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How to Build an IPS 5 Application — Getting StartedIf you're new to Invision Community development, one of the first things you'll probably want to learn is how to build your own application. In this guide, we'll create the initial structure of an IPS 5 application and prepare it for development. We won't cover controllers, models, templates, database structure, or other development concepts yet. Those topics will be covered separately in the following guides. What Is an IPS Application?An IPS application is a self-contained extension for Invision Community that adds new functionality to the platform. An application can add things such as: New frontend pages Admin Control Panel pages Database tables and models New content types Custom settings Permissions JavaScript functionality Integrations with external services Custom functionality that isn't available in the core platform For example, an application could provide a live search system, a review system, a custom directory, an API integration, or an entirely new feature for your community. Do You Need to Build an Application?Not necessarily. Small visual changes, such as CSS styling adjustments, can usually be done directly through the Theme Management section. However, any functional change — from adding a hook, template modification, JavaScript customization, or a small extension to building a large standalone feature — should be implemented as an application. An application is the correct approach when you want to add custom functionality with its own logic, settings, database tables, permissions, language strings, or administration interface. A simple rule of thumb: Enable Developer ToolsBefore creating an application, make sure IPS developer tools are enabled. Open your IPS installation and create a file named constants.php if it does not already exist. This file is not included by default in a fresh IPS installation. constants.php Add the developer tools constant: <?php define( 'IN_DEV', TRUE ); Save the file and reload your Admin Control Panel. With developer tools enabled, additional development options become available in the ACP. Create a New ApplicationNow open the Admin Control Panel. Go to: Applications Then click: Create New IPS will ask for some basic information about your application. Application TitleEnter the title that users will see. For example: Live Search This is the human-readable name of your application and can contain spaces and normal capitalization. DescriptionThe application description is used to explain the purpose of your application. Write a clear and concise summary of what your application does and what functionality it provides. Application DirectoryNext, choose the folder/application key used by the application. For example: livesearch Keep this value simple. A good application folder name should generally: Use lowercase characters Avoid spaces Avoid unnecessary special characters Be short and descriptive Be unique within your installation For example: livesearch forumcollection story valalms Avoid names such as: Live Search Live_Search My Awesome Application The folder name is an internal identifier, so keeping it clean from the beginning will save you trouble later. Author InformationEnter your developer information, including: Author Name Author Website Any other information requested by the application creation form Use the information you want to associate with the application. For a public application, your author information becomes part of the application's identity and is useful when distributing the application to other communities. Create the ApplicationAfter filling in the required information, submit the form. IPS will create the initial application for you. At this point, you have successfully created the basic IPS 5 application. You haven't built any functionality yet — you've only created the application's foundation. What's Next?Now that the application exists, the next step is understanding what IPS created for us. We'll look at the application's directories and files and explain what each part is responsible for.

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