No single program fits the need of every user. Given the complex nature of content management, developers of CMS systems in particular cannot adopt the one-size-fits-all perspective. In order to provide their users with the ability to fit OpenCms into their own environment, the OpenCms developers implemented a module architecture that can be used to extend OpenCms with new functionality and content.

OpenCms modules consist of a well defined set of directories and files stored in a ZIP archive. A module may contain Java Archive (JAR) files, Java classes, JSP scripts, images, stylesheets, and any type of content that OpenCms supports. Using the module management tool in the administration view, you can upload and install new modules, as well as create, edit, and export your own modules. In this section, we will cover obtaining and installing some of the common modules, including the OpenCms help system. Later on, in Chapter 6, Creating an OpenCms Module, I will explain the process of...