A Guide to Joomla Extensions: Components, Modules, Plugins, and Templates
Joomla extensions are software packages that extend the functionality of a Joomla website. They can be installed on a Joomla website to add new features, improve website performance, or customize the website’s appearance. There are several types of Joomla extensions, each with a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common Joomla extensions and the difference between them:
Components
Components are the main functional units of a Joomla website. They can be standalone applications or modules that work together to create a complete website. For example, a shopping cart component allows you to create an online store on your Joomla website.
Modules
Modules are smaller, more specialized extensions that can be displayed in specific areas of a Joomla website. They are often used to add functionality or information to a website’s sidebar or footer. For example, a weather module can display the local weather forecast on your Joomla website.
Plugins
Plugins are small programs that are designed to perform specific tasks on a Joomla website. They are often used to extend the functionality of a component or module. For example, a spam filter plugin can be used to prevent spam comments on your Joomla website.
Templates
Templates are extensions that define the look and feel of a Joomla website. They control the website’s layout, typography, color scheme, and other design elements. For example, a responsive template can ensure that your Joomla website looks good on different devices and screen sizes.
In summary, components are the main functional units of a Joomla website, modules add smaller functionality to specific areas of the website, plugins perform specific tasks on a Joomla website, and templates define the look and feel of a Joomla website.
