When developing a Joomla site the client will inevitably want a 'holding' page of some sort. While Joomla can cater to many things an auto holding page is not one of them. However with a couple of simple steps you can satisfy both your client and development needs.
Joomla is simplest to install and configure in the final live destination, however this does mean that without some slight alterations the world will be able to view your development as it progresses, or not... For developers who are uncomfortable with the porting process from one server to another this can cause untold issues.
So I have documented the VERY easy process of setting up your own holding page allowing you to develop the site privately in situ, keeping both developer and client happy.
Setting the Holding Page
The simplest method for creating a holding page is by using a graphical element along with contact information. An article about excellent examples of holding pages will be available shortly, which can be used as inspiration for your own creations.
- Create the holding page and name the file index.html
- Upload the new index.html file into your root Joomla template
Done!
Now how easy was that?
If however you do not see this new file there is one other step to be taken:
- Add the code below to your .htaccess file in the root Joomla directory
#Specify a default home page (index page)
DirectoryIndex index.html
When you are ready to go live remember to remove the index.html, and if needed the amended .htaccess commands. The site will then default to the index.php file used by Joomla.
