LoginToboggan

__**Description**__
The LoginTobaggan module is an extension to improve the existing Drupal login system. This module includes features that are most frequently requested that the standard Drupal registration and login system does not offer. Thus, providing an alternate and easier way for user registration and login. This particular module was chosen for building social networks because both Drupal and non-Drupal users can sign up for an account through the use of it. Hence, enabling any user to join this social network.

__**Features**__
It offers the key user login feature required for all social networks. Its features include: 1. Users have the option to login using either their username OR e-mail address. 2. Users can login immediately. 3. Non-logged-in (anonymous) users are brought to a login form when they attempt to reach Access Denied pages. 4. There are two login block options: a) JavaScript displays the login form within the block when user clicks to login, b) users are brought to a separate page when they click to login, but is returned back to the original page once they are logged in. 5. Admin can customize the registration form to include two e-mail fields for better accuracy. 6. Admin can redirect the user to a specific page when the ‘immediate login’ feature is used. 7. Admin can redirect the user to a specific page when the users’ e-mail address has been validated. 8. Admin can display a successful login user message. 9. Admin can combine onto one page, the login and registration form.

**Step 1: Download & Install**
Download the LoginToboggan module from: @http://drupal.org/project/logintoboggan

Then, install the module by going to Module >> + Install New Module >> Install

**Step 2: Enable LoginToboggan**


After, go back to 'Module' and check on the box next to LoginToboggan.

Next, click on 'Save Configuration' at the bottom of the page.


 * LoginToboggan Content Access Integration, LoginToboggan Rules Integration and LoginToboggan Variable Integration are additional options enabling this module to be integrated with other modules. These options can only be activated after installing the optional modules (Content_Access, Rules and Variable).

**Step 3: Configure**


Go back to to LoginToboggan and click on 'Configure'.

**Step 4: Log In**


//Allow users to login using their e-mail address//: Choose to Disabled or Enabled this feature. By enabling this feature, it allows users to enter either their username or e-mail address to log in. E-mail addresses are typically easier for users to remember as log in name.

By check the box beside //Present a unified login/registration page//, it provide access to both functions on the same page. By default and leaving it blank will shows both tabs.

**Step 5: Registration**


//Use two email fields on registration form:// By enabling this feature will allow users to enter the e-mail address twice to ensure that they have entered correctly.

//Set Password:// By checking on this box will allow users to choose their initial password during registration.

//Non-authenticated role:// If set password is selected, this allows users to login immediately after registering without having to wait for their confirmation email and verify it.

//Delete unvalidated users after:// The drop down menu provides various time span options. This prevents spam bots from registration because it deletes any users that haven't confirmed their registration via emails.

//Immediate login:// This only applies if the 'Set password' option is enabled, which allows users to log in immediately after registering.

**Step 6: Redirections**


//Redirect path on registration:// Place a path to the page (e.g node #,, URL) that you want to redirect users to after they registered for an account.

//Redirect path on confirmation:// Place a path to the page (e.g node #,, URL) that you want them to see after they confirm their e-mail notification.

//Override destination parameter:// By default, priority is given to a 'destination' parameter (originating URL) and by checking on this box will allow the login toboggan to override this parameter.

**Step 7: Setting Other Simple Rules**
//Present login form on access denied:// By enabling this feature, anonymous users will be presented with a login/registration form when access is denied.

//Display login successful message:// When enabled, users will receive a "Log in successful" message once logged in.

//Minimum password length:// It sets a minimum password that users must input in order login. By leaving this option 'None' will allow users to login within as few as two characters. For security purposes, you should set it to some minimum number, and usually, the higher is better.

**Step 8: Final Appearance on the site**


This is what it looks like for users with an account.



This is what it looks like for users that want to sign up for an account on the website.

__**Comparison to a Popular Social Networking Site - Facebook**__


In comparison to the popular social network: Facebook, here are the similarities and differences between the two login pages (with the current LoginToboggan setup we have - the default settings with minor changes):

**Similarities:**
- Both enable new users to register and existing users to sign in - Both provide the option to either 'request a new password' or 'forgot your password?' - Both ask the user to re-enter their e-mail address to ensure accuracy

**Differences:**
- Facebook has both existing user sign in and new user registration blocks on the same home page, whereas, LoginTobbogan has separate pages for the two options - LoginToboggan enables users to sign in with either a username or e-mail address, whereas, Facebook has only the option of signing in with an e-mail address - LoginToboggan enables new users registering to see their 'password strength' and to re-enter their password to ensure accuracy

Hence, both login pages have strengths and weaknesses. In our opinion, the most important features should be asking the new users to re-enter their password to ensure a smooth sign up process. Also, to include both the new users' registration and existing users' login blocks on the same page to speed up the registration process.

__**Other Resources**__
DrupalContrib is an additional resource website for enabling and customizing more advanced features in LoginTobbogan using API.