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Screencasts Learning ExpressionEngine

by Ryan Irelan

It's basic training for ExpressionEngine. In more than 4 hours of HD video, this 8 episode series shows how to build a website, from beginning to end, in ExpressionEngine 2. If you're new to ExpressionEngine and are looking for that "lightbulb moment", this series is for you.

The videos are even used by EllisLab, the company behind ExpressionEngine, to train their own new employees. Read on to find out what they cover.

Follow along as we build the "Channel University" website on ExpressionEngine 2. We'll start from the very beginning of configuring ExpressionEngine and work all the way through until we have a basic, working website. The site will have an RSS feed, search functionality, commenting, a contact form, static pages and more. This series of videos will get you up and running quickly and put you on the right path to becoming an ExpressionEngine pro.

What is Channel University?

Channel University is a fictional university...but fake schools need websites, too! To learn more about the templates we'll using to create the site, please watch the free Channel University Overview video.

Need help installing ExpressionEngine?

Watch Ryan's free video how-to on installing ExpressionEngine 2.

Episode Listing

  1. Configuring the Site (39 min)

    In this episode we get started setting up the site in ExpressionEngine 2. We learn the basics of ExpressionEngine tags, create template groups and templates, create custom field groups and custom fields and custom statuses. We put all of this together to bring the homepage of the Channel University site to life. Buy this episode only

  2. Enabling Comments and using Embed Templates (36 min)

    We continue building the site by learning how to create an entry view template. We implement commenting on entries with a comment form and learn about embed templates and embed variables to help us make our templates learner and reusable across the site. Buy this episode only

  3. Creating and Using Categories (34 min)

    In this episode we learn about using categories in ExpressionEngine 2. We create category groups and categories, use categories to display related entries and use conditionals to check whether there is any content to display. Buy this episode only

  4. Static Pages and the File Manager (40 min)

    We start off by learning how to create cleaners URLs by re moving the index.php. Continuing to build out the site, we configure and use the Pages module to create static pages. We also set up the File Manager for image uploading and editing and add images to our channel entries. Buy this episode only

  5. Creating a Contact Form and RSS Feed (22 min)

    To make our site easier to navigate, we light up the main navigation. We also learn how to create an RSS feed to syndicate our site content. Finally, we create a contact form using the Email module. Buy this episode only

  6. Creating Relationships Between Entries (20 min)

    In this episode we learn about creating relationship between entries using the Relationship field available in ExpressionEngine. We set up a relationships field, assign related entries and then display them using the Reverse Related Entries tag pair. Buy this episode only

  7. Adding Content Outside of the Control Panel (25 min)

    We learn how to use the SafeCracker module in ExpressionEngine 2 and allow registered members to submit channel entries from outside of the Control Panel. We also learn the basics of membership in ExpressionEngine 2, including the default member registration and login pages. Buy this episode only

  8. Enabling Search and Search Results (21 min)

    To wrap up the series, we add search functionality to our site using the Search module in ExpressionEngine 2. We implement a Simple Search Form, search results page and an Advanced Search Form. Additionally, we learn how to use the auto_path variable to allow us to simply link up search results from different channels. Buy this episode only

Ryan Irelan

About Ryan Irelan

Ryan is a Technology & Development Director at Happy Cog. He authored a widely recommended set of training videos for ExpressionEngine developers, the first book on ExpressionEngine 2 and is the creator of an official ExpressionEngine partner website, EE Insider. Most recently, Ryan appeared as a guest host on several shows at the popular 5by5 network.

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What is the difficulty level?

This series is a beginner level introduction to ExpressionEngine 2. No previous experience with ExpressionEngine is required.

How many episodes are there?

There are 8 episodes in this series.

...and how long is each episode?

Each episode is, on average, around a half hour long. The total training time is more than 4 hours.

Where do I get the code you use?

All of the code for every episode is available on the Code Download page. Don't forget to download the static templates, too. You'll need those.

What if I need to use them with my co-workers?

There is a Team Pack available, which allows you to share the screencasts with up to 5 people in your company. You can choose the Team Pack license when you check out.

Customer Testimonials

  • Ryan’s screencasts changed the way I build for the web. They’re easy to follow and he doesn’t miss a step. I still refer to them when I’m stuck. Best investment I’ve made yet.

    —Amy Stoddard

  • They’re really clear, and I actually feel like I’m learning how EE works, not just repeating things monkey-like.

    —Jodi Warren

  • Even after working with ExpressionEngine for some time, I still refer to [the screencasts] over documentation. Ryan’s screencasts are informative, practical and smart.

    —Kenny Meyers