Fabrik 
Version
3.0.7 (last update on Mar 30, 2013)
Rating
Compatibility
Reviews
221
License
GPLv2 or later
Non-Commercial
Type
Date Added
19 January 2007
Fabrik gives you the power to create forms and tables that run inside Joomla without requiring knowledge of mySQL and PHP. Then feed your data into Google Maps, Charts or an AJAX based calendar
With Fabrik you can create applications that range in complexity from simple contact forms to complex applications such as a job application site or bug tracking systems.
Images
I started to find that I had reached certain limits in CMS customisation and functionality and was dreading the thought of having to learn PHP in depth. Not being a web programmer, this was a daunting thought. Along came Fabrik however which closed the gap and made it possible to continue developing within the Joomla environment with all associated productivity benefits. Support from Rob & Hugh is top notch, updates are frequent and there is a very vibrant Fabrik community. Thanks!
This by far is the most powerful joomla extension out there... and its free to get started. even if you dont subscribe, the power that it gives you to turn a normal joomla site into a full fledged web application site is enormous.
if anyone gave this a bad review, it is becausa e they didn't get it or it was too big for them.
I made a hugely complex web app with a calendar visualization and a huge amount of data elements, and this extension handled it beautifully! it would have taken me months to code this project myself, where with Fabrik - I did it in days.. and better than I could have coded it.
Even if you need something very simple. you cant go wrong with this extension. It is on my MUST list for every site I manage. I have already turned others on to it and they are amazed.
The SNV nightly builds are great and support was awesome, I had one smal issue and within a few hours Rob had it fixed and uploaded to the SVN to update. just awesome.
Download it. You wont be sorry you did
if anyone gave this a bad review, it is becausa e they didn't get it or it was too big for them.
I made a hugely complex web app with a calendar visualization and a huge amount of data elements, and this extension handled it beautifully! it would have taken me months to code this project myself, where with Fabrik - I did it in days.. and better than I could have coded it.
Even if you need something very simple. you cant go wrong with this extension. It is on my MUST list for every site I manage. I have already turned others on to it and they are amazed.
The SNV nightly builds are great and support was awesome, I had one smal issue and within a few hours Rob had it fixed and uploaded to the SVN to update. just awesome.
Download it. You wont be sorry you did
Fabrik's power rests not only on the amazing support that is provided (even at a bronze level, as stated in a prior review), but in it's ability to easily and seemlessly input and process information from users across your entire site.
With this extension you can not only build your own applications (i.e. input information, process that information, then display it for all to see), but tie together and process information for almost any joomla extension out there! Have a component who's form is buggy, or one that doesn't have a form at all? Then you can use fabrik as a way to input information directly into that components database, and have it show up when viewing that component on the front-end! How about a unique profile system? I used this feature to build a user banner advertising interface that ties in with yet another component I have.
Of course, like any program that is worth having, it will take time to understand and to fully grasp the entire power Fabrik. But even if you're just starting, the support, documentation, and tutorials will get you going right off the bat.
All these previous 'poor' reviews are simply people being too lazy to take the time to completely understand what this extension can do...and for free (though with the 'bronze' membership I am getting daily! support--which is almost unheard of). Bravo to both Hugh and Rob for creating something that not only ties all of the extensions together but truly harnesses the power of the entire Joomla! platform.
-Chas
With this extension you can not only build your own applications (i.e. input information, process that information, then display it for all to see), but tie together and process information for almost any joomla extension out there! Have a component who's form is buggy, or one that doesn't have a form at all? Then you can use fabrik as a way to input information directly into that components database, and have it show up when viewing that component on the front-end! How about a unique profile system? I used this feature to build a user banner advertising interface that ties in with yet another component I have.
Of course, like any program that is worth having, it will take time to understand and to fully grasp the entire power Fabrik. But even if you're just starting, the support, documentation, and tutorials will get you going right off the bat.
All these previous 'poor' reviews are simply people being too lazy to take the time to completely understand what this extension can do...and for free (though with the 'bronze' membership I am getting daily! support--which is almost unheard of). Bravo to both Hugh and Rob for creating something that not only ties all of the extensions together but truly harnesses the power of the entire Joomla! platform.
-Chas
The really joomla Applications Builder, not only a form builder, but a sort of platform for develop PHP-MySQL web apllications!
The support forum is very active and useful.
Thanks to Rob for this extension!
The support forum is very active and useful.
Thanks to Rob for this extension!
An extension is as good as the support that goes along with it. Fabrik is a solid extension, with excellent capabilities... more important, support is simply outstanding. Nowadays that support for software can be so spotty, these guys respond quickly and in a solid manner to requests for help. Rob, Hugh, thanks!
The support provided even with the Bronze membership level is excellent. I'm someone with little to no coding expertise but Hugh and Rob are able to provide decent enough explanations to me to allow me to muddle through the code and make great additions to my webpage.
For a long time I was looking for such component. Its really helpful... Great work Rob...
Cheers...
Cheers...
The BEST application builder component for Joomla.
They should adopt this for core joomla if fabrik agrees to it.
If you have tried using drupal cck, views to get anything FINISHED, you will instantly know how good Fabrik is.
Its a combination of drupal ck, views, notifications, rules, theming all rolled into one workflow. So once you have finished one workflow from Fabrik, its deployable, DONE!
Fabrik is intuitive.
Fabrik provides an END-to-END closed loop to develop and deliver a working application.
But the best thing is, Fabrik has a fantastic supportive community. Open source software without any assistance is like looking at 1000s of lines of code all by yourself and trying to workout what the other guy was thinking when he/she wrote it.
For a tip, get the bronze membership, it is well worth it, and helps the developers make this product even better.
Enjoy Fabrik, I do.
They should adopt this for core joomla if fabrik agrees to it.
If you have tried using drupal cck, views to get anything FINISHED, you will instantly know how good Fabrik is.
Its a combination of drupal ck, views, notifications, rules, theming all rolled into one workflow. So once you have finished one workflow from Fabrik, its deployable, DONE!
Fabrik is intuitive.
Fabrik provides an END-to-END closed loop to develop and deliver a working application.
But the best thing is, Fabrik has a fantastic supportive community. Open source software without any assistance is like looking at 1000s of lines of code all by yourself and trying to workout what the other guy was thinking when he/she wrote it.
For a tip, get the bronze membership, it is well worth it, and helps the developers make this product even better.
Enjoy Fabrik, I do.
This extension is feature rich, with some very powerful features. Some you can figure out on your own, others you need the manual or tutorials for, others you need help from the developers. This extension's biggest weakness is it's support.
Looking over support in the forum is deceptive because only certain people are getting good help and it doesn't matter between subscriptions. Anything beyond the basics and you'll be accused of wanting them to teach you how to code (laughable). They do respond quickly however quick isn't synonymous with quality. Paid or not. The tutorials are helpful but you can only gain access to ones that really matter when you pay.
I must also admit that this program is a little buggy but what seems to happen is they fix one thing and in the process break another so it feels like it's never stable. You could have your forms and the extension working one day, update it to get the improvements, code changes, or bug fixes, and then it's no longer working properly ...often. Not just every once in a while.
The extension itself is free so if it can do what you need it to, then by all means use it. However, just keep in mind that even if you pay, you may not get the support you want or need even if you see others are getting what appears to you to be great support. When raising concerns in private with support my concerns were taken personally even when they were not. So how can there be any understanding? I was very disappointed and I'm out of some money.
Looking over support in the forum is deceptive because only certain people are getting good help and it doesn't matter between subscriptions. Anything beyond the basics and you'll be accused of wanting them to teach you how to code (laughable). They do respond quickly however quick isn't synonymous with quality. Paid or not. The tutorials are helpful but you can only gain access to ones that really matter when you pay.
I must also admit that this program is a little buggy but what seems to happen is they fix one thing and in the process break another so it feels like it's never stable. You could have your forms and the extension working one day, update it to get the improvements, code changes, or bug fixes, and then it's no longer working properly ...often. Not just every once in a while.
The extension itself is free so if it can do what you need it to, then by all means use it. However, just keep in mind that even if you pay, you may not get the support you want or need even if you see others are getting what appears to you to be great support. When raising concerns in private with support my concerns were taken personally even when they were not. So how can there be any understanding? I was very disappointed and I'm out of some money.
Owner's reply
Regarding the user's description of our support not going beyond the basics - this is the thread that he considered us giving poor support on:
http://fabrikar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13764&page=2
I'll leave the reader to decide if that constitutes poor response or not.
Stumbled upon Fabrik and thought I'd give it a try! Amazing! Awesome! Ingenious!
I struggled with other extensions that are supposed to do what Fabrik does, but nothing even comes close.
Tutorials are unbelievable, thorough, accurate and simple.
Thank you for your time and effort in development of this extension.
I struggled with other extensions that are supposed to do what Fabrik does, but nothing even comes close.
Tutorials are unbelievable, thorough, accurate and simple.
Thank you for your time and effort in development of this extension.
I've used this application on several websites for collecting user data, creating Help Desks and other purposes.
Once you get the process down pat, this thing is so incredibly powerful and versatile. Absolutely the most powerful application builder for Joomla.
Love it: cudos Rob & Cheesegrits :)
Once you get the process down pat, this thing is so incredibly powerful and versatile. Absolutely the most powerful application builder for Joomla.
Love it: cudos Rob & Cheesegrits :)
I have been developing applications for a long time, and I have always re-used my code as much as possible, but this is too easy! After the initial learning curve I found I could import a database and have a search form within minutes. This allows for time to add features and value (like their geocoding plugin). All from within joomla...a miracle.
I honestly don't understand how some people can take direct shots at degrading developers of FREE extensions for Joomla, even if it is just one or two people.
People put their free time into developing extension to share with everyone. If you think you put out a better extension or could help with a project, why not put your free time into helping instead of degrading someone's effort. I think some people miss the point of Open Source. This is a problem with a lot of the Joomla community. If it's free give constructive feedback to help it get better.
As far as Fabrik goes, I think it's an excellent extension. Keep up the good work!
People put their free time into developing extension to share with everyone. If you think you put out a better extension or could help with a project, why not put your free time into helping instead of degrading someone's effort. I think some people miss the point of Open Source. This is a problem with a lot of the Joomla community. If it's free give constructive feedback to help it get better.
As far as Fabrik goes, I think it's an excellent extension. Keep up the good work!
This component is full of bugs.
I installed last release (com_fabrik_2.0rc3.zip) and I can't publish forms on frontpage without mistakes.
There is the possibility to use svn versions but theese are full of bubs too.
I spent a week to fix this on my lamp without success.
I installed last release (com_fabrik_2.0rc3.zip) and I can't publish forms on frontpage without mistakes.
There is the possibility to use svn versions but theese are full of bubs too.
I spent a week to fix this on my lamp without success.
In the few months I have been working with fabrik, developing a huge CV database and now a real estate site, has been excellent. I love the support, constant updates, and a good community in the forum.
It is a bit off a learning curve, but just follow the tutorials and you are on your way.
By far the best CCK component for joomla.
Thanx
It is a bit off a learning curve, but just follow the tutorials and you are on your way.
By far the best CCK component for joomla.
Thanx
big future for this component.
Really need to have search and sort function in table display.
Really need to have search and sort function in table display.
Owner's reply
Thanks for the review. Search and sort is completely possible with fabrik, edit the elements you want to do either of these functions on and select the "allow ordering" or "filter type" option to activate ordering/filtering
This is the best software to create forms! Trust me, I have been looking for a software like this for a long time. And even though I hate writing reviews, this really deserves your attention...I suggest to read their instructions of how to use the software..very helpful for beginners and not.
When it comes to the customer service...I created a form with over 200 questions and for some reason there was an error and the database didnt see the questions...i sent a message to the fabrik forum telling them about my problem. They replied in less than 24 hours even though I WAS NOT a subscriber. They gave me instruction on what to do to solve the problem... i tried it and it worked!
One more thing...there was not a problem with the software to start with - as i was adding new questions i had to update the database and i didnt. So the fault was mine..some times we had to use common sense...
Anyways guys, this software is amazing and the customer service is great...download it and you will not regret...also don't forget to donate...it is important to show our support when people do such an excellent job.
Best,
Manos
When it comes to the customer service...I created a form with over 200 questions and for some reason there was an error and the database didnt see the questions...i sent a message to the fabrik forum telling them about my problem. They replied in less than 24 hours even though I WAS NOT a subscriber. They gave me instruction on what to do to solve the problem... i tried it and it worked!
One more thing...there was not a problem with the software to start with - as i was adding new questions i had to update the database and i didnt. So the fault was mine..some times we had to use common sense...
Anyways guys, this software is amazing and the customer service is great...download it and you will not regret...also don't forget to donate...it is important to show our support when people do such an excellent job.
Best,
Manos
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