What Structure does is to override ExpressionEngine’s URL/template setup to create its own page hierarchy, including both “static” and “listing” pages. With a new simple interface this is intended to address the majority of user requirements and enable the rapid development of sites. 

 

The difference between “static” and “listing” pages is central to Structure. Pages with text-based content and images that focus on a single topic are “static” and can be as simple or complex as required due to ExpressionEngine’s custom fields. On the other hand, single pages having many entries such as news or press releases are known as “listings.” Structure manages both types through the sitemap view, with a “listing” attached to a page with an “Add and Edit” link to enter a new item or edit existing material.

 

A great reason for developing with ExpressionEngine Structure is to enable our clients to update their own sites. What the module offers is a single place to manage all site content: the tree sitemap. Most users can make easy sense of this and find it far less confusing than the Pages module approach which has content living in different areas.

 

Structure also enables much faster development. Common templates covering many pages can be used or single pages may have dedicated custom templates of their own. The use and reuse of common templates or layouts can save a lot of time as the majority of Structure’s tags are location-aware to wherever a page is moved. The dynamic generation of navigation, breadcrumbs, title tags, and sub navigation and the mirroring of all that is created or reordered throughout the CP interface makes overall page management much easier, and precludes the need to adjust any template code. 

 

With ExpressionEngine Structure we can, with confidence, place more control in the hands of our clients. We love it.