[Resolved] Show statistics

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[miguelh]

Hello 🙂
I am working with WPLMS (a Learning solution). I would like to know if with Toolset I can create a statistics page showing the data of students' access to the courses. You could help me with this. I do not know where I should start.

Best,
Miguel

[Nigel]

Hi Miguel

It is impossible to say without exploring and understanding how WPMLS stores its data.

If you can't find that information from the developers—perhaps it is documented on their site—you will need to explore the database and try and find out for yourself.

Use phpMyAdmin to look at the database tables. (You may find it easier to install the plugin ARI Adminer that lets you do the same from within the WordPress dashboard.)

Does WPLMS add custom tables to store its data? (Standard tables are listed here: https://codex.wordpress.org/Database_Description)

If so that data cannot be accessed by Toolset.

If they store data as custom post fields, i.e. in wp_postmeta, then you can output such data using Views. If you use the Fields and Views button you will see an option to load non-Types fields (see screenshot). If the fields are hidden (their name begins with an underscore, e.g. _secret-field) then you can expose them to Views by going to Toolset > Settings > Front-end Content and the first section for Hidden Fields.

If the data is stored as user meta there are a couple of extra steps to be able to use Views to output the field.

You need to go to Toolset > User fields and use the button at the bottom, User Field Control.

Find the field in question and bring it under Types control. Then add it to a User Field Group.

You will then be able to find the user field when using the Fields and Views button to output its value.

Note that you can only expect to output simple fields, e.g. text fields. If WPMLS stores the data as meta fields in a custom format, e.g. in a serialized array, then Views won't know how to handle that.

Again, you could check with the authors of WPLMS if they have any shortcodes (or PHP functions you could construct shortcodes with) that can be used to output the data you require and which you could add to a page or a Toolset template.

[miguelh]

Hello, it seems that the data come basically from these tables (view image). Is it possible to use Toolset to get the data from them?

[Nigel]

Hi Miguel

Toolset doesn't have access to those tables, it only has access to the standard WordPress tables such as wp_posts, wp_postmeta, wp_users, wp_usermeta, and the taxonomy tables.

I suggest you check with WPLMS if they have any shortcodes or an API you can use to output the data you want.

If they don't have shortcodes but do have PHP functions you can use, then you could create your own shortcodes with those functions and then insert the shortcodes into a page or Views template as you require.

https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/shortcodes/