Basically, it sounds like you want to add a new data field to the jforum_posts table. In general, to add a field, you need to:
Figure out if you can use or embed the info into the existing database format. E.g., do I need a new column in the table, or can I live with storing it with the body or other
string field and then parsing it out.
Once you've decided on the permanent storage model, you will need to modify the matching "entity" package object (e.g. Post.java) to include a new get/set method for the new field.
If you opted for using an existing column, you can probably get by with just adding in the parsing code to deal with the get and set methods for the real and new field. E.g., if you're using the first line of the text field and the new field, make sure the DB text field gets updated correctly for all combinations of set and gets.
If you are using a new column, you will have to modify the Data Access Object interfaces that deal with populating the entity object (generally a single class). Then you will need to create a custom DataAccessDriver class that uses your modified DAO object. (Settable via the config files).
Now that you have the underlying persistent storage sorted out, you will need to modify the templates related to this so it displays and has input fields for the new item.
For any template that has a "form" related to it (e.g., a new post or editing a post), you will need to modify the matching Action class method. E.g. the PostAction editSave() and insertSave() methods.
[originally posted on jforum.net by monroe]
