How to create a catalog site with views and taxonomy?

Question

I'm trying to setup a site where users can download pdfs that are sorted into different categories based what type are. I've coded out what I want in a html version (which is currently live here) but I need to make this into a CMS (first time for me in Drupal, I've been using other CMSs such Wordpress).

Here's the structure I'm after (also would like to have the URL aliases mention below):

Displayed on Main Download Page (url: domainname/downloadpage):

(Probably a block)

• First Top Category
  • First Sub Category
  • Second Sub Category
  • Third Sub Category

(Also a block)

• Second Top Category
  • First Sub Category
  • Second Sub Category
  • Third Sub Category

Displayed on Top Category Page (url: domainname/downloadpage/firsttopcategory):

(A block but doesn't have to be)

• First Top Category
  • First Sub Category
  • Second Sub Category
  • Third Sub Category

Displayed on Sub Category Page [already worked this out- just trying to link/incorporate it] (url: domainname/downloadpage/firsttopcategory/firstsubcategory):

• First Sub Category
  [in a table]
  • Download Name Field1 Field2 Download Link
  • Name Field1 Field2 Download Link

I've already worked out how to create a content type for this, all I need to get this structure into place. This has been a good help but I can't seem to get the way I need it with what I'm after. If you could point me in the right direction in order to archive this, it would be very much appreciated.

Answer 1

Have a look at either of these modules, both have an official D7 version (quotes included are from their project pages):

• Taxonomy Menu Block

  Taxonomy Menu Block allows you to make blocks containing unordered lists that represent the structure of your vocabularies, creating a menu out of your taxonomies (without using Drupal's menu system).

  Taxonomy Menu Block combines the idea of Taxonomy menu with the workings of Menu block:

  • Make multiple menus per vocabulary.
  • "Split" the taxonomy into different menus. This allows, for example, the creation of one menu with only the top items (parents) of a vocabulary and another menu with only the sub-items (children).
  • Make a menu out of a specific branch of your vocabulary only.
  • Follow the active trail, also for nodes coupled to a term with a term reference field.

  Taxonomy Menu Block also comes with its own theme function and a few hooks (see the .api.php file) that allows you to alter the generated data to your needs.

• Taxonomy Block

  This module displays a list of taxonomy terms in a block from a single vocabulary.