Pro PHP- Patterns, Frameworks, Testing and More

259

■ ■ ■

CHAPTER 17

The Zend Framework Applied

In the previous chapters, you’ve seen a glimpse of some of the Zend Framework components

and how to use them in your applications. In this chapter, you will get a better understanding

of the Zend Framework’s architecture, dispatch cycle, and plug-in architecture. You will also

learn how to create your own reusable libraries and integrate them with Zend_Loader.

Near the end of this chapter, you will apply your knowledge and create a fully integrated

authorization and access control system. Finally, you will learn about the Zend_Layout compo-

nent, which allows you to create a site with a common look and feel throughout. After reading

this chapter, you should have a sound understanding of how the Zend Framework works.

Module and Model Setup

In the previous chapters, you have created Zend Framework sites that follow a single controller/

action hierarchy. This is typically all that is needed, but if you have a complex site, a third level

can be added. This third level is called a module and allows you to build URLs that follow the

/module/controller/action format.

Conventional Modular Directory Structure

This URL structure and its underlying framework layout are commonly known as the Conven-

tional Modular Directory Structure. When working with a modular setup, your directory structure

may look like Listing 17-1, assuming you have the two modules default and admin.

Listing 17-1. A Modular Directory Structure

.

./application

./application/modules

./application/modules/default

./application/modules/default/controllers

./application/modules/default/views

./application/modules/default/views/scripts

./application/modules/default/views/scripts/index

./application/modules/default/views/scripts/error

./application/modules/default/models

./application/modules/admin

McArthur_819-9.book Page 259 Friday, February 29, 2008 8:03 AM