Drupal® 7 Bible

Chapter 29. Extending Your Site

IN THIS CHAPTER

• How to find extensions

• Working with extensions

• Key extensions to address common issues

One of the defining characteristics of the Drupal CMS is its extensibility. The Drupal core includes a number of useful functions, but it's the ability to add more functionality that makes the system attractive and practical for most site owners. Third-party or "contributed" modules are a big part of the Drupal experience.

Contributed modules are available to suit a variety of functions. Some modules are very basic, others quite complicated, and still others are merely helper apps that enable other functionality. Indeed, so essential and valuable are contributed modules that few sites are deployed without at least a couple of additional extensions.

In addition to modules, contributed themes can be added to your Drupal site. Like modules, some themes are very basic, while others have many configuration options.

In the first part of this chapter, I cover how to find and install extensions for your site. The second part of the chapter includes a list of modules that are intended to address common needs.

Finding Extensions

Drupal.org includes a directory of extensions. The directory is quite lengthy and lists contributed extensions that are available for all versions of the Drupal core. The listing covers both themes and modules.

When searching for extensions, the official site should always be your starting point. An increasing number of third-party sites offer ...