> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/readme.md).

# Getting started

Learn about the NorrCompetition component.

## Overview

NorrCompetition is a modern, feature-rich photo, video, and simple voting contest extension for Joomla.

NorrCompetition is designed for organizing online contests with community voting and real-time standings. The component provides flexible settings allowing administrators to run various types of contests:

* **Photo** — voting for photos uploaded by contestants.
* **Video** — voting for online videos (YouTube, Vimeo, and other supported video providers).
* **Simple** — voting for entries without media uploads (e.g., voting for a company, project, nomination, or idea).

Custom fields allow administrators to customize the entry submission form for any scenario, collecting structured data and metadata from contestants.

You can explore the full list of features on the [component page](https://norrnext.com/joomla-extensions/norrcompetition).

### Product Scope

The component is widely used on various types of websites where contests with community voting are needed:

* Creative & photography portfolios
* Model and talent agencies
* Community, educational, and school competitions
* Music, arts, and culinary contests
* Corporate awards, brand ratings, and municipal portals
* Social networks and niche hobby communities (pets, cars, flowers, etc.)

NorrCompetition significantly boosts user engagement and website traffic: interactive voting and real-time standings encourage contestants to invite their friends, family, and followers to participate and vote.

### Philosophy & Architecture

NorrCompetition is built natively for Joomla 5+ and PHP 8.2+:

* **100% Native & Open Source:** Modern PHP 8.2+ architecture, strict dependency injection, typed Joomla Events, and zero modifications to Joomla core.
* **Modern Standards:** Uses Joomla WebAssetManager for script and stylesheet delivery, modern CSS variables, and responsive layout structures.
* **Templating & Overrides:** Full support for Joomla child templates and template overrides, allowing seamless visual integration into any modern Joomla template (Cassiopeia, YOOtheme Pro, and custom templates).
* **Extensibility:** Robust plugin ecosystem (Smart Search / Finder, AI Image Moderation, AWS S3 Remote Storage, Email Notifications, User Points integration) and modern event dispatcher for developer customizations.

### Photos Disclaimer

Models' photos and sample images displayed in documentation or demo websites are for demonstration purposes only and are not distributed within the core installation package. Sample data images (installed via the optional sample data plugin) are distributed under open-source licenses.