Packages and Modules in Sitecore

Hi all, In this post we will see about how sitecore can be extended using packages and modules.

Let's Go,

Sitecore is an extensible application.you can extend sitecore functionality In the following ways,  

                                   1.Packages

                                   2.Modules

Sitecore Packages:

• Created by the developers.
• Used to transfer files between sitecore instances.Packaging items up in Sitecore is the easiest way to move things between environments
• It’s a ZIP file used by sitecore installation wizard.
• It also contains Serialized items.
• Can contain code and configuration files.

Types:

  1. .Zip Packages - created through the Sitecore package designer. These can include both items and/or files.

  2. .Update Package - It also include both items and/or files. These types of packages were created by Sitecore to handle product and module upgrades, and are usually installed via the /admin/UpdateInstallationWizard.aspx utility page.

Sitecore Modules:

• Most modules are sitecore packages.
• It’s used to extend the sitecore functionality.
• Found on the marketplace.

Creating a simple Package in sitecore

Creating a package in Sitecore is pretty simple.

Step 1 : Select the Package Designer from the start menu.(On Desktop => Development Tools => Package Designer)

Step 2 : This gives you a wizard that looks like the below image, which has a few details to fill in. Specify the package name,version and other details.

Step 3: On top of the dialog, Click Items Statically button =>Add Items that you want.

                    Click files Statically if you need files package.

Step 4: Now we’ve added the items, we just need to generate a zip from the package. Click generate Zip and download your package file.

Installing the Package: 

Packages can be installed using

                         1.Sitecore Instance manager

                         2.Sitecore Rocks

                         3.ControlPanel/Desktop

Now we going to see about third one Control Panel/Desktop method of installation.

Step 1: Select the Installation Wizard. (Desktop => Development tools => Installation Wizard)

Step 2: Then you’ll be asked to choose the package to install.Upload your package that need’s to be installed.

Step 3: Install the uploaded package and restart the Sitecore client.

Creating an Anti Package Using Sitecore Rocks:

Using Sitecore Rocks to create a package has many advantages including the ability to manage packages from Visual Studio . But the most important feature to me is the ability to create an Anti Package ( to undo installed functionality in case of any mistakes or errors).

Step 1 : From Sitecore Explorer in Visual Studio, right-click on any Sitecore item => Tools => Create Package.

Step 2: From the Package tab, locate Manage Packages and click on it.

Step 3: A Package Manager window will pop-up. Click on Anti Packages under your website's name.

Step 4: Click on Upload and Install button, upload your package and Install.

Step 5: Click on the Create Anti Package.this will create a Anti-Package for you.

Step 6: You're all set. This Anti Package can be installed to revert overwritten items or files to their current state and delete any added items or files.

Thanks for your Reading and also please share with your Friends. Happy Coding :)