DotNetNuke Skinning Resources, a Must-Have List

Having seen quite a few people lately asking about how to get started with DotNetNuke skinning, I decided to compile a list of resources so everybody can share. Although it might not be the ultimate list of DotNetNuke skinning resources, it certainly helps providing a more in-depth guide in what is available out there.

It is always a challenge to get started on something (well, at least to me). But once you get familiar, it's an exciting learning curve.

The following list will be continuously improved over time when new resources available. If you wish to contribute to the list (preferably in skinning), please feel free adding to the comment section at the end of article. Now let's get started!

DotNetNuke Skinning Guide by Shaun Walker

1. Pros
   1. In-depth detail about general skinning concepts, terminologies as well as skinning approaches
   2. Full list of container and skin objects available in DotNetNuke framework
2. Cons
   1. The document is outdated (last updated June 20, 2006)
   2. Document purpose gears toward developer, it can be cumbersome for non-developers as well as beginners

This document is strongly recommended for beginners. It is FREE to download at DotNetNuke.com or click here.

Skinning Toolkit, Lee Sykes

1. Pros
   1. Provides great deal of details in working with CSS in DotNetNuke as well as navigation (SolPartMenu and treeview)
   2. Supports previous version of DotNetNuke with detail in CSS
   3. Content presented quite friendly for beginners to refer to when working with skins (visual assistance also a great add-on)
2. Cons
   1. Restricted to CSS only, could open more a bit more to simple DotNetNuke skinning articles

The document is FREE to use at their site. A PDF version is also available at a reasonable price via PayPal at $13.99

DotNetNuke Navigation WebControls, Jon Henning

1. Pros
   1. Very well-written document for developers
   2. Full list of CSS selectors as well as attributes for the dnnMENU
   3. Provides backward compatibility information (SolPartMenu)
2. Cons
   1. Document is outdated (last updated was June 20, 2006)
   2. Developer-oriented, not general audience friendly. Beginners and non-developers will have a hard time learning how to master the navigation providers

Recommended if you're wish to pursue some advanced customization in your navigation. The document is available for FREE to download here or visit DotNetNuke.com

DotNetNuke Skinning Tutorial, Darren Neese

1. Pros
   1. Simple and easy steps for beginners to work from setting up local environment to customizing skin objects
   2. Great for beginners who are new to DotNetNuke
2. Cons
   1. Will be discussed after it's published later this month

Book available at major bookstores and online vendors.

DotNetNuke Skinning and Design, Andrew Hay and Shaun Walker

1. Pros
   1. Well-written book with broad range of topics discussed
2. Cons
   1. Developer-oriented writing style, non-developers might find it a bit hard to follow
   2. Lack of detail discussion about the navigation (customizing the controls)

Book available at major bookstores and online vendors.

DotNetNuke Magazine, Lee Sykes

1. Pros
   1. Broad range of tutorials from beginners to advanced
   2. Frequently updated with new contents that commonly seen in DotNetNuke forum
   3. Tutorials extend beyond skinning
2. Cons
   1. Limited resource in advanced skills for implementing complex design in DotNetNuke skinning

Subscription available online at £38.97 GBP(exchange rates are varied based on the market)per year. Click here to visit.

Classroom Training, Engage Software

1. Pros
   1. Broad range of topics from beginners to advanced
   2. Backed by DotNetNuke Corporation (Engage is Official DotNetNuke Training Provider)
   3. Experienced instructors, project team and core team members
   4. Focused and intense training
   5. Opportunity to network with peers and other industry professionals
2. Cons
   1. Predetermined schedule
   2. Travel hassle

Recommended forbusy professionals or someone would like to have interaction in the classroom environment. Classroom training starts at $595 per one-day class. Click here to learn more or register.

Enjoy!