Comparison between links.module and weblinks.module

Many sites have a links page of one form or another; these modules attempt to address some of the problems with links pages. These two modules have similar functionality but their structures are quite different. It is unlikely that they will ever merge.

Feature	Links	Web Links
Drupal-related
Drupal 6.x
Drupal 5.x
Drupal 4.7.x		-dev available
Last update	2007-Dec-11	2008-Aug-06
Documentation	README.txt	Handbook README.txt
Demonstration		demo
Architecture	term-based	term-baseda
Additional database tables	3	1
Services provided
Multiple vocabularies	Yes	No - only one used at a time.
Classify entries using taxonomy	Required	Allowed, not requireda
Check link validity
Click tracking		plannedb
Commenting on entries
Feature blocks	Top Blogroll	Recent Random Unpublished Popularb each term
Security	Drupal core	Drupal core
Settings	Yes	Yes, maybe too many.
Links page description
Show empty terms/groups		with optional "invitation" text
Content filtering		optional add-on
Themeability	??	Drupal core node themeing Independent themeing for all feature blocks Independent themeing for all parts of a link Multiple CSS files
Taxonomy Image support
Image Attach support
Translation template supplied

^a Weblinks currently has a dependence on the core Taxonomy module, but it is planned to be done away with as the module works fine without classifying links.

^b As of this writing, the coding for click tracking has begun. The current "Popular" block is based on node views, as counted by the core Statistics module (this will change).

Links Design

This module grew out of the old 4.6 Weblink module, which is still included with the package.

There is a specified road map for the Links package, but it seems to be slow in coming. Many parts of the package are not yet implemented.

Weblinks Design

The module recently changed hands to an active developer who uses the module; there is a co-maintainer who is also active. The module is presently fully functioning.

Many, if not most, web sites have some kind of links page. These are often hand-coded and quickly fall into disrepair. Site users can usually not submit links to be included, except through email, and they may never show up. The Web Links module takes care of all of these problems.

Web Links are nodes, with full node features (including Views). The module produces a "catalog" of all of the links in user-specified formats that can be customized to the admin's design. With appropriate permissions, anyone may be allowed to submit links that can be included immediately, or after the admin approves (publishes) them. And the module may optionally be directed to verify the continuing validity of the links, identifying those with problems, or even unpublishing them. The module may also update a link that has been redirected (301).

In addition to displaying a links page, the module provides an administrator overview page. There is a variety of blocks available. There are many options for theming the output and there are three CSS files for examples.

A conversion program from the Links package to Web Links package is available.

Click tracking is planned for the near future.