TypoScript Syntax

1.3.3. Entering TypoScript

Since TypoScript has a line-based syntax which most of all resembles what is found in simple text based configuration files it is also authored in ordinary textarea input fields inside of TYPO3. An example is the "TSconfig" box of a regular page header:

 

 

This is typically how TypoScript is entered - directly in form fields. No syntax highlighting, no way of using TAB stops, no linenumber counting etc. Quite boring and rudimentary. Of course the lack of such features is not a political manifest but rather the lack of the ability to create such features with a simple textarea. Could anyone provide a nice Java-editor instead we would be happy. (In the meantime you can find TypoScript syntax highlighting for certain text editors. Ask on the mailing lists or search typo3.org).

However there are some helpful features:

1. a) There is the "TS wizard" icon which is often found to the right of the textarea - this can help you finding properties for the current TypoScript context

2. b) there also is the ability to insert an include-tag in any TypoScript field (see later in this document) which refers to an external file which can contain TypoScript - and that file can be edited with an external editor with whatever benefits that has.