phpBB • MODX Frequently Asked Questions

MODX Frequently Asked Questions

This is a very basic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page which attempts to answer some of the more commonly asked questions regarding MODX.

What is MODX?: MODX stands for XML Modification Description Language. In English, that means it describes MODs using XML. XML powers technology such as PodCasting, RSS, and XHTML.
If I download a MOD written with MODX, how do I install it?: Double click the XML file to open it in your favourite browser and follow the instructions.
Is there an automatic installer?: No, not at this point in time, we hope to have one available for phpBB3 soon though.
I am having problems opening the XML file using Firefox on Linux.: Many Linux distributions aren't setup with the proper MIME type set for .xsl files and causes Firefox to complain. The easiest way to fix this is to upload the files to your webserver and view the XML file from there.
Which browsers can display the xml file properly?: Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, Camino, Opera 9
I don't have a supported browser, is there another way.: We are working on bringing more ways for MODX files to be viewed all the time.
I need additional help.: You can ask for assistance via the MOD Writers Discussion forum for your version of phpBB.

Do I have to use MODX for phpBB2 MODs?: No, MODX is a complement to the Text Template for phpBB2.0 MODs. You will still be required to make your MOD available in the text template, even if you choose to include MODX.
Do I have to use MODX for phpBB3 MODs?: Yes, MODX is a requirement for phpBB3 MODs. The text template is optional.
MODX specifies a specific packaging format, do I have to use it?: If you include MODX content with your MOD, then you must follow the packaging specification.
MODX specifies to use the phpBB versioning system, do I have to use it?: The phpBB versioning system is already a requirement.
Is there a MODX validator?: No, as it is a standard XML file, it is self validating. There are many tools on the Internet that will validate an XML file against it's schema.
Can I write MODX by hand?: Yes, there is a tutorial on how to write MODX by hand. The process should be familiar to anyone who has ever written HTML by hand.
Can I have MODX files automatically generated for me?: No, not at this time.

Can I translate the xsl file to my language?: Yes. More information about this will be given to official translators.
I wish to translate an existing MOD to an additional language.: Contact the author of that MOD. They should be more than happy to include your translated instructions in the MODX package for their MOD.