A prime reason behind Moodle’s success as the most popular LMS is its “modular” architecture. This provides not only the complete source code of Moodle to developers but allows the inclusion of third-party plugins, but it allows them to enhance and adapt the core functionalities through the use of Moodle plugins, in a way that promotes adherence to standards and simplicity, which translates to a smoother and more consistent user experience.
To extend Moodle functionality, you need to be well versed with Moodle development process. Learning Moodle development without having proper resources may take a longer time than if you have the access to the best resources out there. Fortunately, Ian Wild is here to help.
The recently released Moodle book written by Ian Wild, on “Moodle 3.x Developer’s Guide“. The book provides the complete guidance to customize your Moodle apps by creating custom plugins, extensions, and modules.
The book has real world examples and offers a detailed understanding of how plugins should interact with Moodle’s internal Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), designed as gateways and avenues for developers to communicate data between modules. The book is among one of the best resources for Moodle developers. If you are familiar with basic moodle functionality, have medium level of PHP programming knowledge and understanding of HTML and XML protocols, this is the book for you.
Moodle 3.X Developer’s Guide book covers all the major Moodle plugin types. The book is organized in 9 chapters for different type of plugins:
- Getting to Grips with the Moodle Architecture
- Moodle plugins – What Can I Plug In?
- Internal Interfaces
- Course Management
- Creative Teaching – Developing Custom Resources and Activities
- Managing Users – Letting in the Crowds
- Creating a Dashboard – Developing a Learner Homepage
- Creating a New Skin
- Moodle Analytics
The book explains how the Moodle 3.x platform provides a framework that allows developers to create a customized e-learning solution. It begins with an exploration of the different types of plugin.
Get “Moodle 3.x Developer’s Guide” here. (Amazon affiliate link)
About the Author
Ian Wild is an experienced software developer, solutions architect, author, and educator with nearly 30 years’ experience in the field of software design and implementation. Ian is also the author of several books about the world’s best LMS: Moodle Course Conversion: Beginner’s Guide and Moodle Math. He also served as technical reviewer of Science Teaching with Moodle, Moodle Multimedia and Practical XMPP.
What are the other good books for Moodle development? Share with us in the comments section below.
