Pods 2.0 Alpha testing

Current Alpha Version: 11 (04/22/2012)

How to Install

First, Grab the ZIP on our GitHub, extract the contents of the “pods-framework-pods-XXXXX” folder inside and upload it into a new folder located at wp-content/plugins/pods-2.0/ (Use pods-2.0 as the folder name instead of just ‘pods’ in order to allow you to flip between Pods 1.x and 2.0 during testing)

Stay Up-to-date

As future fixes and features are added, we’ll commit them to the Pods GitHub 2.0 branch. As of Alpha 6, you can now upgrade from within WordPress directly to the latest Alpha/Beta release, which pulls from our GitHub account. You’ll see the update usually within a few hours of a commit. You can also keep an eye out for new releases by subscribing via https://github.com/pods-framework/pods/commits/2.0.atom

Bugs / Feature Requests

Testers please report bugs and suggest features in our GitHub Issues area

Alpha Information

It’s the first of many alphas, so there is still much to be done and tweaked. Please remember that Pods 2.0 Alpha is NOT production/live site ready, so do not attempt to upgrade your existing Pods installations.

Here’s a list of what you can start checking out so far in the current Alpha. Everything else is still in the works and should begin appearing in future alphas as they are finished and tweaked, but be aware there’s a LOT on it’s way!

  • New UI!
  • Add New Pod wizard guides you through creating a new content type or extending one
  • Edit Pod screen lets you add / edit fields, and choose from many field options that are built-in (yay for not needing helpers for most common use-cases!)
  • Create Custom Post Types and Custom Taxonomies, plus manage their labels / settings in the Edit Pod area
  • 04/21 – Now update the plugin from within WP directly from GitHub during testing period
  • 04/22 – Meta fields for Pods you create/extend now appear in the Post Type, Taxonomy, Media, User, and Comment editors

Some more things to note, which mainly covers things that you may expect to work based on the above but actually aren’t in the current alpha release:

  • You can install Pods 2.0 Alpha, but it will not upgrade your existing Pods data (if any)
  • Fields can be added and edited, but they will not show up in any forms in the manage content areas yet (that includes CPT/CT, etc..)
  • Fields should not be added to any content types besides custom pods, I have not finished with those yet
  • Documentation isn’t in there yet, there’s some scattered across, but we’re working on it! Expect a ton of inline documentation with links to guide you to get more information in the User Guide once we’re done
  • Due to the lacking UI for the remainder of the features, do not try to use any Pods PHP calls, we’re only focusing on testing and using the new UI so we can get usability feedback for the current Alpha release
  • Yes, we still have those ugly JS alerts, but those are getting replaced in one of the next alphas with an even better solution so don’t fret!

Developers / Documentation Writers Wanted!

Now that the bulk of the work for organization, structure, and UI has been done for Pods 2.0, we’re in need of developers/writers to contribute to the project. Please contact me at the following e-mail address if you’re interested in contributing, please only e-mail me if you are a seasoned developer who has used WordPress extensively and are very familiar with Pods: scott (@) podsframework dot org

You can also contribute by “forking” our GitHub branch, making your changes / adjustments, and then submitting a “pull request” to have it reviewed for inclusion in a future Alpha release.

Donations Are Always Welcome

Don’t forget that if you’re not blessed with the ability to code, you can always donate to the Pods Framework project and help fund development and future features.

Like it? Hate it? Oh no WTF?

Reply with your comments on the UI so far! Try to keep bugs out of the discussion and on GitHub so they can actually be fixed :)

Screenshots