Hey there guys. So my most recent project has been working with the PHP Link Directory, commonly known as phpLD. I’m working with versions v2.2.0 (free) and v3.3.0 (paid). I am creating various mods (unfortunately I cannot post them here, private project so the mods are to the buyer only) for the buyer and have looked through most of the script’s structure. So I’m giving a review.
It is natural for a programmer to look through source code of an open source program and decide for him or herself whether the program is efficient. For the most part, I must admit, phpLD is a great script. I will proceed by version in the next few paragraphs explaining the things I found.
In version v2.2.0 the script is very small. Simply the “barebone” basics of what you could call a program. Even though it gets the job done, there are very few modifications for this free version of phpLD and it makes it difficult to learn a lot about the version without looking through the source yourself. Now for people such as myself, we look through the source code anyway, but someone just taking a quick look to make a few changes, it could be quite difficult and cumbersome if they are unfamiliar with general programming. Normally this would not be the case because modding generally implies that you have a thorough understanding of how the code works in the first place, but sometimes I feel the file names could have been chosen better to describe their function—but then again, every developer has his or her preference. Other than that, there seem to be some minor security holes (haven’t spent too much time looking for large exploits as I’m just simply working on the mods) but this version is outdated, thus the reason it is free.
In version 3.4.0 I must say I’m highly impressed. At a glance, there are no apparent security holes or problems with this feature rich software. I think it actually makes shelling out the extra few bucks for this worth it. The already feature-rich link directory script also has many mods available for it. People who are “on the fence” so to speak about making their final purchase for this software, I recommend purchasing this version. If you’re looking to be a serious link directory and have the cash, this is the way to go. Now that is not to say you cannot have a successful link directory with v2.2.0, but this version is much easier to use and is much more admin friendly. It seems they crafted this version to be more geared toward the average use rather than the webmaster.
Some down falls in all of this is compatibility. I understand how versions work (x.x.x) major, minor, etc. on builds/releases, however, moving from v2.2.0 to v3.4.0 it looks like an entirely different program. Much of the source code from v2.2.0 has been completely outdated. If they are providing a free version, I personally think it should at least use a similar structure and not the primitive structure they use for it. Also, since the program is so widely used, it looks very generic if you do not theme it. Even then, with a custom theme the registration forms are identical on almost every site using it. So beware of losing a sense of “directory uniqueness” to this software.
So overall, the program, in either version, is a worthwhile program to at least take a look at. If you’re serious about creating a link directory and don’t want to, can’t, or don’t have time to create your own, phpLD is the way to go. Again, it may cause a problem that the directory script is so largely used that your site may lose any originality that it could have had otherwise. Also, the compatibility factor (if you start using the free v2.2.0) is horrendous. If you have a modded v2.2.0 and decide later you wish to upgrade to v3.4.0, you may find great difficulty in transferring these mods over to the newer version. Other than those slumps, either version should suit most purposes well.
Regards,
Dennis M.