ExpressionEngine extension that adds a developer toolbar as a global variable.

After about my 3rd or 4th EE website creation I decided it would be worth while to create an embed template that gave me links to CP functions I frequently went to during the development process. Particularly I wanted to have links to these functions straight from the front-end of my sites. The template included links to clearing cache, extensions, general system settings etc. I ended up using this embed template with every site so I decided to turn it into an extension. I also included an EE Insider tip from Jason Morehead regarding the inclusion of a performance indicator. Thanks Jason!

In its current state, it is nothing but a toolbar fixed at the top of your window with the logged member name, some quick links and the elapsed time and total query count. I’m sure it will grow as others use it so please send any suggestions my way to erik {at} erikreagan {.} com.

• Place ext.er_developer_toolbar.php in your system/extensions directory
• Place lang.er_developer_toolbar.php in your system/language/english directory
• Enable the extension in your Extensions Manager
• Place the global variable {er_developer_toolbar} in one of your templates. I put it right before my </body> tag.
• Browse your site with quick details and links at your finger tips!

Member Groups

By default this extension only parses the global variable for Super Admins. You can, however, select the member groups you want to see this in the Settings of this extension. Keep in mind that the toolbar is the same for everyone regardless of their access around the CP. So if you have a member group that can’t see Modules but you have them selected in this extension, they will still be linked to the page (on which they will receive an access privileges message).

Quick Links

You have the option of enabling or disabling the inclusion of links to the following areas of the CP:

• My Account (enabled by default)
• Templates (disabled by default)
• Extensions Manager (enabled by default)
• Plugin Manager (enabled by default)
• Modules (disabled by default)

CSS

You may modify the CSS as you like if you prefer it to match your site design. You can be as creative as you would like, moving it anywhere around the screen. It just depends on where in your template you insert the {er_developer_toolbar} global variable and how you format your CSS.

If you are using MSM the toolbar will display one additional setting/link and that is whether or not the current Site is on. Keep in mind, however, that the extension settings are the same across all sites in an MSM setup so you cannot customize the CSS on a per-site basis (yet).

Oct 4, 2009: 0.5.1

• Added settings for 5 of the quick links for more fine-tuning via the CP
• Corrected a few typos in readme
• Adjusted some default CSS settings
• Added a logout link in place of member group

Oct 3, 2009: 0.5.0

• Initial Release