Using ZF Tool to Create a Modular Zend Framework Application

Introduction

This is just a quick guide on creating a modular application structure in the Zend Framework using the Zend Framework Tool (more or less).

The Process

First move to your directory.

cd /var/www/

Now create the project

zf create project MyApp
cd MyApp

Now that we have a functioning app. The next step is to turn it into a modular application. First we remove the controller and view directories then we create our first module with its controller, action, and view.

rm -rf application/controllers/
rm -rf application/views/
rm -rf application/models/
zf create module default
zf create controller Index 1 default

Now that we have our default controller with a index controller and index view, were almost there. The system isn’t yet setup to use the modules so the last thing we need to do is edit the application configuration file. In the application config you will make the following change

; Remove this line from your current application.ini
resources.frontController.controllerDirectory = APPLICATION_PATH "/controllers"
; Add this line in its place
resources.frontController.moduleDirectory = APPLICATION_PATH "/modules"

Conclusion

This is the process that I currently use. I’m sure there is a much easier solution to this but I haven’t found it. Please let me know in comments if you know of a better way.