Getting started

This documentation page details the steps required to get started with the Answers module. It is related to version 7.x-4.x and above, which is substantially different from prior versions.

There are multiple modules related to the Answers module that you may want to enable. Which one you exactly want/need, depends on what kind of Questions & Answers site you want to implement. Only the Answers Core module is required.

Here are some more details to help you to get going:

1. At a minimum, you should complete the steps related to the Answers Core module, which enables the content types "Question", and "Answer", whereas Answers are displayed below the Question they relate to.
2. The Answers Theme sub-module transforms the (rather boring / ugly) vanilla display of a Question (and its related Answers below it), into a way more attractive look-and-feel. Such as the orange bubble that is added around the question (to better highlight it).
3. The Answers Best Answer sub-module allows for marking any of the answers to a specific question as the best (accepted) answer. It displays the blue checkmarks to the left of each answer, and which is replaced by a green checkmark when an answer is marked as the best answer.
4. The Answers Notifications sub-module allows logged in users to subscribe to selected questions, so that they receive notifications (using the Message Stack) when Questions receive Answers.
5. The Answers Voting sub-module implements a system to upvote or downvote either Questions and/or Answers (which uses the Rate module).
6. The Answers Userpoints sub-module is used to increase or decrease "reputation points" (which uses the Userpoints module) on events such as up- or down-voting on a question or answer, or marking an Answer as the "Best Answer".

For problems, suggestions or support requests related to installation and/or configuration of the Answers module, please create an issue in the Answers issue queue. But only after ensuring that the Getting Started instructions around here don't seem to help.

Feel free to correct / extend / refine this community documentation where appropriate.