Dolibarr, known for its status as an open-source ERP and CRM, continues to evolve and attract new businesses thanks to its flexibility and wide range of features. One of Dolibarr’s primary draws is its modularity. Each company can tailor its installation by enabling or disabling modules according to its specific needs. But for those looking to go even further, developing custom modules offers the opportunity to enhance the user experience and address highly specific requirements.

So, how do you start developing a Dolibarr module in 2025? In this article, we’ll explore the essential steps, the necessary tools, best practices to follow, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, this guide provides a clear and detailed roadmap to successfully carry out your module development projects.

1. Understanding Dolibarr’s Architecture

Before diving into module development, it’s crucial to understand Dolibarr’s underlying architecture and structure. Dolibarr is built on a modular model where each module is autonomous yet can interact with other system components.

1.1. Key Directories and Files
Dolibarr is organized into several distinct directories. Modules are generally located in either the htdocs/custom folder (for custom modules) or the htdocs/module folder (for native or officially supported modules). Within these folders, each module has its own structure, which typically includes:

• A main configuration file: Often named mod[ModuleName].class.php, this file defines the module’s characteristics, such as its name, version, dependencies, and menu entry points.
• Directories for pages, classes, and templates: PHP files used for the user interface are found in a /page or /admin subfolder. Business logic classes (often named with the class.php suffix) reside in a /core directory.
• Language files: To support translations, text strings are stored in dedicated files (usually in a /lang directory).

1.2. Fundamental Dolibarr Concepts
To develop effectively, it’s also important to grasp some key concepts, such as:

• Hooks and triggers: These mechanisms allow you to integrate with existing Dolibarr events, such as when a user creates an invoice or updates a product record.
• Permissions and access rights: Each module can define its own permissions, enabling or restricting certain actions based on user roles.
• APIs and database structure: Dolibarr relies on a MySQL/MariaDB database. Understanding the table structure and the classes that handle them (like CommonObject) is essential for managing data within your modules.

2. Setting Up Your Development Environment

Before writing a single line of code, it’s important to prepare a suitable development environment. This ensures smooth progress, effective testing, and easier maintenance.

2.1. Using a Local Installation
It’s recommended to work on a local copy of Dolibarr. Install Dolibarr on your development machine (for instance, using XAMPP or WAMP on Windows, MAMP on Mac, or a LAMP environment on Linux) so you can test your modules without impacting a production site. Make sure you’re using a recent version of Dolibarr to benefit from the latest features and avoid compatibility issues.

2.2. Useful Tools and Extensions

• A code editor or IDE: Use a modern editor such as Visual Studio Code, PhpStorm, or Sublime Text, which offers features like autocompletion, integrated debugging, and code navigation.
• Git for version control: Version your code so you can roll back changes if needed.
• Access to Dolibarr documentation: Regularly consult the official documentation and community forums. Experienced developers often share tips, tricks, and solutions there.

3. The Key Steps in Developing a Module

With your environment ready, it’s time to focus on the practical steps for creating a module.

3.1. Defining the Purpose and Features
Before you start coding, clarify what your module is intended to do. Ask yourself:

• What problem does my module solve?
• Who are the end users, and what are their specific needs?
• What key features (pages, reports, action buttons) does my module need to include?

Documenting these elements helps guide your development and prevents scope creep.

3.2. Creating the Initial Structure
Begin by creating the foundational files:

• The module configuration file (mod[ModuleName].class.php): Define the main details of the module, such as its name, description, required rights, and dependencies.
• Language and resource directories: Prepare .lang files for translations and a directory for any CSS, JavaScript, or image resources.
• Initial PHP files: If you plan to include administration pages, set up a clear structure now (e.g., /admin/setup.php).

3.3. Using Hooks and Triggers
Hooks and triggers let you add or modify Dolibarr’s existing behavior without touching its core code. For example, you can use a hook to display an additional button on a product card or a trigger to perform an action whenever an invoice is validated.

3.4. Adding Permissions and Menus
If your module should only be accessible to certain users, configure the necessary rights. Then, add menu entries so users can easily navigate to your new pages or features.

3.5. Testing and Debugging
After each development step, thoroughly test your module:

• Check that your pages display correctly.
• Ensure that actions triggered by hooks or triggers behave as expected.
• Test with different user accounts to confirm that permissions are correctly applied.

4. Best Practices and Common Pitfalls to Avoid

To ensure a successful development process, keep the following tips and common mistakes in mind:

4.1. Follow coding standards
Adhere to Dolibarr’s naming conventions and community guidelines. This makes your code more readable and simplifies collaboration with other developers.

4.2. Document your code
Include clear comments in your code. Explain why certain decisions were made and how your functions are intended to be used.

4.3. Avoid modifying Dolibarr core code
Never directly edit Dolibarr’s native files. Instead, focus on using hooks, triggers, and custom modules to add functionality. This ensures that your changes won’t be lost during updates.

4.4. Plan for future updates
Design your module to remain compatible with future versions of Dolibarr. Rely on native functions and APIs rather than hard-coding solutions that may break with new releases.

5. Publishing and Sharing Your Module

Once your module is finalized, you can choose to keep it in-house or share it with the community. If you want to publish it:

• Make sure it’s well-tested and stable.
• Provide clear user documentation.
• Share it on the Dolistore, on GitHub, or within the community to receive feedback and improvements.

Conclusion

Developing Dolibarr modules in 2025 is an enriching process that allows you to customize this ERP to your heart’s content. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create robust, efficient modules that meet your users’ specific needs. Whether you’re new to development or a seasoned professional, mastering best practices and understanding the foundational principles ensures long-term success in your projects. So don’t hesitate: get started and enhance your Dolibarr experience with your own custom modules.