> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.pentaho.com/pentaho-ctools/c-tools/community-dashboard-editor.md).

# Community Dashboard Editor

{% hint style="info" %}
While the previous Community Dashboard Framework (CDF) covered creating dashboards through code, this chapter introduces a faster, more user-friendly approach using CDE (Community Dashboard Editor). CDE is a Pentaho server plugin that simplifies dashboard creation through its graphical interface, eliminating the need for extensive manual coding.

This chapter focuses on:

* Creating dashboards using a graphical user interface
* Building responsive layouts
* Adding and configuring components
* Incorporating custom code and resources (JavaScript/CSS)
* Managing data sources through the interface

Although CDE builds on the CDF (Community Dashboard Framework) foundation covered previously, you don't need to write CDF code directly. However, understanding CDF's core concepts - especially dashboard and component lifecycles - remains crucial for maximizing CDE's potential. This knowledge will help you create more sophisticated dashboards even when using the graphical interface exclusively.

Through CDE, you'll significantly reduce development time while maintaining full control over your dashboard's functionality. The visual approach makes dashboard creation more accessible without sacrificing the power and flexibility of the underlying framework.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/drSAOrCgIl5qRK9awPFb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dashboard Lifecycle</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://academy.pentaho.com/pentaho-ctools/c-tools/community-dashboard-editor.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.