From your remark it seems there may be some confusion about what is needed. The word 'option' does not really describe how this is used. The word option implies that a product is offered that has several configuration options. Similar to how you can buy a car with the option 'airbag'.
yes, P-Pharma looks like the "option" word is the source of the misunderstanding.
In CS-Cart "option" term is used in the same meaning as product property like "color" or "size". Whereas "combination" is used in the meaning of a separate product with its own inventory and SKU - just like you said about the option.
I'm just trying to stick to CS-Cart terms.
So I have questions for you guys, can you give me your thoughts about terms currently used in CS-Cart:
"option" - as I mentioned earlier some kind of product property, each product can have many options like "Color" "Size" "Material" "Gift wrap" etc (
http://note.io/1BsigYw)- do you think that we should rename this to something more clear like attribute?
"combination" - this is a set of product options that in fact appears as a single product. (
http://note.io/1BsioaE) e.g. if we have a hat in two sizes "big" and "small" and in two colors for each size "black" and "white" than there will be 4 combinations of the hat.
"black & small" hat
"white & small" hat
"black & big" hat
"white & big" hat
same question here - do you think "combination" term is ok here?
I would like to describe the options architecture in v4.x.x so when you advise to change something please keep in mind that CS-Cart users can use any of the described cases.
In common CS-Cart options functionality has 3 levels of possible usage.
1) When your product is tracked without options. In this case option can be a gift wrap checkbox, or a input - where customer can place some greetings.
In this case you just create options and maybe add price modifiers.
2) Commonly used. When you have several options that affect product inventory and probably have different SKU. e.g. t-shirt in different color and size, glasses in different size etc. - Thats is what this topic about.
In this case you should generate option combinations in order to change SKU, amount and image for each of the separate product.
3) When you use options to configure your product. Common examples here is furniture or car parts. In most cases sequential options are used. E.g. I sell car engines and most probably I will configure the product the following way
option 1: Brand
option 2: Year
option 3: Model
Option exceptions widely used here to enable/disable some of the combinations.