Advanced URL - Moodle Activity Module

A powerful Moodle activity module that enhances external link management with advanced features including YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, and course-level configuration.

🚀 Features

" Core Functionality

• External Link Management: Safely open external websites in new tabs


• Dynamic Disclaimer: Customizable warnings with institution name


• YouTube Integration: Automatic detection and embedding of YouTube videos


• Broken Link Reporting: Configurable reporting system with status management


• Backup & Restore: Full Moodle 2 format backup and restore support


• Event Tracking: Comprehensive activity logging and analytics

🎯 Teacher Features

• Course Dashboard: Centralized management interface


• Configurable Email: Set course-wide report email addresses


• Report Management: View and manage broken link reports


• Status Tracking: Track report status (Open, Resolved, False Positive)

🛡️ Security & Privacy

• GDPR Compliant: Full privacy provider implementation


• Capability-based Access: Granular permission control


• Session Security: CSRF protection on all forms

📋 Requirements

• Moodle: 4.0 or later


• PHP: 7.4 or later


• Database: MySQL 5.7+ or PostgreSQL 10+

🛠️ Installation

Method 1: Git Clone

cd /path/to/moodle/mod

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git advurl

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the latest release


2. Extract to /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl/


3. Visit Site Administration ' Notifications


4. Complete the installation

Method 3: Moodle Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)

1. Go to Site Administration ' Plugins ' Install plugins


2. Search for "Advanced URL"


3. Install directly from Moodle plugin directory

⚙️ Configuration

Initial Setup

1. Add to Course: Add "Advanced URL" activity to your course


2. Configure Email: Visit the Advanced URL Dashboard in course navigation


3. Set Report Email: Enter the email address for broken link reports

Activity Settings

• URL: The external link to open


• Detect YouTube Links: Automatically embed YouTube videos


• Show Disclaimer: Display external content warning


• Description: Optional activity description

- Usage

For Teachers

1. Create Activity: Add Advanced URL to your course


2. Configure Settings: Set URL and options


3. Manage Reports: Use dashboard to handle broken link reports


4. Monitor Status: Track report resolution

For Students

1. View Activity: Access the Advanced URL activity


2. Read Disclaimer: Review external content warning


3. Open Link: Click "Open Link in a New Tab" button


4. Report Issues: Use "Report Broken Link" if needed

-️ Architecture

Database Tables

• advurl: Main activity instances


• advurl_reports: Broken link reports


• advurl_course_settings: Course-level configuration

Key Files

• lib.php: Core functionality and YouTube detection


• view.php: Activity display and user interface


• dashboard.php: Teacher management interface


• report.php: Broken link reporting system


• mod_form.php: Activity configuration form


• backup/: Backup functionality for course exports


• restore/: Restore functionality for course imports


• classes/event/: Event tracking and analytics

Capabilities

• mod/advurl:addinstance: Create activities


• mod/advurl:view: View activities


• mod/advurl:reportbroken: Report broken links


• mod/advurl:viewreports: Access dashboard

🔧 Development

Local Development Setup

# Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git



# Install in Moodle development environment

cp -r moodle-mod_advurl /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl



# Run Moodle upgrade

php /path/to/moodle/admin/cli/upgrade.php

Code Standards

This plugin follows Moodle's coding standards:

• Frankenstyle: All functions use mod_advurl_ prefix


• PHPDoc: Comprehensive documentation


• Security: Input validation and output escaping


• Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 compliant

" Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for details.

Development Process

1. Fork the repository


2. Create a feature branch


3. Make your changes


4. Add tests if applicable


5. Submit a pull request

" Changelog

Version 1.1.8 (2025-10-01)

• Fixed: Activity duplication error - "backup_advurl_activity_structure_step not found"


• Added: Required includes for backup/restore stepslib files in task classes


• Improved: Backup and restore functionality now properly loads all dependencies


• Verified: Course duplication and activity copying now works correctly

Version 1.1.7 (2025-10-01)

• Fixed: Removed require_once statements from BOTH backup and restore task files


• Fixed: Activity duplication error - backup task now uses Moodle's auto-loading


• Improved: Full compatibility with Moodle's backup/restore framework


• Note: Moodle automatically discovers and loads all backup/restore classes

Version 1.1.6 (2025-10-01)

• Fixed: Course restore functionality - removed incorrect require_once statement in restore task


• Improved: Compatibility with Moodle's auto-loading backup/restore framework


• Note: Moodle automatically discovers and loads restore classes based on naming conventions

Version 1.1.5

• Fixed: Version number conflict resolution (2025091501)


• Fixed: Added FEATURE_BACKUP_MOODLE2 support for plugin review compliance


• Updated: Version number for Moodle.org plugin directory resubmission


• Enhanced: Backup and restore functionality declaration

Version 1.1.0

• Added: Full backup and restore functionality for Moodle 2 format


• Added: Event tracking system for course module views and analytics


• Added: Privacy provider updates for new data types


• Enhanced: Language strings for new features


• Improved: Version management and upgrade path

Version 1.0.9

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio to eliminate black bars


• Improved: Custom URL validation with better error messages


• Enhanced: User experience with clearer validation feedback

Version 1.0.8

• Added: Custom URL validation error messages


• Improved: User guidance for URL format requirements

Version 1.0.7

• Fixed: YouTube responsive embed parameters


• Enhanced: Video display with modern CSS aspect-ratio

Version 1.0.6

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio issues


• Improved: Video container styling

Version 1.0.5

• Fixed: CSS compatibility for YouTube embed styling


• Enhanced: Cross-version Moodle compatibility

Version 1.0.4

• Added: Backward compatibility wrappers for function names


• Fixed: Fresh installation compatibility issues

Version 1.0.3

• Fixed: Syntax error in language file


• Improved: Code quality

Version 1.0.2

• Fixed: "Show Disclaimer" default value


• Enhanced: Form behavior consistency

Version 1.0.1

• Fixed: Function names to comply with Moodle frankenstyle standards


• Improved: Code quality and documentation

Version 1.0.0

• Initial Release: Complete Advanced URL functionality


• Features: YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, dashboard


• Security: GDPR compliance and capability-based access

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

'‍' Author

Walid Alieldin

• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com


• GitHub: @autoscriptor

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Moodle Community for the excellent platform


• Contributors and testers


• Educational institutions providing feedback

📞 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues


• Documentation: Wiki


• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com

- Links

• Moodle.org


• Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)


• Developer Documentation

Made with "️ for the Moodle Community

Advanced URL - Moodle Activity Module

A powerful Moodle activity module that enhances external link management with advanced features including YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, and course-level configuration.

🚀 Features

" Core Functionality

• External Link Management: Safely open external websites in new tabs


• Dynamic Disclaimer: Customizable warnings with institution name


• YouTube Integration: Automatic detection and embedding of YouTube videos


• Broken Link Reporting: Configurable reporting system with status management


• Backup & Restore: Full Moodle 2 format backup and restore support


• Event Tracking: Comprehensive activity logging and analytics

🎯 Teacher Features

• Course Dashboard: Centralized management interface


• Configurable Email: Set course-wide report email addresses


• Report Management: View and manage broken link reports


• Status Tracking: Track report status (Open, Resolved, False Positive)

🛡️ Security & Privacy

• GDPR Compliant: Full privacy provider implementation


• Capability-based Access: Granular permission control


• Session Security: CSRF protection on all forms

📋 Requirements

• Moodle: 4.0 or later


• PHP: 7.4 or later


• Database: MySQL 5.7+ or PostgreSQL 10+

🛠️ Installation

Method 1: Git Clone

cd /path/to/moodle/mod

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git advurl

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the latest release


2. Extract to /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl/


3. Visit Site Administration ' Notifications


4. Complete the installation

Method 3: Moodle Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)

1. Go to Site Administration ' Plugins ' Install plugins


2. Search for "Advanced URL"


3. Install directly from Moodle plugin directory

⚙️ Configuration

Initial Setup

1. Add to Course: Add "Advanced URL" activity to your course


2. Configure Email: Visit the Advanced URL Dashboard in course navigation


3. Set Report Email: Enter the email address for broken link reports

Activity Settings

• URL: The external link to open


• Detect YouTube Links: Automatically embed YouTube videos


• Show Disclaimer: Display external content warning


• Description: Optional activity description

- Usage

For Teachers

1. Create Activity: Add Advanced URL to your course


2. Configure Settings: Set URL and options


3. Manage Reports: Use dashboard to handle broken link reports


4. Monitor Status: Track report resolution

For Students

1. View Activity: Access the Advanced URL activity


2. Read Disclaimer: Review external content warning


3. Open Link: Click "Open Link in a New Tab" button


4. Report Issues: Use "Report Broken Link" if needed

-️ Architecture

Database Tables

• advurl: Main activity instances


• advurl_reports: Broken link reports


• advurl_course_settings: Course-level configuration

Key Files

• lib.php: Core functionality and YouTube detection


• view.php: Activity display and user interface


• dashboard.php: Teacher management interface


• report.php: Broken link reporting system


• mod_form.php: Activity configuration form


• backup/: Backup functionality for course exports


• restore/: Restore functionality for course imports


• classes/event/: Event tracking and analytics

Capabilities

• mod/advurl:addinstance: Create activities


• mod/advurl:view: View activities


• mod/advurl:reportbroken: Report broken links


• mod/advurl:viewreports: Access dashboard

🔧 Development

Local Development Setup

# Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git



# Install in Moodle development environment

cp -r moodle-mod_advurl /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl



# Run Moodle upgrade

php /path/to/moodle/admin/cli/upgrade.php

Code Standards

This plugin follows Moodle's coding standards:

• Frankenstyle: All functions use mod_advurl_ prefix


• PHPDoc: Comprehensive documentation


• Security: Input validation and output escaping


• Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 compliant

" Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for details.

Development Process

1. Fork the repository


2. Create a feature branch


3. Make your changes


4. Add tests if applicable


5. Submit a pull request

" Changelog

Version 1.1.7 (2025-10-01)

• Fixed: Removed require_once statements from BOTH backup and restore task files


• Fixed: Activity duplication error - backup task now uses Moodle's auto-loading


• Improved: Full compatibility with Moodle's backup/restore framework


• Note: Moodle automatically discovers and loads all backup/restore classes

Version 1.1.6 (2025-10-01)

• Fixed: Course restore functionality - removed incorrect require_once statement in restore task


• Improved: Compatibility with Moodle's auto-loading backup/restore framework


• Note: Moodle automatically discovers and loads restore classes based on naming conventions

Version 1.1.5

• Fixed: Version number conflict resolution (2025091501)


• Fixed: Added FEATURE_BACKUP_MOODLE2 support for plugin review compliance


• Updated: Version number for Moodle.org plugin directory resubmission


• Enhanced: Backup and restore functionality declaration

Version 1.1.0

• Added: Full backup and restore functionality for Moodle 2 format


• Added: Event tracking system for course module views and analytics


• Added: Privacy provider updates for new data types


• Enhanced: Language strings for new features


• Improved: Version management and upgrade path

Version 1.0.9

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio to eliminate black bars


• Improved: Custom URL validation with better error messages


• Enhanced: User experience with clearer validation feedback

Version 1.0.8

• Added: Custom URL validation error messages


• Improved: User guidance for URL format requirements

Version 1.0.7

• Fixed: YouTube responsive embed parameters


• Enhanced: Video display with modern CSS aspect-ratio

Version 1.0.6

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio issues


• Improved: Video container styling

Version 1.0.5

• Fixed: CSS compatibility for YouTube embed styling


• Enhanced: Cross-version Moodle compatibility

Version 1.0.4

• Added: Backward compatibility wrappers for function names


• Fixed: Fresh installation compatibility issues

Version 1.0.3

• Fixed: Syntax error in language file


• Improved: Code quality

Version 1.0.2

• Fixed: "Show Disclaimer" default value


• Enhanced: Form behavior consistency

Version 1.0.1

• Fixed: Function names to comply with Moodle frankenstyle standards


• Improved: Code quality and documentation

Version 1.0.0

• Initial Release: Complete Advanced URL functionality


• Features: YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, dashboard


• Security: GDPR compliance and capability-based access

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

'‍' Author

Walid Alieldin

• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com


• GitHub: @autoscriptor

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Moodle Community for the excellent platform


• Contributors and testers


• Educational institutions providing feedback

📞 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues


• Documentation: Wiki


• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com

- Links

• Moodle.org


• Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)


• Developer Documentation

Made with "️ for the Moodle Community

Advanced URL - Moodle Activity Module

A powerful Moodle activity module that enhances external link management with advanced features including YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, and course-level configuration.

🚀 Features

" Core Functionality

• External Link Management: Safely open external websites in new tabs


• Dynamic Disclaimer: Customizable warnings with institution name


• YouTube Integration: Automatic detection and embedding of YouTube videos


• Broken Link Reporting: Configurable reporting system with status management


• Backup & Restore: Full Moodle 2 format backup and restore support


• Event Tracking: Comprehensive activity logging and analytics

🎯 Teacher Features

• Course Dashboard: Centralized management interface


• Configurable Email: Set course-wide report email addresses


• Report Management: View and manage broken link reports


• Status Tracking: Track report status (Open, Resolved, False Positive)

🛡️ Security & Privacy

• GDPR Compliant: Full privacy provider implementation


• Capability-based Access: Granular permission control


• Session Security: CSRF protection on all forms

📋 Requirements

• Moodle: 4.0 or later


• PHP: 7.4 or later


• Database: MySQL 5.7+ or PostgreSQL 10+

🛠️ Installation

Method 1: Git Clone

cd /path/to/moodle/mod

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git advurl

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the latest release


2. Extract to /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl/


3. Visit Site Administration ' Notifications


4. Complete the installation

Method 3: Moodle Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)

1. Go to Site Administration ' Plugins ' Install plugins


2. Search for "Advanced URL"


3. Install directly from Moodle plugin directory

⚙️ Configuration

Initial Setup

1. Add to Course: Add "Advanced URL" activity to your course


2. Configure Email: Visit the Advanced URL Dashboard in course navigation


3. Set Report Email: Enter the email address for broken link reports

Activity Settings

• URL: The external link to open


• Detect YouTube Links: Automatically embed YouTube videos


• Show Disclaimer: Display external content warning


• Description: Optional activity description

- Usage

For Teachers

1. Create Activity: Add Advanced URL to your course


2. Configure Settings: Set URL and options


3. Manage Reports: Use dashboard to handle broken link reports


4. Monitor Status: Track report resolution

For Students

1. View Activity: Access the Advanced URL activity


2. Read Disclaimer: Review external content warning


3. Open Link: Click "Open Link in a New Tab" button


4. Report Issues: Use "Report Broken Link" if needed

-️ Architecture

Database Tables

• advurl: Main activity instances


• advurl_reports: Broken link reports


• advurl_course_settings: Course-level configuration

Key Files

• lib.php: Core functionality and YouTube detection


• view.php: Activity display and user interface


• dashboard.php: Teacher management interface


• report.php: Broken link reporting system


• mod_form.php: Activity configuration form


• backup/: Backup functionality for course exports


• restore/: Restore functionality for course imports


• classes/event/: Event tracking and analytics

Capabilities

• mod/advurl:addinstance: Create activities


• mod/advurl:view: View activities


• mod/advurl:reportbroken: Report broken links


• mod/advurl:viewreports: Access dashboard

🔧 Development

Local Development Setup

# Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git



# Install in Moodle development environment

cp -r moodle-mod_advurl /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl



# Run Moodle upgrade

php /path/to/moodle/admin/cli/upgrade.php

Code Standards

This plugin follows Moodle's coding standards:

• Frankenstyle: All functions use mod_advurl_ prefix


• PHPDoc: Comprehensive documentation


• Security: Input validation and output escaping


• Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 compliant

" Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for details.

Development Process

1. Fork the repository


2. Create a feature branch


3. Make your changes


4. Add tests if applicable


5. Submit a pull request

" Changelog

Version 1.1.5

• Fixed: Version number conflict resolution (2025091501)


• Fixed: Added FEATURE_BACKUP_MOODLE2 support for plugin review compliance


• Updated: Version number for Moodle.org plugin directory resubmission


• Enhanced: Backup and restore functionality declaration

Version 1.1.0

• Added: Full backup and restore functionality for Moodle 2 format


• Added: Event tracking system for course module views and analytics


• Added: Privacy provider updates for new data types


• Enhanced: Language strings for new features


• Improved: Version management and upgrade path

Version 1.0.9

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio to eliminate black bars


• Improved: Custom URL validation with better error messages


• Enhanced: User experience with clearer validation feedback

Version 1.0.8

• Added: Custom URL validation error messages


• Improved: User guidance for URL format requirements

Version 1.0.7

• Fixed: YouTube responsive embed parameters


• Enhanced: Video display with modern CSS aspect-ratio

Version 1.0.6

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio issues


• Improved: Video container styling

Version 1.0.5

• Fixed: CSS compatibility for YouTube embed styling


• Enhanced: Cross-version Moodle compatibility

Version 1.0.4

• Added: Backward compatibility wrappers for function names


• Fixed: Fresh installation compatibility issues

Version 1.0.3

• Fixed: Syntax error in language file


• Improved: Code quality

Version 1.0.2

• Fixed: "Show Disclaimer" default value


• Enhanced: Form behavior consistency

Version 1.0.1

• Fixed: Function names to comply with Moodle frankenstyle standards


• Improved: Code quality and documentation

Version 1.0.0

• Initial Release: Complete Advanced URL functionality


• Features: YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, dashboard


• Security: GDPR compliance and capability-based access

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

'‍' Author

Walid Alieldin

• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com


• GitHub: @autoscriptor

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Moodle Community for the excellent platform


• Contributors and testers


• Educational institutions providing feedback

📞 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues


• Documentation: Wiki


• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com

- Links

• Moodle.org


• Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)


• Developer Documentation

Made with "️ for the Moodle Community

Advanced URL - Moodle Activity Module

A powerful Moodle activity module that enhances external link management with advanced features including YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, and course-level configuration.

🚀 Features

" Core Functionality

• External Link Management: Safely open external websites in new tabs


• Dynamic Disclaimer: Customizable warnings with institution name


• YouTube Integration: Automatic detection and embedding of YouTube videos


• Broken Link Reporting: Configurable reporting system with status management


• Backup & Restore: Full Moodle 2 format backup and restore support


• Event Tracking: Comprehensive activity logging and analytics

🎯 Teacher Features

• Course Dashboard: Centralized management interface


• Configurable Email: Set course-wide report email addresses


• Report Management: View and manage broken link reports


• Status Tracking: Track report status (Open, Resolved, False Positive)

🛡️ Security & Privacy

• GDPR Compliant: Full privacy provider implementation


• Capability-based Access: Granular permission control


• Session Security: CSRF protection on all forms

📋 Requirements

• Moodle: 4.0 or later


• PHP: 7.4 or later


• Database: MySQL 5.7+ or PostgreSQL 10+

🛠️ Installation

Method 1: Git Clone

cd /path/to/moodle/mod

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git advurl

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the latest release


2. Extract to /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl/


3. Visit Site Administration ' Notifications


4. Complete the installation

Method 3: Moodle Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)

1. Go to Site Administration ' Plugins ' Install plugins


2. Search for "Advanced URL"


3. Install directly from Moodle plugin directory

⚙️ Configuration

Initial Setup

1. Add to Course: Add "Advanced URL" activity to your course


2. Configure Email: Visit the Advanced URL Dashboard in course navigation


3. Set Report Email: Enter the email address for broken link reports

Activity Settings

• URL: The external link to open


• Detect YouTube Links: Automatically embed YouTube videos


• Show Disclaimer: Display external content warning


• Description: Optional activity description

- Usage

For Teachers

1. Create Activity: Add Advanced URL to your course


2. Configure Settings: Set URL and options


3. Manage Reports: Use dashboard to handle broken link reports


4. Monitor Status: Track report resolution

For Students

1. View Activity: Access the Advanced URL activity


2. Read Disclaimer: Review external content warning


3. Open Link: Click "Open Link in a New Tab" button


4. Report Issues: Use "Report Broken Link" if needed

-️ Architecture

Database Tables

• advurl: Main activity instances


• advurl_reports: Broken link reports


• advurl_course_settings: Course-level configuration

Key Files

• lib.php: Core functionality and YouTube detection


• view.php: Activity display and user interface


• dashboard.php: Teacher management interface


• report.php: Broken link reporting system


• mod_form.php: Activity configuration form


• backup/: Backup functionality for course exports


• restore/: Restore functionality for course imports


• classes/event/: Event tracking and analytics

Capabilities

• mod/advurl:addinstance: Create activities


• mod/advurl:view: View activities


• mod/advurl:reportbroken: Report broken links


• mod/advurl:viewreports: Access dashboard

🔧 Development

Local Development Setup

# Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/autoscriptor/moodle-mod_advurl.git



# Install in Moodle development environment

cp -r moodle-mod_advurl /path/to/moodle/mod/advurl



# Run Moodle upgrade

php /path/to/moodle/admin/cli/upgrade.php

Code Standards

This plugin follows Moodle's coding standards:

• Frankenstyle: All functions use mod_advurl_ prefix


• PHPDoc: Comprehensive documentation


• Security: Input validation and output escaping


• Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 compliant

" Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for details.

Development Process

1. Fork the repository


2. Create a feature branch


3. Make your changes


4. Add tests if applicable


5. Submit a pull request

" Changelog

Version 1.1.0

• Added: Full backup and restore functionality for Moodle 2 format


• Added: Event tracking system for course module views and analytics


• Added: Privacy provider updates for new data types


• Enhanced: Language strings for new features


• Improved: Version management and upgrade path

Version 1.0.9

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio to eliminate black bars


• Improved: Custom URL validation with better error messages


• Enhanced: User experience with clearer validation feedback

Version 1.0.8

• Added: Custom URL validation error messages


• Improved: User guidance for URL format requirements

Version 1.0.7

• Fixed: YouTube responsive embed parameters


• Enhanced: Video display with modern CSS aspect-ratio

Version 1.0.6

• Fixed: YouTube video aspect ratio issues


• Improved: Video container styling

Version 1.0.5

• Fixed: CSS compatibility for YouTube embed styling


• Enhanced: Cross-version Moodle compatibility

Version 1.0.4

• Added: Backward compatibility wrappers for function names


• Fixed: Fresh installation compatibility issues

Version 1.0.3

• Fixed: Syntax error in language file


• Improved: Code quality

Version 1.0.2

• Fixed: "Show Disclaimer" default value


• Enhanced: Form behavior consistency

Version 1.0.1

• Fixed: Function names to comply with Moodle frankenstyle standards


• Improved: Code quality and documentation

Version 1.0.0

• Initial Release: Complete Advanced URL functionality


• Features: YouTube embedding, broken link reporting, dashboard


• Security: GDPR compliance and capability-based access

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

'‍' Author

Walid Alieldin

• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com


• GitHub: @autoscriptor

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Moodle Community for the excellent platform


• Contributors and testers


• Educational institutions providing feedback

📞 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues


• Documentation: Wiki


• Email: walid.alieldin@gmail.com

- Links

• Moodle.org


• Plugin Directory (Coming Soon)


• Developer Documentation

Made with "️ for the Moodle Community

Advanced URL – Enhanced External Link Tool for Moodle

'‍' Developer:

Walid Alieldin - walid.alieldin@gmail.com

📌 Purpose and Overview

The Advanced URL plugin is a custom Moodle activity module that improves upon Moodle's core "URL" resource. Its goal is to offer:

• Safer and more consistent user experience when accessing external learning resources.


• YouTube video embedding for seamless viewing experience.


• Administrative tools for reporting and managing broken links.


• Better integration into the course page without iframe security issues.


• Built-in tools for instructors and admins to monitor external content health.

" Current Functionality Summary

1. Activity Display (Frontend)

• Each Advanced URL item:
  
  
  
  • Shows its name and description on the course page.
  
  
  • Opens the external link in a new browser tab upon click (or embeds YouTube videos).
  
  
  • Displays a disclaimer message alerting users that the link is external and outside institutional control.
  
  
  
  

2. View Page Features

• Two buttons displayed prominently:
  
  
  
  • "Open Link in a New Tab" – opens the external resource in a new tab (or YouTube).
  
  
  • "Report Broken Link" – submits a report to the system (see below).
  
  
  
  


• A disclaimer message is displayed (customizable per institution name).


• YouTube Detection: Automatically detects and embeds YouTube videos when enabled.


• Responsive Video Player: Modern aspect ratio with no black bars.


• A footer notice is present at the bottom of the page.

3. YouTube Integration

• Automatic Detection: Recognizes YouTube URLs in various formats.


• Smart Embedding: Embeds videos directly on the page when enabled.


• Fallback Support: Always provides "Open in New Tab" option.


• Responsive Design: Mobile-friendly video player with modern aspect ratio.


• No Letterboxing: Eliminates black bars for optimal viewing experience.

🧠 Reporting System

Report Button Behavior:

• Appears to all authenticated users with appropriate permissions.


• Always visible regardless of email configuration.


• If email is configured: Sends a broken link report via email_to_user() to configured course email.


• If no email is configured: Still logs the report to the dashboard for tracking.


• Report includes:
  
  
  
  • External URL
  
  
  • Course name and ID
  
  
  • Activity name and ID
  
  
  • Reporting user's name and ID
  
  
  • Timestamp
  
  
  
  

Database Table:

• Custom table advurl_reports logs:
  
  
  
  • Reported URL
  
  
  • Reporting user ID
  
  
  • Course ID
  
  
  • Activity ID
  
  
  • Timestamp
  
  
  • Report status (open, resolved, false_positive)
  
  
  
  

⚙️ Admin and Teacher Interfaces

Dashboard Features:

• Course Settings: Configure report email address per course.


• Reports Management: View and manage all broken link reports.


• Status Updates: Mark reports as resolved, false positive, or reopen.


• Real-time Updates: Instant status changes with visual feedback.


• Email Validation: Server-side validation for email addresses.


• Status Tracking: Color-coded badges for easy identification.

Teacher View:

• Advanced URL Dashboard accessible from course navigation.


• View all broken link reports associated with their course.


• Update report status with one-click actions.


• Color-coded status badges for easy identification.

🔧 Technical Details

Plugin Type:

• Moodle Activity Module (mod)

Plugin Name:

• mod_advurl

Moodle Version Compatibility:

• Tested on Moodle 4.0+

Key Files:

• view.php: renders the external link page, buttons, and disclaimer.


• dashboard.php: course settings and reports management.


• report.php: handles broken link submissions and email notifications.


• lib.php: implements plugin logic, hooks, and YouTube detection.


• mod_form.php: activity creation/editing form with custom validation.


• version.php: defines plugin version and metadata.


• db/install.xml: defines database tables.


• db/upgrade.php: manages version upgrades.


• lang/en/advurl.php: contains plugin language strings.


• pix/icon.svg: plugin icon.


• classes/privacy/provider.php: GDPR compliance implementation.

Current Version:

• 2025072909


• Release: 1.0.9 (Stable)

🚫 Removed Features

• iframe embedding has been completely disabled due to security concerns and inconsistent display behavior.


• The display setting was deprecated in code but may still be present in legacy installs for backwards compatibility.


• Hardcoded email addresses - now configurable per course.


• Generic error messages - replaced with custom, user-friendly validation messages.

' Future Improvement Suggestions

• Bulk broken link reporting dashboard (with CSV export).


• Scheduled task that pings links and flags failures.


• Student comments with reports.


• Feedback loop for instructors.


• Analytics dashboard showing link usage and broken links.


• Support for additional media platforms (Vimeo, audio files, etc.).


• Advanced filtering and sorting in reports table.


• Auto-prepend https:// for URLs without protocol.


• Enhanced YouTube analytics and tracking.

🧳 Deployment

• Upload the plugin folder to /mod/advurl.


• Install via Site administration ' Plugins ' Install plugins, or extract manually and complete the upgrade.


• Requires working Moodle mail configuration (email_to_user).


• Configure report email addresses through the Advanced URL Dashboard.

📋 Requirements

• Moodle 4.0 or later


• Working email configuration


• Teacher permissions to access dashboard

' Security & Privacy

• All external content warnings are displayed


• User activity is logged for broken link reports


• GDPR compliant with data export/deletion capabilities


• No personal data stored beyond reporting functionality


• CSRF protection on all forms


• Input validation and output escaping


• Capability-based access control

🆕 Recent Improvements (v1.0.9)

YouTube Video Enhancement:

• Fixed aspect ratio to eliminate black bars (letterboxing)


• Modern CSS implementation using aspect-ratio property


• Responsive design that works across all devices


• Enhanced embed parameters for better performance

User Experience Improvements:

• Custom URL validation with helpful error messages


• Better form feedback for URL format requirements


• Improved error handling throughout the plugin


• Enhanced visual design with modern styling

Technical Enhancements:

• Frankenstyle compliance for all function names


• Backward compatibility for fresh installations


• Cross-version compatibility across Moodle versions


• Comprehensive upgrade path from all previous versions