categories and sub-categories

13 posts by 2 authors in: Forums > CMS Builder
Last Post: July 13, 2011 (RSS)

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By furcat - July 5, 2011

I am creating a website that will have data for construction contractors. I will be wanting to categorize them under first a general category, and then, within that a sub-category. For instance, under the general category of "cement" there may be sub-categories of foundations, repair, mudjacking, decorative, etc.

I will be wanting to first sort these contractors by their general category and then secondly by their sub-category on the website.

I am looking at setting up a section editor with the contractor name, address, etc. But, when I get to the point where I want to create a category I don't know how to handle the sub-category. I could set up two lists, one for category and then for sub-category, but I'm sure there's a more elegant way to handle this situation?

I appreciate any help or guidance.

Re: [furcat] categories and sub-categories

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By Jason - July 6, 2011

Hi,

What you can do is actually set up a category section in CMS Builder that you can use to create your entire category structure, top-level and sub categories.

Here is a sub-category tutorial here:
http://www.interactivetools.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=77230#77230

Hope this helps get you started.

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By furcat - July 6, 2011

Well, that's a start, but in my case the "articles," would belong to two levels of categories. I will have multiple top-level categories, and within these, each will have a secondary set of options. So, I would have a structure like this:

Interior contractor (subs of painting, carpeting, windows, etc.)

Exterior contractor (subs of siding, roofing, etc.)

Concrete contractor (subs of driveway, sidewalk, etc.)

And so on ............

Re: [furcat] categories and sub-categories

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By Jason - July 7, 2011

Hi,

Okay, I see. In that case, you could model your data in two separate lists, one for "top level" and one for "sub level". One of the issues with doing it this way is that you wouldn't be able to go beyond 1 level of depth (ie, you could have a sub-sub-category).

It is sometimes good to experiment with a couple of different ways to model your data until you find one that matches your needs best.

Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Re: [Jason] categories and sub-categories

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By furcat - July 12, 2011

I now have my categories and sub-categories set up, and I'm setting up the contractor editor. I have successfully added a list drop-down for the categories pulling from what I set up. However, the drop-down just lists all of the categories, both top (parent) and sub-category in a list, with no indentation or association between the parent and sub-category.

How do I make the drop-down in the contractor section editor have the nice indented list like what is shown in the categogy menu?

Thanks.

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By Jason - July 12, 2011

Hi,

There isn't a way to have your drop down be indented. The easiest solution would be to use the breadcrumb field for the label (not the value). That will show you the lineage of each option.

Hope this helps

Re: [Jason] categories and sub-categories