Hello, I just shipped a huge update to PlaceCal. Full details below.
Doubtless this will cause a few issues - do let me know via email or open a
github ticket and we can get the bugs fixed soon!
This resolves some major tech debt hurdles so we can really get on with it
now. We're also getting some help from a tech training agency called
Techfleet <https://techfleet.org/> in a couple of months - you are all
welcome to come to the kickoff meet.
https://manchester.placecal.org/events/418409
Thanks,
Kim
---
Full release info:
https://github.com/geeksforsocialchange/PlaceCal/releases/tag/v0.24.0
This release represents a major milestone with a completely redesigned
admin interface, significant performance improvements, and powerful new
calendar import capabilities.
Admin Interface Complete Admin UI Redesign
The admin interface has been completely rebuilt with a modern, accessible
design:
- *Modern Design System* — Migrated from Bootstrap to Tailwind CSS with
daisyUI components for a cleaner, more consistent look
- *Improved Forms* — Multi-step wizards with tabbed interfaces for
complex forms (Partners, Calendars, Tags)
- *Better Search & Selection* — Tom Select replaces legacy dropdowns
with searchable, taggable inputs
- *Responsive Layout* — New sidebar navigation and mobile-friendly design
- *Accessibility Improvements* — Better colour contrast, proper ARIA
labels, and keyboard navigation
Calendar Setup Wizard
Adding new calendars is now much easier:
- *Smart URL Detection* — Automatically detects calendar type from URLs
(Google Calendar, Outlook, Eventbrite, TicketSource, Wix, Squarespace, and
more)
- *Visual Feedback* — Real-time validation shows detected calendar type
with provider icons
- *Manual Fallback* — When auto-detection isn't possible, admins can
manually select the calendar format
New Calendar Importers Wix Events
PlaceCal can now import events from Wix websites, including those using
custom domains. The importer handles both events.wix.com URLs and custom
domain setups.
TicketSource
Full support for importing events from TicketSource venue pages, with
built-in handling for Cloudflare protection.
Public Site
- *Rewritten Partner & Event Filters* — Filters for partners and events
have been completely rebuilt using Turbo Frames for instant, seamless
updates without full page reloads
- *Updated Maps* — Migrated from Mapbox to OpenFreeMap with MapLibre GL
for open-source, cost-free mapping
- *Importmap-rails* — Public site JavaScript now uses native ES modules
(no build step required)
Performance & Infrastructure
- *Rails 8.1.2* — Upgraded from Rails 7.2.3 with all the latest
improvements
- *Database Indexes* — Added performance indexes for common query
patterns
- *Database Consistency* — Improved data integrity checks
- *Improved Test Suite* — Complete migration to RSpec + Cucumber with
better reliability
--
Dr Kim Foale (she/they <https://name.pn/kim-foale>)
*Working hours: Mon-Wed 10-5pm.*
Learn more about Geeks for Social Change Community <https://gfsc.community/>,
a collective building post-billionaire technology for a survivable world.
See work by Geeks for Social Change Studio <https://gfsc.studio/>, my
community technology consultancy.
If anything about this email is confusing or unclear please let me know. I
am happy to provide information in different ways such as clearer language,
over a phone call, with a voice note, or in plain text. Please don't feel
the need to ever apologise for responding to my emails at your own pace.
*Those who do not move, do not notice their chains.*
