Release Highlights
There's so many great updates to Projectfork 2.2, but here are the best:
Projectfork Framework Updates
Joomla 1.6 compatible
While J 1.6 isn't out yet, PF 2.2 will run natively on both 1.5 and 1.6 without any performance or maintenance tradeoffs. So you don't have to worry if you decide to upgrade your website to 1.6 later on. Projectfork won't stand in your way.
Written in PHP 5
While Joomla 1.5 is written in PHP 4, PF 2.2 will require PHP 5. But that should be a non-issue for most of you because PHP 5 is available on most servers these days.
Dynamic caching
Until now, Projectfork did not have any caching mechanics at all. This feature has been added in 2.2. You will see a dramatic increase in performance, partially up to 500%! (Work in progress)
Updated code architecture
Even without caching, the framework has been largely restructured and optimized for better performance, resulting in faster loading time and reduced memory usage. (Work in progress)
Updated database structure
The database in 2.2 is going to be a bit different than in 2.1, resulting in faster queries, improved data handling and performance.
New language system
PF 2.2 switched from defining PHP constants over to what Joomla did in 1.5: *.ini file based language strings. Not only is this easier to work with, but it also increases the overall performance.
Project Categories
Projects can now be grouped into Project categories.
Task Milestone Filter
Tasks may now be filtered by Milestone
Task User Filter
You can now filter the task list by your own tasks, everyone's tasks, or select a specific project member other than yourself.
Terminology Updates
"Control Panel" has been renamed "Dashboard" to save menu space and "Messages" has been renamed "Discuss" to avoid confusion with messages and email notifications.
Interface Updates
New Default Theme
The default theme has been total rebuilt for 2.2. This new minimal theme is characterized by subtle gradiations, tactile buttons and geared for user experience.
New Tasks Layout
The Tasks section has been completely overhauled. Task rows are now colored depending on their priority, user avatars are shown for assigned tasks, new action buttons have replaced old text links, and less information is displayed to avoid info overload.
Updated Discussion Layout
The Discussion layout has been updated to display user avatars and show an intro to the message.
Calendar Prev / Next
Previous and Next buttons have been added to the Calendar menu
User Quicklinks
When logged in you'll now be greeted by your pretty face and some shortcuts to your profile and the tasks assigned to you.
Tabs
Many admin views and add/edit views have been updated to use tabs to break up the information and prevent information overload. The tabs also help Projectfork fit into narrow Joomla templates.
Modal Windows
Modal popup lightboxes are now used for editing sections to allow you to remain on the same page while editing its settings.
File Extension Icons
The File Manager now displays an icon for the doctype of each file.
New Events Dashboard Panel
We've added an all new events "mini-cal" panel to give you a quick overview of the deadlines for the coming week.
Updated Tasks Dashboard Panel
The task panel has been simplified a bit to give you all the necessary info you need at a glance.
Installation / Upgrading
Do not use this release on a live site yet! Since this is a beta, it still has a lot of bugs and any future beta releases won't ship with an upgrade. Installing on a test server or locally via MAMP/WAMPP would be best for testing. You can download the 2.2 beta here: [Projectfork 2.2 beta]
There's currently no upgrade patch or path from 2.1.
Feedback
Let us know what you think! While certain things are midly set in stone, other things (such as the interface) will be tweaked directly from your feedback! Please leave us a comment below or in the 2.2 beta forum. Thank you!
