The Future is bright for Joomla 5 (and beyond)…

EPISODE V: T3, Extendible TM, GK, YT & Plazart Frameworks

We are at EPISODE V, the last in this series on Templates and Frameworks for Joomla 5... It is a bit like the being at the end of the amazing Olympics and Paralympics here in Paris, a bitter sweet moment... Sharing information is beautiful but it has to come to an end - at least until next time... 

Let's get into it... 

Like previously, I recommend you go back to EPISODE II: Helix Ultimate by JoomShaper to review the 7 categories and what we will cover in each, I will however leave below the Title of each Category and number of points for each.

1: Features and Functionality (out of 10 points)
2: Performance and Optimization (out of 10 points)
3: Ease of Use and Learning Curve (out of 10 points)
4: Compatibility and Integration (out of 5 points)
5: Security and Updates (out of 5 points)
6: Customizability and Flexibility (out of 5 points)
7: Unique Selling Points and Differentiators (out of 5 points)

To try to compare each framework one from the other, I have given each number 
of points out of 5 or 10 depending on the importance/category

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T3 Framework
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After reviewing the T3 Framework and talking to Joomlart over their chat, it is like the Gavern framework from the previous episode - it was truly a Joomla 3 framework at its core updated to function in Joomla 5 and seeing as there are only 14 templates that are made with it combined with the fact that Joomlart has replaced it with the T4 Framework which I reviewed in EPISODE III, it does not make sense to do a thorough evaluation of it.


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Extendible TM by Marvel
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The Extendible TM Framework is basic framework which saw its start around Joomla 3 and has since been updated to support Joomla 5. While there is little community, information around this framework, the support was quite expeditious when I reached out to them.

SCORE:  25 out of 50 points

1: Features and Functionality - ( 5 out of 10 )

1. What sort of baked-in or companion builder is included or available if any?
   The Extendible TM framework does not come with a companion or separate Visual Page Builder. SP Page Builder, Quix or other builders should work fine.
   
   
2. How does the framework handle layouts (including grid systems, columns, and rows)?
   The Extendible TM framework is pretty simple to use, comes with the standard 12 column layout and even if it has a bit dreary backend interface, it should be easy to pick up to use for simple projects.
   
   
   Image credit: marlev.it
   
   
3. Can modules be easily added, removed, and configured within the framework?
   You can easily add either 1 component area or any number of modules right from the Layout screen..
   
   
4. Since all modern frameworks support responsive design thankfully, how customizable and easy is it to manipulate or adjust?
   The Extendible TM framework is said to be responsive optimized but no specific features or options around that area.
   
   
5. How closely or well does it work with the Joomla Core?
   The framework itself sits on top of the Joomla Core but does not have any specific features or support for things like Joomla 5 Child Templates.
   
   
6. What customization options are available, such as typography, color schemes, and animations?
   The Extendible TM framework has the basic options such as Google Fonts and styles, various typography features...
   

2: Performance and Optimization - ( 5 out of 10 )

1. How does the framework perform in terms of page load speed, and other KPIs and what optimization techniques are built-in if any?
   The Extendible TM framework has a Performances tab for optimizing site speed...
   
   
2. Does the framework provide built-in SEO optimization features or reminders, such as meta tags, structured data, canonical URLs and more?
   The framework has no specific SEO features or optimizations that I could find…
   
   
3. How well does the framework adapt to mobile devices, and are there any features to enhance mobile user experience?
   The Extendible TM framework is made to be responsive but there are no specific features beyond that.
   
   
4. Which browsers are supported, and how well does the framework handle cross-browser compatibility issues?
   All major modern browsers are supported. 
   
   

3: Ease of Use and Learning Curve - ( 6 out of 10 )

1. How intuitive and user-friendly is the framework's interface, and what kind of learning curve can users expect?
   The learning curve is pretty light even though the dreary interface might turn some people away.
   
   
2. What kind of documentation, tutorials, and support resources are available for the framework?There is a little in terms of documentation or resources around the Extendible TM framework, just a single information page, however support was quite quick when I contacted them.
   
   
3. How active and engaged is the community surrounding the framework?
   There is no apparent community around the framework nor GitHub page, forums, or documentation site. 
   
   
4. What support exists for the framework and how good is it?
   Other than, from my experience, a fast responding contact form, there does not seem to be any other support community, forums, etc.
   
   

4: Compatibility and Integration -  ( 3 out of 5 )

1. Which Joomla versions are supported by the framework or does it have native Joomla 5 support (i.e. without the need of B/C plugin)?
   Joomla 5 and without the need for the compatibility plugin (but it also supports Joomla 4).
   
   
2. How well does the framework integrate or play with popular Joomla extensions?
   There are no known issues with any Joomla extensions but also no specific support for any.
   
   
3. How well does it handle Accessibility?
   In testing across the 5 templates built with this framework with tools like Wave, there were relatively very few issues, mostly just contrast fixes that needed to be made. When you add your own content, you will have to make sure to look and make sure to follow accessibility best practices to achieve your desired results.
   

5: Security and Updates -  ( 2 out of 5 )

1. What security features do the frameworks offer, if any?
   There is no information on the website about any built-in security features for this framework.
   
   
2. How frequently are updates released, and what kind of support is provided for security patches and bug fixes?
   There is no information about how frequent the updates to the framework are made nor a public changelog.
   
   
3. How do the framework developers handle vulnerability disclosure, and what kind of transparency can users expect?
   There is no official vulnerability disclosure procedure that I could find for the Extendible TM framework.
   

6: Customizability and Flexibility -  ( 2 out of 5 )

1. How easily can the framework be customized to meet specific project requirements?
   The Extendible TM framework is customizable with native 12 column support, and a few cool options like the YRVote for article voting, a Cookie Alert (sadly not GRPD compliant), Socials and much more...
   
   
2. What kind of flexibility does the framework offer in terms of layout, design, and functionality?
   The framework’s backend interface is broken down into 15 areas: Matrix, Basic Options, Logo, Layout & Styles, Menu, Font, Cookie Alert, Performances, YRVote, Social, Presets, CSS/JS, Offline Page, and Error Page and they each hide many options in each.
   
   
3. Can the framework be extended or modified using custom code or third-party plugins?
   There is no current community, online forum or GitHub page that suggests that the framework can be extended or third-party plugins.
   

7: Unique Selling Points and Differentiators -  ( 2 out of 5 )

1. What sets this framework apart from the others, and what unique features or benefits does it offer?
   There is nothing specific about this framework albeit perhaps the built-in YRVote and Cookie Alert.
   
   
2. How does the framework approach common problems or challenges in Joomla website construction, and what innovative solutions do they provide?
   There are no specific innovative solutions in the Extendible TM framework - it is a nice basic framework.
   

In its current state, it is difficult to recommend this framework for anything other than a simple Joomla website.

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GK Framework by Joomlart
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The GK Framework v1.0.2 was updated pretty recently as of this past June, but has only 3 templates designed with it and with the lack of new templates released by Gavick / JoomlArt, it is unclear if this framework will continue or be actively developed. In the hope that Joomlart will focus more energy on this framework and new templates soon, at which point I'll gladly do a full review at such time.


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YT Framework by SmartAddons
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The YT Framework was started back in 2012 and as of v3.x is Joomla 5 compatible. Sadly, only 2 templates are built with it and its documentation page seems all broken and abandoned. Checking its support forums, the YT Framework shows few updates in the last years. And since the last 9 most recent templates from SmartAddons were built with the Helix Ultimate framework, it seems evident that it has been abandoned in favor of the most used Joomla template framework.


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Plazart Framework by Templaza
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The Plazart Framework which was based on the T3 framework was developed by Templaza. After talking with Templaza, they have mentioned that this framework was built around and for Joomla 3 and later replaced by the Astroid Framework which was reviewed in EPISODE 3. As a result, it makes little sense to review a deprecated framework.


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In the last two weeks, as I was writing this article, I came across a newer framework by Globberstheme based on evidence on this page. While currently, there is no separate page, documentation, community around it or GitHub page for it, it would be great to see another framework entering the race.

Well, sadly all good things must come to an end...  and so must this series on Frameworks, Templates and more also come to an end (for now)...

I look forward to seeing what the next great framework will be like - perhaps one that natively generates layouts using AI ? who knows what the brilliant minds of our fellow developers will come up with... until then... I wish for you to enjoy creating, maintaining and participating in the great community that is around Joomla !