1. Introduction to the Module
Rules
Introduction to the Module

2. Rules - https://www.drupal.org/project/rules
Introduction
Rules -
Triggers (events) and actions, with conditions
Coding with a UI
More advanced version of the core Trigger module

3. Uses Solve problems on your site (custom modules)
Create automated systems (scheduled or triggered)
Re-use functionality
Integrate with VBO, Commerce

4. Rules Breakdown 1
Events, Conditions, Actions

5. Rules Breakdown 1—Events, Conditions, Actions
Events determine which entities are available to the rule. Some events also provide special conditions and actions.
EVENTS
“When”
Defined triggers
Determine which entities are available in the rule
CONDITIONS
Entities provide variables (e.g. fields).
“If”
Help narrow down/fetch specific entities
ACTIONS
Variables are used in conditions and actions.
“Then”
Can also be used to fetch entities

6. You found a Pikachu!
Create a Basic Rule

7. You found a Pikachu!—Setup
GOAL
Display a Pikachu on authenticated users’ account page
MODULES
Rules
File Entity
SET UP
Upload an image of Pikachu
Add an image field to the user account page

8. You found a Pikachu!—Rule Creation
Rule type: Rule
Event: User account page is viewed
Better option: User is created
Condition: User has role(s)
Authenticated user
Action: Set a data value
Field: account:[image-field]:file
Value: image file ID (fid)
Create actions
Define conditions
Choose event
Determine rule type

9. Rules Breakdown 2
Components, Data Types, Parameters

10. Rules Breakdown 2—Components, Variables
Events determine entities.
Sub-rules
Don’t require events
Do require variables to be passed to them
Allow you to add more conditions, form complex rule chains
Entities provide variables.
VARIABLES
Variables are also used by components.
The pieces of data the component will use
Will be provided by the entity in the main rule
Connections

11. Pick Your Pokémon
Create a Layered Rule

12. Pick Your Pokémon—Setup
GOAL
Display the correct Pokémon on the user’s account page
SET UP
Upload two more Pokémon images
Create three roles
NOTE
This Rule assumes you have created a way for users to be sorted into roles – like creating a field on the registration form that allows users to choose their team (role).

13. Pick Your Pokémon—Rule Creation
Rule type: Rule Set
Event: User account page is viewed
Condition: --
Components: Three almost identical rule components
Create components
Choose event
Determine rule type

14. Pick Your Pokémon—Component Creation
Component type: Rule Set
Condition: User has role(s)
Action: Set a data value
Field: account:[image- field]:file
Value: image file ID (fid)
Add components to main rule
Create actions
Define conditions
Determine component type

15. Rules Breakdown 3
Lists, Loops

16. Rules Breakdown 3—Lists, Loops
Multi-value fields
Example: Taxonomy
LOOPS
Affect each value in the list
PHP For Loop
Work well with components

17. Rules Breakdown 3—Examples from BYU Studies
On Journal Publishing
Loops + components
When a journal is published (a new journal product is created), expires subscribers, sends out s.
On License Activation, Set Expiration Issue Number
Components
When a customer buys or renews a subscription, the expiration issue is set

18. Tips and Tricks
Use “Entity is of type” and “Entity has field” conditions to use custom fields in actions
Use “Fetch entity by ID” and “Fetch entity by property” actions to bring in another entity or access entities that are not provided by events
If using Commerce, clone their rules. Also, the Stock module allows you to modify the Add to Cart form with rules.
Use the debug option!
Configuration > Workflow > Rules > Settings > Show debug info (always [when testing – turn in off after])
To ensure that an entity has just changed, use two conditions
Data comparison changed/updated status = [whatever state]
Data comparison unchanged status NOT = [same state]

19. Resources
Tutorial Links

20. Tutorials Drupalize.me Other Resources
Introduction to Rules -
Or Drupal 7 – All About Rules -
Coding for Rules -
Other Resources
Test Drupal online -
Pokémon images from Wikipedia