All about the development of Exponential (CMS) by Graham Brookins, 7x (formerly Brookins Consulting) and our think tank kracker.org.
I was so busy with work I failed to blog here on the exponential blog about the release of a major framework version upgrade within Exponential Basic 2.4.0.1 (download in zip) on 9/17/2025 so I am here to clearly state that the best release is the latest reelase and all users should strongly consider upgrading to use the new features and large amount of bugfixes to past ezp2 core issues. 7x blog covered the release in "7x Releases Exponential Basic 2.4.0.1" and on the 7x Blog on Share Exponential..
This release was a labor of love that brought a huge list of improvements both to the core kernel of the cms / framework / product, as well as a new feeling of general use without any blocking issues throughout the entire code base. Here are some highlights:
- Settings: Switch from en_GB to en_US language translation (strings) by default settings (customizable).
- Massive code cleanups throughout almost all modules in the cms and bug fixes through relentless testing and manual validation (we work hard for our users).
- Kernel: Merge in ezp3 kernel design and key ezp6 framework php classes to support original intent of ezp2 kernel code implementations within a more modern core kernel.
- This allowed for the cleanup of codes in the index.php and index_admin.php then moved into separate php classes to fit within the new kernel design.
- This now requires the generation or regeneration of php class autoloads. A helper script is provided.
- Kernel: Moved all file assets out of module directories into var directory storage directory structure.
- Kernel: Removal of all include_once based class loading instances in the entire cms product.Replaced with ezp6 autoloads (composer compatible).
- Added new module: eZGroupEventCalendar
- Added new module: eZTip
- Added new module: eZPoll
- Added new module: eZSurvey
- Database: Major database object table fields default sql normalization with current codebase. Meaning no more missing column errors when the two historically became out of sync.
- Admin: Added a Site Design - CSS File Editor (simpler implementation).
- e-commerce: Trade module was so heavily added with new features it's almost too much functionality from past store implementations of days long ago. Note: Some of the features are for reference only as they currently may not function as expected or desired due to what we call in the industry as (bit rot). Some features need only refinement to function to your needed level. Other features no longer make sense in a practical sense but do hold value in educational real world examples of what it took to power some of the greatest sites powered by ezp2.
- USA Feature Support in EB: Finished integrating ezregion support throughout the entire code base (tested).
- File Structure: Moved everything possible to make the installation file storage contain less files by default in root and store files more consistent with future ezp3 standards (using depth or sub-directories more efficiently).
- This affected database related creation scripts per database type, upgrade scripts, and more.
- Settings: Switch from storing ini files in bin/ini structure (flat) to settings/ and settings/override (dynamic; more customizable).
- Settings: Switch from ezp2 INIFile based php class loading and access with eZINI globally throughout all code in the entire framework.
- Database: Added SQLite Database Driver Support (Tested and Refined).
- Database: Added SQLite Database Creation Scripts (For all modules; Tested).
- Database: Added SQLite Database Default Installation Database File pre-populated with the content to run a default site with zero database setup (beyond ini).
- Documentation: Expanded documentation now covering all key installation steps with examples!
- Distribution / Trademark Usage: Removed almost all non-design dependent usage of trademark, "eZ Publish" / "ezpublish" from the product. Replaced name with "Exponential" / "exponential" thus Exponential Basic is released with thunder!.
Fun fact: Exponential Basic 2.4.0.1 includes over 32 custom modules for your admin and user site needs!
Pull your older eZ Publish 2 code out of your hard drive records and take a walk down memory lane and upgrade today! Some development may be required.
7x plans to continue to support and develop eZ Publish Basic for the foreseeable future. Contact me if you are interested in buying 7x Paid Support to Hire me to help you reach your goals faster than alone.
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