Here are the Steps to start developing with Znode Storefront:
Step 1: Install the MSI
After you purchase Znode Storefront, you will be able to download an installation MSI
| • | Use the MSI to install the storefront on your local development machine |
| • | Create the database using the instructions included with the installation guide |
| • | You can now open the Znode Storefront Solution file using Visual Studio 2005 or 2008 |
| • | Compile the solution and run it to ensure that the storefront comes up without any errors |
Step 2: Basic Admin Settings
While the storefront will work with a basic install, setting the following parameters in Global Settings will ensure that all features of your storefront operate as expected.
| • | Domain Name - Enter the domain name that you will be using to access this site ("localhost" for example). This will allow the preview and send a link to a friend to use the correct links. |
| • | Admin, Sales, and Customer Support Email Addresses - Use an email address where you will be able to receive the messages in your in box. In this way you will be able to see orders and customer requests as they come in. |
| • | SMTP Mail Server Settings - This setting is required for any email (orders or customer requests) to be sent out from the system. |
| • | UPS/FedEx Settings - if you intend to use the UPS Shipping Option you will first need an account. If you do not have an account leave these settings blank and use a Custom Shipping Options instead. |
| • | In addition you should make sure that you have the following set. |
(a) At least one Shipping Option.
(b) At least one Payment Option.
Step 3: Getting Started With Modifying the Code
Right out of the box the Znode Storefront will provide a professional and easy to use site. You can however change the code to implement just about any custom look and feel or business logic that you want (the Trial and Express Editions only allow modification of Master Pages and CSS). Znode Storefront is created from the ground up to be easily customizable. Here are just a few notes to get you started when looking at the code.
| • | You must be familiar with ASP.Net development using C# (VB is not supported). |
| • | You can use either Visual Studio 2005 or 2008 to modify your code. |
| • | The Customizable Storefront pages are located in Web\Themes\Default. |
| • | The main master page for the Storefront is in Web\Themes\Default\Common\main.master. The look and feel for other pages are in their own directory. For example, the Home page can be found in Web\Themes\Home\home.master. All of the code behinds for these pages are in these directories as well. |
| • | The left menu for the Admin is controlled by the Web\Admin\Web.sitemap file. To disable a menu item, such as Delete Catalog Data, just comment out the appropriate line in this file. |
| • | Master pages for the remaining admin pages can be found in Web\Admin\Themes\Standard. |
Step 4: Before Creating a Production Catalog
Before loading your catalog data, you should delete the existing demo catalog data as follows:
| • | Log into the Admin. |
| • | Choose Delete Catalog Data from the Maintenance menu. |
| • | Click on Confirm on the next page. |
View of the Visual Studio Solution
See Also: