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In TYPO3 web development, the Table Configuration Array (TCA) plays a pivotal role in defining the structure and behavior of database tables that TYPO3 interacts with. This global array, accessible through $GLOBALS['TCA'], serves as a layer on top of database tables, providing a structured way to configure various aspects of TYPO3 functionality. In this article, we will delve into the depths of TYPO3 TCA, understanding its significance, and exploring the key elements it encompasses.

TCA - Table Configuration Array:
Generally, it is referred to as the global array known as $GLOBALS['TCA']. This array acts as a layer on top of the database table that TYPO3 can operate on.

What Does TCA Cover?

Relations Between Two Tables:
TCA facilitates the definition of relationships between two tables, providing a structured way for TYPO3 to manage database connections.

Fields Displayed in the Backend:
TCA governs the fields that are displayed in the TYPO3 backend. This includes configuring how various types of fields are presented to content editors and administrators.

How Fields are Used in the Frontend by Extbase and Any Extension Referring to This Information:
TCA is crucial for Extbase and other extensions to understand how fields should be utilized in the frontend. This includes mapping database fields to corresponding frontend elements and ensuring seamless integration between the backend and frontend.

What is structure of TYPO3 TCA

$GLOBALS['TCA']['tt_content'] = [
...
];
$GLOBALS['TCA']['tx_my_extension'] = [
...
];

2nd-level TCA
'ctrl' => [
....
],
'interface' => [
....
],
'columns' => [
....
],
'types' => [
....
],
'palettes' => [
....
],
];

How to extend custom TCA

Step 2. Now you can Configuration/TCA/Overrides/tt_content.php

\TYPO3\CMS\Core\Utility\ExtensionManagementUtility::addTCAcolumns(
'tt_content',
[
'tx_examples_noprint' => [
'exclude' => 0,
'label' => 'LLL:EXT:examples/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_db.xlf:tt_content.tx_examples_noprint',
'config' => [
'type' => 'check',
'renderType' => 'checkboxToggle',
'items' => [
[
0 => '',
1 => ''
]
],
],
],
]
);

\TYPO3\CMS\Core\Utility\ExtensionManagementUtility::addFieldsToPalette(
'tt_content',
'access',
'tx_examples_noprint',
'before:editlock'
);

Step 3. Done

Compilation of TYPO3 TCA Fields

TCA-1: Fundamental Input Configuration

'input_1' => [
'l10n_mode' => 'prefixLangTitle',
'exclude' => 1,
'label' => 'input_1 description',
'description' => 'field description',
'config' => [
'type' => 'input',
'behaviour' => [
'allowLanguageSynchronization' => true,
]
],
],

           'default' => 0,
           'slider' => [
               'step' => 10,
               'width' => 200,
           ],
       ],
   ],