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Advanced Functions

The CMS is written in a free, open-source scripting langauge called PHP. One feature of the way the CMS is written is that PHP scripting code can be placed within content areas on pages.

This allows ITS staff to develop scripting components to enable special functionality. Some examples include a function to build callout boxes, a function to include navigation elements in a content area, and a function to include FAQs in a department's site.

Using Functions On Pages

To use a function in a content area, the content area type must be set to HTML, not Text. The functions must be marked by special PHP tags like this:

<?php function(); ?>

Some functions return their value just by placing the function name in the page. Others require use of the PHP command "echo" to return the value, like this:

<?php echo function(); ?>

Available functions

Functions available for use in content areas, and descriptions of their usage, are as follows:

• buildCalloutBox()
• leftNavigation()
• printNavigation()
• printFAQ()
• printSiteMap()
• printNews()
• Events Functions (NEW)

Note: One example of the printNavigation function is the list of links that are included above.