The guys behind the Joomla accommodation directory SA STAY, have given us inside information on all the tools used and modifications made to there joomla system and sobi2 component. There use of extensive frameworks and WEB 2.0 effects is phenomenal. Today we take a look at some of these great features that they have applied to there Joomla system. The components used where Joomla and Sobi2 as there base system. There aim was to remove all Mootools frameworks and plugins and build  Jquery into there base system and design some custom plugins.

We’re not going to go into full detail with regards to that, but will highlight  some of the modification and plugins  made there.

First one, which i thought was really useful for sobi2. It’s a view more listing plugin within a category, build upon Jquery scroller. This plug-in allows users to view other listing within there details page based upon the details page location. So if a listing sits in a certain state, only those listing will show.(As per image below) Once the arrow is clicked only then is a new instance fetched. This way all response times and headers sent remain  small and you don’t end up with unnecessary query’s and slow responses.

Second effect which is great is the Google like  style listing arranger. This allows users to remove listing from the list so that there favourites show, or add them to there favourits in there control panel. All sessions are stored either by user details or for non registerd users in cookies. Once again this function is also build upon Jquery.

Third plug-in is a slick version of a Jquery slimbox running Google maps in. Now i know you are all saying, that this has being done before, but this version only deploys the map function ( header fetch) once the map button has being clicked. This means that the map does not load in the details template only on submit, which once again reduces response time.

Now you’re asking the BIG question, will these plugins be available for download? YES they will be. The guys have informed me that once development on there site is complete ( In process of converting to joomla 1.5.x ) they will post updated versions of these plugins and give strict instructions on how to upload and implement them.  Look Forward to it Guys.

View Site: Sa Stay