How to customize osCommerce

[CoolPins]

I already have a website developed except for the shopping cart.

My hosting provider supplies osCommerce. It looks like a very good package and handles pretty much everything you would need for sales transactions. However, I don't want to use a catalog format. I prefer customers that see my products as they are currently presented and have a button on the page to add an item to the cart. How difficult is it to use osCommerce in this way?

[tina_boots]

I already have a website developed except for the shopping cart.

My hosting provider supplies osCommerce. It looks like a very good package and handles pretty much everything you would need for sales transactions. However, I don't want to use a catalog format. I prefer customers that see my products as they are currently presented and have a button on the page to add an item to the cart. How difficult is it to use osCommerce in this way?

 

It all depends upon how much knowledge you have of the base tools, PHP, HTML, CSS, etc, and how much work you are willing to put in studying the system to learn how things work. I got involved with osC helping a friend set up her site. We completely changed the look of the products pages, although we left the back end shopping cart portion pretty much intact. In the process I learned a lot about the system, and still learning, and I learned a lot more about PHP than I previously knew.

 

In a nut shell, you can do just about anything you want with the base software all it takes is time and effort.

 

Be well,

Tina

[CoolPins]

Thanks for the reply Tina. I actually don't have a lot of knowledge of the base tools, yet. I've been studying HTML, CSS and some JavaScript enough to get my site up. My plan is to rewrite my site to look less amateurish after I study CSS some more. I started reading about MySQL (with plans for PHP next) when I decided it was time to tackle the shopping cart, which is missing from my site. I really don't need anything elaborate but if I develop my own shopping cart with my lack of knowledge, it will be somewhat of a moped. Maybe it won't take any more effort to just modify osC and I'll have a custom BMW. What do you think?

Could you point me to some sources of information about how the system works and how the modules interact?

[tina_boots]

Thanks for the reply Tina. I actually don't have a lot of knowledge of the base tools, yet. I've been studying HTML, CSS and some JavaScript enough to get my site up. My plan is to rewrite my site to look less amateurish after I study CSS some more. I started reading about MySQL (with plans for PHP next) when I decided it was time to tackle the shopping cart, which is missing from my site. I really don't need anything elaborate but if I develop my own shopping cart with my lack of knowledge, it will be somewhat of a moped. Maybe it won't take any more effort to just modify osC and I'll have a custom BMW. What do you think?

Could you point me to some sources of information about how the system works and how the modules interact?

 

Hi Tom,

 

Since you used cars in your analogies, lets suppose I was asking of you a similar question, how do I find out about cars and how they work? You might tell me several things, perhaps some books to read, maybe take a class, however you would also likely point me towards a web site or too, perhaps the manufacturer's site, do a general search of the Internet for the site in question to gain even more points of view. Finally go take the car for a test drive.

 

The same type of information applies to osC. You have already found the "manufacturer's" web site, glean as much information as you can from here. Do a Google search for osCommerce to gain even further information, and finally dig in and start playing with the code. You already have a web site, so use a folder off the beaten path as your sand box. I STRONGLY recommend you use your site for this and not try to install it locally, it will make things a lot more straight forward for you.

 

Try to do things on your own, if you get stuck ask for help, but don't fall into that trap of asking a question for every step along the way, you'll find you will learn more and retain that information more deeply when you have gone through the experience of learning it yourself.

 

As I mentioned in my previous post, all of this is going to take some time. Yes the software is free, but it does require effort and time to learn how to use and apply it to be successful.

 

Good Luck,

Tina

[oestrada]

Hi Tom,

 

Since you used cars in your analogies, lets suppose I was asking of you a similar question, how do I find out about cars and how they work? You might tell me several things, perhaps some books to read, maybe take a class, however you would also likely point me towards a web site or too, perhaps the manufacturer's site, do a general search of the Internet for the site in question to gain even more points of view. Finally go take the car for a test drive.

 

The same type of information applies to osC. You have already found the "manufacturer's" web site, glean as much information as you can from here. Do a Google search for osCommerce to gain even further information, and finally dig in and start playing with the code. You already have a web site, so use a folder off the beaten path as your sand box. I STRONGLY recommend you use your site for this and not try to install it locally, it will make things a lot more straight forward for you.

 

Try to do things on your own, if you get stuck ask for help, but don't fall into that trap of asking a question for every step along the way, you'll find you will learn more and retain that information more deeply when you have gone through the experience of learning it yourself.

 

As I mentioned in my previous post, all of this is going to take some time. Yes the software is free, but it does require effort and time to learn how to use and apply it to be successful.

 

Good Luck,

Tina

 

If you decide to do a localhost, I know this will save you a bunch, osc works fine on:

Apache 2.0.53

PHP 5.0.3

MySQL 4.1

[CoolPins]

Okay, I suppose I had that coming. Actually I was just reading some information about how the pages are constructed and it appears to be very much like using frames in HTML, just with a different language. I think I can do this. Rip out the right column, replace the left one with my nav bar, redo the header and I'm on my way. I have a couple more questions but I'll just search.

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer my post.

Be well

[CoolPins]

If you decide to do a localhost, I know this will save you a bunch, osc works fine on:

Apache 2.0.53

PHP 5.0.3

MySQL 4.1

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm not bright enough for Linux.

I installed it once on a computer and couldn't figure how to do a blessed thing.

Nuthin but Winders 'round here. :blush:

[AussieGirl]

Hi Tina,

 

If you want to do things like rip out the right hand column etc and make it look like the rest of your website can I suggest:

1. installing osCommerce somewhere off the beaten track on your website (as already suggested)
   
2. Getting that to work in terms of the functionality
   
3. updating your code with the simple template system contribution
   
4. modifying the simple template system to look how you want it. If you don't want the right hand column etc, take it out of the template.
   

Hope this helps.

[tina_boots]

Okay, I suppose I had that coming. Actually I was just reading some information about how the pages are constructed and it appears to be very much like using frames in HTML, just with a different language. I think I can do this. Rip out the right column, replace the left one with my nav bar, redo the header and I'm on my way. I have a couple more questions but I'll just search.

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer my post.

Be well

 

This whole osC thing is really in my way of thinking a journey. And while it can be frustrating at times, it can also be very satisfying and fun. Its going to have a significant impact upon your business, so it is indeed worth the effort to do it correctly, the nice thing is you are the one who actually gets to define correct.

 

I wasn't necessarily thinking this when I first responded to your post, however I see many posts on these forums where people ask, "is it possible to do XYZ?" or "how do I do QRS?". The first question is easy, its yes because anything is possible with the right amount of effort applied to it. The second one I would say maybe 50% of the time I could provide an answer or work one out. Although doing so might require an hour to write down all of the required steps and explanation. The messageboard not being the proper place for such long winded novels :)

 

The point is that most if not all of us started in the same boat, even the people who are now writing advanced contributions had to at one point learn the system the same way your are now. Sounds like you already have a good foundation in which to begin. Although before ripping things out make sure you understand how one thing effects another. Take your time and remember to make lots of backups, again ask questions when you get stuck and you'll do just fine :)

 

Be well,

Tina

[tina_boots]

Hi Tina,

 

If you want to do things like rip out the right hand column etc and make it look like the rest of your website can I suggest:

1. installing osCommerce somewhere off the beaten track on your website (as already suggested)
    
   
2. Getting that to work in terms of the functionality
    
   
3. updating your code with the simple template system contribution
    
   
4. modifying the simple template system to look how you want it. If you don't want the right hand column etc, take it out of the template.
   

Hope this helps.

 

Aussiegirl, offers good advice. STS might indeed be just the thing for you.

 

Tina

[CoolPins]

Aussiegirl, offers good advice. STS might indeed be just the thing for you.

 

Tina

Thanks, both of you.

Yes, if the pages reference a template then that would be the thing to modify. I hadn't gotten that far in my reading yet so didn't know it existed.

I'll search for this STS you speak of and also look into sandboxes.

The list of reading to be done is growing fast!

 

Thanks again :)

[oestrada]

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm not bright enough for Linux.

I installed it once on a computer and couldn't figure how to do a blessed thing.

Nuthin but Winders 'round here. :blush:

my suggestion is actually for windows. I can understand your deduction as Linux is actually the L in LAMP. do a quick google for that acronym and you'll know what I'm reffering to...

[evalguy]

CoolPins,

 

I'm in a similar situation as you -- looking to get a shopping cart system integrated into my existing website structure. At first, I thought I'd do the same and extract the relevant code pieces from osC's structure and merge them into my web pages, but I've taken it a bit differently now that I've experimented with osC for a couple days. I setup osC with my products, messed with the style sheet to get it to match my existing site, and then started shuffling around the boxes, etc. I'm pretty much morphing it to look like my old site. The advantage is that I'm making some positive improvements along the way, and adding some nicer functionality that I did not originally plan on having (such as the shopping cart box showing the cart contents at most times, and stock checking), and all this time, I've had a functional cart so if something breaks it's easy to backtrack and fix.

 

I did not know php before this, but I've been familiar with HTML & Coldfusion. I know enough Javascript to do just what I need but find most of what I need thru references. Similarly for CSS. Most of my programming knowledge is C++, Assembly and microcontroller-type languages, so it doesn't really help here, but it's not difficult at all. What's helpful is to change border="0" in the code to border="1" so you can visually see the page layout/structure and then take off the borders when you're done.

 

-Neil.

[evalguy]

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm not bright enough for Linux.

I installed it once on a computer and couldn't figure how to do a blessed thing.

Nuthin but Winders 'round here. :blush:

 

 

You really don't need it. Even myself, who in a past life was a Unix system administrator, didn't bother to do that, especially when every one of my computers here runs some flavor of Linux or has Linux as a dual-boot OS. I am using some extra space on a Linux hosting plan I have at GoDaddy. I've been thinking about doing a local setup, so I could work on this at a coffee shop, but if I do I'll go with any of the new brain-dead distribs such as Suse or CentOS, so that I don't have to administrate the system. You can specify things like Apache and MySQL etc during the install procedure and it will set it up for you.

 

-Neil.

[tina_boots]

CoolPins,

 

I'm in a similar situation as you -- looking to get a shopping cart system integrated into my existing website structure. At first, I thought I'd do the same and extract the relevant code pieces from osC's structure and merge them into my web pages, but I've taken it a bit differently now that I've experimented with osC for a couple days. I setup osC with my products, messed with the style sheet to get it to match my existing site, and then started shuffling around the boxes, etc. I'm pretty much morphing it to look like my old site. The advantage is that I'm making some positive improvements along the way, and adding some nicer functionality that I did not originally plan on having (such as the shopping cart box showing the cart contents at most times, and stock checking), and all this time, I've had a functional cart so if something breaks it's easy to backtrack and fix.

 

I did not know php before this, but I've been familiar with HTML & Coldfusion. I know enough Javascript to do just what I need but find most of what I need thru references. Similarly for CSS. Most of my programming knowledge is C++, Assembly and microcontroller-type languages, so it doesn't really help here, but it's not difficult at all. What's helpful is to change border="0" in the code to border="1" so you can visually see the page layout/structure and then take off the borders when you're done.

 

-Neil.

 

Bravo Neil, happy to hear that you are making some wonderful progress. It truly gets me excited when someone really takes the time to dig into the system and learn it, and progress that way. I actually came to working on osC with a little bit of experience in PHP, however I just happened to go through the process on a different application. I do VB and C# work at my day job which pays the bills, just like C++ quite a bit different than PHP, yet many things similar as well.

 

Be well,

Tina

[oestrada]

CoolPins,

 

I'm in a similar situation as you -- looking to get a shopping cart system integrated into my existing website structure. At first, I thought I'd do the same and extract the relevant code pieces from osC's structure and merge them into my web pages, but I've taken it a bit differently now that I've experimented with osC for a couple days. I setup osC with my products, messed with the style sheet to get it to match my existing site, and then started shuffling around the boxes, etc. I'm pretty much morphing it to look like my old site. The advantage is that I'm making some positive improvements along the way, and adding some nicer functionality that I did not originally plan on having (such as the shopping cart box showing the cart contents at most times, and stock checking), and all this time, I've had a functional cart so if something breaks it's easy to backtrack and fix.

 

I did not know php before this, but I've been familiar with HTML & Coldfusion. I know enough Javascript to do just what I need but find most of what I need thru references. Similarly for CSS. Most of my programming knowledge is C++, Assembly and microcontroller-type languages, so it doesn't really help here, but it's not difficult at all. What's helpful is to change border="0" in the code to border="1" so you can visually see the page layout/structure and then take off the borders when you're done.

 

-Neil.

don't underestimate your C++ knowledge. I believe it does help immensely. heck any background in computer languages (even Basic or LabVIEW) helps. I've found that any and/or all modern and not so modern (I can't think of an example other than Fortran or Pascal but I'm sure there are even some more obscure ones) programming languagues are similar in a way. in defense to Pascal I think they call it Delphi these days. my comment here it's somewaht philosophical in nature so all those wishing to defend their favorite language your point is well taken. I haven't seen a language yet that doesn't have your basic data types and structure such as if for and while statements. it's the creativetiy of the programmer that makes software wow people...

[monica]

Hey :)

I've been reading this thread and I completely agree with the arguments that have been said... except sometimes, when your base knowledge is as poor as mine, a google search won't make the difference.

 

I'm willing to investigate on my own, once I have decided which direction to take, but right now, I'm not sure which is the best way to go...

 

I need to build a php site after an HTML design that I have already done. My initial idea was creating a php-NUKE site, having the HTML design as the "theme" for my site, and using osCommerce as module.

But I'm not sure how to integrate osCommerce as module. And I don't know if this is the best solution either.

 

I need a site that allows me and registered users to publish news and articles easily (like php-NUKE), but at the same time, I need a catalog offer and a shopping cart, to sell pdf articles and magazines.

 

I need some help to beging with... any suggestions?

Thanks :)

Monica

 

PS. Excuse my english, I'm not a native speaker!

[evalguy]

... I do VB and C# work at my day job which pays the bills, just like C++ quite a bit different than PHP, yet many things similar as well...

 

don't underestimate your C++ knowledge. I believe it does help immensely. ...

 

 

For PHP, perhaps C++ or other structured programming languages should help, but maybe it's what I was doing in (systems/O.S. programming) that makes it seem not-so-relevant. Looking at PHP reminds me of Perl programming and Oracle PL/SQL programming.

 

HTML and CSS coding (which is really not "coding") reminds me of word-processing, especially LaTex and really old Wordperfect where you were expected to layout the page using the "other" view (formal name escapes me now) to see and adjust the formatting/control codes.

 

Tina, this business is my day job. After 3 years of R&D, this e-commerce system is the last piece I need to start earning it all back.

 

Happy New Year,

-Neil.

[CoolPins]

Wow! Mail server went away for a while there. I?m baaack.

This place has been busy.

 

Oestrada ? shows you how much I don?t know. I always associated Apache with Linux but I just did a search and found you can even install it on Win95! Not saying it would be a good idea. I looked up LAMP too. Didn?t see anything about Windows in that search but found a nice ceiling fan with light kit. Only operating system I found concerning LAMP was Linux. Had the crazy idea to search on WAMP. Well, what do you know! After all this, I really don?t need it though. I?m on a broadband connection and it?s easy enough to save my file to the server and just switch over to my browser. Thanks for bringing it to my attention though.

 

Evalguy ? sounds like you?re doing exactly what I need to do. I need to figure out how all these modules interact with each other and where they are so I can make this beast look like my site. Unfortunately, I don?t have any experience with C. Reading PHP looks like a real mess so I have a lot of learning to do. Thanks for the suggestion about the borders.

 

Hey, are you using that Simple Template System contribution mentioned above?

[evalguy]

Evalguy ? sounds like you?re doing exactly what I need to do. I need to figure out how all these modules interact with each other and where they are so I can make this beast look like my site. Unfortunately, I don?t have any experience with C. Reading PHP looks like a real mess so I have a lot of learning to do. Thanks for the suggestion about the borders.

 

Just experiment. Useful things I've found is that the page structure is under the catalog directory, but the actual text is under ...../languages/english/ etc. When you want to change something, you first look at the pagename in the URL bar of your browser, then look at the code for that page. (Backup that code page). Turn on the borders. Then carefully comment out certain sections of code and see what changes ... until you find what you need. Pretty soon you'll understand it and will be able to figure what part of the code does what without experimenting. Also, pay attention to the require(...) statements as those will embed other files in those places. Haven't done this yet, but I'm sure a php editor that highlights keywords etc will make it much easier to interpret. I've been meaning to find one via http://www.php-editors.com/.

 

 

Hey, are you using that Simple Template System contribution mentioned above?

 

Nope. Started hacking up the code before I knew about it.

 

-Neil.

[vasttech]

FYI... The "L" in LAMP stands for Linux. That is probably why you could only find ceiling fans when trying to search for it using Windows... :D

[CoolPins]

FYI... The "L" in LAMP stands for Linux. That is probably why you could only find ceiling fans when trying to search for it using Windows... :D

Thank you Jeff.

FYI... The "W" in WAMP stands for Windows... :D

[CoolPins]

Thanks for the help Neil. This is looking a lot like a jigsaw puzzle and the trick will be to understand how all the pieces interlock.

 

Following the advice of Tina and AussieGirl, I installed STS Plus. Looks like the latest and greatest. I like the way it is setup where you can have it use a different template based on the category of the item being displayed. I plan to use this later when I figure out how to. While I was looking up STS, I saw a lot of other interesting Contributions. It's like a big toy store there! I found several others of special interest too. :)

 

One thing surprised me when I started putting my products in the database. I only have 5 (yes that's five) products at present. Three of them have a choice of 50 numbers to choose from and 10 colors to choose from. Additionally, one of them has ten pictures to choose from. It looks like osC initially doesn't have a way to display this so I went back to the contributions and found Product Attributes - Option Type Feature and Attribute Sets Plus. Together they give me the options I like for displaying my products. I still have a few issues to work out that may just be my errors introduced while installing the contribs.

 

So what's the surprise? It seems that when I give you a choice of 50 numbers on one item, I now have 50 items in the database and if I give you a choice of 10 colors on that single item, I now have 500 items! When that item also has a choice of 10 pictures.... I think my computer is going to explode!! (w00t) Am I doing this wrong or should I really end up with 6000 Product IDs in my database for just three items?!

 

Oh, and I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year :thumbsup:

[livingplanet]

I started along the same way you did.

 

I knew nothing about it and had help from a friend to install the system and do the initial setup. He then showed me how to update products, photos, etc. and it was pretty simple from that end. I eventually started picking away at the css code and went into the php code to cut down a few things. Trial and error is the way to go. Of course it was a bit messy at first, I then started picking apart wordpress php code and developing webpages based on that system. Once you start picking at one, it's easier for the other.

 

Here I am back at Oscommerce installing a new store and I'm taking the time to make sure everything turns out the way I want. Planning this time around with save me time. It's great to play around with the code as long as it's not live. Make backups like many people said before, and check out other people's sites to see what actually is possible (which is pretty much anything IMO).

 

Don't be afraid to post or get in contact with developers of the code (but read FAQS and boards!). I've had a few good convos about Developers about their own plugins finding bugs and just asking for advice.

 

And like a few people said above, it's very rewarding when you get it to look and act like you want. We've opened up a whole new online market we didn't have access to before--It can do wonders for your business.

 

have fun! :D