Quick Start Guide for ExpressionEngine
I’m putting on my best Used Car Salesman act and convincing a friend to consider ExpressionEngine for an upcoming project. It’s a significant calling based on the spec, will no doubt require at least one custom module, and a strong command of the platform in general. It’s a tall order for any CMS; but I’m confident EE can live up to the challenge.
To help her on her way, I’ve assembled this “Quick Start Guide”: basically a highlight of resources, sites and people that I’ve encountered in my past 2-month crash course in learning EE. I’m only including things in here that I categorically could not live without as I continue to delve into this awesome thing that is EE.
Disclaimer: To date I’ve built two sites with EE, so I’m by no means an expert. But I have a newcomer perspective, which I think will be helpful for her and perhaps others curious about this increasingly popular CMS.
Websites Devoted to ExpressionEngine
ExpressionEngine’s Online Documentation is an obvious starting point for anyone getting into EE. Also keep close at hand links to the Wiki and Forums.
Train-ee is a site that has a mix of free and paid-for tutorials. For me it’s most valuable resource was the e-book on building a small business website. I didn’t even hesitate to purchase it.
Devot-ee is a recent EE site to hit the scene, and it’s made quite a splash already. Built by Ryan Masuga of Masuga Design, it aims to be the go-to resource for EE modules, plugins and extensions. Show your support for the site and contribute by registering as a Devot:ed member for just $39. I just did.
EE Insider offers everything from bite-sized tips to in-depth how-tos for all things EE.
Quiglee is a custom Google search that only returns EE results. I keep forgetting to use it, which is just plain silly of me.
ExpressionEngine Screencasts & Podcasts
Repartee is a brand-spankin’ new podcast being put on by Dan Diemer, and he’s off to a great start. I really hope he keeps it up, his first podcast with Ryan Masuga (previously mentioned) was a good listen.
EE Screencasts has a few screencast episodes, each for $5. I haven’t actually watched any of these so it’s probably the one thing I’m mentioning here that I can’t really vouch for. But in case you learn better by screencasts, check this out.
People & Companies To Know
Brandon Kelly is, as far as I can tell, the King of EE module/plugin development. His FieldFrame “Fieldtypes Framework” extension is unquestionably a game-changer, and along with the Playa extension, I simply couldn’t imagine trying to build an EE site without them. (Twitter @brandonkelly )
Ryan Masuga of Masuga Design has already popped up here, so there’s little more to say. You will not have trouble remembering his name. (Twitter @masugadesign )
Leevi Graham is, in my mind, the 3rd biggest name in the EE community. Not only does he have a slew of valuable add-ons, but he is all over the community forums. You probably couldn’t count the number of people he’s helped. (Twitter @leevigraham )
nGen Works has put out 4 EE plugins and I use every single one. I think at least one of them will be come part of EE2.0 core. Need I say more? (Twitter @nGenWorks )
Great Starter Articles
Structure Is a great tutorial that covers the ins and outs of getting nGen Works’ Structure module running on your EE site. If you need any sort of “tree heirarchy” site, please read.
Starting Point… is arguably the most comprehensive list of must-have or at least must-know-about plugins. Bonus material discusses a way to keep them organised and ready for an instant new EE deployment.
Skin an EE Site was also written by the folks at Web Inception, it’s cheeky but spot on.
Parting Words
Like many people before me, I’m merely on the cusp of discovering what ExpressionEngine can do. And while I can’t declare that EE is foolproof or without its quirks, I will say this: it’s the kind of software you can safely bank a career on. Not only will you be able to answer the brief 9 times out of 10, when you hand it off to your clients I can guarantee they’ll love it. And you for it.
