DotNetNuke (DNN) is a robust and extensible content management system (CMS) developed using.NET technology, which enables companies to develop dynamic and extensible web applications. The greatest advantage of DNN is that it is based on a modular architecture where the functionality can be extended by development of custom modules as per business requirements.
In this blog, we are going to give you a step-by-step guide on how to develop custom DNN modules, from setting up the development environment to deploying the module on a live website.
Step 1: Preparing the Development Environment
Ensure you have the required tools installed before you start developing a custom module:
- Visual Studio (Recommended: Latest version with support for.NET framework)
- DNN Platform (Download from the official DNN GitHub repository)
- SQL Server (For database management)
- DNN Development Templates (Available for module development)
Installing DNN Locally
- Download and install the latest version of the DNN Platform.
- Set up IIS (Internet Information Services) to host your local DNN instance.
- Setup your SQL database and link it with DNN.
- Execute the setup wizard and fill in the required details.
Step 2: Developing a Custom DNN Module
After making the environment available, execute these steps to implement your custom module:
Creating a New Module Project
- Open up Visual Studio and select the DNN Module Template.
- Choose the language of your choice as C# or VB.NET.
- Give the project a name and specify the right version of DNN.
Defining the Module Structure
The majority of DNN modules are composed of:
- View Control (View.ascx): Outputs content for modules.
- Edit Control (Edit.ascx): Allows settings to be edited.
- Settings Control (Settings.ascx): Handles module settings.
- Module Definition (.dnn file): Holds module metadata.
Implementing Business Logic
Developers can implement the logic needed for the module by using C# in the code-behind files. This involves specifying the behavior of the module, what features it will offer, and how it will communicate with the user.
Use C# to define business logic in the code-behind files (.cs). Example:
protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
if (!IsPostBack)
{
lblMessage.Text = "Welcome to My Custom DNN Module!";
}
}
Connecting to a Database
If the module demands storing of data, the DNN Data Layer is employed to construct and handle a database table. Optimal data processing allows the module to obtain, modify, and manage information appropriately.
Example SQL Script:
Access Data in C#:
Step 3: Packaging and Deploying the Module
Development of the module now in place, compile and package to deploy to a DNN web site is the next step.
Compiling the Module
Build the project within Visual Studio using Release mode in order to prepare the correct DLL files.
Ensure that there are no errors before packaging.
Creating a DNN Module Package
Gather together all of the files needed, e.g.ascx,.css,.dll, and.dnn.
Zip these files into a package.
Ensure that the module manifest (.dnn) accurately references all files that are required.
Installing the Module on Your DNN Web Site
- Sign in as a SuperUser (Admin) on your DNN portal.
- Navigate to Extensions > Install Module.
- Upload your module package and complete the installation.
- Install the module onto a page and verify that it works correctly.
Step 4: Optimizing and Supporting Your Module
Post-deployment, use the following best practices to keep and optimize your custom DNN module:
- Enhancing UI/UX: Implement an easy-to-use interface with Bootstrap and CSS styling.
- Performance Enhancement: Reduce database queries, implement caching, and have minimal load times.
- Security Maintenance: Implement authentication techniques, validate user input, and adhere to security best practices.
- Periodic Updating: Keep your module aligned with newer versions of DNN and update it as needed.
- Testing and Debugging: Regularly test the module to identify and correct bugs before releasing updates.
Creating custom DNN modules enables companies to personalize their sites to suit their own purposes while capitalizing on the robust capabilities of the DNN platform. Using the steps discussed above, you can design, deploy, and optimize your own module to expand the capabilities of your site.
If you are seeking professional DNN development services, our experts can assist you in creating secure and scalable applications suited to your business requirements. Get in touch with us today to proceed!
