[IPB] Editing IPB forums

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

Hey there,

I have just started trying to edit an ipb forum. I manage to do the general look & feel bit ok with the CSS but however i have no idea how to edit the index page to add my own php code into the area where the calender, active users, etc.. as well as removing items like the calender.

Its just very confusing with all the hundreds of files.

Any advice appreciated, i am competent enough when it comes to the PHP side its just finding the items :p

Thanks,

David

[Stephen Veteran]

sorry did you say files?

never edit ipb theme files, use the admin cp

[kyller]

go to the theme u want to edit, and go go "Edit Template HTML"... not sure, but search for board index, and u will find what u want

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

I'm using the admin cp to edit all my files. But i have no idea how to edit the index files. Say like on Neowin here, how is it done?

Is it a completely seperate front pages but with just the login to the forums used? I'm all a little confused.

Garnett

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

*bump*

Do i have to create my own index page to link with the IPB login or is the index page created when you make a new skin all editable so i can put in my own php?

Thanks,

David.

[metal_dragen Veteran]

You'll need to create your own index page. Never edit the actual PHP files for a forum. The next update you do will probably wipe out any changes you made.

Most forum software has what are called a set of SSI (Server Side Include) functions. These functions allow you to get data or generate objects from the forum to insert into a page outside of the forum. For instance, they can be used to generate a login/user info box, latest posts, board stats, etc. Check the IPB docs for more info on these.

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

Ok ive found the doc on that.

e.g. to get active users you do.

include("http://domain.com/forums/ssi.php?a=active");

But i get :

Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /srv/www/domain/htdocs/forums-test/index-test.php on line 2

I cant find the setting to allow it either. Advice appreciated.

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

Where is the IPB SSI.php file located? I cant see it in the root directory?

If i remove the link and make it just /forums/ssi.php...... it doesnt work. But i cant seem to locate the SSI file anywhere

Thanks,

David

[kyller]

can u share the doc for IPB that u're using? i'm interested as well! :)

[+dave164 Subscriber¹]

DaveLegg has been helping me out, i have now figured out more or less everything, apart from the logout script.

When i set the member_id cookie to expire in the past it doesnt delete... Could anyone help me with that?

The code:

setcookie("ipb-testmember_id", "", time()-3600);

When i set the cookie to the future and a new value its fine, it just won't delete.

Any help is appreciated.