Getting Started with Magento Extension Development

This practical guide to building Magento modules from scratch takes you step-by-step through the whole process, from first principles to practical development. At the end of it you’ll have acquired expertise based on thorough understanding.

Overview

• Get a detailed insight into the structure of Magento
• Learn about event/observer-driven modules
• Get a hands-on introduction to custom shipping and payment methods

In Detail

Modules, are a group of php and xml files meant to extend the system with new functionality, or override core system behavior. Most of the base Magento system is built using the module system, so you can see why they are an important feature for this rich open-source e-commerce solutions. This book explores key module development techniques and teaches you to modify, understand and structure your modules making it easy for you to get a strong foundation for clean and unobtrusive Magento module development.

Getting Started with Magento Module Development is a practical, hands-on guide to building Magento modules from scratch. This book provides an in depth introduction and helps you discover features such as; blocks, controllers, models, configuration files, and other crucial elements which contribute to the Magento architecture. This book introduces the you to real-world modules and helps provide a strong foundation which you need to become a professional Magento module developer. The book further explores best practices and tips and tricks offering you the ultimate go to guide.

Getting Started with Magento Module Development focuses on three areas. First you are guided through the entire Magento structure, where each important directory or file is explored in detail. Then the essence of the module structure and development is explained through the detailed coverage of models, blocks, controllers, configuration, and other files that manifest a single module. Finally, a detailed set of instructions is given for building four real-world modules, including a payment and shipping module.

What you will learn from this book

• Explore the module structure
• Learn about Block classes, Model classes, and Controller classes
• Get to grips with Configuration files
• Understand the importance of Event/Observer programming
• Learn CRON jobs
• Discover the key module functionality

Approach

This project-based tutorial gives you a strong foundation and guides you through practical, real-world examples.

Who this book is written for

This book contains valuable insights for both newbies and already established Magento developers. This book is targeted at new and intermediate PHP developers starting afresh with Magento module development.