CommonSpot Release 10.6 Getting Started Guide
Use the Base Template to lay out the main structure of the page, then programmatically invoke CommonSpot
elements to add content to the template(s) and page layers above. The elements you choose to invoke
programmatically, may be used to render a certain type of content (like a Link Bar element for the page’s top
navigation) or to define the layout of a section of the page (a Container element).
Because the Base Template is a ColdFusion module, you are free to use any conditional logic or other
programming constructs. You have complete access to all of the ColdFusion variable scopes, and can utilize any
ColdFusion functionality you desire.
For detailed instructions and information about the Base Template, refer to the
Template Developer’s Guide
and
the
Developer’s Guide
.
3.3. Base+1 (or Navigation) Templates
The Base+1 Template, also referred to as the Navigation Template, immediately follows the Base Template in the
hierarchy. In this template, you typically define the areas of the page “outside the white space,” that you want to
make consistent for each page. These typically are your page’s header, navigation, and footer areas.
The areas of the page “inside the white space” are typically defined in layers above this template.
Most CommonSpot sites have one navigation template but some have more. In all cases, they are essential
because they are the bridge between the Base and Content templates.
Keep in mind that your Base and Base+1 templates can be “smart” meaning they can dynamically render different
content based on certain criteria. You don’t have to make multiple templates. For example, you can use the
scheduling capabilities of the Container element to render different navigation based on the subsite, or you can
render different elements in the Base Template based on metadata from the page.
It is also common to lock down these elements on the Base+1 Template so they cannot be edited outside of this
template. This ensures that any changes at this template level will propagate the templates and pages above it.
3.4. Content Templates
While the Base and Base+1 templates work together to create the “outside the white space” areas of your site,
Content (soft) Templates structure that white space.
You may create one Content Template for each type of page you want on your site or use custom metadata to
dynamically control the layout of your pages. Some Content Templates will be used for specific content types (for
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