1. Web Programming Assignment #2: Expanded BBS Features
Old Dominion University
Department of Computer Science
CS 418/518 Fall 2008
Michael L. Nelson

2. Requirements
Users can now have roles, which are separate from a user’s identity
admin: “su” or “root” for the BBS -- if there is a function that is possible to do through your web interface, then admin has that capability
moderator: less powerful than the admin, but more powerful than regular user. separate moderator functionality will arrive in A3
the role must be visually displayed for the user and all other users to see
Your A2:
vdevaras = admin; mln=moderator
other users may have admin/moderator roles

3. Requirements
Admin must have its own interface/page from which to perform BBS functions
that does not preclude context-sensitive functionality elsewhere in the BBS, but there must be an “admin home page” from which all BBS things are possible
Admin(s) can add/remove admin or moderator roles to other, existing users
BBS can have 0 moderators, but must always have at least 1 admin
implies the ability to list all valid users in the BBS

4. Requirements “Thread” support
support arbitrary depth of replies to replies to replies…
display hierarchy of who replied to whom
many different display “models” possible; examples:
full hierarchy always shown:
linear / threaded view options:
linear:
threaded:
hybrid:

5. Requirements Support for multiple forums within a single BBS
Administrator can add/delete forums
(a “forum” is a sub-topic relevant to the entire BBS (e.g., forums for “Ford Mustang” and “Ford Fairlane” within a BBS for “Ford Muscle Cars”.)
“Pagination” function
administrator can set how many messages/replies to view on a single “page” (default = 5)
users must have ability to paginate through a forum
what if a thread is longer than what fits on a page?
“do the right thing…” -- come up with your own, internally consistent model of how to display threads…

6. baseURL for Submission
These URLs will be valid for all students
If you are in a group, only 1 URL will have the actual PHP
The “other” URL will auto-redirect to the “right” URL

7. Recommendations
Debug within your group first, then ask for other groups to help debug your operations
Your status report the week before is for the benefit of your peers more than for me…
status report is not optional

8. Grading There will be an in-class demo
Vijetha will assign 20 points based on a detailed examination after the class
Do not edit the files after midnight!
Each student will grade the aesthetic appearance of the other groups’ BBSs by ing Vijetha (and cc’ing me) a score of 0-3; each group will recv the average value (rounded up)
If you do not send your grades in within 24 hours, you will lose 3 points from your assignment
Grades should be available before the next class