[D7] Doublefield Formatter

Tis provides a more versatile "expert mode" formatter for the useful Double Field module, giving precise control over HTML tags and attributes. Double field is very good for presenting information as pairs of terms and definitions, e.g. technical specifications, where you do not know how many attributes you wish to describe. Using Display Suite Extras or Fences you can control the HTML around the field items, but have to rely on one the default formatters for the inner HTML or write custom theme function in your theme's template.php file. This module removes the need for a theme function in template.php or custom templates.

Inspiration

The Double Field module fulfils an essential requirement for many projects, enabling editors to enter miscellaneous content in pairs of terms and descriptions, e.g. for details, attributes or specifications. Although Double Field itself comes with a set of formatters, none give the administrator full control over the rendered HTML, especially when seeking to comply with strict requirements for design, search engine optimisation, semantic markup and accessibility. The module only requires Double Field, but is ideally used with Display Suite and Display Suite Extras or Fences allowing full control over field templates. Also implemented are all options available in the default formatter for this field type.

How it differs from other modules

Double Field is a rather niche module, though well maintained for a discerning audience and I could not find another module that provide a custom formatter for it. In earlier projects, e.g. at http://www.london.ac.uk, I had implemented a theme hook to meet requirements. However, this can become unmaintainable as requirements and designs evolve. Administrators just want a simple tool to customise markup without asking a developer to edit a php file.

Standards

The module implements documented field hooks and where practical places detailed implementation in a separate file to minimise load when the formatter is not used.