DataPlus – Databases for Moodle

DataPlus is a Moodle module conceived and developed at The Open University.  It enables the production of customisable, portable, standalone SQLite3 databases for teaching and learning.

The module is designed to build upon many of the strengths of the existing Moodle Data module, but with increased performance, improved search and the ability to create a standalone database that can be exported easily and imported into other Moodle / DataPlus instances easily.  Version 1.0 of DataPlus is designed to feel familiar to users of the Data module with a familiar interface and much familiar functionality (DataPlus owes a significant debt to the Data module).

Another advantage of creating a standalone database is that its customisation and use do not touch the Moodle database, avoiding any possible performance or security implications of this and providing the potential for greater flexibility in future versions.  The easiest way to use the module is with the SQLite3 support in PHP 5.3, however earlier PHP 5 versions can be configured to enable SQLite3.

The module was developed in the Autumn of 2009 and first released to The Open University community for use, with the intention of deprecating the Data module in the local Moodle build, in December 2009.  A second version was produced in January 2010, when this site was launched.  Further development will be documented here.

The module is available for free use and distribution under GPL.

Design and development was undertaken by Anthony Forth within Learning and Teaching Solutions – Strategic.  Queries about DataPlus can be directed to a.j.forth@open.ac.uk