Question

I know that I can add form elements via install scripts using method addAttribute().
However, now I’d like to get a whole new tab next to General, Display Settings and such. I wonder what’s the simpliest way to do it without overcomplicating.

Answer 1

Assuming you already know how to do other parts of module.
You need overriding the:

Mage_Adminhtml_Block_Catalog_Category_Tabs

On your config.xml you do:

    <blocks>           
         <adminhtml>  
            <rewrite> 
                 <catalog_category_tabs>YouModule_Block_Catalog_Category_Tabs</catalog_category_tabs>  
            </rewrite>  
        </adminhtml>  
    </blocks>

You’ll need overriding the _prepareLayout function.

And you’ll write this code:

$this->addTab('idname', array(
                'label'     => Mage::helper('catalog')->__('Tab name'),
                'content'   => $this->getLayout()->createBlock('yourmodule/yourblock')->toHtml(),
        ));

    return parent::_prepareLayout();