We've received a lot of emails asking about the different method that is used when storing articles in Joomla 1.6. The good news is, it's really easy and very similar to 1.5.

Joomla 1.5 - uses a 2 level system; sections and categories. You start by creating sections and then create categories that live inside sections. When you write an article, it needs to be assigned to a category.

Joomla 1.6 - uses a multi-level category system. You start by creating one or more categories. When you write an article, it needs to be assigned to a category, just like Joomla 1.5. The only difference is that categories no longer live inside sections.

You can create as many categories as you like. You can also "nest" one category inside another category. This allows you to create a hierarchy of categories which might be useful if your site has a lot of articles.

Categories in Joomla 1.6

Therefore, there is very little difference in the process between Joomla 1.5 and 1.6. The flexibility is far greater in 1.6, but the actual process of using categories is very similar.

Before choosing version 1.6, consider whether or not you need the extra features it provides. 1.5 is stable, there are loads of compatible extensions and 1.7 is due for release in July this year.

We will be creating some updates for each level of tutorials in the not too distant future.