creating_a_point2d_field_type.md

description
Go through a Field Type tutorial to learn how to create a custom Field Type based on the built-in Generic Field Type.

Creating a Point 2D Field Type

This tutorial covers the creation and development of a custom [[= product_name =]] Field Type. The Generic Field Type is a very powerful extension point. It enables you to easily build complex solutions on a ready-to-go Field Type template.

Field Types are responsible for:

• Storing data, either using the native storage engine mechanisms or specific means
• Validating input data
• Making the data searchable (if applicable)
• Displaying Fields

You can find more information in Field Type documentation. It describes how each component of a Field Type interacts with the various layers of the system, and how to implement them.

Intended audience

This tutorial is aimed at developers who are familiar with [[= product_name =]] and are comfortable with operating in PHP and Symfony.

Content of the tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to use the Generic Field Type as a template for a custom Field Type. You will:

• Create a custom Point 2D Field Type with two coordinates as input, e.g. (4,5)
• Register the new Field Type as a service and define its template
• Add basic validation to your Point 2D
• Add data migration to the Field Type so you will be able to easily change its output

Steps

In this tutorial you will go through the following steps:

• 1. Implement the Point 2D Value class
• 2. Define the Point 2D Field Type
• 3. Create form for editing Field Type
• 4. Introduce a template
• 5. Add a new Point 2D field
• 6. Implement Point 2D settings
• 7. Add basic validation
• 8. Data migration between Field Type versions