An example showing how to filter a Drupal Views based on a "Community" taxonomy. A parameter pattern in the URL provides the content display filter. We use the "Short Name" value from our Community Taxonomy to filter page views.
Community Rosters, Calendars, Newsletters, can all use general purpose page View, with a simple URL filter. The short name patterns should follow an organizational naming schema, keeping any SEO needs in mind. The second position of the URL provides the parameter input. /about/{ %short_name% }, /newsletter/{ %short_name% }, /schedule/%, ...
RE Access Control for Views Generated Pages:
Using ECA (Event-Condition-Action) to manage access control based on user profiles in Drupal can often be a better approach than writing custom modules for several reasons:
1. No Coding Required
- ECA is a low-code/no-code solution. It lets you define rules using a user-friendly UI, so you don’t have to write PHP code or manage custom module files. This can significantly speed up development and reduce the potential for coding errors.
2. Flexibility and Maintainability
- With ECA, you can easily adjust rules as requirements change. If you use a custom module, even small changes require code updates, testing, and redeployment. ECA rules can be updated directly from the admin interface without touching code.
3. Reusability
- ECA rules can be duplicated, modified, or exported/imported across different Drupal instances, making it easier to replicate logic without re-coding.
4. Better Integration with Other Modules
- ECA can integrate seamlessly with other Drupal modules like Views, Content Moderation, and Workflows. It can trigger actions not just for access control but also for content management, notifications, and more.
5. Granular Control
- It allows for complex, granular logic that might be cumbersome to implement in code. For example, you can easily set up conditions that evaluate multiple user roles, profile fields, and content properties simultaneously.
6. Easier for Non-Developers
- Admins and site builders who don’t code can manage access rules, reducing reliance on developers for every small change. This democratizes site management and makes the platform more accessible to a wider team.
7. Less Risk of Breaking the Site
- Custom modules introduce risks like syntax errors, conflicts with other modules, or Drupal core updates breaking functionality. Using ECA, which is built to integrate smoothly with Drupal, reduces these risks.
When to Choose Custom Modules Instead:
- Performance-Critical Logic: If the rules are very complex and performance-intensive, a custom module might be more efficient.
- Highly Unique Functionality: If your access control logic goes beyond what ECA can handle, custom code might be necessary.
- Version Control Needs: While ECA rules can be exported, some teams prefer having everything in code for Git-based workflows.