Sugar Developer Guide Version 5.1

Introduction

The extension framework in Sugar was created to help implement the customization of existing modules or create entirely new modules. Through the various extensions available you can extend most of the functionality of Sugar in an upgrade-safe manner. The Module Builder tool and Studio tool available in the Admin screen allows you to make the most common customizations outlined below. You can then further extend your system by adding upgrade-safe custom code.

Most common customizations are done with the suite of developer tools provided in the Sugar Admin screen. Those tools include:

•	Module Builder - Build new modules to expand the functionality of SugarCRM

•	Module Loader - Add or remove Sugar modules, themes, and language packs

•	Studio - Edit Dropdowns, Custom Fields, Layouts and Labels

•	Dropdown Editor - Add, delete, or change the dropdown lists in the application

•	Portal - Add tabs which can display any Web site within the application

•	Configure Tabs - Choose which module tabs are displayed within the application

•	Rename Tabs - Change the label of the module tabs

•	Configure Group Tabs - Create and edit groupings of tabs

For further information on how to use these tools, please refer to the “Sugar Installation and Administration Guide”. This guide will go into more detail on how to use the Module Builder and the Module Loader as well as extend the Sugar system at the code-level beyond what these tools provide.