Rar9
Designing a Ultimate Token System for SveltyCMS
As a Content Editor, I want to insert dynamic, contextual data into input fields using a simple UI, so that I can create consistent, SEO-friendly content (like URL slugs and meta titles) without manual effort.
As a Developer, I want a secure, extensible, and permission-aware token system, so that I can provide powerful features to editors while maintaining system stability and security. This is a phased plan to build a robust and scalable token system.
Foundational Engine (The Core Services)
## Define Core Types: Create the TypeScript definitions that will power the system. This includes the enhanced TokenDefinition and a new ModifierDefinition (details in the next section).
## Implement the Token Service: Build the central replaceTokens(template, context) service. It will use regex to find {{...}} placeholders and a helper to access nested data. At this stage, it will just handle direct replacement.
Implement the Dynamic Token Registry:
Build the getAvailableTokens(schema, user, config) service. This is the brain that discovers tokens by introspecting: Collection schemas (entry.) Collection settings (collection.) Public config (site.) User data (user.) and system globals (now).
The User Experience (UI & Integration)
## Build the <TokenSelector /> Component: Create the Svelte component with fuzzy search, collapsible groups, and a rich display for each token's name, description, and the token string itself.
## Initial Widget Integration: Enhance the Input widget with a token: boolean option in its Params. When true, display a trigger button that opens the <TokenSelector />.
Permissions Integration:
Refactor the TokenRegistry to perform the user role permission check against the field's permissions object, filtering the token list accordingly.
Advanced Functionality (Modifiers & Power Features)
## Implement the Modifier Engine: Upgrade the TokenService to parse for the | pipe character. Create a library of modifier functions that can be dynamically called.
Build Initial Modifier Library:
Text:
upper, lower, capitalize, truncate(length), slugify
Date:
date(format) (using a library like date-fns)
Logical: default('fallback value')
Implement Slug Feature:
Create or enhance a Slug widget that takes a pattern in its configuration. The widget's Svelte component will use the TokenService to reactively update its value when the source fields (like the title) change.
Expansion (Scalability & Extensibility)
Implement Advanced Modifiers:
Image Manipulation:
Create an image_style('style_name') modifier. The token would provide an image ID/path, and the modifier would call a backend service to return a URL for a transformed image (e.g., thumbnail, banner). This leverages your MEDIASERVER_URL config.
Relational Data: Implement a related('field_name') modifier. This would allow chaining, like {{entry.author_id | related('name')}} to fetch and display the author's name from a related collection.
Developer API:
Enhance WidgetFunction type to allow custom widgets to register their own tokens and modifiers, making the system truly extensible.
Performance Optimization:
For very large sites, implement caching for the getAvailableTokens function. The list of tokens for a specific collection and user role is static, so it can be cached to improve UI performance.
Proposal: Scalable, Secure, and Editor-Friendly Token System
I propose a robust and extensible token system that empowers content editors to insert dynamic, contextual data directly into input fields — while giving developers full control over security, scalability, and system behavior. This solution will create a seamless bridge between editor usability and developer governance, ensuring that the system remains consistent, secure, and adaptable as your platform grows.
Phase 1 — Foundational Engine (Core Infrastructure) Objective
Lay the technical foundation with clean architecture, strong typing, and secure data handling.
Approach
Define Core Types: Establish a consistent model for tokens and modifiers that can evolve without breaking changes.
Token Service: Build the central replaceTokens() engine that parses and replaces tokens dynamically using a robust template parsing mechanism.
Dynamic Token Registry: Implement a discovery service that introspects the CMS schema, user data, and configuration to dynamically expose tokens like:
entry. → current collection fields
collection. → collection metadata
site. → global config
user. → logged-in user context
now. → current date/time
Outcome
A solid, modular service that other parts of the CMS can build upon — ensuring all token replacements are consistent and secure across the entire platform.
Phase 2 — User Experience (UI & Integration) Objective
Empower editors with a simple, intuitive interface to discover and insert tokens effortlessly.
Approach
Token Picker Component (Svelte):
Fuzzy search and grouping by context (Entry, Site, User, System).
Clear visual display of token syntax and descriptions.
One-click insertion into any supported input field.
Widget Integration:
Enhance the Input and Slug widgets with a toggle (token: true) to enable token insertion.
Real-time preview showing how tokens resolve.
Permission Awareness:
Integrate user role checks directly into the Token Registry to ensure editors see only the tokens they are allowed to use.
Outcome
A polished, editor-friendly UI that simplifies complex dynamic content creation — minimizing manual errors and ensuring SEO consistency.
Phase 3 — Advanced Functionality (Modifiers & Power Features) Objective
Expand the token engine to handle transformations, relationships, and advanced logic through a modular modifier system.
Approach
Modifier Engine:
Introduce support for the | pipe syntax ({{entry.title | slugify}}).
Create a starter library of common modifiers:
Text: upper, lower, capitalize, truncate, slugify
Date: date(format) using a reliable date library
Logic: default('fallback value')
Slug Feature:
Build or enhance a reactive Slug widget that automatically updates based on linked fields (e.g., title).
Image and Relational Modifiers (Expansion Phase):
image_style('thumbnail') → Generates processed URLs via the media server.
related('author') → Dynamically fetches related data for display.
Outcome
A powerful and flexible engine that transforms simple placeholders into intelligent, automated, and SEO-optimized content — without developers hardcoding every pattern.
Phase 4 — Scalability & Extensibility Objective
Ensure long-term maintainability and developer empowerment.
Approach
Developer API: Allow custom widgets and modules to register their own tokens and modifiers.
Performance Optimization: Cache token lists per collection and user role to improve UI speed.
Security & Stability: Sandbox modifier execution and enforce strict permission validation before exposing tokens.
Outcome
A future-proof foundation that can support thousands of entries, multiple user roles, and custom integrations — without sacrificing speed or security.
Why Choose Me
I focus on building systems that balance UX, performance, and developer trust. With a deep understanding of both frontend architecture (Svelte, reactive design) and backend service patterns (TypeScript, role-based APIs, schema-driven discovery), I can lead this token system from concept to production with clean documentation, modular design, and clear integration paths for future expansion.
You’ll get:
A scalable, standards-compliant codebase
A clean UI experience for editors
A maintainable, secure engine for developers
And a system that naturally aligns with your SEO and automation goals
nice to meet you
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 9:42 AM Diamond @.***> wrote:
greenhub7 left a comment (SveltyCMS/SveltyCMS#276) https://github.com/SveltyCMS/SveltyCMS/issues/276#issuecomment-3501323666
Hi
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On Wed, Nov 12, 2025 at 6:43 AM Diamond @.***> wrote:
greenhub7 left a comment (SveltyCMS/SveltyCMS#276) https://github.com/SveltyCMS/SveltyCMS/issues/276#issuecomment-3520122943
Where are you from? how is it going?
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