[Mantisbt-dev] APIs vs Templates

[Victor B. <vi...@fu...>]

Hi all,

 

In 0.18.0 we have worked on re-factoring a lot of the code into APIs,
this is to achieve the following aims:

-          Re-use code as much as possible.

-          Move SQL into APIs

-          Simplify the implementation of the php pages.

 

I believe that this was a big step in the cleanup and re-structuring of
Mantis code.  However, I think it does not replace the need for
templates.  The reason is that APIs provide a very specific
functionality.  It is the algorithm in the page that makes this page
from the APIs.  Hence, for a user to add the "Version" field to the
simple page, he/she will have to change in this logic of the page and
possibility the logic of the action page associated (in some cases the
action pages supports all fields).  However, if Mantis was changed to
use templates, and all action pages were made flexible enough to all
user to add/remove fields, then it would be dead easy for a user to
add/remove a field.  It will also be much easier for the user to
upgrade.

 

Have a look at bug_view_advanced_page.php, although it looks much better
than 0.17.x version, I still think it will be much simpler if we remove
the presentation from it, and move it to a template.

 

Following are some related issues from the bug tracker:

3468: Steps to Reproduce on Simple Report OR Ability to customize report
bug page

3164: Added "fixed in version" field, set when closing a bug

2240: Displayed fields not as required

1872: Super simple report / simple report / advanced report

. I am sure there is more.

 

Regards,

Victor.