Difference between components, modules, extensions and plugins in Joomla

Question

What is the difference between Joomla components, modules, extensions and plugins?

Answer 1

Unless you understand the difference between a module and a component, you will find it very difficult to administer your Joomla installation.

Modules Modules are usually small pieces of functionality designed to present information in your site. They can appear a number of times, on a number of pages in various positions. On the contrary components are a full blown application, usually quite complex and are to the main body if a page. Also each module can be viewed in various pages, and the position of each module can be easily changed. You are allowed to select the menu items where a module is displayed. A good example of the usage of this functionality is targeted advertising. If your site has various sections, you can create module for each section. Each module will contain a targeted advert for the section. Now instead of showing all the modules, all the time, you customise the visibility of the module such that each advert is displayed only in the relevant menu links. Typical examples of standard Joomla modules are : Main / User / Top and other menus, Latest News, Popular Articles, Polls, Login Form, Syndication Details etc.

Components On the other hand, a Joomla component is typically more complex, with extensive functionality and capabilities. A component can only be displayed in the main area of a page, and can only be displayed in a single page (usually). Links to components are usually done by creating menu items. Components usually have a particular page or pages for their configuration.

Extensions Joomla extensions extend the functionality of Joomla websites. Five types of extensions may be distinguished: components, modules, plugins, templates, and languages. Each of these extensions handles a specific function.

Comdev is a Joomla development services provider, which provides varirties of extensions like: JomOffers, JomDirectory, JomHoliday 3, JomEstate, JomEvents.

Source: http://comdevjoomla.blogspot.com/