views module

Using View's Relationships is quite simply a matter of knowing how "one piece of content relates to another". If you can wrap your head around this simple concept, then all your complex Drupal views will be realized quickly.

The most common use of Views relationships will center around content types which utilize some form of "reference" field type. This will likely be either User references or Node references - but won't be limited to these field types for use in Views relationships.

Understanding how the data is stored within the Drupal database is also a big help to achieving your goals.

If you start with the data and relationships in mind first, then arriving at your ultimate goal will become much easier.

Views, the uber-module for pulling selective content out of your Drupal database, which formerly, only a top module developer could dream of, enables you to use arguments.

"What the heck are Views Arguments and how do I use them?"

I'm glad you asked! Using the Arguments feature of Views increases your ability to add all kinds of coolness (and may make you cool in the process).

Your task, should you attempt it without the help of Views (and likely fail - unless you're willing to write your own SQL), is to create a front page listing of content where the top-most item is less than 2 weeks old and has an average star rating of 4.5 or higher. This is what is presented in this video - using Views, of course.

So, maybe you're like me, and you've waited and waited until you think you absolutely have to start using Views before you take that first step.

Well, here's a great chance. In this Drupal video about the Views module, I've opted not to create a new custom view from scratch. I won't insult your intelligence by assuming you don't know what Fields are in a database. Rather, I walk through the various settings which Views provides and attempt to help you get familiar with its various pieces.