ECI 2.7.8 + ECI 2.0 Beta
I’ve just bundled the new ECI 2.0 plugin with the standard download. Meaning that if you download the plugin using your account now, the usual zip file contains 2 seperate zip files and a Read Me text file. I don’t mind admitting that I’m behind on my own planned deadline for Easy CSV Importer 2.0 but it is mainly down to a lot of planning and thinking ahead…moving home November, Christmas, New Year and so on.
Well no excuses can be made now, it’s January and there is nothing planned other than more ECI. Next phase is adding scheduling and automation in many forms. I’ve left them out so that the plugin reaches a test state where everything is done manually. That way should anything not work as it should, it is not overcomplicated by scheduled events.
Beta Testing – Please Read
So it is time to test and it is important that you know, not to use both versions of the plugin in the same blog, not just yet anyway. Some of the old options data from previous versions are picked up in 2.0 but not all, most of the data stored in the WordPress options table is far more simple now. Not only easier to understand but far easier to code. There is no real compatability with the stored options data. Posts created with ECI 1.7.7 and previous, can be adopted by ECI 2.0. There is a “Force Re-Check” button which checks all existing project data and all posts. It basically forces the project statistics and settings to reflect the true state of the project based on the csv file name.
Using The Interface
The interface may feel a little strange at first, even to me it still does. Only a good video tutorial will make it clear and I’m confident that once explained, it will be easier to use than previous versions. Try not to judge the interface too harshly at this time but do let me know your opinion. If the design is very wrong, I need to know. I myself see potential in the design, for long term users who will get to know the plugin and then need a fast system for building other blogs.
The key to the interface is, do not use what you do not need. Do not fill out or save forms that your project needs, this is the opposite to previous versions. In 2.0 you do not need to save a form to simply confirm that you accept it’s default settings should you not make any changes to it.
Well I’ll get back to working on the plugin. Thank you for all your support everyone and lets get this plugin up to scratch. I want to make the final solution to data importing because all others fail in my eyes including my own csv importer plugins.