Greetings,
The process described in the link suggests exactly the things that one must
avoid while customizing any software.
There are several issues with this approach:
1. Altering database schema is a sacrilege and must be avoided. Future
upgrades will probably destroy all the database changes and the accumulated
data. It can even prevent applying updates in the future.
2. Changing application code (*.pm|pl) is another thing to avoid for the
same reasons as above. However, it is possible to keep a record of the
changes in a patch file and applied to the code after every upgrade. But if
a future software update changed the same file, then the patch needs to be
updated as well. As one can understand that it is not trivial and very
time-consuming. Hence, this approach is suitable only for very minor
changes of a few lines.
3. Template file (*.tt) changes are another area that has a high chance of
breaking after the upgrade. Same suggestions as the point 2 applies here.
4. The "*.3pm" files do not need to be changed at all. These are
documentation/manual generated automatically from the code. The effort to
change these files is redundant.
I understand that there might be a pressing need to make such changes for
local requirements or compliances. Calculate the cost/effort of maintaining
a separate code-base and backup of the altered database and syncing it
after every update. Make sure that the cost/effort is worth it.
There are two approaches that I can suggest in such a scenario:
1. The recommended process is to submit these changes as patches to the
Koha Community Bug Tracker system. Speak to the developers in the forums to
get it approved to be made a part of the core software. It however takes
time since the developers need to prioritize critical changes over general
improvement ones.
2. Write a Koha Plugin which de-couples the code from core Koha software
and can be maintained separately. It is less likely to break during the
upgrades.
Best regards,
Saiful Amin
Semantic Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd.
Bangalore
On Tue, Sep 6, 2022 at 10:14 AM vinod mishra
Dear all Wish you all a very happy teachers' day! It's my pleasure to share one of my desire and requirement of many libraries to customize the Koha ILMS online purchase suggestion form is fulfilled today. I could able to customize the same and the entire process is shared with the community on auspicious Teacher's Day. Hope this will be utilized by many libraries to make their library purchase suggestion online. Your feedback is highly appreciated and some more development is underway.
http://itshelp.co.in/2022/09/customization-of-koha-online-purchase-suggestio...