Sourcerer - Detailed Review

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sourcerer, a Joomla extension by Regular Labs, along with detailed responses:

Q: What is Sourcerer and what does it do?

Sourcerer is a Joomla extension that allows you to insert PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code directly into your Joomla content. This includes articles, sections, categories, modules, components, and even META tags. It prevents Joomla text editors from stripping out important code elements like JavaScript and movie embed tags.

Q: How do I use Sourcerer to insert code into my Joomla content?

To use Sourcerer, you need to surround your code with the Sourcerer tags. For convenience, Sourcerer comes with an easy-to-use editor button that helps you paste your code in a clean format. This button opens a modal popup where you can enter your code, and it will be automatically inserted into your content with the correct attributes.

Q: What are the benefits of using Sourcerer over other methods?

Using Sourcerer eliminates the limitations of Joomla text editors that often strip out HTML, JavaScript, and other code elements. It allows you to use PHP scripts directly in your content, opening up a wide range of possibilities for customizing your Joomla site.

Q: Is Sourcerer compatible with different versions of Joomla?

Yes, Sourcerer is compatible with Joomla 3, Joomla 4, and Joomla 5. This ensures that you can use it regardless of the version of Joomla you are running.

Q: What new features were introduced in recent versions of Sourcerer?

Recent versions of Sourcerer, such as version 8, have introduced several new features, including a revamped editor button, Quick Syntaxes to load files, Include Methods, and extra tabs for easily inserting CSS, JavaScript, and PHP files and code. The documentation has also been completely rewritten to be more detailed.

Q: How do I update Sourcerer to the latest version?

To update Sourcerer, you typically need to download the latest version from the Regular Labs website and follow the installation instructions provided. You can also check the support forum for any specific update instructions or troubleshooting tips.

Q: Is there a support forum available for Sourcerer users?

Yes, there is a support forum available for Sourcerer users. However, you need an active subscription to post questions or access certain areas of the forum. The forum includes sections for pre-sale questions, bug reports, and other support-related topics.

Q: Are there any additional costs or subscriptions required for Sourcerer?

Sourcerer is available as a free download, but some advanced features and support may require a Pro subscription. The Pro version offers additional functionality, such as extra tabs for inserting specific code types, and access to premium support.

Q: How do I ensure that my code is correctly formatted and inserted using Sourcerer?

Sourcerer’s editor button helps ensure that your code is correctly formatted and inserted. When you click the “Code” button, it opens a modal popup where you can enter your code. This editor includes syntax coloring for PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, which helps in maintaining clean and error-free code.

Q: Can I use Sourcerer to edit existing code in my Joomla content?

Yes, you can use Sourcerer to edit existing code in your Joomla content. Simply select the code, including the `{source}` tags, and click on the Sourcerer editor button. The selected code and attributes will appear in the Sourcerer editor, where you can make changes and then replace the original code by clicking the “Insert” button.