Webhooks in Sitecore 10.3

Today we are going to see new features of Sitecore called Web Hooks. Before understanding web hooks, let's try to understand the concept of hooks in general life. Just like we have hooks in our home to hang clothes or fishing hooks, these hooks can hold two different things and join them. Similarly, in programming, web hooks can allow interaction between different applications.

When two different web applications are present, they can be interacted through a callback function. One application can receive real-time notifications through an event. For instance, if something is happening in application one, it will trigger a notification for the other application, which will receive it in code terms. Web hooks can be used in two places: events and workflows. Whenever an item is created, deleted, copied, published or a workflow is submitted, these actions are considered events.

Web hooks can be used to track these events. Sitecore will send information about the event in terms of a JSON request payload to the other application. The Sitecore HTTP post request will be sent to the other application with the payload in JSON or XML format. The other application will receive the request and further process it. There are three types of web hooks that can be created: web hook event handler, workflow, and validation actions.

Here are the steps to implement

·       In Sitecore, web hooks can be created through the System section and Web Hooks option.

·       To create a web event handler, select a specific event (item added, copied, deleted, etc.).

·       Specify the URL for the other application and enable the event.

·       A demo was shown with a method created in the Target application to receive input from Sitecore and save it to a file.

·       When an item was added in Sitecore, the event was triggered and a file was created on the local machine with the input received from Sitecore.

Here is my YouTube video for the same

 

 

Stay tuned for more such articles, tips and tricks.

Simplest way to sort child items in Sitecore

Today, we're going to explore another hidden feature of the Sitecore.

By default, all items created within the Sitecore are sorted alphabetically. However, if the position of the items has been changed by the content author, the list may not be sorted. In this case, sorting the items manually by clicking on the "up" or "down" option for each item would take a lot of time, especially if there are hundreds of items under a single parent item.

To solve this problem, the easiest way is to select the folder and click on the " sorting" option. This will open a "sort order" window where you can sort the items by different options such as "created date" or "reverse". To reset the order, simply click on "reset", and the items will be sorted accordingly.

This feature is hidden and simple to use, so I hope you will take advantage of it in your project.

Here is my YouTube video for the same

Stay tuned for more such articles, tips and tricks.

ChatGPT with Sitecore

Today, we are going to take a look at something really cool - Chat GPT. In recent weeks, this technology has been a hot topic of discussion. Chat GPT is a dialog-based artificial intelligence chatbot that can answer your questions in a conversational manner. It's developed by OpenAI, a well-known research lab. The best thing about Chat GPT is that it is stateful, meaning it can remember previous questions and respond accordingly within the same context. You can find more information about Chat GPT on the OpenAI website.

As a developer, one use case for Chat GPT is to migrate CSV or Excel data to Sitecore. For example, if a client asks for assistance in migrating data, a developer can use Chat GPT to determine the best approach for accomplishing this task. The first step is to find out the different ways to migrate data and choose the best option. Once the data is migrated, the developer can assign icons, create packages in Sitecore, and publish the items.

The Chat GPT home page provides lots of information about the technology and can be used to help with a developer task such as migrating Excel file data to Sitecore. By asking Chat GPT for help, the chatbot can provide information on different methods, such as using a custom script or a C# code. Chat GPT can even provide the necessary code to complete the task, such as a C# script or a PowerShell script. The developer can then copy and paste the code into their application and test it.

Here is my YouTube video for the same

 

Stay tuned for more such articles, tips and tricks.

Insights from the "15 Ways of Content Migration to Sitecore" webinar

 Introduction:

On May 20, 2023, I presented webinar on "15 Ways of Content Migration to Sitecore", offering valuable insights and practical strategies for successfully transitioning content to the Sitecore platform.

Understanding the Complexity of Content Migration:

Content migration is a critical phase in any Sitecore implementation project, requiring meticulous planning, strategic decision-making, and a thorough understanding of both the source and target systems. The webinar emphasized the importance of recognizing the complexity involved in content migration and provided attendees with a different way to achieve it.

Exploring 15 Effective Content Migration Strategies:

The core focus of the webinar was to equip participants with a diverse set of strategies and techniques to tackle content migration effectively. I navigated through 15 different approaches, each tailored to address specific scenarios and requirements. From manual content transfer to automated migration tools, attendees gained insights into a wide range of methodologies to streamline the migration process.

Empowering Sitecore Professionals:

The "15 Ways of Content Migration to Sitecore" webinar left attendees feeling empowered and equipped with a wealth of knowledge to tackle content migration projects with confidence.

Here is the YouTube video for the same!!!

5 ways to set Alt text for images in Sitecore

Introduction:

Alt text is a crucial part of website accessibility and SEO, as it provides a description of the content of an image to people with visual impairments. Sitecore provides various ways to set Alt text for images, from manual to automatic using AI. In this article, we will explore the different ways to set Alt text for images in Sitecore, including manual, via C# code, via PowerShell, using Config setting "Media.AutoSetAlt", and AI with sample code.

Manual:

The most basic and straightforward way to set Alt text for images in Sitecore is to do it manually. You can do this by uploading the image to the Media Library and setting the Alt text manually in the "Alt" field of the image. When you click on the image, you will see the editing options on the right-hand side of the screen. In the "Alt" field, add a description of the image, which will be read by screen readers.

AI with image tagging:

This approach uses Azure Cognitive Services' Computer Vision API to generate a description of an image and sets it as the alt text of the corresponding image item in Sitecore using C# code.

The steps involved in this approach include installing the Azure Cognitive Services Computer Vision NuGet package, creating an instance of the ComputerVisionClient class with your subscription key and endpoint, and calling the AnalyzeImageAsync method to get a description of the image.

The retrieved description is then set as the alt text field of the image item in Sitecore using the Sitecore API.

This approach can be useful when you have a large number of images in Sitecore that require alt text descriptions, as it can automate the process of generating descriptions and setting them for each image item.

However, it's important to note that the accuracy of the generated descriptions may vary depending on the image and the complexity of its content. Therefore, it's recommended to review and potentially modify the descriptions as needed to ensure they accurately reflect the content of the image.

Via C# code:

If you want to set Alt text for images programmatically, you can do so using C# code. You can use the Sitecore API to set the Alt text for an image. Here is an example code snippet:

 

using Sitecore.Data.Items;

using Sitecore.Resources.Media;

 

// Get the MediaItem for the image

var mediaItem = (MediaItem)Sitecore.Context.Database.GetItem("/sitecore/media library/Images/my-image");

 

// Save the changes

mediaItem.Editing.BeginEdit();

mediaItem.Alt = "This is my image";

mediaItem.Editing.EndEdit();

 

In the code above, we first get the MediaItem for the image we want to set the Alt text for. Then, we set the Alt text using the "Alt" property of the media item. Finally, we save the changes by calling "BeginEdit" and "EndEdit" on the media item.

Via PowerShell:

Sitecore PowerShell is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks in Sitecore. You can use PowerShell to set Alt text for images in bulk. Here is an example script that sets the Alt text for all images in a folder:

$imagesToBeUpdated = "/sitecore/media library/2023 Images"

$images = Get-ChildItem -Path $imagesToBeUpdated -Language * -Recurse |

Where-Object { ($_.Fields["Alt"] -ne $null) -and ($_.Fields["Alt"].Value -eq '' -or $_.Fields["Alt"].Value -eq '$name') }

 

$images |

    ForEach-Object {

        write-host "Updating Alt text for - " $_.Name

        $_.Editing.BeginEdit()

        $_["Alt"] = $_.Name

        $_.Editing.EndEdit() | Out-Null

    }

 

In the script above, we first get the folder we want to set the Alt text for. Then, we loop through all the media items in the folder using the "Get-ChildItem". For each media item, we check if the Alt text is empty, and if it is, we set the Alt text using the "BeginEdit" and "EndEdit" methods.

Using Config setting "Media.AutoSetAlt":

Sitecore also provides an automatic way to set Alt text for images using a configuration setting called "Media.AutoSetAlt". When this setting is enabled, Sitecore will automatically set the Alt text for an image using its file name. Here's how to enable this setting:

1.      Open the Sitecore.config file located in the \App_Config\Include\ folder

2.      Search for the "Media.AutoSetAlt" setting in the file.

3.  <setting name="Media.AutoSetAlt" value="true" />

 

3.     Save the Sitecore.config file.

Now, when you upload an image to the Media Library, Sitecore will automatically set the Alt text using the file name. For example, if you upload an image named "my-image.jpg", Sitecore will set the Alt text to "my-image".

Conclusion:

In conclusion, setting Alt text for images is essential for website accessibility and SEO. Sitecore provides various ways to set Alt text for images, from manual to automatic using AI. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the method that best fits your needs. Manual and C# code methods are suitable for setting Alt text for individual images, while Sitecore's with AI solution provides an advanced way to set Alt text by analyzing the image. Whereas PowerShell is suitable for bulk operations. Finally, using the "Media.AutoSetAlt" setting is suitable for setting Alt text automatically based on the file name. By using these methods, you can ensure that all images on your website have appropriate Alt text and are accessible to everyone.

Here is video for the same

Sitecore Technology Radar

Sitecore is a leading digital experience platform that empowers organizations to deliver personalized and engaging digital experiences to their customers. As with any technology, there are constantly new tools and trends emerging in the Sitecore ecosystem that can impact an organization's digital strategy. A Sitecore technology radar can help organizations stay informed about these changes and make informed decisions about which technologies to adopt, trial, assess, or hold. 

Sitecore technology radar typically consists of four rings, each representing a different level of adoption and maturity for a particular technology: Adopt, Trial, Assess, and Hold. Let's explore each of these rings in more detail. 

 

Adopt 

In the Adopt ring, technologies are widely adopted and proven to be effective in the Sitecore ecosystem. These technologies are generally stable and reliable, and organizations can confidently use them to support their business needs. Some examples of technologies in the Adopt ring for Sitecore include: 

• Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) 
• Content Hub DAM 
• Sitecore JSS (JavaScript Services) 

Trial 

In the Trial ring, technologies are emerging and have shown potential, but are not yet widely adopted. Organizations may experiment with these technologies to gain experience and assess their potential value. Some examples of technologies in the Trial ring for Sitecore include: 

• Sitecore XM Cloud 
• Sitecore SXA (Sitecore Experience Accelerator) 
• Sitecore CDP 

Assess 

In the Assess ring, technologies are on the horizon and are being evaluated for their potential value. These technologies are not yet fully understood, and organizations need to carefully evaluate their potential benefits and risks before making any decisions. Some examples of technologies in the Assess ring for Sitecore include: 

• OrderCloud 
• Sitecore Search 

Hold 

In the Hold ring, technologies are no longer recommended for use. These are technologies that have become outdated, are no longer supported, or have been replaced by newer technologies. Some examples of technologies in the Hold ring for Sitecore include: 

• Sitecore Commerce 
• Web Forms for Marketers (WFFM) 
• Sitecore Experience Database (xDB) 

By regularly reviewing and updating their Sitecore technology radar, organizations can stay ahead of emerging trends and make informed decisions about which technologies to adopt, trial, assess, or hold. This can help organizations to optimize their Sitecore digital experience and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Here is the Youtube video for the same!!!

Reasons to move from Sitecore XP to Sitecore XM Cloud

As businesses continue to evolve and innovate, their digital strategies and web development needs must also adapt. In recent years, we have seen a shift towards using cloud-based platforms for web development and deployment, and the adoption of JavaScript-based frameworks for front-end development. Sitecore, a leading digital experience platform, has embraced this trend with the introduction of Sitecore XM Cloud and Next.js. 

If you currently have a Sitecore XP MVC-based website, you may be wondering why you should consider moving to Sitecore XM Cloud and Next.js. Today, we will explore some of the key benefits of making the move, and why it could be the right choice for your business. 

Here are some of the key reasons why businesses may want to consider moving from Sitecore XP to Sitecore XM Cloud: 

.NET Framework
Scalability
Improved Performance
Reduced Costs
Flexibility
Security
Faster time to market
Global reach
Ease of use
Improved collaboration
Continuous innovation
Better customer experiences
Reduced complexity
Lower total cost of ownership 

  

.NET Framework 

Since the .NET framework is on its way out, it would be wise to steer clear of it and redirect attention towards Javascript frameworks. As cloud is the future, it's a favorable time to start investing and focusing on cloud-based technologies. 

Scalability 

One of the main benefits of Sitecore XM Cloud is its scalability. Sitecore XM Cloud is a cloud-based platform that is designed to handle large amounts of traffic and data, making it ideal for businesses that need to scale quickly to meet demand. With Sitecore XM Cloud, businesses can easily scale up or down as needed, without having to worry about infrastructure management or capacity planning. 

Improved Performance 

Sitecore XM Cloud also offers improved performance compared to Sitecore XP. Sitecore XM Cloud is designed for high availability and reliability, ensuring that your website or application is always up and running. Additionally, Sitecore XM Cloud includes a range of performance optimization tools, such as Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and caching, which can improve page load times and reduce server response times. 

Reduced Costs 

Another benefit of Sitecore XM Cloud is that it can help businesses reduce costs. Sitecore XM Cloud is a fully managed service, which means that businesses don't need to worry about infrastructure management or maintenance. This can significantly reduce the costs associated with managing and maintaining an on-premises infrastructure. 

Flexibility 

Sitecore XM Cloud also offers greater flexibility than Sitecore XP. Sitecore XM Cloud is a headless platform, which means that it can be integrated with a wide range of front-end frameworks, allowing developers to use the tools and frameworks that they are most comfortable with. This can help businesses build highly customized, tailored solutions for their clients. 

Security 

Sitecore XM Cloud provides enhanced security features, such as automatic updates and patches, proactive monitoring, and 24/7 security operations support. This can help businesses ensure that their websites and applications are protected against cyber threats. 

Faster time to market 

Sitecore XM Cloud includes a range of pre-built templates and components, which can help businesses get their websites and applications up and running quickly. This can significantly reduce the time to market for new digital experiences. 

Global reach 

Sitecore XM Cloud is designed to support businesses with a global presence. It includes a range of features, such as geo-targeting, multi-language support, and local hosting options, which can help businesses deliver personalized, localized experiences to users around the world. 

Ease of use 

Sitecore XM Cloud includes a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for businesses to manage their digital experiences. It also includes a range of tools for content management, analytics, and personalization, which can help businesses improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their digital operations. 

Improved collaboration 

Sitecore XM Cloud includes collaboration tools that can help teams work together more effectively. 

Continuous innovation 

Sitecore XM Cloud is a cloud-based platform that is continually updated with new features and capabilities. This means that businesses can benefit from the latest innovations and best practices without having to worry about upgrading their infrastructure or software. 

Better customer experiences 

Sitecore XM Cloud is designed to help businesses deliver exceptional customer experiences across all channels and touchpoints. By leveraging the power of Sitecore XM Cloud, businesses can create personalized, targeted experiences that engage and delight their users, driving loyalty and advocacy. 

Reduced complexity 

Sitecore XM Cloud is designed to simplify the digital experience management process, making it easier for businesses to manage and optimize their websites and applications. By reducing complexity, businesses can free up resources to focus on other areas of their business, such as innovation, product development, and customer engagement. 

Lower total cost of ownership 

Sitecore XM Cloud can help businesses reduce their total cost of ownership by eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure and reducing maintenance and management costs. Additionally, Sitecore XM Cloud includes flexible pricing options, which can help businesses tailor their costs to their specific needs and usage patterns. 

  

Conclusion 

There are many reasons why businesses may want to consider moving from Sitecore XP to Sitecore XM Cloud. By leveraging the scalability, performance, security, flexibility, collaboration, insights, innovation, customer experience, and simplicity of Sitecore XM Cloud, businesses can achieve their digital transformation goals and drive growth and success in the digital age. 

Here is video for the same