images

ImageAPI

Published April 10, 2009
A powerful behind-the-scenes tool that other image-related modules utilize.

The ImageAPI module provides important behind-the-scenes image processing capabilities that are utilized by other image modules, especially ImageCache and ImageField.

"API" is an abbreviation for "Application Programming Interface" - a set of functions that other modules can take advantage of in an effort to reduce code duplication and to provide a standard way to deal with images in Drupal.

Stats

  • Learning curve: not-applicable - since there is no user interface for this module, just install it and it makes itself available for other modules to use.
  • Depth: deep - an important module, most of it will become part of core in Drupal 7.
  • Resources:

Pay no attention to that (module) behind the curtain.

If you're going to be using images in your content types, then most likely you'll need this module. I'm not talking about "need" in the wow-I-really-need-to-sing-a-dozen-songs-during-my-journey way, but in the wow-I-really-need-to-kill-the-Wicked-Witch-before-she-does-away-with-me-and-my-little-dog way. It is a requirement to complete the odyssey.

ImageField

Published April 3, 2009
If you need to add images to your content, then you probably want to be using ImageField.

This module's dependence of the FileField module means that it inherits all of FileField's capabilities, including the ability to limit uploaded files by type and size. In addition, ImageField also allows site admins to limit uploaded images by resolution.

ImageField also provides an option for the content creator to add both a title and "alt" text entry for every uploaded image.

Unlike the Image module, images uploaded via ImageField do not become Drupal nodes on their own.

Stats

O images, images - wherefore art thou image handling?

Not in the default install of Drupal core, that's for sure.

Along with a the lack of a native WYSIWYG editor, proper image handling support is one of the major complaints against Drupal (did I mention the steep learning curve?) Luckily, there's a robust and very (very) busy community of developers who spend an inordinate (and possibly unhealthy) amount of time writing excellent modules for Drupal - one of these is called ImageField.

ImageCache

Published April 2, 2009
Automatically performs image manipulations as needed and caches the results. Complete integration with CCK (via ImageField) and Views.

If you're using ImageField with CCK, then you should be using this module.

You can define an unlimited number of preset image manipulations that can be called upon when displaying images. These "manipulations are usually just different sizes, but the module also give you the option to crop, rotate, desaturate, and sharpen.

What's with the "Cache" in ImageCache? It actually only creates a modified image when that image is needed. Once a modified image is created, it is cached and treated just like any other image on the server. The next time that particular image modification is called, it served from the cache - no additional image processing necessary.

ImageCache also integrates fully with Views to allow you to select how an image appears in a view.

Stats

What makes an Aston Martin Vanquish such a cool car?

Is it the fact that James don't-call-me-Remington-Steele Bond drove one all over a frozen lake (and into an ice hotel) in Die Another Day? Is it because Jason I-can-take-James-Bond-with-one-hand-tied-behind-my-back Statham's character in The Italian Job used his share of the heist to purchase one? Or is it because it's just one super-fast, totally cool-looking ride?

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