items in the cart in Version 3.0.1 (not tested).
Use the upgrade version from the first post.
Not sure about the image sizing issue though. Have you got the url rewrite module active? If not, try it.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
You are absolutely correct. The breadcrumb does allow you to go to Checkout if you already have items in your Checkout area. The more I look at it, the more my idea is illogical. You have the flow covered as it should. Adding a button to go to checkout in addition to the breadcrumb I don't think is a bad idea tho. The way the appearances of the menu selections laid out, I found myself looking for something like this even though I chose to not select the item. But as mentioned, you already do have this covered in the breadcrumb anyway... everything flows very nicely.
The image sizing problem is on my side. Really annoying, but is something I have to attack here. Will of course try it on other Ubuntu, and Linux machines as well to check its behavior... but this is completely on my end.
At your convenience, will throw out a couple other ideas in a separate message.
This whole thing is really excellent work.
regards
Posts: 397
If I may, here are some additional observations or ideas. This is of course on top of an integration that the deeper I press, the cleaner it looks. The whole thing is just plain bang-up smart.
In addition ot the Google Analytics question which most certainly involes meta field handling (am anxious to her your response to my question in a prior message)....
A user/client must click into Add Items to gain the first view of the item pricing. Is there any thought towards linking to the base price of an item, back in the G2 view? I know you are working to establish this via icons which make perfect sense because this action is a direct reference to 'View Purchase Options' (my words). This whole thing can be smoothed out with clever use of language. But I know some people like to see on the main view page at least some kind of price, even if it is a base price, of an item. Just wondered if there was any other kind of 'view' of this information back into G2 planned?
I would only bring the following up here given that you have taken over PGTheme. Something I continue to wonder about is the logo and the minimal text area available in the left part of the realestate of the PGTheme (and Xtreme too). Is there any way to advance allowing a user or administrator the ability to upload, post, import, create, whatever the term... a logo and the ability to populate this left part of the screen real-estate without having to drop into the OS layer? With the many, many superb image management features in G2, I continue to be perplexed why these two basic functions are not availed to a user. I can understand the security requirements that may prevent this kind of thing, but as an image (and other media types) managementserver environment, that a user would not be able to upload a single or two images to create at the least, a logo, does make ya think. It brings creation of sites to a grinding halt when a user has to submit one or two images, and a bio, to an administrator so they can log into the OS layer and put these into place. Would you have any opinion on advancing these two simple things... allowing a user the ability to upload a logo, and a bio, via G2, instead of via the backend. It continues to be a showstopper when trying to use a single site for handling multple contributors.
On that note, I'd floated before the idea awhile ago of advancing a user's profile to include more information, including customized logos that could override, or tandem with, the existing site logo. It didn't get much (any) response. But this limitation is what prevents G2 from going from a one-off site to being able to support multiples of people on a single site. At least in an advanced way.
Some other things pending, but will let the above settle in. Hope this is received in the spirit it is meant, which is advancing the G2 model which is terrific.
regards, drhiii
Posts: 397
Something else I've started to consider is the handling of SSL when moving between G2 and ZenCart, SSL being required for the transaction layer inside of ZC.
And, was clicking around to review behaviors at various points and tried Add items when at the Album view. Nothing happened, or was added. What is the behavior you intend to get at the album view fo Add items?
Again, just reporting stuff I find. Am constantly reminding myself that a few short weeks ago, none of this was possible. Now it is... and it's great.
regards, drhiii
Posts: 1642
drhii
I will respond to your queries on PGTheme in its own thread,
SSL: This is not required by ZC. It is just an available option and works fine within that application as it only kicks in when checking out etc if activated.
Albums: Adding albums is not available and there are no plans to change this. The observed behavior is as expected; nothing happens. You will notice that the default permissions do not allocate permissions to add Albums to ZC although this can be done manually (to no avail). The site admin will will have a link to add them but that is only just because the site admin has all permissions. I will investigate not allowing this permission for Album Items later.
PS This stuff has been available with the original module since 2005 lol.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Understand all. Will press forward...
tx
Posts: 19
The Zip downloads version of the Gallery2 - Zen Cart integration is now available in the Zen Cart Support Forum downloads area. It allows the site owner/admin to specify what resolutions/sizes of image they would like to offer for sale on the Zen cart site - any spec from full resolution of the uploaded image to unreadable.
When an image is uploaded to a Gallery Album, dummy download links are created for the Zen Cart site, and when a download is requested, the purchased image resolution is created and zipped on the fly and downloaded to the customer.
After the download is complete, the download file and all temp files are deleted.
This obviously simplifies the administration tremendously, as it does away with the need to upload multiple zipped copies of the files, and to manually associate them to each resolution ofthe product image. Instead, simply upload the image. Everything else is automatic.
The release also contains a couple of bug fixes, including the notorious 'cascade of errors' shortly after first installation. For those who suffered through it, the trick, I FINALLY found out, was to add an image or two before activating the Zen Cart integration. The bug fix does away with the necessity however.
It also contains some refactoring to remove hard coded dependencies on Zen Cart admin versions of functions and include files.
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 1642
Nice one on the release Chuck.
Do you agree it might be better if we coordinate the efforts to avoid having multiple versions of the bridge.
I am happy to turn over the effort to you or if you used V3.0.2 of the version I have been working on, I can add it to this thread as V3.1.0 for instance.
This will help give users clarity with a logical structure.
What do you think?
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
Thanks Dayo, I'm easy on the combining, and particularly on the base code it makes sense. I actually intentionally 'undercut' your version by calling this one version 2.0.0, so that if anyone installed your templates etc it would overwrite.
The downloads version includes some extra code in the class file, so I'm hesitant about mixing that with standard code without bit more testing, or a couple of 'if thens' sprinkled about. But there are bugfix standard versions of the classes included, so hook those with pleasure. I think I added your BBcode fixes in there as well.
The zip downloads version is almost a fork of the basic version at the moment, so it's a don't mix and match. I'll get that sorted in the near future though. What I did do, was use just your charcoal template with the downloads version, and that worked fine. It's module.inc, and the backend classes that would clash.
Remember I build from a Zen Cart perspective, so it's strongly aligned towards the shop site as the frontend, with Gallery the 'media admin' backend. Yet another reprise of 'get your thinking clear on the focus you want?
That said, the templates look very good, and in principle there's no reason why someone couldn't direct traffic to the Gallery with the Downloads mod in place. The addons kick in on image upload and after purchase download, not during browsing.
I'd say then, grab the package, do some checking with the 2 class files replacing your existing ones, and check diffs with winmerge or similar, and I'll look at a 'next release' merge back of the downloads code. (It is a 1.0 release of that after all, I'm allowed to do odd things).
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 1642
Chuck
Of course you are allowed to do things and the more the better lol.
I understand the focus issue with either GS or ZC being the frontend.
I'll drop you a line to discuss.
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Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 33
Hi there
I have a photography site that is currently running Gallery2 only.
I have installed ZenCart as a sub directory, and a fresh install of Gallery2 under this. I have also installed the latest ZenCart/Gallery2 integration files. Once I have it all up and running, I will redirect to the new ZenCart front end.
http://www.petersteelephotography.com/store
My question is - When a customer is viewing the thumbnail image, and they click on "larger image" it takes them to the Gallery2 page. Is there any way to have the "larger image" appear in ZenCart only (and not have the Gallery2 pages appear) or have the image only appear in a popup window?
Your advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Danielle
Posts: 1642
YBA
This is the way the bridge is geared to work...G2 displays images and ZC sells them.
When you think of it you'll understand.
You have uploaded your images into G2 so that is the only place that has larger versions. Only thumbnails are passed to ZC by the bridge.
If you want to follow a philosophy of ZC as frontend and G2 only as a backend, then get go to the ZC site and try the version Cer has put there in their downloads section. I have no experience with this version but that appears to be what that is gesred to do.
The important thing is to know what function you want each to do.
Note that you also have the option to simply only use ZC and load your images directly there.
One thing I didn't quite get was
It appears you have installed G2 then ZC under that (which should be all you need to do) then put another G2 install under ZC again.
All the best.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 397
Do either of you gents (cer or Dayo), or anyone, have multiple vhosts running multiple instances of ZenCart with G2? If yes, mind sharing a mini How-To? Am trying to configure multiple vhosts without going the static IP per SSL/vhost requirement.
tx
Posts: 19
Youch, you really pick the deadly topics, don't you? Yes, I have multiple Vhosts and non Vhosts and VM's running multiple instances of Zen Cart and Gallery2, and even with different client operating systems. Hint, thats how I test the software.
The whole single IP/multiple SSL scene is a minefield, since there have been solutions in place for several years, but not much publicity or uptake on them. The cynical side of me can think of reasons, but lets not be too harsh.
The root of the problem is that at the encrypted connection is negotiated there is no information available as to the intended target site,so it is not possible to select the appropriate certificate on a Vhost site.
On the solutions side, SNI or server name indentification has been available for some time, and adds header information that allows the target site to be identified. It is supported in the mod_gnutls extension for Apache 2, but not widely adopted. mod_gnutls is also still designated as experimental by its' developers. OpenSSL is the de facto standard for encryption on Apache websites, and SNi support is slated for version 0.99. Release date unknown. Support is in place in some recent versions of 0.98 (0.98g i believe), and has been backported with patches for other releases.
The main 'killer' is that SNi is only supported in recent browser releases. e.g. IE7on Vista,Opera 7.6+, later versions of Firefox 2 etc. Since the SNI is browser client initiated, if the bulk of your visitors/customers/clients have browsers that don't support it, is there any point in using it?
I have tested it, and it works fine, and note that even without the support, an encrypted connection is still established. It's just that your visitors get the usual tiresome popups with dire warnings of impending doom.
You are however, unlikely to get any hosting company to implement it just to support you.
Wildcard certificates cover a domain and all subdomains, so you could work a solution with gallery1.mydomain.com, gallery2.mydomain.com or similar, and server certificates simply cover the server on which the Vhosts are running, without any attempt to include the hosted domains.
The only operational solution is the following, which does work, but is difficult to implement and manage if you are adding domains on an ongoing basis. This uses subjectAltName entries in the SSL certificate. These are simply entries in addition to the usual CN or common name entry which is usually set to the name of your website/domain. They were intially used to cover the situation where you wanted to verify on www.yourdomain.com as well as just yourdomain.com. You would add one as a subjectAltName or alternative name entry for the website.
You simply extend this to cover all the sites you want covered by the certificate with subjectAltName entries for each. The usual approach is to set the CN to the server name, and include an entry for the server in the AltNames as well, and then have AltName entries for each of the websites. I believe up to 64 are supported.
On the downside, every time you add a domain, you have to redo the whole certificate from scratch.
The difficulties involved are firstly in generating the CSR certificate signing request with all those subjectAltNames, and in getting someone to issue a valid certificate. The first can be overcome with a suitable shell script, the second, I honestly don't know. I issue my own certificates through Cacert, so I don't have to deal with anyone else. I know they support it, but on the commercial side, I have no idea. You'd have to ask the specific issuer.
So, in summary, yes, there are solutions, but the only viable one at present is a multiple entry subjectAltName certificate.
Posts: 397
Ugh, sorry about that. Picking the tough nuts to crack. It is next to impossible to get anyone to chime in on this stuff...
That said, I appreciate your responses however because this is not very popular in any circles.
I've pretty much landed on the single wildcard cert and multiple vhosts solution as that comes the closest to what I am working towards. Have looked into SNI, and am not as familiar with "multiple entry subjectAltName" but will also study this, but the single cert/multi vhost thing is where I am.
So here's what's happened. I forged ahead and just set up SSL to manage the entire session as https, from G2 all the way down to ZenCart, and am running into a mixed session thing. Am just now digging into the why, but decided that running everything under an SSL session might be the ticket, but am trying to figure out how to force this into both G2 and ZC. Am also hitting a self-signed anomaly where sessions are not even honored, but that is another thing. I didn't think it would be that much of a fist-fight to get a one session fits all environment, but I continue to bang on it.
Question... you have G2 running http, and ZC running under https? May I ask, how you were able to arrive at this via apache? A lot to ask, but I am of curious and relentless mind, and I do learn.
tx
Posts: 5
Hi i have the gallery version 2.2.3 and v1.3.7.1 and i'm using http://dakanji.com/g2stuff/zcg2-3_0_2-full.zip
module when i upload a photo in my gallery i get this errror :S anyone have an idea , to fix it?
Error (ERROR_BAD_PARAMETER) : 0
* in modules/zencart/classes/GalleryZenCart.class at line 283 (GalleryCoreApi::error)
* in modules/zencart/classes/GalleryZenCart.class at line 1316 (GalleryZenCart::fetchCategoryIdByAlbumId)
* in modules/zencart/module.inc at line 415 (GalleryZenCart::updateCategoryFromAlbum)
* in modules/core/classes/helpers/GalleryEventHelper_simple.class at line 117 (ZenCartModule::handleEvent)
* in modules/core/classes/GalleryCoreApi.class at line 2140 (GalleryEventHelper_simple::postEvent)
* in modules/core/classes/GalleryEntity.class at line 285 (GalleryCoreApi::postEvent)
* in modules/core/classes/GalleryDerivative.class at line 240 (GalleryEntity::save)
* in modules/core/classes/helpers/GalleryItemHelper_medium.class at line 753 (GalleryDerivative::save)
* in modules/core/classes/GalleryCoreApi.class at line 1635 (GalleryItemHelper_medium::setThumbnailFromItem)
* in modules/core/classes/helpers/GalleryItemHelper_medium.class at line 531 (GalleryCoreApi::setThumbnailFromItem)
* in modules/core/classes/helpers/GalleryItemHelper_medium.class at line 246 (GalleryItemHelper_medium::applyDerivativePreferences)
* in modules/core/classes/helpers/GalleryItemHelper_medium.class at line 188 (GalleryItemHelper_medium::addExistingItemToAlbum)
* in modules/core/classes/GalleryCoreApi.class at line 1583 (GalleryItemHelper_medium::addItemToAlbum)
* in modules/core/ItemAddFromBrowser.inc at line 112 (GalleryCoreApi::addItemToAlbum)
* in modules/core/ItemAdd.inc at line 84 (ItemAddFromBrowser::handleRequest)
* in main.php at line 231 (ItemAddController::handleRequest)
* in main.php at line 94
* in main.php at line 83
System Information
Gallery version 2.2.3
PHP version 5.2.3 cgi-fcgi
Webserver Apache/2.0.54 (Unix) PHP/4.4.7 mod_ssl/2.0.54 OpenSSL/0.9.7e mod_fastcgi/2.4.2 DAV/2 SVN/1.4.2
Database mysqli 5.0.24a-standard-log
Toolkits NetPBM, Gd
Operating system Linux 2.4.32-grsec+f6b+gr217+nfs+a32+fuse23+tg+++opt+c8+gr2b-v6.194 #1 SMP Tue Jun 6 15:52:09 PDT 2006 i686
Browser Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.8.1.1) Gecko/20061204 Firefox/2.0.0.1
Posts: 1642
tlaloc22
Have you followed the instructions for installing the module to the letter?
Not sure what may be causing the issue but it appears there isn't a ZC category associated with the specified Gallery album.
Make sure you created a specific category G2 in ZC as specified in the instructions and then try uninstalling then reinstalling the module.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 1642
drhiii
I just got back from a trip and notice you guys have been having some heavy discussions that are way over my head lol.
However, on this question
You have the option to specify your SSL domain path when installing ZC and it will use it for areas needing SSL such as checkout. There is little point having the whole of ZC work as SSL and the inbuilt structure of switching to secure mode for areas that requires it is great as it is I think.
If you didn't specify SSL link during installation then go to /includes/configure.php and add the path eg
define('HTTP_SERVER', 'http://yoursite.com'); define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'https://yoursite.com');
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
Tlaloc22, If that was the first image you were adding to an otherwise empty Gallery, please try the following:
Deactivate the Zen Cart module in Site Admin, create a new album, open it, add an image or two to the new album, and then re-activate the Zen Cart integration. Try adding another image and see if the error recurs.
Rgds,
Chuck
Posts: 1642
The issue with errors generated by using the module with an empty gallery has been resolved by Chuck and a new version will be put up for download shortly with this and some other fixes.
In the meantime, try deactivating the module, putting a couple of images in the gallery and then reactivating as he suggested to Tlaloc22.
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com
Posts: 19
drhii, Not sure I fully understand the question, but thats normal for me, so lets jump right in.
Zen Cart, if you enable SSL/https, it 'intelligently' switches back and forth between secure and non secure pages as appropriateto the page content. Or, inverting that, if go to a ZC site using http, and then navigate to the logon page, it will automatically and transparently switch to https. Once logged on,if you now navigate to a product page, it switches back to http. If you then proceed to the checkout, back to https.
Or at least thats the intention. Some webserver and hosting implementations make this very difficult to achieve or configure.
On the Gallery side, I've no idea. I don't think I've even looked at SSL with Gallery, but on the servers here they seem to coexist quite happily with SSL enabled in ZC, and not in Gallery. In other words, any smooth and trouble free interoperation is not as a result of careful configuration by yours truly, it just is.
The only pointers I can give are that it's on Debian/Ubuntu on Apache2, PHP5, MySQL5, with a single codebase, i.e. no split secure/non-secure servers or website paths, generally uses a subjectAltName type certificate (details in the wiki at CaCert.org), and it all seems to work quite happily. I never had to force anything, and I left the switching to Zen Cart.
You mention a session problem, could you elaborate a bit, and maybe that will throw some light on potential problems?
Posts: 5
thank you so much !!! it works perfectly so i have a little problem, the thumbnails images in the shopping cart are missing
http://impulsotv.com/gallery/store/index.php?main_page=shopping_cart&return=/gallery/main.php/v/217557290_127900a09a_o.jpg.html&g2_navId=x5aaa50e2
whta would be the problem? i have activated the thumbnail option in the gallery zend cart plugin
Posts: 19
I should hope it works, it took nearly a year to isolate that error and be able to reliably reproduce it and isolate it! You have no idea how good it felt to actually be able to post a suggestion to the problem that I knew worked. A Dayo said, the updated code will be released in the near future.
Glad it worked. The thumbnail thing can be several issues. Have you run the SQL 'ALTER TABLE' queries recommended in the readmes? They alter the products and categories tables in Zen Cart to be ale to handle the long paths to gallery images. Withou them, the path is cut to 64 characters, result, no image. It is also usually a good idea (at least for me it is) to enable 'Long Urls) in the Gallery Zen Cart setup.
That is a generalisation, since I've seen many comments that it is not necessary if one uses the Rewrite module. Since I never use the rewrite module, I always enable Long Urls.
Finally, adjust your thumbnail/small/product image sizes in Zen Cart to a reasonable number. Where I come from, 80 or 100 is not a reasonable number.
Posts: 4
Thanks for all your hard work guys.
I have been able to successfully integrate ZC into Gallery2, albeit with having to use the "empty gallery / disable zc" workaround and I am mightily impressed.
I have made a few changes about the place, tweaking the templates for both so that the visual transition from gallery to zc is seemless - logo in the same place, page width etc and I'm almost satisfied. There remains two things that I would like to change but I can't find the blighters. I suspect they are related.
On the product page, the description of the image as it appears in gallery (and in the zc admin Categories > Products) doesn't appear once people hit the shop. What DOES appear is "Starting at...". Ideally I want to display the description from gallery as well as the starting price, or at least be able to change the font size, colour etc for the starting price.
I figured it would be in Templates but I have dug and dug and I just can't see it. Could someone point me in the right direction to find these critters please?
Thanks in advance
Mike
Posts: 10
I would like to let users upload photos and order prints of their(added to cart) photos of different sizes(4x6, 8x10 etc). I will be using my PayPal ID to receive payments.
Is this possible with this module? Is their any live demo with similar scenario?
Posts: 1642
FlexibleInternet
1) Please apply the Version 3.1.1 update to get the descriptions.
2) Edit the relevant template stylesheet to customise display attributes
.
Gallery version = 2.2.2
Default theme = PGtheme 1.3.0
Web Site: dakanji.com