Layout

Now lets discuss template layouts in Joomla 1.5.X.

This is a super simple Joomla 1.5.X table template cut out in Dreamweaver.
It's just a three columns and four rows table with Joomla modules and one Main component.


This is the code inside the body tags for the layout HTML and Joomla tags used.


As you can see Joomla Templates are just like any other HTML file in the layout but use
special code inside to render Joomla.

Table or Table- less?
Ok here starts the debate which I'm try not to take sides but its hard not to.
One of the most asked questions. Does the Joomla Template kit work with Table-less templates?
The answer is yes and the layout its all up to you on what you use.

Now before the first shot is fired here. Let me point out something about Table-less design browser bugs are killer
every version its another Hack for each browser. What's the point?
When your client calls you with IE 8 breaks your design 6 months later.
Saying that you need to fix there site for free because its broken then you will get my point.

Now table-less has it's advantages one your formatting source code is in style sheets which makes the layout HTML file lite to
a search engine that does not read CSS files. Which in turn they say helps your ranking.

Now I not going to keep making points for one or the other I use both when it calls for it.
The reason I'm bringing this up.    

Joomla outputs both HTML code and content like module wrappers etc.
What most people don't know is that Joomla Components have layouts that control the data or content that goes out to the template.
An example is the com_content component it has HTML and Joomla code that it renders at design time.
Look inside your Joomla Install at componentscom_contentviewsarticletmpldefault.php page.



It has a ton of HTML code plus Joomla PHP code.
So what gives? With all table-less Joomla templates that designers are selling?

Well a lot of BS.
The template is table-less but the inside of the content has tables etc. unless you hand hacked the Components to add a table-less structure.

The only way to have have table-less templates is with Template Overrides which are new in Joomla 1.5.X.
An example is the Beez template which uses Template Overrides.

Now is this Joomla's fault?
Not at all.

Why because as many of you have seen even the largest with staffed sites
have layout issues with their layouts with dynamic data driven sites.

Now you know why Joomla Developers use tables? Because they work.
Table-less needs to be fine tuned all the time to specific information.

Joomla web sites are dynamic data driven but are still very flexible because of the table code.
You can't use table-less design and have it work for almost unlimited purposes.

Some designers say I like table-less and that's that.
That's fine you can use table-less templates in Joomla if you like in two ways.
One design your table-less design add HTML to the Index.php the layout control to
CSS files etc.

Two if your super gunhoe then Joomla 1.5.X offers Template Overrides.
Which gives the power to control any components or modules output from the template.

There is an example the "Beez" template. I will not cover this because its just too much for most template designers
you need to be a highbred both a programmer and designer to make this type of template.
Beez template is a great starting point.

Template Override Code is inside the HTML folder. Please note that the Joomla Template kit does not officially make or support Joomla Template Override code.
You can edit it we do not provide any functions or code to assist you at this time.

One major reason is that Template Overrides use core Joomla code inside the com_folders and if the code in the version of Joomla your using is not the same
you can run into an issue.

You can design table-less templates without having to use template overrides but note that the content will still have tables inside it.