An Overview:
A parameter is a function that allows an administrator the ability to alter/modify script variables within the administration panel area. This allows changes to be performed without the need to open and manually edit PHP scripts or configuration files.

This "on-the-fly" approach is a simple and effective way to perform a change in value within a particular module, mambot, or configuration setting. By applying changes via a parameter, you save time, effort, and eliminate the need for opening a script file, searching for the variable that needs to be changed, making the alteration, and then uploading the script to the server.

Parameters also eliminate the possibility of manual editing errors and brings a solution to those who lack the ability to manually alter PHP code.

The parameter section(s) within the various configuration and content areas are an important aspect in the overall configuration and administration of your Joomla site. Through such variable parameter configuration, we unleash the true power and ease-of-use of the Joomla CMS.

Parameters Tab:
The parameters tab is located in various configuration areas in your Joomla administration panel including but not limited to the following:

• Mambot
• Site Module
• Administrator Module
• Components
• Menu Managers
• Other Managers

While some modules, components, mambots, and configuration areas have a parameters tab or the ability to alter a scripts function, others do not. The programmer in each instance must program the module to handle this option for it to be available.

Parameter Examples:

Below we have two examples. Example A outlines content parameters and Example B outlines component parameters associated with the syndicate component.

A: Content  Example
/ com_content / edit
Modifications can be made to the following:

Parameters Tab:
com_syndicate
Modifications can be made to the following:

Parameter Control:

• Page Class Suffix:

• Back Button:

• Linked Titles:

• Intro Text:

• Section Name:

• Section Name Linkable:

• Category Name:

• Category Name Linkable:

• Item Rating:

• Author Names:

• Created Date and Time:

• Modified Date and Time:

• PDF Icon:

• Print Icon:

• Email Icon:

B: Component Example

• Cache:

• Cache Time:

• #Items:

• Term

Definition of term

• Title:

• Description:

• Image:

• Image Alt:

• Limit Text:

• Text Length:

The above content and component examples show variable changes that can be made to both the function and display of your Joomla site. Using the above parameters allow for changes to be made without the manual alteration of the back-end PHP scripting.

Parameter Modification:

In the case of the  two examples shown above, you will have a hover information button located to the right of most of the administrative parameter values. Reference to the description for details about the parameter value is available by hovering over this button. Properties selection for each parameter can be altered to fit the needs of your Joomla site for each of the parameter values.

For parameters that offer no selective choice, you will most likely find a blank input box. For this parameter type variable setting you will want to view the associated readme file belonging to the module, component, etc. for an explanation of the options available for such.

Conclusion:

In Chapter 12 we have taken a very brief look at how Joomla uses parameters and variable settings to better accomplish the task of altering the inner workings of your site. This use of parameter variable settings help the administrator accomplish the task of managing the site with a point and click approach. Once we have all the options set, we can save our preferences and verify the operation. If our configuration settings appear to work as we need, no further changes should be warranted.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: If you have suggestions/corrections for this chapter, please visit the doc forum. 
http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/board,59.0.html


Thank you!

Michelle Bisson
Documentation Team Co-Leader