Umbraco is an open source CMS (content management system) based on Microsoft ASP.NET.

The unique features  that distinguishes Umbraco are :

-It is a CMS that can support any modern browser

-It allows editing  on  Microsoft Word.

-It is a source where designers can create accessible and valid xhtml without using  mark- up conventions.

- Developer 's can integrate any sort of control based on .NET platform.

Umbraco's administration area is divided into different sections. In order to add bespoke functionality to the Umbraco platform ,a custom section has to be built.

For Instance,  Let us create a sample 'Invitation sending ' functionality in Umbraco platform.

Steps to be followed :

• Let the custom section  be  named  “Invitation”
• Add the information about the custom section to Umbraco database, in three specific tables.
• First , add  entry on to the umbracoApp table where  the created sections are stored

• Next  add an entry to the umbracoAppTree table. This will display  custom section “Invitation” as the top level item on the tree.

• Give  administrator  the permission to access the Custom section, so  add  entry to the umbracoUser2app table as  shown.

• Next we have to create an icon which defines  the custom section. The  image  can be created using Photoshop that fits into the Umbraco Administration panel. Next place the image under the umbraco\images\tray\ folder. Make sure that the image name is same as defined in umbracoApp table.
• Since Umbraco supports several languages, we need to register  entry to the languages file. located under umbraco\config\lang folder. Please add the following  to  en.xml file.

• Next  step is creating a  web application called MyCustomAssembly .
• For this create files  ,sendInvitation.aspx and listInvitation.aspx . Here we  add the required logic to implement the functionality. Place both the files in a new folder “Invitation” , created under the Umbraco folder.
• Next create a class named “loadInvitation.cs” which contains the logic to list the custom tree node structure and respective actions and the coding  for mat  for this  is:

• Now add the created custom dll on to the bin folder under Umbraco root installation .
• Desired  Custom Section is thus created & the screen image will appear as shown.

After following the above given steps,  refresh the Umbraco section page . You can see the Custom section called “Invitation” displayed  and further clicking  on  'Invitation ' section , you can see a tree structure on the left pane displaying the 'send invitation ' and 'list invitation' child nodes.

We  will be  back with  detailed post on Umbraco customization  from developer's  perspective  in  future.