XWiki is not just your average wiki engine; it exposes a flexible data model that can be leveraged at the presentation level. Combined with its powerful presentation level scripting capabilities, XWiki's data model can help you build simple to complex Web applications with little or no need to access the XWiki core. In other words, you can build custom applications through the XWiki web interface without having to compile, package, and deploy software components.

This area explains XWiki's data model of Classes, Properties, and Objects for those users who want to build applications primarily at the presentation level. It will help you understand how you can achieve significant features by programming at this level alone.

For information about XWiki's underlying database schema (tables and fields), see: XWiki's Database Schema.

XWiki Classes, Objects, and Properties

If you are familiar with object oriented programming, you understand the concept of classes, properties, and objects. The presentation level data model that XWiki exposes is much the same.

Classes

See XWiki Classes.

Properties

See XWiki Properties (Data Types).
See XWiki Properties Metadata.

Objects

See XWiki Objects.

Suggested Reading

• Armed with your knowledge of Classes and Objects you could try creating a small application, such as:
  • a FAQ application.
  • a Person Manager Application
• You could also start understanding how to display properties of Objects in wiki pages by using Scripting.
• You could also try using the App Within Minutes extension which simplifies how to get started developing an application with little required knowledge. After your application is generated, if you wish to go further and develop new features for your app, you'll need to use your knowledge about Classes, Objects and Scripting.
• More information on the Custom Display field and an example