Where can I find extensions for the Joomla!® CMS?

Read this if you are thinking about installing a Joomla! 3rd Party Extension

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread!

There are thousands of extensions to choose from in the Joomla! Extension Directory.

But not all are to be recommended, either because they are untested or not well supported by their developer.

Others may result in your website becoming less secure.

It is important to use only extensions that can be trusted and are regularly updated by their developers.

Before you install and use any third party Joomla! extensions we recommend that you undertake the following checks.

Undertake a full backup of your website

You should always do this before installing a third party Joomla! extension.

If your website later malfunctions you can then restore your backed up version of your website.

The Joomla! Vulnerable Extensions List

Always check that the extension you want to use is not on this list.

Periodically re-check.

Read more: Joomla! Vulnerable Extensions List.

Check for License Restrictions

If your website is a business website then you are advised to first check with the developer that there are no restrictions relating to using their extension without charge.

A Useful Check List when installing / uninstalling 3rd party extensions

1. Backup your website before installing an extension.
2. Check for extension vulnerabilities on the Joomla! Vulnerable Extensions List.
3. Only download from trusted sites.
4. Test an extension on a development site before installing on your live site.
5. Test an extension on your live site next, checking logs for runtime errors and warnings when doing so.
6. Remove junk files following installation of an extension.
7. When uninstalling an extension, check that all related folders and files were actually removed by uninstall scripts.
8. When uninstalling an extension, remove any related database tables complete with data that were left behind by uninstall scripts.