Introduction
This document introduces key concepts and tools in Composite C1 that front-end developers are required to be familiar with in order to build customized sites with C1.
It can be used both as reading material to hand out while conducting trainings on Composite C1 and a self-study guide to learning Composite C1.
This document is an introduction to Composite C1 for front-end developers who want to learn to create and work with layout templates in C1.
However, part of this document might be useful to a broader audience. Not everyone is required to know the technical details, but it helps when you know the concepts on a more detailed level.
This document assumes that you have basic knowledge and/or experience in working with Composite C1 and know how to create a new empty site.
Composite C1 uses a number of open web standards, so you are supposed to have at least basic understanding of XML, XHTML, XSLT and CSS.
Since Composite C1 is based on a number of Microsoft technologies, you will want to have an experience with Internet Information Services, Visual Studio and .NET Framework, C#, ASP.NET, Windows Workflow Foundation, .NET User Controls.
While working with this document, you should have access to a working Composite C1 environment. It should be one of the following options:
- (minimum) A laptop or PC that meets requirements to install Composite C1 (see below).
- (preferred) A laptop or PC that has Composite C1 already installed and running.
- (in some cases) Web access to an external C1 installation (one website per attendee who wants to complete hands-on exercises)
(See "Composite C1 System Requirements" for more information on the requirements.)
In Introduction, you will get an overview of what this document is about, and learn what prerequisites must be in place.
The Anatomy of a C1 Web Page gives you a quick introduction to what a standard C1 page is and what the role a C1 template plays in creating pages.
In Creating Layout Templates in C1, you will learn how to create templates in C1.
A Closer Look at the Template Markup will thoroughly examine the core C1 template elements you can use when creating or editing templates.
Editing Templates focuses on how to use a built-in C1 template editor to edit templates as well as what you need to know to edit templates in external editors. It also discusses how to use external resources within your templates such as style sheets (CSS), JavaScript and media files.
Localizing Templates covers the topic of template localization on multiple-language websites in C1.
In Test Your Knowledge, you can check how good you have mastered the topics discussed in this document.
When you finish the document, you should know:
- How to create layout templates in C1
- What core C1 template elements to use in templates
- How to edit templates in C1 built-in template editor
- What it takes to edit templates in external editors
- How to use external CSS, JavaScript and media in templates
- How to localize templates
For further information on C1's concepts, tools, packages, visit http://docs.composite.net where you can read many articles and tutorials on various C1's subjects.
C1's FAQ is another source of information you can refer to, available at: http://docs.composite.net/C1/FAQ.aspx.
You can always ask questions or look for existing information on our forums at: http://compositec1.codeplex.com/discussions.
If you are a Composite's partner, you can also sign up and report your issues at http://support.composite.net.
For information about standards and technologies use in Composite C1 such as XML, you should use external sources (e.g. http://www.w3schools.com).
