Framework
*********

MapFish is a flexible and complete framework for building rich web-mapping
applications. It emphasizes high productivity, and high-quality development. 

MapFish is based on the `Pylons <http://pylonshq.com>`_ Python web framework.
MapFish extends Pylons with geospatial-specific functionality. For example
MapFish provides specific tools for creating web services that allow querying
and editing geographic objects.

MapFish also provides a complete RIA-oriented JavaScript toolbox, a JavaScript
testing environment, and tools for compressing JavaScript code. The JavaScript
toolbox is composed of the `Ext <http://extjs.com>`_, `OpenLayers
<http://www.openlayers.org>`_ , `GeoExt <http://www.geoext.org>`_ JavaScript
toolkits, and specific components for interacting with MapFish web services.

Forewords
---------

In the following sections we assume that the MapFish framework is installed in
a virtual Python environment named ``venv`` and that this virtual environment
is activated.  See the `installation page <../installation.html>`_ to know how to
install MapFish and activate the virtual environment.

This documentation provides links to chapters of the `The Definitive Guide To
Pylons <http://pylonsbook.com/en/1.0/index.html>`_ book. Reading this book is
highly recommended to anyone considering doing serious development with
MapFish.


Table Of Contents:
------------------

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2

   mapfish-application
   javascript-toolbox
   webservice
   customizing-webservices
   spatial-databases
   upgrading


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`API References <../reference/index.html#server>`_