The extended profile component allows site admins to create specific profile fields for their members to fill in. They can create as few or as many profile fields as they like, be as specific or vague as they want. Profile fields can then be grouped.
When BuddyPress is first installed, a “Basic” group is created with “Firstname”, “Last Name” and “Date of Birth”. These fields cannot be modified or removed as they make up the base of a member’s profile. The site admin can add fields to this Basic group. Any fields that are in this group will appear on the signup page when a member registers. By doing this, new members can partially fill in their profile and be ready to go upon first login.
For each new profile field group created by the site admin, a new sub tab is added to each members administration area. Within each sub tab a fillable form is rendered so that members can update or add their information even after they have registered.
Site admins can define the type of field (textbox, textarea, date selector, radio buttons, check boxes) as well as whether the field is required or not.
The Extended profile component also includes profile picture support. Currently this is a custom solution. There is the possibility of using the Gravatar service for this in the future, if public APIs become available. Currently profile pictures can be uploaded and activated. Inactive profile pictures are stored and can be activated at the click of a button.