2 ABC Library Reference

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Contents and Forward 3

Contents:
Foreword 45
Welcome .....................................................................................................................45
Documentation Conventions.......................................................................................46
Keyboard Conventions .........................................................................................46
Other Conventions................................................................................................46
ABC Library Overview 47
About This Book..........................................................................................................47
Application Builder Class (ABC) Library .....................................................................47
Class Libraries Generally .....................................................................................47
Application Builder Classes—The ABCs of Rapid Application Development ......47
ABC Library and the ABC Templates...................................................................51
ABC Coding Conventions..................................................................................................53
Method Names .....................................................................................................53
Where to Initilize & Kill Objects ............................................................................55
Return Values.......................................................................................................55
PRIVATE (undocumented) Items .........................................................................56
PROTECTED, VIRTUAL, DERIVED, and PROC Attributes ................................57
Documentation Conventions .............................................................................................58
Reference Item and Syntax Diagram ...................................................................58
Property (short description of intended use) ........................................................58
Method (short description of what the method does) ...........................................58
Conceptual Example ............................................................................................60
ASCIIFileClass 61
ASCIIFileClass Overview............................................................................................61
AsciiFileClass Properties ............................................................................................64
ASCIIFile (the ASCII file) .....................................................................................64
ErrorMgr (ErrorClass object) ...............................................................................64
OpenMode (file access/sharing mode).................................................................64
AsciiFileClass Methods...............................................................................................65
ASCIIFileClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ....................................65
FormatLine (a virtual to format text) ....................................................................66
GetDOSFilename (let end user select file) ..........................................................67
GetFilename (return the filename) ......................................................................68
GetLastLineNo (return last line number) .............................................................69
GetLine (return line of text) ..................................................................................70
GetPercentile (convert file position to percentage:ASCIIFileClass) ....................71
Init (initialize the ASCIIFileClass object) .............................................................72
Kill (shut down the ASCIIFileClass object) ..........................................................73
Reset (reset the ASCIIFileClass object) ..............................................................74
SetLine (a virtual to position the file) ...................................................................75
SetPercentile (set file to relative position) ...........................................................76
4 ABC Library Reference

ValidateLine (a virtual to implement a filter) ........................................................77

ASCIIPrintClass 79
ASCIIPrintClass Overview ........................................................................................79
AsciiPrintClass Properties...........................................................................................82
FileMgr (AsciiFileClass object:AsciiPrintClass) ...................................................82
PrintPreview (print preview switch) .....................................................................82
Translator (TranslatorClass object:AsciiPrintClass) ............................................82
AsciiPrintClass Methods .............................................................................................83
Ask (solicit print specifications) ...........................................................................83
Init (initialize the ASCIIPrintClass object) ............................................................84
PrintLines (print or preview specified lines) .........................................................85
ASCIISearchClass 87
ASCIISearchClass Overview ....................................................................................87
AsciiSearchClass Properties.......................................................................................90
Find (search constraints) .....................................................................................90
FileMgr (AsciiFileClass object:AsciiSearchClass) ...............................................91
LineCounter (current line number) ......................................................................91
Translator (TranslatorClass object:ASCIISearchClass) ......................................91
AsciiSearchClass Methods .........................................................................................92
Ask (solicit search specifications) ........................................................................92
Init (initialize the ASCIISearchClass object) ........................................................93
Next (find next line containing search text) .........................................................94
Setup (set search constraints) .............................................................................95
ASCIIViewerClass 97
ASCIIViewerClass Overview .....................................................................................97
AsciiViewerClass Properties .....................................................................................100
Popup (PopupClass object) ...............................................................................100
Printer (ASCIIPrintClass object) ........................................................................100
Searcher (ASCIISearchClass object) ................................................................101
TopLine (first line currently displayed)................................................................101
AsciiViewerClass Methods........................................................................................102
AsciiViewerClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ...............................102
AddItem (program the AsciiViewer object) ........................................................104
AskGotoLine (go to user specified line) ............................................................105
DisplayPage (display new page) .......................................................................106
Init (initialize the ASCIIViewerClass object) ......................................................107
Kill (shut down the ASCIIViewerClass object) ...................................................109
PageDown (scroll down one page) ...................................................................111
PageUp (scroll up one page) .............................................................................112
Reset (reset the ASCIIViewerClass object) ......................................................113
SetLine (position to specific line) .......................................................................114
SetLineRelative (move n lines) ..........................................................................115
SetTranslator (set run-time translator:ASCIIViewerClass) ...............................116
Contents and Forward 5

TakeEvent (process ACCEPT loop event:ASCIIViewerClass) .........................117

BreakManagerClass 119
BreakManagerClass - Overview.........................................................................119
BreakManagerClass - Concepts ........................................................................119
BreakManagerClass - Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes.........119
BreakManagerClass - ABC Template Implementation ......................................119
BreakManagerClass - Source Files...................................................................120
BreakManagerClass - Conceptual Example ......................................................120
BreakManagerClass - Properties.............................................................................123
BreakManagerClass - Methods ................................................................................123
AddBreak (add a Break).....................................................................................123
AddLevel (add a Level to the BreakId Break) ....................................................124
AddResetField (add a reset field to the last Level added) .................................125
AddTotal (add a total field to the last Level added)............................................126
Construct (automatic initialization of the BreakManager object) ........................127
Destruct (automatic destroy of the Breakmanager object).................................127
Init (initialize the BreakManager object) .............................................................127
TakeEnd (Break closed) .....................................................................................128
TakeStart (Break opened) ..................................................................................129
UpdateTotal (Calculate Break totaling) ..............................................................130
BrowseEIPManagerClass 131
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Overview .....................................................................131
BrowseEIPManagerClass Concepts.........................................................................132
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ......133
BrowseEIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation ...................................133
BrowseEIPManagerClass Source Files ..................................................................133
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example ...................................................134
BrowseEIPManagerClass Properties .......................................................................137
BrowseEIPManagerClass Properties ................................................................137
BC (browse class) ............................................................................................137
BrowseEIPManagerClass Methods ..........................................................................138
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use ...............138
ClearColumn (reset column property values) ....................................................139
Init (initialize the BrowseEIPManagerClass object) ...........................................140
Kill (shut down the BrowseEIPManagerClass object) .......................................141
TakeCompleted (process completion of edit) ....................................................142
TakeNewSelection (reset edit-in-place column) ...............................................143
BrowseClass 145
BrowseClass Overview ...........................................................................................145
BrowseClass Properties............................................................................................150
BrowseClass Properties ....................................................................................150
ActiveInvisible (obscured browse list action) .....................................................150
AllowUnfilled (display filled list) .........................................................................151
6 ABC Library Reference

ArrowAction (edit-in-place action on arrow key) ................................................152

AskProcedure (update procedure) ....................................................................153
ChangeControl (browse change/update control number) .................................153
CurrentChoice (current LIST control entry number) ..........................................154
DeleteAction (edit-in-place action on delete key)...............................................154
DeleteControl (browse delete control number) .................................................154
EditList (list of edit-in-place controls) .................................................................155
EIP (edit-in-place manager) ..............................................................................155
EnterAction (edit-in-place action on enter key) .................................................156
FocusLossAction (edit-in-place action on lose focus) ......................................157
HasThumb (vertical scroll bar flag) ...................................................................158
HideSelect (hide select button) ........................................................................158
ILC(reference to IListControl interface) ...........................................................158
InsertControl (browse insert control number) ...................................................159
ListQueue (browse data queue reference) .......................................................159
Loaded (browse queue loaded flag) .................................................................159
Popup (browse popup menu reference) ...........................................................160
PrevChoice (prior LIST control entry number) ...................................................160
PrintControl (browse print control number) ........................................................160
PrintProcedure (print procedure)........................................................................161
Processors (reference to ProcessorQueue) ....................................................161
Query (reference to QueryClass) .......................................................................161
QueryControl (browse query control number)....................................................162
QueryShared (share query with multiple sorts)..................................................162
QuickScan (buffered reads flag) .......................................................................163
RetainRow (highlight bar refresh behavior) ......................................................164
SelectControl (browse select control number) .................................................164
Selecting (select mode only flag) .....................................................................165
SelectWholeRecord (select entire record flag) .................................................165
Sort (browse sort information) ..........................................................................166
StartAtCurrent (initial browse position) .............................................................167
TabAction (edit-in-place action on tab key) ......................................................168
Toolbar (browse Toolbar object) ......................................................................169
ToolbarItem (browse ToolbarTarget object) .....................................................170
ToolControl (browse toolbox control number) ....................................................171
ViewControl (view button) ...............................................................................171
Window (WindowManager object) ....................................................................171
BrowseClass Methods ..............................................................................................172
BrowseClass Methods........................................................................................172
BrowseClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ......................................172
AddEditControl (specify custom edit-in-place class) ........................................174
AddField (specify a FILE/QUEUE field pair) ....................................................175
AddItem(program the BrowseClass object) ....................................................176
AddLocator (specify a locator) ..........................................................................176
AddResetField (set a field to monitor for changes) ..........................................177
AddSortOrder (specify a browse sort order) ....................................................178
AddToolbarTarget (set the browse toolbar) .....................................................179
Contents and Forward 7

ApplyRange (refresh browse based on resets and range limits) .....................180

Ask (update selected browse item) ..................................................................181
AskRecord (edit-in-place selected browse item) ..............................................183
Fetch (get a page of browse items) ..................................................................184
Init(initialize the BrowseClass object) ..............................................................185
InitSort (initialize locator values) ......................................................................186
Kill (shut down the BrowseClass object) ..........................................................187
Next (get the next browse item) .......................................................................188
NotifyUpdateError (throw error on update).........................................................189
PostNewSelection (post an EVENT:NewSelection to the browse list) .............190
Previous (get the previous browse item) ..........................................................191
Records (return the number of browse queue items) .......................................192
ResetFields(reinitialize FieldPairsClass) .........................................................192
ResetFromAsk (reset browse after update) .....................................................193
ResetFromBuffer (fill queue starting from record buffer) ..................................195
ResetFromFile (fill queue starting from file POSITION) ...................................196
ResetFromView (reset browse from current result set) ....................................197
ResetQueue (fill or refill queue) ........................................................................198
ResetResets (copy the Reset fields) ................................................................199
ResetSort (apply sort order to browse) ............................................................200
ScrollEnd (scroll to first or last item) .................................................................201
ScrollOne (scroll up or down one item) ............................................................202
ScrollPage (scroll up or down one page) .........................................................203
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for list and locator controls) ...................................204
SetLocatorField (set sort free element to passed field)......................................205
SetLocatorFromSort (use sort like locator field) .................................................205
SetQueueRecord (copy data from file buffer to queue buffer:BrowseClass) .....206
SetSort (apply a sort order to the browse) .......................................................207
TakeAcceptedLocator (apply an accepted locator value) ................................208
TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event:BrowseClass) ..............209
TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:BrowseClass) ....................................210
TakeNewSelection (process a new selection:BrowseClass) ...........................211
TakeScroll (process a scroll event) ..................................................................212
TakeVCRScroll (process a VCR scroll event) ..................................................213
UpdateBuffer (copy selected item from queue buffer to file buffer) .................214
UpdateQuery (set default query interface) ......................................................215
UpdateResets (copy reset fields to file buffer) .................................................216
UpdateThumb (position the scrollbar thumb) ...................................................217
UpdateThumbFixed (position the scrollbar fixed thumb) ..................................218
UpdateViewRecord (get view data for the selected item) ................................219
UpdateWindow (update display variables to match browse) ...........................220
BrowseQueue Interface 221
BrowseQueue Concepts .........................................................................................221
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................221
BrowseQueue Source Files ....................................................................................221
BrowseQueue Methods ..........................................................................................222
8 ABC Library Reference

Delete(remove entry in LIST queue) ...............................................................222

Fetch(retrieve entry from LIST queue) ............................................................222
Free(clear contents of LIST queue) .................................................................222
GetViewPosition(retrieve VIEW position) ........................................................222
Insert(add entry to LIST queue) ......................................................................223
Records(return number of records) .................................................................223
SetViewPosition(set VIEW position) ................................................................223
Update(update entry in LIST queue) ...............................................................224
Who(returns field name) ..................................................................................224
BrowseToolbarClass 225
BrowseToolbarClass Overview ..............................................................................225
BrowseToolbarClass Concepts .............................................................................225
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ................................................225
BrowseToolbarClass ABC Template Implementation ...........................................225
BrowseToolbarClass Source Files .........................................................................225
BrowseToolbarClass Properties ...............................................................................226
Browse (BrowseClass object) .........................................................................226
Button (toolbar buttons FEQ values) ...............................................................227
Window (WindowManager object) ...................................................................227
BrowseToolbarClass Methods ..................................................................................228
Init (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass object) ................................................228
InitBrowse (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass update buttons) ......................228
InitMisc (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass miscellaneous buttons) ...............229
InitVCR (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass VCR buttons) ..............................230
ResetButton (synchronize toolbar with a corresponding browse control) ..........231
ResetFromBrowse(synchronize toolbar controls with browse controls) .........232
TakeEvent(process the current event) ............................................................232
BufferedPairsClass 233
BufferedPairsClass Overview .................................................................................233
BufferedPairsClass Properties..................................................................................235
BufferedPairsClass Properties .........................................................................235
RealList (recognized field pairs) .......................................................................235
BufferedPairsClass Methods ....................................................................................236
BufferedPairsClass Methods ............................................................................236
BufferedPairsClass Functional Organization Expected Use ............................236
AddPair (add a field pair:BufferedPairsClass) ..................................................238
AssignBufferToLeft (copy from "buffer" fields to "left" fields) ...........................240
AssignBufferToRight (copy from "buffer" fields to "right" fields) .......................241
AssignLeftToBuffer (copy from "left" fields to "buffer" fields) ...........................242
AssignRightToBuffer (copy from "right" fields to "buffer" fields) .......................243
EqualLeftBuffer (compare "left" fields to "buffer" fields) ...................................244
EqualRightBuffer (compare "right" fields to "buffer" fields) ..............................245
Init (initialize the BufferedPairsClass object) ....................................................246
Kill (shut down the BufferedPairsClass object) ................................................247
Contents and Forward 9

ConstantClass 249
ConstantClass Overview .........................................................................................249
ConstantClass Properties .........................................................................................253
TerminatorField (identify the terminating field) .................................................253
TerminatorInclude (include matching terminator record) .................................253
TerminatorValue (end of data marker) .............................................................254
ConstantClass Methods............................................................................................255
ConstantClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ..................................255
AddItem (set constant datatype and target variable) .......................................256
Init (initialize the ConstantClass object) ...........................................................257
Kill (shut down the ConstantClass object) ........................................................259
Next (load all constant items to file or queue) ................................................260
Next (copy next constant item to targets) .........................................................262
Reset (reset the object to the beginning of the constant data) ........................263
Set (set the constant data to process) ..............................................................264
Crystal8 Class 265
Crystal8 Class Properties .........................................................................................266
Crystal8 Methods ......................................................................................................267
AllowPrompt (prompt for runtime parameter data) ...................................................267
CanDrillDown(allow Crystal drill down support ).......................................................268
HasCancelButton (display cancel button on report preview)....................................269
HasCloseButton (display close button on report preview) ........................................270
HasExportButton (display export button on report preview) .....................................271
HasLaunchButton (display launch button on report preview) ...................................272
HasNavigationControls (display navigation controls on report preview) ..................273
HasPrintButton (display print button on report preview) ...........................................274
HasPrintSetupButton (display print setup button on report preview)........................275
HasProgressControls (display progress controls on report preview) .......................276
HasRefreshButton (display refresh button on report preview)..................................277
HasSearchButton (display search button on report preview) ...................................278
HasZoomControl (display zoom control on report preview) .....................................279
Init (initialize Crystal8 object) ....................................................................................280
Kill (shut down Crystal8 object)................................................................................281
Preview (preview a Crystal Report) ..........................................................................282
_Print (print a Crystal Report) ...................................................................................283
Query (retrieve or set the SQL data query) ..............................................................284
SelectionFormula (retrieve or set the Crystal formula ) ............................................285
ShowDocumentTips (show tips on docuement in the preview window) ...................286
ShowReportControls (show print controls) ...............................................................287
ShowToolbarTips (show tips on preview window toolbar)........................................288
cwRTF Class 289
cwRTF Overview .....................................................................................................289
cwRTF Class Concepts ..........................................................................................289
cwRTF Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .....................................290
10 ABC Library Reference

cwRTF ABC Template Implementation ..................................................................290

cwRTF Source Files ................................................................................................290
cwRTF Properties .....................................................................................................291
cwRTF Properties .............................................................................................291
hRTFWindow(RTF control handle) ..................................................................291
cwRTF Methods ........................................................................................................292
AlignParaCenter (center paragraph) ...............................................................292
AlignParaLeft (left justify paragraph) ...............................................................292
AlignParaRight (right justify paragraph) ..........................................................292
ChangeFontStyle (set current font style) .........................................................293
CanRedo (check for redo data) .......................................................................293
CanUndo (check for undo data) ......................................................................294
Color (set text color) ........................................................................................294
Copy (copy selected text to clipboard) ............................................................294
Cut (cut selected text ) ....................................................................................295
Find (set current font style) ..............................................................................295
FlatButtons (use flat button style) ....................................................................296
Font (apply font attributes) ..............................................................................297
GetText (copy text to variable) ........................................................................298
Init (initialize the cwRTF object) ......................................................................299
IsDirty (indicates modified data) ......................................................................300
Kill (shut down the csRTF object) ....................................................................301
LeftIndent (indent the current or selected paragraph) .....................................301
LimitTextSize (limit amount of text) .................................................................302
LoadField (load rich text data from field) .........................................................302
LoadFile (load rich text data from file) .............................................................303
NewFile (clear rich text data) ...........................................................................303
Offset (offset current or selected paragraph) ..................................................303
PageSetup (set page attributes) ......................................................................304
ParaBulletsOff (turn off paragraph bullets) ......................................................304
ParaBulletsOn (turn on paragraph bullets) ......................................................304
Paste (paste text from clipboard) ....................................................................305
_Print (print rich text control contents) .............................................................305
Redo (reapply action) ......................................................................................306
Replace (find and replace search) ..................................................................306
ResizeControls (used internally) .....................................................................306
RightIndent (indent the current or selected paragraph) ..................................307
SaveField (save rich text data to field) ............................................................307
SaveFile (save rich text data to file) ................................................................308
SelectText (select characters) .........................................................................308
SetDirtyFlag (set modified flag) .......................................................................309
SetFocus (give rich text control focus) ............................................................309
SetText (place text into rich text control) .........................................................310
ShowControl (hide/unhide RTF control) ..........................................................311
Undo (undo action) ..........................................................................................311
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DbAuditManager 313
DbAuditManager Overview .....................................................................................313
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................313
DbAuditManager ABC Template Implementation ...................................................313
DbAuditManager Source Files ................................................................................313
DbAuditManager Properties......................................................................................314
Action (log file action column) .........................................................................314
ColumnInfo (log file column queue) .................................................................314
LogFiles (log file queue) ..................................................................................314
FM (DbLogFileManager object) .......................................................................315
Errors (ErrorClass object) ................................................................................315
DbAuditManager Methods ........................................................................................316
AddItem (maintain the columninfo structure) ..................................................316
AddLogFile (maintain log file structure) ...........................................................317
AppendLog (initiate audit log file update) ........................................................317
BeforeChange (update audit log file before file change) .................................318
CreateHeader (create log file header records) ................................................318
Init (initialize the DbAuditManager object) .......................................................319
Kill (shut down DbAuditManger object) ...........................................................319
OnChange (update audit log file after a record change) .................................320
OnDelete (update audit log file when a record is deleted) ..............................320
OnFieldChange (virtual method for each field change) ...................................321
OnInsert (update audit log file when a record is added) .................................322
OpenLogFile (open the audit log file) ..............................................................322
SetFM (determine log file status) ....................................................................323
DbChangeManager 325
DbChangeManager Overview ..................................................................................325
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................325
DbChangeManager ABC Template Implementation ..............................................325
DbChangeManager Source Files ...........................................................................325
DbChangeManager Properties .................................................................................326
NameQueue (pointer into trigger queue) ........................................................326
TriggerQueue (pointer to BFP for field changes) ............................................326
DbChangeManager Methods....................................................................................327
AddItem (maintain the namequeue structure) .................................................327
AddThread (maintains the triggerqueue) ........................................................327
CheckChanges(check record for changes) .....................................................328
CheckPair(check field pairs for changes) ........................................................328
Equal(checks for equal before and after values) .............................................329
Init (initialize the DbChangeManager object) ..................................................329
Kill (shut down DbChangeManger object) .......................................................330
SetThread (read triggerqueue) ........................................................................330
Update (update the audit log file buffer) ..........................................................331
12 ABC Library Reference

DbLogFileManager 333
DbLogFileManager Overview .................................................................................333
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................333
DbLogFileManager ABC Template Implementation ...............................................333
DbLogFileManager Source Files ............................................................................333
DbLogFileManager Properties ..................................................................................334
DbLogFileManager Properties .........................................................................334
Opened (file opened flag) ................................................................................334
DbLogFileManager Methods.....................................................................................335
DbLogFileManager Methods ............................................................................335
Init (initialize the DbLogFileManager object) ...................................................335
EditClass 337
EditClass Overview .................................................................................................337
EditClass Concepts .................................................................................................337
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................337
ABC Template Implementation ...............................................................................338
EditClass Source Files ............................................................................................338
EditClass Conceptual Example ..............................................................................339
EditClass Properties .................................................................................................343
FEQ (the edit-in-place control number) ............................................................343
ReadOnly ( edit-in-place control is read-only) ....................................................343
EditClass Methods ....................................................................................................344
Functional Organization--Expected Use ..........................................................344
CreateControl (a virtual to create the edit control) ...........................................345
Init (initialize the EditClass object) ....................................................................346
Kill (shut down the EditClass object) ................................................................347
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the edit control) ................................................347
SetReadOnly (set edit control to read-only) ....................................................348
TakeAccepted (validate EIP field) ......................................................................348
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events) .......................................................349
EditSpinClass 351
EditSpinClass--Overview ........................................................................................351
EditSpinClass Concepts .........................................................................................351
EditSpinClass -- Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ......................351
EditSpinClass--ABC Template Implementation ......................................................351
EditSpinClass--Conceptual Example ......................................................................352
EditSpinClass Properties ..........................................................................................355
EditSpinClass Properties ..................................................................................355
EditSpinClass Methods.............................................................................................356
EditSpinClass Methods ....................................................................................356
EditSpinClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use .................................356
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place SPIN control) ......................................357
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EditCheckClass 359
EditCheckClass Overview .......................................................................................359
EditCheckClass Concepts ......................................................................................359
EditCheckClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .......................359
EditCheckClass ABC Template Implementation ....................................................359
EditCheckClass Source Files ..................................................................................359
EditCheckClass Conceptual Example ....................................................................361
EditCheckClass Properties .......................................................................................364
EditCheckClass Methods..........................................................................................365
EditCheckClass Functional Organization—Expected Use ...............................365
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place CHECK control) .................................366
EditColorClass 367
EditColorClassOverview .........................................................................................367
EditColorClass Concepts ........................................................................................367
EditColorClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ........................367
EditColorClass ABC Template Implementation ......................................................367
EditColorClass Source Files .....................................................................................368
EditColorClass Conceptual Example ......................................................................369
EditColorClass Properties.........................................................................................373
EditColorClass Properties ................................................................................373
Title (color dialog title text) ...............................................................................373
EditColorClass Methods ...........................................................................................374
EditColorClass Functional Organization--Expected Use .................................374
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control) ...............................................375
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditColorClass) ..............................376
EditDropComboClass 377
EditDropComboClass Overview .............................................................................377
EditDropComboClass Concepts .............................................................................377
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................377
EditDropComboClass ABC Template Implementation ...........................................377
EditDropComboClass Source Files ........................................................................378
EditDropComboClass Conceptual Example ...........................................................379
EditDropComboClass Properties ............................................................................382
EditDropComboClass Methods .............................................................................383
EditDropComboClass Functional Organization ......................................................383
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place COMBO control) ......................................384
EditDropListClass 385
EditDropListClass Overview ...................................................................................385
EditDropListClass Concepts ...................................................................................385
EditDropListClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...................385
EditDropListClass ABC Template Implementation .................................................385
EditDropListClass Source Files ..............................................................................385
EditDropListClass Conceptual Example .................................................................387
14 ABC Library Reference

EditDropListClass Properties ....................................................................................390

EditDropListClass Properties ...........................................................................390
EditDropListClass Methods.......................................................................................391
EditDropListClass Functional Organization--Expected Use .............................391
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place DROPLIST control) ............................392
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the edit control:EditDropListClass) ..................393
SetReadOnly (set edit control to read-only:EditDropClass) ............................394
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditDropList Class) ........................395
EditEntryClass 397
EditEntryClass Overview ........................................................................................397
EditEntryClass Concepts ........................................................................................397
EditEntryClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .........................397
EditEntryClass ABC Template Implementation ......................................................398
EditEntryClass Source Files ...................................................................................398
EditEntryClass Conceptual Example ......................................................................398
EditEntryClass Properties .........................................................................................402
EditEntryClass Properties ................................................................................402
EditEntryClass Methods............................................................................................403
EditEntryClass Methods ...................................................................................403
EditEntryClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ..................................403
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place ENTRY control) ..................................404
EditFileClass 405
EditFileClass Overview ...........................................................................................405
EditFileClass Concepts ...........................................................................................405
EditFileClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...........................405
EditFileClass ABC Template Implementation .........................................................405
EditFileClass Source Files ......................................................................................406
EditFileClass Conceptual Example .........................................................................407
EditFileClass Properties............................................................................................411
EditFileClass Properties ...................................................................................411
FileMask (file dialog behavior) ..........................................................................411
FilePattern (file dialog filter) ..............................................................................411
Title (file dialog title text) ...................................................................................412
EditFileClass Methods ..............................................................................................413
EditFileClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ....................................413
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditFileClass) .........................414
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditFileClass) .................................415
EditFontClass 417
EditFontClass Overview ..........................................................................................417
EditFontClass Concepts .........................................................................................417
EditFontClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ..........................417
EditFontClass ABC Template Implementation .......................................................417
EditFontClass Source Files .....................................................................................418
Contents and Forward 15

EditFontClass Conceptual Example .......................................................................419

EditFontClass Properties ..........................................................................................423
EditFontClass Properties ..................................................................................423
Title (font dialog title text) .................................................................................423
EditFontClass Methods.............................................................................................424
EditFontClass Methods ....................................................................................424
EditFontClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ...................................424
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditFontClass) .......................425
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditFontClass) ...............................426
EditMultiSelectClass 427
EditMultiSelectClass Overview ...............................................................................427
EditMultiSelectClass Concepts ...............................................................................427
EditMultiSelectClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...............427
EditMultiSelectClass ABC Template Implementation .............................................428
EditMultiSelectClass Source Files ..........................................................................428
EditMultiSelectClass Conceptual Example .............................................................429
EditMultiSelectClass Properties................................................................................434
EditMultiSelectClass Properties .......................................................................434
Title (font dialog title text:EditMultiSelectClass) ...............................................434
EditMultiSelectClass Methods ..................................................................................435
EditMultiSelectClass Methods ..........................................................................435
EditMultiSelectClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ........................435
AddValue (prime the MultiSelect dialog) ..........................................................437
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditMultiSelectClass) .............438
Reset (reset the EditMultiSelectClass object) ..................................................438
TakeAction (process MultiSelect dialog action) ..............................................439
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditMultiSelectClass) .....................442
EditTextClass 443
EditTextClass: Overview .........................................................................................443
EditTextClass Properties ..........................................................................................445
Title (text dialog title text) ................................................................................445
EditTextClass Methods .............................................................................................446
CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditTextClass) .......................447
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditTextClass) ...............................448
EIPManagerClass 449
EIPManagerClass--Overview ..................................................................................449
EIPManagerClass Concepts ...................................................................................449
EIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ..................449
EIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation .................................................450
EIPManagerClass Source Files ..............................................................................450
EIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example ...............................................................451
EIPManagerClass Properties....................................................................................454
Again (column usage flag) ................................................................................454
16 ABC Library Reference

Arrow (edit-in-place action on arrow key) ........................................................454

Column (listbox column) ...................................................................................454
Enter (edit-in-place action on enter key) .........................................................455
EQ (list of edit-in-place controls) .....................................................................455
Fields (managed fields) ....................................................................................456
FocusLoss ( action on loss of focus) ................................................................456
Insert (placement of new record) ......................................................................457
ListControl (listbox control number) ..................................................................458
LastColumn (previous edit-in-place column) ....................................................458
Repost (event synchronization) ........................................................................459
RepostField (event synchronization field) ........................................................459
Req (database request) ....................................................................................460
SeekForward (get next field flag) .....................................................................460
Tab (action on a tab key) ..................................................................................460
EIPManagerClass Methods ......................................................................................461
EIPManagerClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use ...........................461
AddControl (register edit-in-place controls) ......................................................463
ClearColumn (reset column property values:EIPManagerClass) ....................464
GetEdit (identify edit-in-place field) ..................................................................465
Init (initialize the EIPManagerClass object) ......................................................466
InitControls (initialize edit-in-place controls) .....................................................466
Kill (shut down the EIPManagerClass object) ..................................................467
Next (get the next edit-in-place field) ................................................................468
ResetColumn (reset edit-in-place object to selected field) ...............................469
Run (run the EIPManager) ..............................................................................470
TakeAcceptAll (validate completed row) ............................................................470
TakeAction (process edit-in-place action) ........................................................471
TakeCompleted (process completion of edit:EIPManagerClass) ....................472
TakeEvent (process window specific events) .................................................473
TakeFieldEvent (process field specific events) ...............................................474
TakeFocusLoss (a virtual to process loss of focus) .........................................475
TakeNewSelection (reset edit-in-place column:EIPManagerClass) ...............476
EntryLocatorClass 477
EntryLocatorClass Overview ...................................................................................477
EntryLocatorClass Properties ...................................................................................481
EntryLocatorClass Properties ...........................................................................481
Shadow (the search value) ...............................................................................481
EntryLocatorClass Methods......................................................................................482
GetShadow(return shadow value) ...................................................................482
Init (initialize the EntryLocatorClass object) .....................................................483
Set (restart the locator:EntryLocatorClass) ......................................................484
SetShadow(set shadow value) ........................................................................485
TakeAccepted (process an accepted locator value:EntryLocatorClass) ..........485
TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:EntryLocatorClass) ...........................486
Update (update the locator control and free elements) ....................................487
UpdateWindow (redraw the locator control) .....................................................487
Contents and Forward 17

ErrorClass 489
ErrorClass Overview .........................................................................................489
ErrorClass Source Files .....................................................................................489
Multiple Customizable Levels of Error Treatment ..............................................490
Predefined Windows and Database Errors ........................................................491
Dynamic Extensibility of Errors...........................................................................491
ErrorClass ABC Template Implementation ........................................................491
ErrorClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes...........................491
ErrorClass Macro Expansion..............................................................................492
ErrorClass Multi-Language Capability................................................................493
ErrorClass Conceptual Example ........................................................................494
ErrorClass Properties................................................................................................495
ErrorClass Properties .......................................................................................495
DefaultCategory (error category) .....................................................................495
ErrorLog (errorlog interface) ............................................................................495
Errors (recognized error definitions) .................................................................496
FieldName (field that produced the error) ........................................................497
FileName (file that produced the error) ............................................................497
History (error history structure) ........................................................................497
HistoryResetOnView(clear error history log file) .............................................498
HistoryThreshold (determine size of error history) ..........................................498
HistoryViewLevel (trigger error history) ...........................................................498
KeyName (key that produced the error) ...........................................................498
LogErrors (turn on error history logging) .........................................................499
MessageText (custom error message text) ......................................................499
Silent (silent error flag) ....................................................................................499
ErrorClass Methods ..................................................................................................500
ErrorClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ........................................500
AddErrors (add or override recognized errors) ................................................502
AddHistory (update History structure) .............................................................503
GetCategory (retrieve error category) .............................................................503
GetError (Retrieve the current error message) ..................................................503
GetErrorcode (Retrieve the current Errorcode) ..................................................504
GetProcedureName (return procedure name ) ...............................................504
HistoryMsg (initialize the message window) ...................................................505
Init (initialize the ErrorClass object) ..................................................................506
Kill (perform any necessary termination code) .................................................507
Message (display an error message) ...............................................................508
Msg (initiate error message destination) .........................................................509
MessageBox (display error message to window) ............................................510
RemoveErrors (remove or restore recognized errors) .....................................511
ResetHistory(clear History structure) ..............................................................512
SetCategory (set error category) .....................................................................512
SetErrors (save the error state) ........................................................................513
SetFatality (set severity level for a particular error) ..........................................514
SetField (set the substitution value of the %Field macro) ................................515
18 ABC Library Reference

SetFile (set the substitution value of the %File macro) ....................................516

SetKey (set the substitution value of the %Key macro) ...................................517
SetId (make a specific error current) ................................................................518
SetProcedureName ( stores procedure names) .............................................519
SubsString (resolves error message macros) ..................................................520
TakeBenign (process benign error) ..................................................................521
TakeError (process specified error) ..................................................................522
TakeFatal (process fatal error) .........................................................................523
TakeNotify (process notify error) ......................................................................524
TakeOther (process other error) .......................................................................525
TakeProgram (process program error) ............................................................526
TakeUser (process user error) .........................................................................527
Throw (process specified error) .......................................................................528
ThrowFile (set value of %File, then process error) ..........................................529
ThrowMessage (set value of %Message, then process error) .........................530
ViewHistory (initiates the view of the current errors) .......................................530
ErrorLogInterface 531
ErrorLogInterface Concepts ....................................................................................531
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................531
ErrorLogInterface Source Files ...............................................................................531
ErrorLogInterface Methods .......................................................................................532
ErrorLogInterface Methods ...............................................................................532
Close (initiate close of log file) .........................................................................532
Open (method to initiate open of log file) ..........................................................533
Take (update the log file) .................................................................................533
FieldPairsClass 535
FieldPairsClass Overview .......................................................................................535
FieldPairsClass Properties........................................................................................538
List (recognized field pairs) ..............................................................................538
FieldPairsClass Methods ..........................................................................................539
FieldPairsClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ................................539
AddItem (add a field pair from one source field) .............................................540
AddPair (add a field pair:FieldPairsClass) .......................................................541
AssignLeftToRight (copy from "left" fields to "right" fields) ...............................543
AssignRightToLeft (copy from "right" fields to "left" fields) ...............................544
ClearLeft (clear each "left" field) .......................................................................545
ClearRight (clear each "right" field) ..................................................................546
Equal (return 1 if all pairs are equal) ................................................................547
EqualLeftRight (return 1 if all pairs are equal) ..................................................548
Init (initialize the FieldPairsClass object) ..........................................................548
Kill (shut down the FieldPairsClass object) ......................................................549
FileDropComboClass 551
Overview:FileDropComboClass ..............................................................................551
Contents and Forward 19

FileDropComboClass Properties ..............................................................................556

FileDropComboClass Properties ......................................................................556
AskProcedure (update procedure) ..................................................................556
ECOn (current state of entry completion) ........................................................556
EntryCompletion (automatic fill-ahead flag) .....................................................557
RemoveDuplicatesFlag (remove duplicate data) ............................................557
UseField (COMBO USE variable) ....................................................................558
FileDropComboClass Methods .................................................................................559
FileDropComboClass Methods ........................................................................559
FileDropComboClass Functional Organization--Expected Use .......................559
AddRecord (add a record filedrop queue) .......................................................561
Ask (add a record to the lookup file) .................................................................561
GetQueueMatch (locate a list item) ..................................................................562
Init (initialize the FileDropComboClass object) ................................................563
KeyValid (check for valid keystroke) ...............................................................565
Kill (shut down the FileDropComboClass object) ............................................565
ResetFromList (reset VIEW) ...........................................................................565
ResetQueue (refill the filedrop queue) .............................................................566
TakeAccepted (process accepted event) ........................................................567
TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event:FileDropComboClass) ...567
TakeNewSelection (process NewSelection events:FileDropComboClass) .......568
UniquePosition (check queue for duplicate record by key position) ...............569
FileDropClass 571
FileDropClass Overview .........................................................................................571
FileDropClass Properties ..........................................................................................576
FileDropClass Properties .................................................................................576
AllowReset (allow a reset) ...............................................................................576
DefaultFill (initial display value) ........................................................................576
InitSyncPair (initial list position) .......................................................................576
FileDropClass Methods.............................................................................................577
FileDropClass Methods ....................................................................................577
FileDropClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ...................................577
AddField (specify display fields) .......................................................................579
AddRecord (update filedrop queue) ................................................................580
AddUpdateField (specify field assignments) ....................................................580
Init (initialize the FileDropClass object) ............................................................581
Kill (shut down the FileDropClass object) ........................................................582
ResetQueue (fill filedrop queue) .......................................................................583
SetQueueRecord (copy data from file buffer to queue buffer:FileDropClass) .584
TakeAccepted (a virtual to accept data) ..........................................................584
TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event--FileDropClass) ...........585
TakeNewSelection (process EVENT:NewSelection events:FileDropClass) ....586
ValidateRecord (a virtual to validate records) ..................................................587
20 ABC Library Reference

FileManager 589
FileManager Overview ............................................................................................589
FileManager Properties.............................................................................................594
AliasedFile (the primary file) .............................................................................594
Buffer (the record buffer) ..................................................................................595
Buffers (saved record buffers) ..........................................................................595
Create (create file switch) .................................................................................596
Errors (the ErrorManager) ................................................................................596
File (the managed file) ......................................................................................596
FileName (variable filename) ...........................................................................597
FileNameValue (constant filename) .................................................................598
LazyOpen (delay file open until access) ...........................................................599
LockRecover (/RECOVER wait time parameter) .............................................599
OpenMode (file access/sharing mode) ............................................................600
SkipHeldRecords (HELD record switch) ..........................................................600
FileManager Methods ...............................................................................................601
Naming Conventions and Dual Approach to Database Operations .................601
FileManager Functional Organization--Expected Use .....................................602
AddField(track fields in a structure) ..................................................................604
AddKey (set the file's keys) ..............................................................................605
BindFields (bind fields when file is opened) .....................................................606
CancelAutoInc (undo PrimeAutoInc) ................................................................607
ClearKey (clear specified key components) .....................................................610
Close (close the file) .........................................................................................612
Deleted (return record status) .........................................................................613
DeleteRecord (delete a record) .......................................................................614
Destruct (automatic destructor) .......................................................................615
EqualBuffer (detect record buffer changes) .......................................................616
Fetch (get a specific record by key value) ........................................................617
GetComponents (return the number of key components) ................................618
GetEOF (return end of file status) ....................................................................619
GetError (return the current error ID) ...............................................................620
GetField (return a reference to a key component) ...........................................621
GetFieldName (return a key component field name) .......................................623
GetFields(get number of fields) .......................................................................625
GetFieldPicture(get field picture) .....................................................................625
GetFieldType(get field type) ............................................................................625
GetName (return the filename) .........................................................................626
Init (initialize the FileManager object) ...............................................................627
Insert (add a new record) .................................................................................629
KeyToOrder (return ORDER expression for a key) ..........................................630
Kill (shutdown the FileManager object) ............................................................632
Next (get next record in sequence) ..................................................................633
Open (open the file) ..........................................................................................634
Position (return the current record position) .....................................................635
PostDelete(trigger delete action post-processing) .............................................636
Contents and Forward 21

PostInsert(trigger insert action post-processing)................................................637

PostUpdate(trigger update action post-processing)...........................................638
PreDelete(trigger delete action pre-processing) ................................................639
PreInsert(trigger insert action pre-processing) ...................................................640
PreUpdate(trigger update action pre-processing) ..............................................642
Previous (get previous record in sequence) .....................................................644
PrimeAutoInc (prepare an autoincremented record for adding) .......................645
PrimeFields (a virtual to prime fields) ...............................................................647
PrimeRecord (prepare a record for adding:FileManager) ................................648
RestoreBuffer (restore a previously saved record buffer) ................................650
RestoreFile (restore a previously saved file state) ...........................................651
SaveBuffer (save a copy of the record buffer) .................................................652
SaveFile (save the current file state) ................................................................653
SetError (save the specified error and underlying error state) .........................654
SetErrors (set the error class used) ...................................................................655
SetKey (set current key) ...................................................................................656
SetName (set current filename) .........................................................................657
Throw (pass an error to the error handler for processing) ...............................659
ThrowMessage (pass an error and text to the error handler) ..........................660
TryFetch (try to get a specific record by key value) .........................................662
TryInsert (try to add a new record) ...................................................................663
TryNext (try to get next record in sequence) ....................................................664
TryOpen (try to open the file) ...........................................................................665
TryPrevious (try to get previous record in sequence) ......................................666
TryPrimeAutoInc (try to prepare an autoincremented record for adding) ........667
TryReget (try to get a specific record by position) ............................................669
TryUpdate (try to change the current record) ...................................................669
TryValidateField(validate field contents) .........................................................670
Update (change the current record) .................................................................671
UseFile (use LazyOpen file) .............................................................................672
ValidateField (validate a field) ..........................................................................674
ValidateFields (validate a range of fields) ........................................................675
ValidateFieldServer(validate field contents) ....................................................676
ValidateRecord (validate all fields) ...................................................................677
FilterLocatorClass 679
FilterLocatorClass Overview ...................................................................................679
FilterLocatorClass Properties....................................................................................683
FilterLocatorClass Properties ...........................................................................683
FloatRight ("contains" or "begins with" flag) .....................................................683
FilterLocatorClass Methods ......................................................................................684
FilterLocatorClass Methods ..............................................................................684
TakeAccepted (process an accepted locator value:FilterLocatorClass) ............684
UpdateWindow (apply the search criteria) .......................................................685
22 ABC Library Reference

FuzzyClass 687
FuzzyClass Overview .............................................................................................687
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................687
FuzzyClass ABC Template Implementation ...........................................................687
FuzzyClass Source Files ........................................................................................687
FuzzyClass Properties ..............................................................................................688
FuzzyClass Methods.................................................................................................688
Construct (initialize FuzzyClass object) ..........................................................688
Init (initialize FuzzyClass object) .....................................................................688
Kill (shutdown FuzzyClass object) ...................................................................688
Match (find query matches) .............................................................................689
SetOption (set fuzzymatch options) ................................................................690
FormVCRClass 691
FormVCRClass Overview .........................................................................................691
FormVCRClass Concepts.........................................................................................691
FormVCRClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .........................691
FormVCRClass ABC Template Implementation.......................................................691
FormVCRClass Source Files ....................................................................................692
FormVCRClass Properties........................................................................................692
QuickScan (buffered reads flag).........................................................................692
Toolbar (FormVCR Toolbar object) ....................................................................693
ToolbarItem (FormVCR ToolbarTarget object) ..................................................693
ViewPosition (store the current record position) ................................................694
FormVCRClass Methods: .........................................................................................695
AddToolbarTarget (set the FormVCR toolbar) ...................................................695
Init (initialize the FormVCR object).....................................................................696
InitSort (initialize locator values).........................................................................696
Kill (shut down the FormVCR object) .................................................................697
CheckBorders (check for existence of records) .................................................697
GetAction (return FormVCR action) ...................................................................698
GetActionAllowed (validate a requested FormVCR action) ...............................699
Next (get the next FormVCR item) .....................................................................700
Previous (get the previous FormVCR item) .......................................................701
ResetSort (apply sort order to FormVCR) ..........................................................701
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for FormVCR controls) ............................................702
SetRequestControl (assign field equates to FormVCR actions) ........................702
SetVCRControls (assign field equates to FormVCR scrolling) ..........................703
SetSort (apply a sort order to the FormVCR group)...........................................704
TakeAcceptedLocator (apply an accepted FormVCR locator value) .................705
TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event).......................................705
TakeLocate (a FormVCR virtual to process each sort) ......................................706
TakeScroll (process a FormVCR scroll event) ...................................................706
UpdateWindow (update display variables to match FormVCR action) ..............707
Contents and Forward 23

GraphClass 709
GraphClass Overview ...............................................................................................709
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...................................................709
GraphClass ABC Template Implementation.............................................................709
GraphClass Source Files ..........................................................................................709
GraphClass Properties..............................................................................................710
eShowSBonFirstThread (display on base status bar)........................................710
eSumYMax (calculated maximum node value) ..................................................710
gShowDiagramName (show diagram name on target) ......................................711
gShowDiagramNameV (show diagram value on target) ....................................712
gShowMouse (show mouse coordinates on target) ...........................................713
gShowMouseX (show mouse X coordinate on target) .......................................714
gShowMouseY (show mouse Y coordinate on target) .......................................715
gShowNodeName (show node name on target) ................................................716
gShowNodeNameV (show node name value on target) ....................................717
gShowNodeValue (show node axis values on target)........................................718
gShowNodeValueX (show node x-axis value on target) ....................................719
gShowNodeValueY (show node y-axis value on target) ....................................720
GraphClass Methods ................................................................................................721
AllText (return full graph text information) ..........................................................721
BeginRefresh (prepare drawing of graph class object) ......................................721
CalcBestPositionNodeText (calculate graph text best fit position).....................722
CalcCurrentGraph (calculates values for current graph type)............................722
CalcCurrentNode (calculates values of current node) .......................................723
CalcGraph (calculates all graph object values)..................................................723
CalcPopup (create popup menu for graph object) .............................................724
CalcPopupAdd2 (create popup menu item text for graph object) ......................725
DiagramNameText (create diagram name text).................................................726
DiagramText (create diagram name text with prompts) .....................................726
DiagramNameText (create diagram name text).................................................727
DiagramText (create diagram name text with prompts) .....................................727
Draw (calculate and draw GraphClass object) ...................................................728
DrawGraph (draws calculated values) ...............................................................728
DrawReport (draw graph object on report).........................................................729
DrawWallpaper (draw background wallpaper for graph object) .........................729
DrillDown (transfer control to new graph object) ................................................730
FindNearbyNodes (locate nodes based on mouse position) .............................731
GetMouse (get mouse coordinates in all formats) .............................................732
GetValueFromField (get contents of specified field) ..........................................733
GetValueFromStatusBar (return status bar zone contents) ...............................733
ImageToWMF (Save object and return WMF file name)....................................734
Init (Initialize the graph object) ...........................................................................734
Interactivity (process mouse location data to tool tip or control .........................735
IsOverNode ( is mouse over node location) .......................................................735
Kill (shut down the GraphClass object) ..............................................................736
MouseText (creates text and mouse coordinate information) ............................736
24 ABC Library Reference

MouseXText (generate X coordinate text only) ..................................................736

MouseYText (generate Y coordinate text only) ..................................................737
NodeNameText (generate current node name identifier) ..................................737
NodeText (generate label, name, and node value)............................................738
NodeTipText (generate node information for tool tip) ........................................738
NodeValueText (generate current node value text) ...........................................739
NodeXText (generate X node text value) ...........................................................739
NodeYText (generate Y node text value) ...........................................................740
Popup (GraphClass object popup menu manager)............................................740
PopupAsk (Display popup menu for graph object).............................................741
PostEvent (send an event to the GraphClass object) ........................................742
PrintGraph (send graph object to printer)...........................................................744
Refresh (refresh drawing of GraphClass object)................................................745
Resize (conditional refresh when size changed)................................................745
ReturnFromDrillDown ( transfer control to graph object after drilldown)............746
SaveAsGraph (save graph to WMF file selected) ..............................................747
SaveGraph (auto-save graph to WMF file) ........................................................747
SetDefault (initialize selected graph properties).................................................748
ShowOnField (show text contents to specified field)..........................................748
ShowOnStatusBar (show text to status bar zone) .............................................749
TakeEvent (process graph control events) ........................................................749
TakeEventofParent (process all graph events) ..................................................750
ToolTip (show all text to tool tips).......................................................................750
ToShowValues (show all composite text to all graph targets)............................751
GridClass 753
GridClass Overview ................................................................................................753
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................753
GridClass ABC Template Implementation ..............................................................753
GridClass Source Files ...........................................................................................753
GridClass Properties .................................................................................................754
GridClass Properties ........................................................................................754
Children (reference to child group controls) ....................................................754
Chosen (current browse queue element) ........................................................754
ClickPress (forward control) ............................................................................755
ControlBase (base control number) ................................................................755
ControlNumber (number of controls) ...............................................................755
GroupColor (background color of group fields) ...............................................756
GroupControl (GROUP control number) .........................................................756
GroupTitle (title of group element) ...................................................................756
SelColor (color of selected element) ...............................................................757
Selectable (element selectable flag) ...............................................................757
UpdateControl (file update trigger) ..................................................................757
UpdateControlEvent .........................................................................................757
GridClass Methods ...................................................................................................758
AddLocator (specify a locator) ........................................................................758
FetchRecord (retrieve selected record) ...........................................................758
Contents and Forward 25

GetAcross (number of horizontal grids) ..........................................................759

GetClickPress (forward click control) ..............................................................759
GetDown (number of vertical grids ) ................................................................759
GetPosition (retrieve group control position) ...................................................760
IfGroupField (determine if current control is a GROUP) .................................760
Init (initialize the GridClass object) ..................................................................761
IsSkelActive ......................................................................................................761
Kill (shutdown the GridClass object) ...............................................................762
SetAlerts (initialize and create child controls) .................................................762
SyncGroup (initialize GROUP field properties) ...............................................762
TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event) ....................................763
UpdateRecord (refresh BrowseGrid) ...............................................................763
UpdateWindow (refresh window display) ........................................................763
HistHandlerClass 765
HistHandlerClass Source Files ...............................................................................765
HistHandlerClass Properties.....................................................................................765
Err (errorclass obejct) ......................................................................................765
History (error history structure) ........................................................................765
LBColumns (number of listbox columns) ........................................................766
Win (reference to window) ...............................................................................766
HistHandlerClass Methods .......................................................................................767
Init (initialize the HistHandlerClass object) ......................................................767
TakeEvent (process window events) ...............................................................767
VLBProc (retrieve LIST and error history information.) ...................................768
IDbChangeAudit Interface 769
IDbChangeAudit Concepts .....................................................................................769
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................769
IDbChangeAudit Source Files .................................................................................769
IDbChangeAudit Methods.........................................................................................769
BeforeChange (update audit log file before file change) .................................769
ChangeField (virtual method for managing field changes) .............................770
OnChange (update audit log file after a record change) .................................771
IListControl Interface 773
IListControl Concepts ..............................................................................................773
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................773
IListControl Source Files .........................................................................................773
IListControl Methods .................................................................................................773
Choice(returns current selection number) .......................................................773
GetControl(returns control number) ................................................................774
GetItems(returns number of entries) ...............................................................774
GetVisible(returns visibility of control) ................................................................774
SetChoice(change selected entry) ..................................................................775
SetControl(change selected entry) ..................................................................775
26 ABC Library Reference

IncrementalLocatorClass 777
IncrementalLocatorClass Overview ........................................................................777
IncrementalLocatorClass Properties.........................................................................781
IncrementalLocatorClass Properties ................................................................781
IncrementalLocatorClass Methods ...........................................................................782
IncrementalLocatorClass Methods ...................................................................782
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the LIST control:IncrementalLocatorClass) .....782
TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:IncrementalLocatorClass) .................783
INIClass 785
INIClass Overview ..................................................................................................785
INIClass Properties ...................................................................................................788
INIClass Properties ...........................................................................................788
FileName ..........................................................................................................788
INIClass Methods......................................................................................................789
Fetch (get INI file entries) .................................................................................789
FetchField (return comma delimited INI file value) ...........................................791
FetchQueue (get INI file queue entries) ...........................................................792
Init (initialize the INIClass object) .....................................................................793
TryFetch (get a value from the INI file) .............................................................795
TryFetchField (return comma delimited INI file value) .....................................796
Update (write INI file entries) ............................................................................797
IReportGenerator Interface 799
IReportGenerator Interface .......................................................................................799
IReportGenerator Concepts......................................................................................799
IReportGenerator Methods .......................................................................................799
AskProperties (pop up window to set properties)...............................................799
CloseDocument (end document printing)...........................................................800
ClosePage (end a page print) ............................................................................800
GetProperty (get a property value).....................................................................801
Init (initialize error class before printing) ............................................................801
OpenDocument (begin document printing) ........................................................802
OpenPage (begin a page print) ..........................................................................802
Opened (file opened flag) ................................................................................802
ProcessArc (print an arc)....................................................................................803
ProcessBand (begin/end report band processing).............................................804
ProcessCheck (print a checkbox).......................................................................804
ProcessChord (print a section of an ellipse) ......................................................805
ProcessEllipse (print an ellipse) .........................................................................806
ProcessImage (print an image) ..........................................................................806
ProcessLine (print a line)....................................................................................807
ProcessOption (print an option control)..............................................................807
ProcessRadio (print a radio button)....................................................................808
ProcessRectangle (print a box control) ..............................................................808
ProcessText (print a string or text control) .........................................................809
Contents and Forward 27

SetProperty (set a property value) .....................................................................810

WhoAmI (identify the report generator type) ......................................................810
LocatorClass 811
LocatorClass Overview ...........................................................................................811
LocatorClass Properties............................................................................................813
Control (the locator control number) .................................................................813
FreeElement (the locator's first free key element) ............................................813
NoCase (case sensitivity flag) ..........................................................................814
ViewManager (the locator's ViewManager object) ...........................................814
LocatorClass Methods ..............................................................................................815
GetShadow(return shadow value) ...................................................................815
Init (initialize the LocatorClass object) ..............................................................816
Reset (reset the locator for next search) ..........................................................817
Set (restart the locator:LocatorClass) ...............................................................818
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the LIST control:LocatorClass) ........................818
SetEnabled (enable or disable the locator control) ..........................................819
SetShadow (update shadow value) .................................................................819
TakeAccepted (process an accepted locator value:LocatorClass) ..................820
TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:LocatorClass) ....................................820
UpdateWindow (redraw the locator control with its current value) ...................821
MsgBoxClass 823
MsgBoxClass Overview ..........................................................................................823
MsgBoxClass Source Files .....................................................................................823
MsgBoxClass Properties...........................................................................................824
ButtonTypes (standard windows buttons) .......................................................824
Caption (window title) ......................................................................................824
Err (errorclass object) .....................................................................................824
Icon (icon for image control)...............................................................................824
HistoryHandler (windowcomponent interface) ...............................................825
MsgRVal (message box return value) .............................................................825
Style (font style) ...............................................................................................825
Win (reference to window) ...............................................................................825
MsgBoxClass Methods .............................................................................................826
FetchFeq (retrieve button feq) .........................................................................826
FetchStdButton (determine button pressed) ...................................................826
Init (initialize the MsgBoxClass object) ............................................................827
Kill (perform any necessary termination code) ................................................827
SetupAdditionalFeqs (initialize additional control properties) .........................828
TakeAccepted (process accepted event) ........................................................828
PopupClass 829
PopupClass Overview .............................................................................................829
PopupClass Properties .............................................................................................833
ClearKeycode (clear KEYCODE character) .....................................................833
28 ABC Library Reference

PopupClass Methods................................................................................................834
PopupClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ......................................834
AddItem (add menu item) .................................................................................835
AddItemEvent (set menu item action) ..............................................................837
AddItemMimic (tie menu item to a button) .......................................................838
AddMenu (add a menu) ....................................................................................839
AddSubMenu (add submenu) ..........................................................................840
Ask (display the popup menu) ..........................................................................841
DeleteItem (remove menu item) .......................................................................842
DeleteMenu (remove a popup submenu) ........................................................843
GetItemChecked (return toggle item status) ....................................................844
GetItemEnabled (return item status) ................................................................845
GetItems(returns number of popup entries) .....................................................846
GetLastNumberSelection (get last menu item number selected) ...................846
GetLastSelection (return selected item) ...........................................................847
Init (initialize the PopupClass object) ...............................................................848
Kill (shut down the PopupClass object) ............................................................848
Restore (restore a saved menu) ......................................................................849
Save (save a menu for restoration) ..................................................................850
SetIcon (set icon name for popup menu item) ...................................................851
SetItemCheck (set toggle item status) .............................................................852
SetItemEnable (set item status) .......................................................................853
SetLevel (set menu item level) .........................................................................854
SetText (set menu item text) ............................................................................855
SetToolbox (set menu item toolbox status) ........................................................856
SetTranslator (set run-time translator:PopupClass) .........................................857
Toolbox (start the popup toolbox menu) ............................................................858
ViewMenu (popup menu debugger) .................................................................859
PrintPreviewClass 861
PrintPreviewClass Overview ...................................................................................861
PrintPreviewClass Properties ...................................................................................866
AllowUserZoom (allow any zoom factor) ..........................................................866
ConfirmPages (force 'pages to print' confirmation) ..........................................866
CurrentPage (the selected report page) ...........................................................867
Maximize (number of pages displayed horizontally) ........................................867
PagesAcross (number of pages displayed horizontally) ..................................867
PagesDown (number of vertical thumbnails) ...................................................868
PagesToPrint (the pages to print) ....................................................................868
UserPercentile (custom zoom factor) ...............................................................868
WindowPosSet (use a non-default initial preview window position) ................869
WindowSizeSet (use a non-default initial preview window size) ......................869
ZoomIndex (index to applied zoom factor) .......................................................870
PrintPreviewClass Methods ......................................................................................871
PrintPreviewClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ............................871
AskPage (prompt for new report page) ............................................................872
AskPrintPages (prompt for pages to print) .......................................................873
Contents and Forward 29

AskThumbnails (prompt for new thumbnail configuration) ...............................875

DeleteImageQueue (remove non-selected pages) ..........................................876
Display (preview the report) .............................................................................877
Init (initialize the PrintPreviewClass object) .....................................................878
InPageList (check page number) .....................................................................879
Kill (shut down the PrintPreviewClass object) ..................................................880
Open (prepare preview window for display) .....................................................881
SetINIManager (save and restore window coordinates) ..................................882
SetPosition (set initial preview window coordinates) ........................................883
SetZoomPercentile (set user or standard zoom factor) ..................................884
SetDefaultPages (set the default pages to print) .............................................885
SyncImageQueue (sync image queue with PagesToPrint) ..............................885
TakeAccepted (process EVENT:Accepted events:PrintPreviewClass) ...........886
TakeEvent (process all events:PrintPreviewClass) ..........................................887
TakeFieldEvent (a virtual to process field events:PrintPreviewClass) .............888
TakeWindowEvent (process non-field events:PrintPreviewClass) .................889
ProcessClass 891
ProcessClass Overview ..........................................................................................891
ProcessClass Properties...........................................................................................895
CaseSensitiveValue (case sensitive flag) .......................................................895
Percentile (portion of process completed) ........................................................895
PText (progress control number) ......................................................................896
RecordsProcessed (number of elements processed) ......................................896
RecordsToProcess (number of elements to process) ......................................896
ProcessClass Methods .............................................................................................897
ProcessClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ...................................897
Init (initialize the ProcessClass object) .............................................................899
Kill (shut down the ProcessClass object) .........................................................901
Next (get next element) ....................................................................................902
Reset (position to the first element) ..................................................................903
SetProgressLimits (calibrate the progress monitor) .........................................903
TakeLocate (a virtual to process each filter) ....................................................904
TakeRecord (a virtual to process each report record) ......................................904
QueryClass 905
QueryClass Overview .............................................................................................905
QueryClass Concepts .............................................................................................905
QueryClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .............................905
QueryClass ABC Template Implementation ...........................................................906
QueryClass Source Files ........................................................................................906
QueryClass Conceptual Example ...........................................................................907
QueryClass Properties..............................................................................................910
QKCurrentQuery ( popup menu choice ) ........................................................910
QKIcon ( icon for popup submenu ) ................................................................910
QKMenuIcon ( icon for popup menu ) ..............................................................910
30 ABC Library Reference

QKSupport ( quickqbe flag) ..............................................................................911

Window ( browse window:QueryClass ) ...........................................................911
QueryClass Methods ................................................................................................912
QueryClass Functional Organization--Expected Use .......................................912
AddItem (add field to query) .............................................................................913
Ask (a virtual to accept query criteria) ..............................................................915
ClearQuery ( remove loaded query ) ................................................................916
Delete ( remove saved query ) .........................................................................917
GetFilter (return filter expression) .....................................................................918
GetLimit (get searchvalues) .............................................................................920
Init (initialize the QueryClass object) ................................................................921
Kill (shut down the QueryClass object) ............................................................922
Reset (reset the QueryClass object) ................................................................923
Restore ( retrieve saved query ) .......................................................................924
Save ( save a query ) .......................................................................................925
SetLimit (set search values) .............................................................................926
SetQuickPopup ( add QuickQBE to browse popup ) .......................................928
Take ( process QuickQBE popup menu choice ) .............................................929
QueryFormClass 931
QueryFormClass Overview .....................................................................................931
QueryFormClass Concepts .....................................................................................931
QueryFormClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .....................931
QueryFormClass ABC Template Implementation ...................................................932
QueryFormClass Source Files ................................................................................932
QueryFormClass Conceptual Example ..................................................................933
QueryFormClass Properties .....................................................................................936
QueryFormClass Methods ........................................................................................937
QueryFormClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ..............................937
Ask (solicit query criteria) .................................................................................938
Init (initialize the QueryFormClass object) .......................................................939
Kill (shut down the QueryFormClass object) ....................................................940
QueryFormVisual 941
QueryFormVisual Overview ....................................................................................941
QueryFormVisual Concepts ....................................................................................941
QueryFormVisual Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ....................941
QueryFormVisual ABC Template Implementation ..................................................941
QueryFormVisual Source Files ...............................................................................942
QueryFormVisual Conceptual Example ..................................................................943
QueryFormVisual Properties.....................................................................................946
QFC (reference to the QueryFormClass) .........................................................946
QueryFormVisual Methods .......................................................................................947
QueryFormVisual Functional Organization--Expected Use .............................947
GetButtonFeq(returns a field equate label) .....................................................948
Init (initialize the QueryFormVisual object) .......................................................949
Contents and Forward 31

ResetFromQuery ( reset the QueryFormVisual object ) ...................................950

SetText ( set prompt text:QueryFormVisual ) ...................................................951
TakeAccepted (handle query dialog Accepted events: QueryFormVisual)........952
TakeCompleted (complete the query dialog: QueryFormVisual) .....................953
TakeFieldEvent (a virtual to process field events:QueryFormVisual) ..............954
UpdateFields ( process query values ) .............................................................955
QueryListClass 957
QueryListClass--Overview ......................................................................................957
QueryListClass Concepts .......................................................................................957
QueryListClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .......................957
QueryListClass--ABC Template Implementation ....................................................957
QueryListClass Source Files ...................................................................................958
QueryListClass--Conceptual Example ....................................................................959
QueryListClass Properties ........................................................................................962
QueryListClass Methods...........................................................................................963
QueryListClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use ................................963
Ask (solicit query criteria:QueryListClass) ........................................................964
Init (initialize the QueryListClass object) ..........................................................965
Kill (shut down the QueryListClass object) .......................................................966
QueryListVisual 967
QueryListVisual--Overview .....................................................................................967
QueryListVisual Concepts .......................................................................................967
QueryListVisual--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .....................967
QueryListVisual--ABC Template Implementation ...................................................967
QueryListVisual Source Files ..................................................................................967
QueryListVisual--Conceptual Example ...................................................................969
QueryListVisual Properties .......................................................................................972
QFC (reference to the QueryListClass) ............................................................972
OpsEIP (reference to the EditDropListClass) ...................................................972
FldsEIP (reference to the EditDropListClass) ..................................................972
ValueEIP(reference to QEditEntryClass) ........................................................973
QueryListVisual Methods ..........................................................................................974
QueryListVisual--Functional Organization--Expected Use ...............................974
Init (initialize the QueryListVisual object) .........................................................975
Kill (shutdown the QueryListVisual object) ......................................................976
ResetFromQuery ( reset the QueryList Visual object ) ....................................977
SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the edit control:QueryListVisual) ......................978
TakeAccepted (handle query dialog EVENT:Accepted events) .......................979
TakeCompleted (complete the query dialog) ...................................................980
TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:QueryListVisual) .............................981
TakeFieldEvent (a virtual to process field events:QueryListVisual) .................982
UpdateControl(updates the edit-in-place entry control) ..................................983
UpdateFields ( process query values ) .............................................................983
32 ABC Library Reference

QueryVisualClass 985
QueryVisualClass: Overview ..................................................................................985
QueryVisualClass Properties ....................................................................................986
QC (reference to the QueryClass) ...................................................................986
Resizer (reference to the WindowResizeClass:QueryVisualClass) ................986
QueryVisualClass Methods.......................................................................................987
Init (initialize the QueryVisual object ) .............................................................987
Kill (shut down the QueryVisual object) ..........................................................988
Reset ( reset the dialog for display:QueryVisualClass ) ..................................989
TakeAccepted (handle query dialog EVENT:Accepted events) ......................990
TakeFieldEvent (a virtual to process field events:QueryVisualClass) .............991
TakeWindowEvent (a virtual to process non-field events:QueryVisualClass) 992
RelationManager 993
RelationManager Overview .....................................................................................993
RelationManager Properties .....................................................................................998
RelationManager Properties .............................................................................998
Me (the primary file's FileManager object) .......................................................998
UseLogout (transaction framing flag) ...............................................................998
RelationManager Methods........................................................................................999
RelationManager Functional Organization--Expected Use ..............................999
AddRelation (set a file relationship) ................................................................1000
AddRelationLink (set linking fields for a relationship) .....................................1002
CancelAutoInc (undo autoincrement) .............................................................1004
Close (close a file and any related files) ........................................................1005
Delete (delete record subject to referential constraints) .................................1006
GetNbFiles(returns number of children) ........................................................1007
GetNbRelations(returns number of relations) ...............................................1007
GetRelation(returns reference to relation manager) .....................................1008
GetRelationType(returns relation type) .........................................................1008
Init (initialize the RelationManager object) .....................................................1009
Kill (shut down the RelationManager object) ..................................................1010
ListLinkingFields (map pairs of linked fields) ..................................................1011
Open (open a file and any related files) .........................................................1012
Save (copy the current record and any related records) ................................1012
SetAlias (set a file alias) .................................................................................1013
SetQuickScan (enable QuickScan on a file and any related files) .................1014
Update (update record subject to referential constraints) ..............................1015
ReportManager Class 1017
ReportManager Overview .....................................................................................1017
ReportManager Concepts .....................................................................................1017
ReportManager Properties......................................................................................1022
Attribute (ReportAttributeManager object) .......................................................1022
BreakMan (BreakManagerClass object) ..........................................................1022
DeferOpenReport (defer open) ......................................................................1023
Contents and Forward 33

DeferWindow (defer progress window) ............................................................1023

KeepVisible (keep progress window visible) ....................................................1024
OutputFileQueue (advanced report generation filenames) ..............................1024
Preview (PrintPreviewClass object) .................................................................1025
PreviewQueue (report metafile pathnames) ..................................................1025
Process (ProcessClass object) ......................................................................1026
QueryControl (query button) ...........................................................................1026
Report (the managed REPORT) ....................................................................1027
ReportTarget (IReportGenerator interface) ......................................................1027
SkipPreview (print rather than preview) .........................................................1027
TargetSelector (ReportTargetSelectorClass object) ........................................1028
TargetSelectorCreated (report target active) ...................................................1028
WaitCursor (activate Wait cursor during report processing) ............................1029
WMFParser (WMFDocumentParser object) ....................................................1029
Zoom (initial report preview magnification) ....................................................1030
ReportManager Methods ........................................................................................1031
ReportManager Functional Organization--Expected Use ..............................1031
AddItem (program the ReportManager object) ...............................................1032
Ask (display window and process its events:ReportManager) .......................1032
AskPreview (preview or print the report) ........................................................1033
CancelPrintReport (cancel report printing) .......................................................1034
EndReport (close the report) ............................................................................1035
Kill (shut down the ReportManager object) ....................................................1037
Next (get next report record) ..........................................................................1038
Open (a virtual to execute on EVENT:OpenWindow--ReportManager) .........1039
OpenReport (prepare report for execution) ....................................................1040
PrintReport (print the report) ............................................................................1041
ProcessResultFiles (process generated output files).......................................1042
SetReportTarget (set ReportGenerator target) ................................................1043
SetStaticControlsAttributes (set report's static controls) ..................................1043
SetDynamicControlsAttributes (set report's static controls) .............................1044
TakeAccepted (process Accepted event) .....................................................1044
TakeCloseEvent (a virtual to process EVENT:CloseWindow) .......................1045
TakeNoRecords (process empty report) ........................................................1046
TakeRecord(process each record) ................................................................1046
TakeWindowEvent (a virtual to process non-field events:ReportManager) ...1047
RuleManager 1049
Overview........................................................................................................................1049
RuleManager Concepts ..........................................................................................1049
RuleManager ABC Template Implementation ........................................................1051
Implementation Steps using hand code ...........................................................1056
Rule Class Properties....................................................................................................1058
Rule Class Methods ......................................................................................................1059
SetGlobalRule (post address to GlobalRule)..........................................................1061
ResetGlobalRule (clear address in GlobalRule) .....................................................1062
RuleIsBroken (test rule and return result)...............................................................1063
34 ABC Library Reference

SetIndicator (set error indicator) .............................................................................1064

RulesCollection Class Properties ..................................................................................1065
RulesCollection Class Methods.....................................................................................1065
Construct (initialize RulesCollection object)............................................................1065
Destruct (shut down RulesCollection object) ..........................................................1066
RuleCount (count rules in the collection) ................................................................1066
BrokenRuleCount (count rules in the collection which are broken) ........................1066
AddRule (add a rule to this collection) ....................................................................1067
AddControl (add managed control )........................................................................1068
AddControlToRule (add managed control ) ............................................................1069
CheckRule (check a particular rule)........................................................................1070
CheckAllRules (check all rules in this collection)....................................................1070
Item (locate a particular rule) ..................................................................................1071
TakeAccepted (handle acceptance of error indicators) ..........................................1072
SetEnumerateIcons (set icons for broken rules display) ........................................1073
EnumerateBrokenRules (display a list of rules with status of each).......................1074
SetControlsStatus (set status of managed controls) ..............................................1075
NeedChangeControlStatus (check if control status needs to change) ...................1076
RulesManager Properties..............................................................................................1077
RulesManager Methods ................................................................................................1077
Construct (initialize RulesManager object) .............................................................1077
Destruct (shut down RulesManager object)............................................................1077
RulesManagerCount (count rules in the collection) ................................................1078
BrokenRulesCount (count rules in the collection which are broken) ......................1078
AddRulesCollection (add a rule to this collection) ..................................................1079
CheckAllRules (check all rules in all collections) ....................................................1079
TakeAccepted (handle acceptance of error indicators) ..........................................1080
SetEnumerateIcons (set icons for broken rules display) ........................................1081
EnumerateBrokenRules (display a list of rules with status of each).......................1082
SetControlsStatus (set status of managed controls) ..............................................1083
SelectFileClass 1085
SelectFileClass Concepts .......................................................................................1085
SelectFileClass Properties......................................................................................1088
DefaultDirectory (initial path) ..........................................................................1088
DefaultFile (initial filename/filemask) ..............................................................1088
Flags (file dialog behavior) .............................................................................1089
WindowTitle (file dialog title text) ....................................................................1089
SelectFileClass Methods ........................................................................................1090
AddMask (add file dialog file masks) ..............................................................1090
Ask (display Windows file dialog) ...................................................................1091
Init (initialize the SelectFileClass object) ........................................................1092
SetMask (set file dialog file masks) ................................................................1093
StandardBehavior Class 1095
StandardBehavior Overview .................................................................................1095
Contents and Forward 35

StandardBehavior Class Concepts .......................................................................1095

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...............................................1095
StandardBehavior Source Files ............................................................................1095
StandardBehavior Properties..................................................................................1096
StandardBehavior Methods ....................................................................................1097
StandardBehavior Methods ............................................................................1097
Init(initialize the StandardBehavior object) ....................................................1097
StandardErrorLogClass 1099
StandardErrorLogClass Overview ........................................................................1099
StandardErrorLogClass Source Files ...................................................................1099
ABC Template Implementation .............................................................................1099
StandardErrorLogClass Properties .........................................................................1100
StandardErrorLogClass Methods ...........................................................................1101
Close (close standarderrorlog file) ................................................................1101
Construct (initialize StandardErrorLogClass object) .....................................1101
Destruct (remove the StandardErrorLogClass object) ..................................1101
Open (open standarderrorlog file) .................................................................1102
StepClass 1103
StepClass Overview ..............................................................................................1103
StepClass Properties ..............................................................................................1105
Controls (the StepClass sort sequence) ........................................................1105
StepClass Methods .................................................................................................1106
GetPercentile (return a value's percentile:StepClass) ...................................1106
GetValue (return a percentile's value:StepClass) ..........................................1107
Init (initialize the StepClass object) ................................................................1108
Kill (shut down the StepClass object) .............................................................1109
SetLimit (set smooth data distribution:StepClass) .........................................1110
SetLimitNeeded (return static/dynamic boundary flag:StepClass) .................1111
StepCustomClass 1113
StepCustomClass Overview .................................................................................1113
StepCustomClass Properties..................................................................................1117
Entries (expected data distribution) ................................................................1117
StepCustomClass Methods ....................................................................................1118
StepCustomClass Methods ............................................................................1118
AddItem (add a step marker) ..........................................................................1118
GetPercentile (return a value's percentile:StepCustomClass) .......................1119
GetValue (return a percentile's value:StepCustomClass) ..............................1120
Init (initialize the StepCustomClass object) ....................................................1121
Kill (shut down the StepCustomClass object) ................................................1122
StepLongClass 1123
StepLongClass Overview ......................................................................................1123
StepLongClass Properties ......................................................................................1126
36 ABC Library Reference

Low (lower boundary:StepLongClass) ...........................................................1126

High (upper boundary:StepLongClass) ..........................................................1126
StepLongClass Methods.........................................................................................1127
GetPercentile (return a value's percentile:StepLongClass) ...........................1127
GetValue (return a percentile's value:StepLongClass) ..................................1128
SetLimit (set smooth data distribution:StepLongClass) .................................1129
StepLocatorClass 1131
StepLocatorClass Overview ..................................................................................1131
StepLocatorClass Properties ..................................................................................1134
StepLocatorClass Methods.....................................................................................1135
StepLocatorClass Methods ............................................................................1135
Set (restart the locator:StepLocatorClass) .....................................................1135
TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:StepLocatorClass) ..........................1136
StepRealClass 1137
StepRealClass Overview ......................................................................................1137
StepRealClass Properties.......................................................................................1140
StepRealClass Properties ..............................................................................1140
Low (lower boundary:StepRealClass) ............................................................1140
High (upper boundary:StepRealClass) ..........................................................1140
StepRealClass Methods .........................................................................................1141
StepRealClass Methods .................................................................................1141
GetPercentile (return a value's percentile:StepRealClass) ............................1141
GetValue (return a percentile's value:StepRealClass) ...................................1142
SetLimit (set smooth data distribution:StepRealClass) ..................................1143
StepStringClass 1145
StepStringClass Overview ....................................................................................1145
StepStringClass Properties.....................................................................................1150
LookupMode (expected data distribution) ......................................................1150
Root (the static portion of the step) ................................................................1151
SortChars (valid sort characters) ....................................................................1151
TestLen (length of the static step portion) ......................................................1152
StepStringClass Methods .......................................................................................1153
GetPercentile (return a value's percentile) .....................................................1153
GetValue (return a percentile's value) ............................................................1154
Init (initialize the StepStringClass object) .......................................................1155
Kill (shut down the StepStringClass object) ...................................................1156
SetLimit (set smooth data distribution:StepStringClass) ................................1157
SetLimitNeeded (return static/dynamic boundary flag:StepStringClass) .......1158
TagHTMLHelp Class 1159
TagHTMLHelpOverview ........................................................................................1159
TagHTMLHelp Class Concepts ............................................................................1159
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ..............................................1159
Contents and Forward 37

TagHTMLHelp ABC Template Implementation ....................................................1159

TagHTMLHelp Source Files ..................................................................................1159
TagHTMLHelp Methods..........................................................................................1160
AlinkLookup (associative link lookup) ............................................................1160
CloseHelp (close HTML help file) ..................................................................1161
GetHelpFile (get help file name) ....................................................................1161
GetTopic (get current topic name) .................................................................1161
Init (initialize HTML Help object) ....................................................................1162
KeyWordLookup (lookup keyword) ...............................................................1163
Kill (shutdown the TagHTMLHelp object) ......................................................1163
SetHelpFile (set the current HTML Help file name) ......................................1164
SetTopic (set the current HTML Help file topic) ............................................1165
ShowIndex (open the HTML Help index tab) ................................................1165
ShowSearch (open the HTML Help search tab) ...........................................1166
ShowTOC (open the HTML Help contents tab) ............................................1166
ShowTopic (display a help topic) ...................................................................1166
TextWindowClass 1167
TextWindowClass Overview .................................................................................1167
TextWindowClass Concepts .................................................................................1167
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes ...............................................1167
ABC Template Implementation .............................................................................1167
TextWindowClass Source Files ............................................................................1167
TextWindowClass Properties..................................................................................1168
SelE (ending edit position) ............................................................................1168
SelS (starting edit position) ...........................................................................1168
Txt (field equate number) ..............................................................................1168
TextWindowClass Methods ....................................................................................1169
Init (initalize TextWindow object) ...................................................................1169
Kill (shutdown TextWindow object) ...............................................................1169
TakeAccepted (process window controls) .....................................................1170
ToolbarClass 1171
ToolbarClass Overview .........................................................................................1171
ToolbarClass Methods ............................................................................................1178
ToolbarClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ..................................1178
AddTarget (register toolbar driven entity) .......................................................1179
DisplayButtons (enable appropriate toolbar buttons:ToolbarClass) ...............1180
Init (initialize the ToolbarClass object) ............................................................1181
Kill (shut down the ToolbarClass object) ........................................................1181
SetTarget (sets the active target) ...................................................................1182
TakeEvent (process toolbar event:ToolbarClass) ..........................................1183
ToolbarListBoxClass 1185
ToolbarListBoxClass Overview .............................................................................1185
ToolbarListboxClass Properties ..............................................................................1190
38 ABC Library Reference

Browse (BrowseClass object) ........................................................................1190

ToolbarListboxClass Methods.................................................................................1191
DisplayButtons (enable appropriate toolbar buttons:ToolbarListboxClass) ...1191
TakeEvent (convert toolbar events:ToolbarListboxClass ) ............................1192
TakeToolbar (assume contol of the toolbar) ..................................................1193
TryTakeToolbar (return toolbar control indicator:ToolbarListBoxClass) ........1194
ToolbarReltreeClass 1195
ToolbarReltreeClass Overview .............................................................................1195
ToolbarReltreeClass Properties..............................................................................1200
ToolbarReltreeClass Methods ................................................................................1201
DisplayButtons (enable appropriate toolbar buttons:ToolbarReltreeClass) ...1201
TakeToolbar (assume control of the toolbar:ToolbarReltreeClass) ...............1202
ToolbarTargetClass 1203
ToolbarTarget Overview .......................................................................................1203
ToolbarTarget Properties ........................................................................................1205
ChangeButton (change control number) ........................................................1205
Control (window control) .................................................................................1205
DeleteButton (delete control number) ............................................................1206
HelpButton (help control number) ..................................................................1206
InsertButton (insert control number) ...............................................................1207
LocateButton(query control number) .............................................................1207
SelectButton (select control number) .............................................................1208
ToolbarTarget Methods...........................................................................................1209
ToolbarTarget Functional Organization--Expected Use .................................1209
DisplayButtons (enable appropriate toolbar buttons:ToolbarTarget) .............1210
TakeEvent (convert toolbar events:ToolbarTarget) ........................................1211
TakeToolbar (assume control of the toolbar:ToolbarTarget) .........................1213
TryTakeToolbar (return toolbar control indicator:ToolbarTarget) ...................1213
ToolbarUpdateClass 1215
ToolbarUpdateClass Overview .............................................................................1215
ToolbarUpdateClass Properties..............................................................................1223
Request (requested database operation) .......................................................1223
History (enable toolbar history button) ...........................................................1224
ToolbarUpdateClass Methods ................................................................................1225
DisplayButtons (enable appropriate toolbar buttons:ToolbarUpdateClass) ...1225
TakeEvent (convert toolbar events:ToolbarUpdateClass) .............................1226
TakeToolbar (assume control of the toolbar:ToolbarUpdateClass) ...............1227
TryTakeToolbar (return toolbar control indicator:ToolbarUpdateClass) .........1228
TranslatorClass 1229
TranslatorClass Overview .....................................................................................1229
TranslatorClass Properties .....................................................................................1234
ExtractText (identify text to translate) .............................................................1234
Contents and Forward 39

TranslatorClass Methods ........................................................................................1235

AddTranslation (add translation pairs) ...........................................................1235
Init (initialize the TranslatorClass object) .......................................................1237
Kill (shut down the TranslatorClass object) ....................................................1237
TranslateControl (translate text for a control) .................................................1238
TranslateControls (translate text for range of controls) ..................................1239
TranslateString (translate text) .......................................................................1240
TranslateWindow (translate text for a window) ..............................................1241
ViewManager 1243
ViewManager Overview ........................................................................................1243
ViewManager Properties.........................................................................................1248
Order (sort, range-limit, and filter information) ...............................................1248
PagesAhead (buffered pages) .......................................................................1249
PagesBehind (buffered pages) .......................................................................1249
PageSize (buffer page size) ..........................................................................1250
Primary (the primary file RelationManager ) ..................................................1250
SavedBuffers (saved record buffers)................................................................1251
TimeOut (buffered pages freshness) ..............................................................1252
View (the managed VIEW) .............................................................................1252
ViewManager Methods ...........................................................................................1253
ViewManager Functional Organization--Expected Use .................................1253
AddRange (add a range limit) ..........................................................................1255
AddSortOrder (add a sort order) ....................................................................1256
AppendOrder (refine a sort order) ..................................................................1257
ApplyFilter (range limit and filter the result set) ..............................................1258
ApplyOrder (sort the result set) ......................................................................1259
ApplyRange (conditionally range limit and filter the result set) ......................1260
Close (close the view) .....................................................................................1261
GetFirstSortField (return first field of current sort)............................................1261
GetFreeElementName (return free key element name) ..................................1262
GetFreeElementPosition (return free key element position) ...........................1263
Init (initialize the ViewManager object) ............................................................1264
Kill (shut down the ViewManager object) ........................................................1265
Next (get the next element) .............................................................................1265
Open (open the view) ......................................................................................1266
Previous (get the previous element) ................................................................1267
PrimeRecord (prepare a record for adding:ViewManager) ............................1268
Reset (reset the view position) .......................................................................1269
RestoreBuffers (restore VIEW file buffers).......................................................1270
SaveBuffers (save VIEW file buffers) ...............................................................1270
SetFilter (add, change, or remove active filter) .............................................1271
SetOrder (replace a sort order) .....................................................................1273
SetSort (set the active sort order) ..................................................................1274
UseView (use LazyOpen files) .......................................................................1275
ValidateRecord (validate an element) ............................................................1276
40 ABC Library Reference

WindowComponent Interface 1277

WindowComponent Overview.................................................................................1277
WindowComponent Concepts ................................................................................1277
Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes .................................................1277
WindowComponent Source Files............................................................................1277
WindowComponent Methods..................................................................................1278
WindowComponent Methods ...........................................................................1278
Kill(shutdown the parent object) .......................................................................1278
PrimaryBufferRestored(confirm restore of primary buffer) ...............................1279
PrimaryBufferRestoreRequired(flag restore of primary buffer) ........................1279
PrimaryBufferSaved(confirm save of primary buffer) .......................................1280
PrimaryBufferSaveRequired(flag save of primary buffer) ................................1280
Reset(reset object's data).................................................................................1281
ResetRequired(determine if screen refresh needed) .......................................1282
SetAlerts(alert keystrokes for window component) ..........................................1283
TakeEvent(process the current ACCEPT loop event)......................................1283
Update(get VIEW data for the selected item)...................................................1284
UpdateWindow(update window controls) .........................................................1284
WindowResizeClass 1285
WindowResizeClass Overview .............................................................................1285
WindowResizeClass Properties..............................................................................1289
AutoTransparent (optimize redraw) ................................................................1289
DeferMoves (optimize resize) .........................................................................1289
WindowResizeClass Methods ................................................................................1290
WindowResizeClass Functional Organization--Expected Use ......................1290
GetParentControl (return parent control) .......................................................1291
GetPositionStrategy (return position strategy for a control type) ...................1292
GetResizeStrategy (return resize strategy for a control type) ........................1293
Init (initialize the WindowResizeClass object) ................................................1294
Kill (shut down the WindowResizeClass object) ............................................1297
Reset (resets the WindowResizeClass object) ..............................................1298
Resize (resize and reposition controls) ..........................................................1299
RestoreWindow (restore window to initial size) ..............................................1300
SetParentControl (set parent control) .............................................................1301
SetParentDefaults (set default parent controls) .............................................1302
SetStrategy (set control resize strategy) ........................................................1303
WindowManager 1305
WindowManager Overview ...................................................................................1305
WindowManager Properties....................................................................................1313
AutoRefresh (reset window as needed flag) ..................................................1313
AutoToolbar (set toolbar target on new tab selection) ...................................1313
CancelAction (response to cancel request) ...................................................1314
ChangeAction (response to change request) .................................................1315
Dead (shut down flag) ....................................................................................1315
Contents and Forward 41

DeleteAction (response to delete request) .....................................................1316

Errors (ErrorClass object) ...............................................................................1317
FilesOpened(files opened by procedure) ......................................................1317
FirstField (first window control) .......................................................................1317
ForcedReset (force reset flag) ........................................................................1318
HistoryKey (restore field key) .........................................................................1318
InsertAction (response to insert request) .......................................................1319
LastInsertedPosition (hold position of last inserted record) .............................1319
OKControl (window acceptance control--OK button) .....................................1320
Opened (window opened flag) .......................................................................1320
OriginalRequest (original database request) ..................................................1321
Primary (RelationManager object) ..................................................................1321
Request (database request) ...........................................................................1322
ResetOnGainFocus (gain focus reset flag) ....................................................1323
Resize (WindowResize object) ......................................................................1323
Response (response to database request) ....................................................1324
Saved (copy of primary file record buffer) ......................................................1324
Translator (TranslatorClass object:WindowManager) ....................................1325
VCRRequest (delayed scroll request) ............................................................1325
WindowManager Methods ......................................................................................1326
WindowManager Functional Organization--Expected Use ............................1326
AddHistoryField (add restorable control and field) .........................................1328
AddHistoryFile (add restorable history file) ....................................................1329
AddItem (program the WindowManager object) ............................................1330
AddUpdateFile (register batch add files) ........................................................1331
Ask (display window and process its events:WindowManager) .....................1332
ChangeRecord(execute change record process) ............................................1333
DeleteRecord(execute delete record process).................................................1334
Init (initialize the WindowManager object) ......................................................1335
InsertRecord (execute insert record activity)....................................................1337
Kill (shut down the WindowManager object) ..................................................1338
Open (a virtual to execute on EVENT:OpenWindow--WindowManager) .......1339
PostCompleted (initiates final Window processing) .......................................1340
PrimeFields (a virtual to prime form fields) .....................................................1341
PrimeUpdate (update or prepare for update) .................................................1342
RemoveItem(remove WindowComponent object) ........................................1343
Reset (reset the window for display) ..............................................................1344
RestoreField (restore field to last saved value) ..............................................1345
Run (run this procedure or a subordinate procedure) ....................................1346
SaveHistory (save history fields for later restoration) .....................................1348
SaveOnChangeAction(execute change record process and remain active) ...1349
SaveOnInsertAction(execute insert record activity and remain active)............1350
SetAlerts (alert window control keystrokes) ...................................................1351
SetResponse (OK or Cancel the window) ......................................................1352
TakeAccepted (a virtual to process EVENT:Accepted--WindowManager) ....1353
TakeCloseEvent (a virtual to Cancel the window) .........................................1354
TakeCompleted (a virtual to complete an update form) .................................1356
42 ABC Library Reference

TakeEvent (a virtual to process all events:WindowManager) ........................1358

TakeFieldEvent (a virtual to process field events:WindowManager) .............1359
TakeNewSelection (a virtual to process EVENT:NewSelection) ...................1360
TakeRejected (a virtual to process EVENT:Rejected) ....................................1361
TakeSelected (a virtual to process EVENT:Selected) .....................................1362
TakeWindowEvent (a virtual to process non-field events:WindowManager) .1363
Update (prepare records for writing to disk) ...................................................1364
Index: 1365
Contents and Forward 43
44 ABC Library Reference
Contents and Forward 45

Foreword
Welcome
Welcome to the Application Builder Class Library Reference! This book is designed to be
your every day reference to the Classes that lie beneath the templates.

Once you’ve become familiar with the Clarion development environment, through Getting
Started, Learning Clarion and the Online User’s Guide, you will refer to those books less
and less frequently. However, in your day-to-day work, we think you will continue to need
information on the finer points of the various Application Builder Class methods.

That’s why we created this Application Builder Class Library Reference —for every
Clarion developer who wants a quick, ready reference to those Clarion components you
use over and over again.

This book provides in-depth discussions of the ABC Library. It shows you how the ABC
Templates use the powerful ABC Library objects—and how you can use, reuse, and
modify the classes with the ABC Templates or within your hand-coded project.

These are the tools you’ll continue to refer to regardless of your expertise with Clarion.
The depths of information on these tools and the consequent versatility you can achieve
with them is virtually unlimited.
46 ABC Library Reference

Documentation Conventions
Typeface Conventions

Italics Indicates what to type at the keyboard and variable information, such as
Enter This or filename.TXT. Also identifies the title information of dialog
windows, like Procedure Properties.

CAPS Indicates keystrokes to enter at the keyboard such as ENTER or

ESCAPE, and mouse operations such as RIGHT-CLICK.

Boldface Indicates commands or options from a menu or text in a dialog window.

UPPERCASE Clarion language keywords such as MAX or USE.

Courier New Used for diagrams, source code listings, to annotate examples, and for
examples of the usage of source statements.

Keyboard Conventions
F1 Indicates a single keystroke. In this case, press and release the F1 key.

ALT+X Indicates a combination of keystrokes. In this case, hold down the ALT
key and press the X key, then release both keys.

Other Conventions

Special Tips, Notes, and Warnings—information that is not immediately evident from the
topic explanation.
ABC Library Overview 47

ABC Library Overview

About This Book
This book describes the Application Builder Class (ABC) Library.

It provides an overview of each class or related group of classes. Then it provides

specific information on the public properties and methods of each class, plus examples
for using them. It also shows you the source files for each class and describes some of
the relationships between the classes.

Application Builder Class (ABC) Library

Class Libraries Generally
The purpose of a class library in an Object Oriented system is to help programmers work
more efficiently by providing a safe, efficient way to reuse pieces of program code. In
other words, a class library should relieve programmers of having to write certain routines
by letting them use already written generic routines to perform common or repetitive
program tasks.

In addition, a class library can reduce the amount of programming required to implement
changes to an existing class based program. By deriving classes that incrementally add
to or subtract from the classes in the library, programmers can accomplish substantial
changes without having to rewrite the base classes or the programs that rely on the base
classes.

Application Builder Classes—The ABCs of Rapid Application Development

Typical Reusability and Maintenance Benefits

The Application Builder Classes (ABC Library) provide all the benefits of class libraries in
general. Clarion’s ABC Templates automatically generate code that uses and reuses the
robust, flexible, and solid (pre-tested) objects defined by the ABC Library. Further, the
templates are designed to help you easily derive your own classes based on the ABC
Library.

Of course, you need not use the templates to use the Application Builder Classes.
However, the template generated code certainly provides appropriate examples for using
the ABC Library in hand coded programs. Either way, the bottom line for you is more
powerful programs with less coding.
48 ABC Library Reference

Database and Windows Program Orientation

The Application Builder Classes have a fairly specific focus or scope. That is, its objects
are designed to process databases within a Windows environment. Even more
specifically, these objects are designed to support all the standard functionality provided
by prior versions of Clarion, plus a lot more.

As such, there are database related objects that open, read, write, view, search, sort, and
print data files. There are objects that enforce relational integrity between related data
files.

In addition there are general purpose Windows related objects that display error
messages, manage popup menus, perform edit-in-place, manage file-loaded drop-down
lists, perform language translation on windows, resize windows and controls, process
toolbars across execution threads, read and write INI files, and manage selection and
processing of DOS/Windows files.

The point is, the class library supports general purpose database Windows programs; it
does not support, say, real-time process control for oil refineries.

Core Classes

The Application Builder Classes may be logically divided into “core” classes and
“peripheral” classes. The core classes are central to the ABC Library—everything else is
built from them or hangs off them. If you intend to study the Application Builder Classes,
you should begin with the core classes. Further, a thorough understanding of these
classes should give you an excellent foundation for understanding the ABC Template
generated programs and procedures that use these classes.

Even if you want to stay as far away from the ABC Library as possible, you should keep a
couple of things in mind with regard to the core classes:

• The core classes are ErrorClass, FieldPairsClass, FileManager,

RelationManager, ViewManager, WindowManager, and BrowseClass.

• Core classes are used repeatedly, so if you must modify them, try to keep them
efficient.

• Core classes are almost certainly in any template based program, so additional
references to them generally won’t affect the size of your executable.

There is a hierarchy within the core classes. The ErrorClass and the FieldPairsClass form
the foundation upon which the FileManager, RelationManager, and ViewManager rest.
Finally, the BrowseClass, which is derived from the ViewManager, tops off the core
classes. The WindowManager is programmed to understand these core classes and
manages window procedures that use them.
ABC Library Overview 49

WindowManager
BrowseClass
ViewManager
RelationManager
FileManager \
/ \
ErrorClass FieldPairsClass

To understand these core classes, we recommend you tackle the core classes first
(ErrorClass and FieldPairsClass), then work your way up to the WindowManager.

ABC Library Source Files

The Application Builder Classes are installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder.
The specific classes reside in the following respective files. The core classes are shown
in bold.

The class declarations reside in the .INC files, and their method definitions reside in the
specified .CLW files.

ABASCII.INC
AsciiFileClass MODULE('ABASCII.CLW')
AsciiPrintClass MODULE('ABASCII.CLW')
AsciiSearchClass MODULE('ABASCII.CLW')
AsciiViewerClass MODULE('ABASCII.CLW')
ABBROWSE.INC
StepClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
StepLongClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
StepRealClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
StepStringClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
StepCustomClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
LocatorClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
StepLocatorClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
EntryLocatorClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
IncrementalLocatorClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
ContractingLocatorClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
EditClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
BrowseClass MODULE('ABBROWSE.CLW')
ABDROPS.INC
FileDropClass MODULE('ABDROPS.CLW')
FileDropComboClass MODULE('ABDROPS.CLW')
50 ABC Library Reference

ABEIP.INC
EditClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditCheckClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditColorClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditDropListClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditEntryClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditFileClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditFontClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
EditMultiSelectClass MODULE('ABEIP.CLW')
ABERROR.INC
ErrorClass MODULE('ABERROR.CLW')
ABFILE.INC
FileManager MODULE('ABFILE.CLW')
RelationUsage MODULE('ABFILE.CLW')
RelationManager MODULE('ABFILE.CLW')
ViewManager MODULE('ABFILE.CLW')
ABPOPUP.INC
PopupClass MODULE('ABPOPUP.CLW')
ABQUERY.INC
QueryClass MODULE('ABQUERY.CLW')
QueryVisualClass MODULE('ABQUERY.CLW')
QueryFormVisual MODULE('ABQUERY.CLW')
ABREPORT.INC
ProcessClass MODULE('ABREPORT.CLW')
PrintPreviewClass MODULE('ABREPORT.CLW')
ReportManager MODULE('ABREPORT.CLW')
ABRESIZE.INC
WindowResizeClass MODULE('ABRESIZE.CLW')
ABTOOLBA.INC
ToolbarTargetClass MODULE('ABTOOLBA.CLW')
ToolbarListboxClass MODULE('ABTOOLBA.CLW')
ToolbarReltreeClass MODULE('ABTOOLBA.CLW')
ToolbarUpdateClass MODULE('ABTOOLBA.CLW')
ToolbarClass MODULE('ABTOOLBA.CLW')
ABUTIL.INC
ConstantClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW')
FieldPairsClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW')
BufferedPairsClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW')
INIClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW')
DOSFileLookupClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW')
TranslatorClass MODULE('ABUTIL.CLW’)
ABWINDOW.INC
WindowManager MODULE('ABWINDOW.CLW’)
ABC Library Overview 51

Including the right files in your data section

Many of the class declarations directly reference other classes. To resolve these
references, each class header (.INC file) INCLUDEs only the headers containing the
directly referenced classes. This convention maximizes encapsulation, minimizes compile
times, and ensures that all necessary components are present for the make process. We
recommend you follow this convention too.

The Application Builder Classes source code is structured so that you can INCLUDE
either the header or the definition (.CLW file) in your program’s data section. If you
include the header, it references the required definitions and vice versa.

A good rule of thumb is to INCLUDE as little as possible. The compiler will let you know if
you have omitted something.

ABC Library and the ABC Templates

The ABC Templates rely heavily on the ABC Library. However, the templates are highly
configurable and are designed to let you substitute your own class definitions if you wish.
See Part I—Classes Tab Options (Global) for more information on configuring the global
level interaction between the ABC Templates and the ABC Library. See Part I—Classes
Tab Options (Local) for more information on configuring the local (module level)
interaction between the ABC Templates and the ABC Library.

Classes and Their Template Generated Objects

The ABC Templates instantiate objects from the ABC Library. The default template
generated object names are usually related to the corresponding class names, but they
are not exactly the same. Your ABC applications’ generated code may contain data
declarations and executable statements similar to these:
GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Hide:Access:Customer CLASS(FileManager)
INIMgr INIClass
ThisWindow CLASS(ReportManager)
ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
ThisReport CLASS(ProcessClass)
ThisProcess CLASS(ProcessClass)
BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
EditInPlace::CUS:NAME EditClass
Resizer WindowResizeClass
Toolbar ToolbarClass
CODE
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
BRW1.AddSortOrder(BRW1::Sort0:StepClass,ST:StKey)
BRW1.AddToolbarTarget(Toolbar)
GlobalErrors.Throw()
Resizer.AutoTransparent=True
Previewer.AllowUserZoom=True
52 ABC Library Reference

These data declarations instantiate objects from the ABC Library, and the executable
statements reference the instantiated objects. The various ABC classes and their
template instantiations are listed below so you can identify ABC objects in your
applications’ generated code and find the corresponding ABC Library documentation.

Template Generated Object Application Builder Class

Access:file FileManager
BRWn BrowseClass
BRWn::Sortn:Locator LocatorClass
BRWn::Sortn:StepClass StepClass
EditInPlace::field EditClass
FDBn FileDropClass
FDCBn FileDropComboClass
FileLookupN SelectFileClass
GlobalErrors ErrorClass
INIMgr INIClass
QBEn QueryClass
QBVn QueryVisualClass
Popup PopupClass
Previewer PrintPreviewClass
ProgressMgr StepClass
Relate:file RelationManager
RELn::Toolbar ToolbarReltreeClass
Resizer WindowResizeClass
ThisProcess ProcessClass
ThisReport ProcessClass
ThisWindow WindowManager, ReportManager
Toolbar ToolbarClass
ToolbarForm ToolbarUpdateClass
Translator TranslatorClass
ViewerN ASCIIViewerClass
ABC Library Overview 53

ABC Coding Conventions

The ABC Library uses several coding conventions. You may see instances of these code
constructions in ABC applications’ generated code and in the ABC Library code. We
recommend that you follow these conventions within your embedded code.

Method Names
The following names have a specific meaning in the ABC Library. The names and their
meanings are described below.

AddItem
The object adds an item to its datastore. The item may be a field, a key, a sort order, a
range limit, another object, etc. The item may be anything the object needs to do its job.

Ask[Information]
The method interacts with the end user to get the Information.

Fetch
The method retrieves data from a file.

GetItem
The method returns the value of the named item.

Init
The method does whatever is required to initialize the object.

Kill
The method does whatever is required to shut down the object, including freeing any
memory allocated during its lifetime.

Reset[what or how]
The method resets the object and its controls. This includes reloading data, resetting sort
orders, redrawing window controls, etc.

SetItem
The method sets the value of the named item, or makes the named item active so that
other object methods operate on the active item.

TakeItem
The method “takes” the item from another method or object and continues processing it.
The item may be a window event (Accepted, Rejected, OpenWindow, CloseWindow,
Resize, etc.), a record, an error condition, etc.
54 ABC Library Reference

Throw[Item]
The method “throws” the item to another object or method for handling. The item is
usually an error condition.
ABC Library Overview 55

TryAction
The method makes one attempt to carry out the action, then returns a value indicating
success or failure. A return value of zero (0 or Level:Benign) indicates success; any other
value indicates failure.

Where to Initilize & Kill Objects

There are generally two factors to consider when initializing and killing objects:

• Generally, objects should live as short a life a possible

• Objects should always be Killed (to free any memory allocated during its lifetime)

Balancing these two (sometimes conflicting) factors dictates that objects Initialized with
EVENT:OpenWindow are usually Killed with EVENT:CloseWindow. Objects Initialized
with ThisWindow.Init are usually Killed with ThisWindow.Kill.

Return Values
Many ABC methods return a value indicating success or failure. A return value of zero (0
or Level:Benign) indicates success. Any other return value indicates a problem whose
severity may vary. Other return values and their ABC severity EQUATEs (Level:User,
Level:Cancel, Level:Notify, Level:Fatal, Level:Program) are documented in the Error
Class chapter and in the individual methods’ documentation. This convention produces
code like the following:
IF ABCObject.Method()
!handle failure / error
ELSE
!continue normally
END

IF ~ABCObject.Method()
!continue normally
END

Event Processing Method Return Values

Some ABC methods process ACCEPT loop events. The names of these methods begin
with “Take” and usually indicate the type of events they handle. These event processing
methods execute within an ACCEPT loop (as implemented by the WindowManager.Ask
method) and return a value indicating how the ACCEPT loop should proceed.

A return value of Level:Benign indicates processing of this event should continue

normally. A return value of Level:Notify indicates processing is completed for this event
and the ACCEPT loop should CYCLE. A return value of Level:Fatal indicates the event
could not be processed and the ACCEPT loop should BREAK.
56 ABC Library Reference

If you (or the ABC Templates) derive a class with any of these methods, you should use
this return value convention to control ACCEPT loop processing.

Following is the WindowManager.Ask method code that implements this convention. See
WindowManager Concepts for more information.
ACCEPT
CASE SELF.TakeEvent()
OF Level:Fatal
BREAK
OF Level:Notify
CYCLE
END
END

Ending a Procedure

In your embedded code you may encounter a condition that requires the procedure to
end immediately (that is, it cannot wait for an EVENT:CloseWindow, or an
EVENT:CloseWindow is not appropriate).

In some cases, a simple RETURN will not end your procedure (because a RETURN
embedded within a derived method ends the method, not the calling procedure), and
even if it would, it might not be appropriate (because the procedure may have allocated
memory or started other tasks that should be ended in a controlled manner).

There are several ways you can initiate the normal shut down of your procedure,
depending on where in the procedure your code is embedded. Following are the
conventional ways to shut down your procedure normally.
RETURN(Level:Fatal) !normal shutdown from ABC derived method
ReturnValue = Level:Fatal !normal shutdown at end of ABC derived method
ThisWindow.Kill !normal shutdown from Procedure Routine
ThisWindow.Kill;RETURN !normal shutdown from Procedure Routine
! called from within ACCEPT loop

PRIVATE (undocumented) Items

Some of the properties and methods in the ABC Library have the PRIVATE attribute.
These PRIVATE items are not documented. These items are PRIVATE because they are
likely to change or disappear completely in future ABC Library releases. Making some
items PRIVATE, gives TopSpeed the flexibility to change and improve these areas
without affecting applications developed with the ABC Library. We strongly recommend
that you do not remove the PRIVATE attributes on ABC Library items.
ABC Library Overview 57

PROTECTED, VIRTUAL, DERIVED, and PROC Attributes

Some of the ABC Library properties and methods have special attributes that enhance
their functionality, usability, and maintainability. Each property and method topic shows
any applicable attributes in the syntax diagram (gray box). The purpose and effect of
these attributes are documented here and in the Language Reference, but not in
individual property and method topics.

PROTECTED Attribute

The PROTECTED attribute specifies that the property or method on which it is placed is
visible only to the methods of the same CLASS or of derived CLASSes. This simply
suggests that the property or method is important to the correct functioning of the
CLASS, and that any changes to these items should be done with care. See
PROTECTED in the Language Reference.

VIRTUAL Attribute

The VIRTUAL attribute allows methods in a parent CLASS to call methods in a derived
CLASS. This has two primary benefits. First, it allows parent CLASSes to delegate the
implementation of certain actions to derived classes; and second, it makes it easy for
derived classes to override these same parent class actions. See VIRTUAL in the
Language Reference.

Virtual methods let you insert custom code into an existing class, without copying or
duplicating the existing code. Furthermore, the existing class calls the virtual methods
(containing the custom code) as part of its normal operation, so you don’t have to
explicitly call them. When TopSpeed updates the existing class, the updates are
automatically integrated into your application simply by recompiling. The existing class
continues to call the virtual methods containing the custom code as part of its normal
operation. This approach gives you many opportunities to customize your ABC
applications while minimizing maintenance issues.

DERIVED Attribute

The DERIVED attribute is similar to the VIRTUAL attribute, except that it must have a
matching prototype in the parent class.

PROC Attribute

The PROC attribute may be placed on a method prototyped with a return value, so you
can call the method and ignore the return value without compiler warnings. See PROC in
the Language Reference.
58 ABC Library Reference

Documentation Conventions
Reference Item and Syntax Diagram
The documentation formats for Properties and Methods are illustrated in the following
syntax diagrams.

Property (short description of intended use)

Property Datatype [, PROTECTED ]

A complete description of the Property and its uses.

Datatype shows the datatype of the property such as LONG or &BrowseClass.

Implementation: A discussion of specific implementation issues. The implementation may change

with each release / version of Internet Connect.
ComplexDataType STRUCTURE !actual structure declaration
END

See Also: Related Methods and Properties

Method (short description of what the method does)

Method( | parameter1 | [, parameter2 ] ) [, PROTECTED ] [, VIRTUAL ] [, PROC ]
| alternate |
| parameters |

Method A brief statement of what the method does.

parameter1 A complete description of parameter1, along with how it relates to

parameter2 and the Method.

parameter2 A complete description of parameter2, along with how it relates to

parameter1 and the Method. Brackets [ ] indicate optional parameters.

A concise description of what the Method does.

Implementation: A description of how the method currently accomplishes its objective. The
implementation may change with each release / version of Clarion.

Return Data Type: The data type returned if applicable.

ABC Library Overview 59

Example:
FieldOne = FieldTwo + FieldThree !This is a source code example
FieldThree = Method(FieldOne,FieldTwo) !Comments follow the “!” character

See Also: Related Methods and Properties

60 ABC Library Reference

Conceptual Example
A description of the type of example to be illustrated. Examples show the concept of how
a specific class is implemented in source code. The demands of brevity and concision
often force the removal of structures which are not essential in illustrating the class.

PROGRAM

MAP
END

! Data structures
CODE
! Code Statements
ASCIIFileClass 61

ASCIIFileClass
ASCIIFileClass Overview
The ASCIIFileClass identifies, opens (read-only), indexes, and page-loads a file's contents into a
QUEUE. The indexing function speeds any additional access of records and supports page-
loading, which in turn allows browsing of very large files.

ASCIIFileClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

There are several related classes whose collective purpose is to provide reusable, read-only,
viewing, scrolling, searching, and printing capability for files, including variable length files.
Although these classes are primarily designed for ASCII text and they anticipate using the Clarion
ASCII Driver to access the files, they also work with binary files and with other database drivers.
These classes can be used to build other components and functionality as well.

The classes that provide this read-only functionality and their respective roles are:

ASCIIViewerClass ASCIIFileClass plus user interface

ASCIIFileClass Open, read, filter, and index the file
ASCIIPrintClass Print one or more lines
ASCIISearchClass Locate and scroll to text

The ASCIIViewerClass is derived from the ASCIIFileClass. See ASCIIViewerClass for more
information.

ASCIIFileClass ABC Template Implementation

The ASCIIFileClass serves as the foundation to the Viewer procedure template; however, the
ABC Templates do not instantiate the ASCIIFileClass independently of the ASCIIViewerClass.

The ASCIIViewerClass is derived from the ASCIIFileClass, and the Viewer Procedure Template
instantiates the derived ASCIIViewerClass.

ASCIIFileClass Source Files

The ASCIIFileClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
ASCIIFileClass source code are contained in:

ABASCII.INC ASCIIFileClass declarations

ABASCII.CLW ASCIIFileClass method definitions
62 ABC Library Reference

ASCIIFileClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an ASCIIFileClass object and related objects.

This example lets the end user select a file, then display it's pathname, total line count, and the
text at a given percentage point within the file.
PROGRAM
MAP
END
INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIFileClass

Percentile BYTE(50) !a value between 1 & 100

GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object
AFile AsciiFileClass,THREAD !declare AFile object
FileActive BYTE(False),THREAD !AFile initialized flag
Filename STRING(255),THREAD !FileName variable

AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END

window WINDOW('View a text file'),AT(3,7,203,63),SYSTEM,GRAY,DOUBLE

PROMPT('Show Line at Percentile'),AT(5,4),USE(?Prompt:Pct)
SPIN(@s3),AT(84,3,25,),USE(Percentile),RANGE(1,100)
BUTTON('New File'),AT(113,2),USE(?NewFileButton)
BUTTON('File Size'),AT(157,2),USE(?FileSizeButton)
PROMPT('Line:'),AT(4,26),USE(?Prompt:Line)
PROMPT(' '),AT(26,26,172,32),USE(?Line)
END
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init !initialize GlobalErrors object
OPEN(window) !Initialize AFile with:
FileActive=AFile.Init( AsciiFile, | ! file label,
A1:line, | !file field to display
Filename, | !variable file NAME attribute
GlobalErrors) !GlobalErrors object
IF FileActive
window{PROP:Text}=AFile.GetFileName()
ELSE
window{PROP:Text}='no file selected'
END

ACCEPT
ASCIIFileClass 63

CASE FIELD()
OF ?NewFileButton !on New File button
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted
CLEAR(FileName)
FileActive=AFile.Reset(FileName) !reset AFile to a new file
IF FileActive
window{PROP:Text}=AFile.GetFileName() !show filename in titlebar
ELSE
window{PROP:Text}='no file selected'
END
END
OF ?Percentile !on Percentile SPIN
CASE EVENT()
OF EVENT:Accepted OROF EVENT:NewSelection
IF FileActive !calculate lineno and get the line
?Line{PROP:Text}=AFile.GetLine(Percentile/100*AFile.GetLastLineNo())
ELSE
?Line{PROP:Text}='no file selected'
END
END
OF ?FileSizeButton !on File Size button
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted
IF FileActive !display total line count
?FileSizeButton{PROP:Text}=AFile.GetLastLineNo()&' Lines'
ELSE
?FileSizeButton{PROP:Text}='0 Lines'
END
END
END
END
IF FileActive THEN AFile.Kill. !shut down AFile object
GlobalErrors.Kill
64 ABC Library Reference

AsciiFileClass Properties

ASCIIFile (the ASCII file)

ASCIIFile &FILE
The File property is a reference to the managed file. The File property simply identifies the
managed file for the various ASCIIFileClass methods.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the File property.

See Also: Init

ErrorMgr (ErrorClass object)

ErrorMgr &ErrorClass, PROTECTED

The ErrorMgr property is a reference to the ErrorClass object for this ASCIIFileClass object. The
ASCIIFileClass uses the ErrorMgr to handle various errors and conditions it encounters when
processing the file.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the ErrorMgr property.

See Also: Init

OpenMode (file access/sharing mode)

OpenMode BYTE
The OpenMode property contains a value that determines the level of access granted to both the
user opening the file and other users in a multi-user system.

Implementation: The Init method sets the OpenMode property to a hexadecimal value of 42h
(ReadWrite/DenyNone). The ABC Templates override this default with the
appropriate value from the application generator.

The Open method uses the OpenMode property when it OPENs the file for
processing. See the Language Reference for more information on OPEN.

See Also: Init

ASCIIFileClass 65

AsciiFileClass Methods
ASCIIFileClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the ASCIIFileClass, it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the ASCIIFileClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the ASCIIFileClass object
Kill shut down the ASCIIFileClass object

Mainstream Use:
GetLastLineNo return last line number
GetLine return line of text
GetPercentile convert file position to percentage
SetPercentile convert percentage to file position

Occasional Use:
GetFilename return the filename
Reset reset the ASCIIFileClass object

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

GetDOSFilename prompt end user to select a file

FormatLine a virtual to format text
SetLine position to specific line
ValidateLine a virtual to implement a filter
66 ABC Library Reference

FormatLine (a virtual to format text)

FormatLine( line [, line number ] ), PROTECTED, VIRTUAL

FormatLine A virtual placeholder method to format text.

line The label of the STRING variable containing the text to reformat.
line number An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expression that contains the offset or
position of the line of text being formatted. If omitted, FormatLine operates on the
current line.
The FormatLine method is a virtual placeholder method to reformat text prior to display at
runtime.

Implementation: The FormatLine method is a placeholder for derived classes. It provides an easy
way for you to reformat the text prior to display. The GetLine method calls the
FormatLine method.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIViewerClass
MyViewer CLASS(AsciiViewerClass),TYPE !derive MyViewer class
FormatLine PROCEDURE(*STRING),VIRTUAL !prototype virtual FormatLine
END
Viewer MyViewer,THREAD !declare Viewer object
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME('MyText'),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE
!program code

MyViewer.FormatLine PROCEDURE(*STRING line) !called by ASCIIViewerClass

CODE
line = line[1:5]' '&line[5:55] !reformat the text

See Also: GetLine

ASCIIFileClass 67

GetDOSFilename (let end user select file)

GetDOSFilename( filename ), VIRTUAL

GetDOSFilename Prompts the end user to select the file to process.

filename The label of the ASCIIFile property's NAME attribute variable which receives the
selected filename.
The GetDOSFilename method prompts the end user to select the file to process and returns a
value indicating whether the end user selected a file or did not select a file. A return value of one
(1) indicates a file was selected and filename contains its pathname; a retun value of zero (0)
indicates no file was selected and filename is empty.

Implementation: The GetDOSFileName method uses a SelectFileClass object to get the filename
from the end user.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
MyAsciiFileClass.Reset FUNCTION(*STRING FName)
RVal BYTE(True)
SavePath CSTRING(FILE:MaxFilePath+1),AUTO
CODE
CLOSE(SELF.AsciiFile)
SavePath=PATH()
LOOP
IF ~FName AND ~SELF.GetDOSFilename(FName)
RVal=False
BREAK
END
OPEN(SELF.AsciiFile,ReadOnly+DenyNone)
IF ERRORCODE()
MESSAGE('Can't open ' & FName)
RVal=False
ELSE
BREAK
END
END
IF RVal
SELF.FileSize=BYTES(SELF.AsciiFile)
END
SETPATH(SavePath)
RETURN RVal

See Also: ASCIIFile, SelectFileClass

68 ABC Library Reference

GetFilename (return the filename)

GetFilename
The GetFilename method returns the name of the ASCII file.

Implementation: The GetFileName method uses the NAME function. See the Language
Reference for more information.

Return Data Type: STRING

Example:
INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIViewerClass
Viewer AsciiViewerClass,THREAD !declare Viewer object
Filename STRING(255),THREAD !declare filename variable
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE
!program code
MESSAGE('Filename:'&Viewer.GetFilename()) !get the ASCII filename
ASCIIFileClass 69

GetLastLineNo (return last line number)

GetLastLineNo, PROC
The GetLastLineNo method returns the number of the last line in the file, and indexes the entire
file.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
MyViewer.TakeScroll PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
LineNo LONG
CODE
IF FIELD()=SELF.ListBox
IF EVENT() = EVENT:ScrollBottom !on scroll bottom
LineNo = SELF.GetLastLineNo() !index to end of file
SELF.DisplayPage(LineNo-SELF.ListBoxItems+1) !display last page
SELECT(SELF.ListBox,SELF.ListBoxItems) !highlight last row
END
END
70 ABC Library Reference

GetLine (return line of text)

GetLine( line number ), PROC

GetLine Returns a line of text.

line number An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that contains the offset or
position of the line of text to return.
The GetLine method returns the line of text specifiedby line number.

Implementation: The GetLine method gets a line at position line number from the ASCII file,
extending the index queue if needed. If the index queue already contains the
requested line number then the file is read using the existing offset, otherwise the
index is extended. If the requested line number does not exist in the file, the text
line is cleared and ERRORCODE() set.

Return Data Type: STRING

Example:
MyViewer.DisplayPage PROCEDURE(LONG LineNo)
LineOffset USHORT,AUTO
CODE
IF LineNo > 0 !line specified?
SELF.ListBoxItems=SELF.ListBox{PROP:Items} !note size of list box
FREE(SELF.DisplayQueue) !free the display queue
SELF.GetLine(LineNo+SELF.ListBoxItems-1) !index to end of page
LOOP LineOffset=0 TO SELF.ListBoxItems-1 !for each listbox line
SELF.DisplayQueue.Line=SELF.GetLine(LineNo+LineOffset) !read ASCII file record
IF ERRORCODE() !on end of file
BREAK ! stop reading
END
ADD(SELF.DisplayQueue) !add to display queue
END
SELF.TopLine=LineNo !note 1st line displayed
DISPLAY(SELF.ListBox) !redraw the list box
END

See Also: GetLine

ASCIIFileClass 71

GetPercentile (convert file position to percentage:ASCIIFileClass)

GetPercentile( line number )

GetPercentile Returns the specified position in the file as a percentage.

line number An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that contains the offset or
position to convert to a percentage.
The GetPercentile method returns the specified position in the file as an approximate percentage
which can be used to position a vertical scroll bar thumb.

Return Data Type: USHORT

Example:
SetThumb ROUTINE
!current line is what % thru the file?
PctPos=MyASCIIFile.GetPercentile(MyASCIIFile.TopLine+CHOICE(?ASCIIBox)-1)
?ASCIIBox{PROP:VScrollPos}=PctPos !set thumb to corresponding % position
72 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the ASCIIFileClass object)

Init( file, field [,filename], error handler )

Init Initializes the ASCIIFileClass object.

file The label of the file to display.
field The fully qualified label of the file field to display.
filename The label of the file's NAME attribute variable. If omitted, the file has a constant NAME
attribute. If null (''), the ASCIIFileClass prompts the end user to select a file.
error handler The label of the ErrorClass object to handle errors encountered by this
ASCIIFileClass object.
The Init method initializes the ASCIIFileClass object and returns a value indicating whether it
successfully accessed the file and is ready to proceed.

Implementation: The Init method returns one (1) if it accessed the file and is ready to proceed; it
returns zero (0) and calls the Kill method if unable to access the file and cannot
proceed. If the Init method returns zero (0), the ASCIIFileClass object is not
initialized and you should not call its methods.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
Filename STRING(255),THREAD !declare filename variable
FileActive BYTE !declare success/fail switch
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1)
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE !init ASCIIFileClass object with:
FileActive=ASCIIFile.Init(AsciiFile, | ! file label
A1:Line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! NAME attribute variable
GlobalErrors) ! ErrorClass object
IF ~FileActive THEN RETURN. !If init failed, don't proceed
ACCEPT !If init succeeded, proceed
IF EVENT() = EVENT:CloseWindow
IF FileActive THEN ASCIIFile.Kill. !If init succeeded, shut down
END !program code
END

See Also: Kill

ASCIIFileClass 73

Kill (shut down the ASCIIFileClass object)

Kill
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and performs any other
required termination code.

Example:
Filename STRING(255),THREAD !declare filename variable
FileActive BYTE !declare success/fail switch
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1)
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE !init ASCIIFileClass object with:
FileActive=ASCIIFile.Init(AsciiFile,| ! file label
A1:Line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! NAME attribute variable
GlobalErrors) ! ErrorClass object
IF ~FileActive THEN RETURN. !If init failed, don't proceed
ACCEPT !If init succeeded, proceed
IF EVENT() = EVENT:CloseWindow
IF FileActive THEN ASCIIFile.Kill. !If init succeeded, shut down
END
!program code
END
74 ABC Library Reference

Reset (reset the ASCIIFileClass object)

Reset( filename )

Reset Resets the ASCIIFileClass object.

filename The label of the ASCIIFile property's NAME attribute variable.
The Reset method resets the ASCIIFileClass object and returns a value indicating whether the
end user selected a file or did not select a file. A return value of one (1) indicates a file was
selected and filename contains its pathname; a retun value of zero (0) indicates no file was
selected and filename is empty.

Implementation: The Reset method calls the GetDOSFileName method to get the filename from
the end user. Reset opens the file and resets any statistics and flags associated
with the selected file.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
AsciiViewerClass.Reset FUNCTION(*STRING Filename)
CODE
FREE(SELF.DisplayQueue)
DISPLAY(SELF.ListBox)
IF ~PARENT.Reset(Filename) THEN RETURN False.
SELF.TopLine=1
SELF.DisplayPage
SELECT(SELF.ListBox,1)
RETURN True

See Also: ASCIIFile, GetDOSFilename

ASCIIFileClass 75

SetLine (a virtual to position the file)

SetLine( line number ), PROTECTED, VIRTUAL

SetLine A virtual placeholder method to position the file.

line number The offset or position of the line in the file.
The SetLine method is a virtual placeholder method to position the file.

Implementation: The SetLine method is a placeholder for derived classes. The SetPercentile, the
ASCIIViewerClass.AskGotoLine, and the ASCIISearchClass.Ask methods call
the SetLine method.

Example:
MyViewerClass.SetLine PROCEDURE(LONG LineNo) !synchronize LIST with line
number
CODE
SELF.DisplayPage(LineNo) !scroll list to LineNo
!highlight the LineNo line
SELECT(SELF.ListBox,CHOOSE(SELF.TopLine=LineNo,1,LineNo-SELF.TopLine+1))

See Also: SetPercentile, ASCIIViewerClass.AskGoToLine, ASCIISearchClass.Ask

76 ABC Library Reference

SetPercentile (set file to relative position)

SetPercentile( percentile )

SetPercentile Positions the file to the record nearest to

file size * percentile / 100.
percentile A value between 0 and 100 that indicates a relative position within the file. This
value may be set by a vertical scrollbar thumb position.
The SetPercentile method positions the file to the record nearest to
file size * percentile / 100. You may use SetPercentile to position the file based on the end user's
vertical scrollbar thumb setting.

Implementation: The SetPercentile method positions the file based on a given percentage (usually
determined by the vertical thumb position). SetPercentile extends the index as
required and calls the virtual SetLine method to postion the file.

SetPercentile calculates the position by dividing percentile by 100 then

multiplying the resulting percentage times the file size.

Example:
MyViewerClass.TakeDrag PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
CODE
IF FIELD()=SELF.ListBox
IF EventNo = EVENT:ScrollDrag
SELF.SetPercentile(SELF.ListBox{PROP:VScrollPos}) !reposition based on thumb
END
END

See Also: SetLine

ASCIIFileClass 77

ValidateLine (a virtual to implement a filter)

ValidateLine( line ), PROTECTED, VIRTUAL

ValidateLine A virtual placeholder method to implement a filter.

line The offset or position of the line of text to evaluate.
The ValidateLine method is a virtual placeholder method to implement a filter. ValidateLine
returns one (1) to include the line and zero (0) to exclude the line.

Implementation: The ValidateLine method is a placeholder method for derived classes. The
ASCIIFileClass calls the ValidateLine method when it initially reads a record.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
MyFileClass.ValidateLine FUNCTION(STRING LineToTest)

CODE
IF LineToTest[1] = '!' !check for ! in column 1
RETURN False !exclude lines with !
ELSE
RETURN True !include all other lines
END
78 ABC Library Reference
ASCIIPrintClass 79

ASCIIPrintClass
ASCIIPrintClass Overview
The ASCIIPrintClass provides the user interface--a simple Print Options dialog--to print one or
more lines from a text file. The ASCIIPrintClass interface lets the end user specify a range of lines
to print, then optionally previews the lines before printing them. The ASCIIPrintClass interface
also provides access to the standard Windows Print Setup dialog.

ASCIIPrintClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The ASCIIPrintClass relies on the ASCIIFileClass to read and index the file that it prints. It also
relies on the PrintPreviewClass to provide the on-line preview. It also uses the TranslatorClass to
translate its Print Options dialog text if needed.

The ASCIIViewerClass uses the ASCIIPrintClass to provide the end user with a Print Options
dialog to print one or more lines from the viewed file.

There are several related classes whose collective purpose is to provide reusable, read-only,
viewing, scrolling, searching, and printing capability for files, including variable length files.
Although these classes are primarily designed for ASCII text and they anticipate using the Clarion
ASCII Driver to access the files, they also work with binary files and with other database drivers.
These classes can be used to build other components and functionality as well.

The classes that provide this read-only functionality are:

ASCIIViewerClass ASCIIFileClass plus user interface

ASCIIFileClass Open, read, filter, and index the file
ASCIIPrintClass Print one or more lines
ASCIISearchClass Locate and scroll to text

ASCIIPrintClass ABC Template Implementation

Both the Viewer procedure template and the ASCIIPrintButton control template generate code to
instantiate an ASCIIPrintClass object. The Viewer template accomplishes this by adding a
parameter to the ASCIIViewerClass.Init method. The ASCIIPrintButton template accomplishes
this by declaring an ASCIIPrintClass object and calling the ASCIIViewerClass.AddItem method to
register the ASCIIPrintClass object with the ASCIIViewerClass object.
80 ABC Library Reference

ASCIIPrintClass Source Files

The ASCIIPrintClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific ASCIIPrintClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABASCII.INC ASCIIPrintClass declarations

ABASCII.CLW ASCIIPrintClass method definitions

ASCIIPrintClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate an ASCIIPrintClass object and related objects.

This example lets the end user select a file, then search and print from it.
MEMBER('viewer.clw')

INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC')
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC')

MAP
MODULE('VIEWE002.CLW')
BrowseFiles PROCEDURE
END
END

BrowseFiles PROCEDURE

FilesOpened BYTE
ViewerActive BYTE(False)
Filename STRING(FILE:MaxFilePath),AUTO,STATIC,THREAD
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
ViewWindow WINDOW('View an ASCII File'),AT(3,7,296,136),SYSTEM,GRAY
LIST,AT(5,5,285,110),USE(?AsciiBox),IMM,FROM('')
BUTTON('&Print...'),AT(7,119),USE(?Print)
BUTTON('&Search...'),AT(44,119),USE(?Search)
END
ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
TakeAccepted PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

Viewer AsciiViewerClass !declare Viewer object

ASCIIPrintClass 81

Searcher AsciiSearchClass !declare Searcher object

Printer AsciiPrintClass !declare Printer object

CODE
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?AsciiBox
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
OPEN(ViewWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
CLEAR(Filename)
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init(AsciiFile,A1:Line,Filename,?AsciiBox,GlobalErrors)
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN Level:Fatal.
Viewer.AddItem(Searcher) !register Searcher with Viewer
Viewer.AddItem(Printer) !register Printer with Viewer
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.TakeAccepted PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.TakeAccepted()
CASE ACCEPTED()
OF ?Print
ThisWindow.Update
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Printer.Ask. !display Print Options dialog
OF ?Search
ThisWindow.Update
IF ViewerActive
IF CHOICE(?AsciiBox)>0 !search from current line
Viewer.Searcher.Ask(Viewer.TopLine+CHOICE(?AsciiBox)-1)
ELSE
Viewer.Searcher.Ask(1) !search from line 1
END
END
END
RETURN ReturnValue
82 ABC Library Reference

AsciiPrintClass Properties
FileMgr (AsciiFileClass object:AsciiPrintClass)
FileMgr &AsciiFileClass, PROTECTED
The FileMgr property is a reference to the AsciiFileClass object that manages the file to print.
The AsciiPrintClass object uses the FileMgr to read the file, manage print range line numbers and
to handle error conditions and messages.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the FileMgr property.

See Also: Init

PrintPreview (print preview switch)

PrintPreview BYTE
The PrintPreview property contains the print preview setting for the AsciiPrintClass object. A
value of one (1 or True) initially "checks" the print preview box (default is preview); a value of zero
(0 or False) "clears" the print preview box (default is no preview).

Implementation: The Init method sets the PrintPreview property to false. The PrintLines method
implements the action specified by the PrintPreview property.

See Also: Init, PrintLines

Translator (TranslatorClass object:AsciiPrintClass)

Translator &TranslatorClass, PROTECTED
The Translator property is a reference to the TranslatorClass object for the AsciiPrintClass
object. The AsciiPrintClass object uses this property to translate text in the object's Print Options
dialog to the appropriate language.

Implementation: The AsciiPrintClass does not initialize the Translator property. The
AsciiPrintClass only invokes the Translator if the Translator property is not null.
You can use the AsciiViewerClass.SetTranslator method or a reference
assignment statement to set the Translator property.

See Also: AsciiViewerClass.SetTranslator

ASCIIPrintClass 83

AsciiPrintClass Methods
Ask (solicit print specifications)

Ask, VIRTUAL
The Ask method displays a Print Options dialog that prompts the end user for print specifications,
then prints the selected lines subject to those specifications (printer destination, paper orientation,
etc.).

Implementation: The Ask method prompts the end user for print specifications (including the
Windows standard Print Setup dialog), print preview, plus a range of lines to
print. If the user CLICKS the Print button, the Ask method prints the requested
lines to the printer specified by the end user.

Example:
ACCEPT
CASE FIELD()
OF ?PrintButton !on "Print" button
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted !call the Printer.Ask method
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Printer.Ask. !to gather specs and print lines
END
END
END
84 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the ASCIIPrintClass object)

Init( ASCIIFileMgr ), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the ASCIIPrintClass object.

ASCIIFileMgr The label of the ASCIIFileClass object that manages the file to print. The
ASCIIPrintClass object uses the ASCIIFileMgr to read from the file and handle
line numbers and error conditions.
The Init method initializes the ASCIIPrintClass object.

Example:
MyViewerClass.Init FUNCTION(FILE AsciiFile,*STRING FileLine,*STRING Filename,|
UNSIGNED ListBox,ErrorClass ErrHandler,BYTE Enables)
CODE
!program code
IF BAND(Enables,EnableSearch) !if Search flag is on
SELF.Searcher &= NEW AsciiSearchClass !instantiate Searcher object
SELF.Searcher.Init(SELF) !initialize Searcher object
END
IF BAND(Enables,EnablePrint) !if Print flag is on
SELF.Printer &= NEW AsciiPrintClass !instantiate Printer object
SELF.Printer.Init(SELF) !initialize Printer object
END
ASCIIPrintClass 85

PrintLines (print or preview specified lines)

PrintLines( first, last ), VIRTUAL

PrintLines Prints or previews the specified lines.

first An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the number of
the first line of the range of lines to print.
last An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the number of
the last line of the range of lines to print.
If the PrintPreview property is True, the PrintLines method previews the specified lines, then
prints the lines or not, depending on the end user's response to the preview.

If the PrintPreview property is False, the PrintLines method prints the specified lines to the
selected printer.

Example:
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted
IF ACCEPTED() = ?PrintButton
FirstLine=1
LastLine=HighestLine
SELF.PrintLines(FirstLine,LastLine)
POST(EVENT:CloseWindow)
END
END

See Also: PrintPreview

86 ABC Library Reference
ASCIISearchClass 87

ASCIISearchClass
ASCIISearchClass Overview
The ASCIISearchClass provides the user interface--a persistent non-MDI Find dialog--to locate
specific text within the browsed file. The ASCIISearchClass interface lets the end user specify the
direction and case sensitivity of the search, and it allows repeating searches ("find next").

ASCIISearchClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The ASCIISearchClass relies on the ASCIIFileClass to read and index the file that it searches. It
also uses the TranslatorClass to translate its Find dialog text if needed.

The ASCIIViewerClass uses the ASCIISearchClass to provide the end user with a Find dialog to
locate text in the viewed file.

There are several related classes whose collective purpose is to provide reusable, read-only,
viewing, scrolling, searching, and printing capability for files, including variable length files.
Although these classes are primarily designed for ASCII text and they anticipate using the Clarion
ASCII Driver to access the files, they also work with binary files and with other database drivers.
These classes can be used to build other components and functionality as well.

The classes that provide this read-only functionality and their respective roles are:

ASCIIViewerClass ASCIIFileClass plus user interface

ASCIIFileClass Open, read, filter, and index the file
ASCIISearchClass Print one or more lines
ASCIISearchClass Locate and scroll to text

ASCIISearchClass ABC Template Implementation

Both the Viewer procedure template and the ASCIISearchButton control template generate code
to instantiate an ASCIISearchClass object. The Viewer template accomplishes this by adding a
parameter to the ASCIIViewerClass.Init method. The ASCIISearchButton template accomplishes
this by declaring an ASCIISearchClass object and calling the ASCIIViewerClass.AddItem method
to register the ASCIISearchClass object with the ASCIIViewerClass object.

ASCIISearchClass Source Files

The ASCIISearchClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific ASCIISearchClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABASCII.INC ASCIISearchClass declarations

ABASCII.CLW ASCIISearchClass method definitions
88 ABC Library Reference

ASCIISearchClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate an ASCIISearchClass object and related objects.

This example lets the end user select a file, then search and print from it.
MEMBER('viewer.clw')

INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC')
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC')

MAP
MODULE('VIEWE002.CLW')
BrowseFiles PROCEDURE
END
END

BrowseFiles PROCEDURE

FilesOpened BYTE
ViewerActive BYTE(False)
Filename STRING(FILE:MaxFilePath),AUTO,STATIC,THREAD
AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END

ViewWindow WINDOW('View an ASCII File'),AT(3,7,296,136),SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(5,5,285,110),USE(?AsciiBox),IMM,FROM('')
BUTTON('&Print...'),AT(7,119),USE(?Print)
BUTTON('&Search...'),AT(44,119),USE(?Search)
END
ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
TakeAccepted PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

Viewer AsciiViewerClass !declare Viewer object

Searcher AsciiSearchClass !declare Searcher object
Printer AsciiPrintClass !declare Printer object

CODE
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
ASCIISearchClass 89

CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?AsciiBox
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
OPEN(ViewWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
CLEAR(Filename)
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init(AsciiFile,A1:Line,Filename,?AsciiBox,GlobalErrors)
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN Level:Fatal.
Viewer.AddItem(Searcher) !register Searcher with Viewer
Viewer.AddItem(Printer) !register Printer with Viewer
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.TakeAccepted PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.TakeAccepted()
CASE ACCEPTED()
OF ?Print
ThisWindow.Update
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Printer.Ask. !display Print Options dialog
OF ?Search
ThisWindow.Update
IF ViewerActive
IF CHOICE(?AsciiBox)>0 !search from current line
Viewer.Searcher.Ask(Viewer.TopLine+CHOICE(?AsciiBox)-1)
ELSE
Viewer.Searcher.Ask(1) !search from line 1
END
END
END
RETURN ReturnValue
90 ABC Library Reference

AsciiSearchClass Properties
Find (search constraints)

Find FindGroup, PROTECTED

The Find property contains the current search criteria or specification.

Implementation: The search specification includes the text to search for, the direction in which to
search, and whether or not the search is case sensitive.

The Ask method sets the values of the Find property based on end user input to
the Find dialog. The Setup method sets the values of the Find property for use
without the Ask method. The Next method implements the seach specified by the
Find property.

The FindGroup data type is declared in ABASCII.INC as follows:

FindGroup GROUP,TYPE
What PSTRING(64) !text to look for
MatchCase BYTE !case sensitive?
Direction STRING(4) !either 'Up ' or 'Down'
END

See Also: Ask, Next, Setup

ASCIISearchClass 91

FileMgr (AsciiFileClass object:AsciiSearchClass)

FileMgr &AsciiFileClass, PROTECTED
The FileMgr property is a reference to the AsciiFileClass object tyhat manages the file to search.
The AsciiSearchClass object uses the FileMgr to read the file, and to handle error conditions and
messages.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the FileMgr property.

See Also: Init

LineCounter (current line number)

LineCounter LONG, PROTECTED
The LineCounter property contains the current line number of the searched file.

Implementation: The ASCIISearchClass object uses the LineCounter property to implement "find
next" searches--searches that continue from the current line.

Translator (TranslatorClass object:ASCIISearchClass)

Translator &TranslatorClass, PROTECTED
The Translator property is a reference to the TranslatorClass object for the ASCIISearchClass
object. The ASCIISearchClass object uses this property to translate window text to the
appropriate language.

Implementation: The ASCIISearchClass does not initialize the Translator property. The
ASCIISearchClass only invokes the Translator if the Translator property is not
null. You can use the AsciiViewerClass.SetTranslator method to set the
Translator property.

See Also: AsciiViewerClass.SetTranslator

92 ABC Library Reference

AsciiSearchClass Methods
Ask (solicit search specifications)

Ask( [startline] ), VIRTUAL

Ask Prompts the end user for search specifications then positions to the specified
search value.
startline The offset or position of the line at which to begin the search, typically the current
line position. If omitted, startline defaults to one (1).
The Ask method prompts the end user for search specifications then positions the file to the next
line subject to the search specifications, or issues an appropriate message if the search value is
not found.

Implementation: The Ask method prompts the end user for search specifications including a value
to search for, the direction of the search, and whether the search is case
sensitive. If the user invokes the search (doesn't cancel), the Ask method
positions the file to the next line containing the search value, or issues an
appropriate message if the search value is not found.

Example:
ACCEPT
CASE FIELD()
OF ?PrintButton
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Printer.Ask.
END
OF ?Search !on "search" button
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted
IF ViewerActive !call Searcher.Ask method
StartSearch=CHOOSE(CHOICE(?AsciiBox)>0, | ! passing the currently
Viewer.TopLine+CHOICE(?AsciiBox)-1,1) ! selected line as the
Viewer.Searcher.Ask(StartSearch) ! search's starting point
END
END
END
END
ASCIISearchClass 93

Init (initialize the ASCIISearchClass object)

Init( ASCIIFileMgr ), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the ASCIISearchClass object.

ASCIIFileMgr The label of the ASCIIFileClass object that manages the file to search. The
ASCIISearchClass object uses the ASCIIFileMgr to read from the file.
The Init method initializes the ASCIISearchClass object.

Example:
MyViewerClass.Init FUNCTION(FILE AsciiFile,*STRING FileLine,*STRING Filename,|
UNSIGNED ListBox,ErrorClass ErrHandler,BYTE Enables)
CODE
!program code
IF BAND(Enables,EnableSearch) !if Search flag is on
SELF.Searcher &= NEW AsciiSearchClass !instantiate Searcher object
SELF.Searcher.Init(SELF) !initialize Searcher object
END
IF BAND(Enables,EnablePrint) !if Print flag is on
SELF.Printer &= NEW AsciiPrintClass !instantiate Printer object
SELF.Printer.Init(SELF) !initialize Printer object
END
94 ABC Library Reference

Next (find next line containing search text)

Next, VIRTUAL
The Next method returns the line number of the next line containing the search value specified by
the Ask method.

Implementation: The Ask method calls the Next method. The Next method searches for the
search value and in the direction set by the Ask method. Alternatively, you can
use the Setup method to set the search constraints.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
MyAsciiSearchClass.Ask PROCEDURE
CODE
!procedure code
CASE EVENT()
OF EVENT:Accepted
CASE FIELD()
OF ?NextButton
SELF.LineCounter=SELF.Next()
IF SELF.LineCounter
SELF.FileMgr.SetLine(SELF.LineCounter)
END
!procedure code

See Also: Ask, Setup

ASCIISearchClass 95

Setup (set search constraints)

Setup( constraints [, startline] )

Setup Sets the search constraints.

constraints The label of a structure containing the search constraints. The structure must
have the same structure as the FindGroup GROUP declared in ABASCII.INC.
startline The offset or position of the line at which to begin the search, typically the current
line position. If omitted, startline defaults to one (1).
The Setup method sets the search constraints. The AsciiSearchClass object applies the
constraints when searching the text file.

Implementation: The ABC Library does not call the Setup method. The Setup method is provided
so you can do custom searches outside the normal AsciiViewerClass process
(without using the Ask method).

The Next method applies the search constraints set by the Setup method. The
constraints include the text to search for, the direction in which to search, and
whether or not the search is case sensitive.

The FindGroup GROUP is declared in ABASCII.INC as follows:

FindGroup GROUP,TYPE
What PSTRING(64) !text to look for
MatchCase BYTE !case sensitive?
Direction STRING(4) !either 'Up ' or 'Down'
END

Example:
MyAsciiSearchClass.Ask PROCEDURE
Constraints LIKE(FindGroup)
CODE
Constraints.MatchCase = False !never case sensitive
Constraints.Direction = 'Down' !always search downward
!prompt end user for search value
SELF.Setup(Constraints,StartLine) !set search constraints
SELF.LineCounter=SELF.Next() !execute search
IF SELF.LineCounter
SELF.FileMgr.SetLine(SELF.LineCounter) !set to next line containing search value
ELSE
MESSAGE(''''&CLIP(SELF.Constraints.What)&''' not found.')
END

See Also: Ask, Next

96 ABC Library Reference
ASCIIViewerClass 97

ASCIIViewerClass
ASCIIViewerClass Overview
There are several related classes whose collective purpose is to provide reusable, read-only,
viewing, scrolling, searching, and printing capability for files, including variable length files.
Although these classes are primarily designed for ASCII text and they anticipate using the Clarion
ASCII Driver to access the files, they also work with binary files and with other database drivers.
These classes can be used to build other components and functionality as well.

The classes that provide this read-only functionality are the ASCII Viewer classes. The ASCII
Viewer classes and their respective roles are:

ASCIIViewerClass Supervisor class

ASCIIFileClass Open, read, filter, and index the file
ASCIIPrintClass Print one or more lines
ASCIISearchClass Locate and scroll to text

These classes are fully documented in the remainder of this chapter.

ASCIIViewerClass

The ASCIIViewerClass uses the ASCIIFileClass, the ASCIIPrintClass, and the ASCIISearchClass
to create a single full featured ASCII file viewer object. This object uses a LIST control to display,
scroll, search, and print the contents of the file. Typically, you instantiate only the
ASCIIViewerClass in your program which, in turn, instantiates the other classes as needed.

ASCIIFileClass

The ASCIIFileClass identifies, opens (read-only), indexes, and page-loads a file's contents into a
QUEUE. The indexing function speeds any reaccess of records and supports page-loading,
which in turn allows browsing of very large files.

ASCIIPrintClass

The ASCIIPrintClass lets the end user specify a range of lines to print, then prints them. It also
provides access to the standard Windows Print Setup dialog.

ASCIISearchClass

The ASCIISearchClass lets the end user specify a search value, case sensitivity, and a search
direction, then scrolls to the next instance of the search value within the file.
98 ABC Library Reference

ASCIIViewerClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The ASCIIViewerClass is derived from the ASCIIFileClass, plus it relies on the ASCIIPrintClass,
ASCIISearchClass, ErrorClass, and PopupClass to accomplish some user interface tasks.
Therefore, if your program instantiates the ASCIIViewerClass, it must also instantiate these other
classes. Much of this is automatic when you INCLUDE the ASCIIViewerClass header
(ABASCII.INC) in your program's data section. See the Conceptual Example.

ASCIIViewerClass ABC Template Implementation

The ABC Templates declare a local ASCIIViewer class and object for each instance of the
ASCIIViewControl template. The ABC Templates automatically include all the classes necessary
to support the functionality specified in the ASCIIViewControl template.

The templates derive a class from the ASCIIViewerClass for each ASCIIViewerClass in the
application. The derived class is called procedure:Viewer# where procedure is the procedure
name and # is the instance number of the ASCIIViewControl template. The templates provide the
derived class so you can use the ASCIIViewControl template Classes tab to easily modify the
viewer's behavior on an instance-by-instance basis.

The object is named Viewer# where # is the instance number of the control template. The derived
ASCIIViewerClass is local to the procedure, is specific to a single ASCIIViewerClass and relies
on the global ErrorClass object.

ASCIIViewerClass Source Files

The ASCIIViewerClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific ASCIIViewerClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABASCII.INC ASCIIViewerClass declarations

ABASCII.CLW ASCIIViewerClass method definitions

ASCIIViewerClass 99

ASCIIViewerClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate an ASCIIViewerClass object and related objects.

This example lets the end user select a file, then browse, scroll, search, and print from it.
PROGRAM
MAP
END

INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIViewer Class

ViewWindow WINDOW('View a text file'),AT(3,7,296,136),SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(5,5,285,110),USE(?AsciiBox),IMM
BUTTON('&Print'),AT(5,120),USE(?Print)
BUTTON('&Search'),AT(45,120),USE(?Search)
BUTTON('&Close'),AT(255,120),USE(?Close)
END
GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object
Viewer AsciiViewerClass,THREAD !declare Viewer object

ViewerActive BYTE(False),THREAD !Viewer initialized flag

Filename STRING(255),THREAD !FileName variable
StartSearch LONG !hold selected line number

AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE

GlobalErrors.Init !initialize GlobalErrors object

OPEN(ViewWindow) !open the window
!Initialize Viewer with:
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init( AsciiFile, | ! file label,
A1:line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! variable file NAME attribute
?AsciiBox, | ! LIST control number
GlobalErrors, | ! ErrorClass object
EnableSearch+EnablePrint) ! features to implement flag
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN. !if init unsuccessful, don't
! call other Viewer methods
100 ABC Library Reference

AsciiViewerClass Properties
Popup (PopupClass object)
Popup &PopupClass
The Popup property is a reference to the PopupClass object for this ASCIIViewerClass object.
The ASCIIViewerClass object uses the Popup property to define and manage its popup menus.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the Popup property.

See Also: Init

Printer (ASCIIPrintClass object)

Printer &ASCIIPrintClass
The Printer property is a reference to the ASCIIPrintClass object for this ASCIIViewerClass
object. The ASCIIViewerClass object uses the Printer property to solicit print ranges and
specifications from the end user, then print from the file subject to the specifications.

Implementation: The AddItem and Init methods initialize the Printer property.

The Printer property is added to the AsciiViewer by calling the AddItem method. The AsciiViewer
does not take ownership of these objects, it just uses them if supplied. It is up to the owner of the
objects to destroy them when they are no longer required.

Since these objects are generated by the templates in local procedure scope, they will be
destroyed when the enclosing generated procedure dies. If these objects are created by hand
coding, then they should be destroyed by whoever creates them.

The exception to this is when the EnablePrint parameter is set on the Init call. In this case the
AsciiViewer may create it's own "internal" printer and viewer. In this case, they are destroyed in
the Kill method of the AsciiViewer.

See Also: AddItem, Init

ASCIIViewerClass 101

Searcher (ASCIISearchClass object)

Searcher &ASCIISearchClass
The Searcher property is a reference to the ASCIISearchClass object for this ASCIIViewerClass
object. The ASCIIViewerClass object uses the Searcher property to solicit search values from the
end user, then locate the values within the browsed file.

Implementation: The AddItem and Init methods initialize the Searcher property.

The Searcher property is added to the AsciiViewer by calling the AddItem method. The
AsciiViewer does not take ownership of these objects, it just uses them if supplied. It is up to the
owner of the objects to destroy them when they are no longer required.

Since these objects are generated by the templates in local procedure scope, they will be
destroyed when the enclosing generated procedure dies. If these objects are created by hand
coding, then they should be destroyed by whoever creates them.
The exception to this is when the EnableSearch parameter is set on the Init call. In this case the
AsciiViewer may create it's own "internal" viewer. In this case, they are destroyed in the Kill
method of the AsciiViewer.
See Also: AddItem, Init

TopLine (first line currently displayed)

TopLine UNSIGNED
The TopLine property contains the offset or position of the first line currently displayed by the
ASCIIViewerClass object. The ASCIIViewerClass object uses the TopLine property to manage
scrolling and scrollbar thumb positioning.
102 ABC Library Reference

AsciiViewerClass Methods
AsciiViewerClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the ASCIIViewerClass, it is useful to organize the its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the ASCIIViewerClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the ASCIIViewerClass object
Kill shut down the ASCIIViewerClass object

Mainstream Use:
AskGotoLine go to user specified line
DisplayPage display new page
PageDown scroll down one page
PageUp scroll up one page
TakeEvent process ACCEPT loop event

Occasional Use:
AddItem add printer or searcher object
GetFilenameI return the filename
GetLastLineNoI return last line number
GetLineI return line of text
GetPercentileI convert file position to percentage
Reset reset the ASCIIViewerClass object
SetPercentileI convert percentage to file position
SetLineV position to specific line
SetLineRelative move N lines

I These methods are inherited from the ASCIIFileClass.

V These methods are also virtual.

ASCIIViewerClass 103

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

FormatLineI format text

SetLine position to specific line
ValidateLineI implement a filter

I These methods are inherited from the ASCIIFileClass.

104 ABC Library Reference

AddItem (program the AsciiViewer object)

AddItem( | printer |)

| searcher |

AddItem Adds specific functionality to the AsciiViewer object.

printer The label of an AsciiPrintClass object.
searcher The label of an AsciiSearchClass object.
The AddItem method adds specific functionality to the AsciiViewer object. This method provides
an alternative to the Init method for adding or changing the print and search capability of the
AsciiViewer object.

Implementation: The AddItem method sets the value of the Printer or Searcher property, initializes
the printer or searcher, then enables the corresponding popup menu item.

Example:
MyPrinter CLASS(AsciiPrintClass) !declare custom printer object
NewMethod PROCEDURE
END
MySearcher CLASS(AsciiSearchClass) !declare custom searcher object
NewMethod PROCEDURE
END

CODE
Viewer.Init(AsciiFile,A1:line,Filename,?AsciiBox,GlobalErrors)
Viewer.AddItem(MyPrinter) !add print functionality
Viewer.AddItem(MySearcher) !add search functionality

See Also: Init, Printer, Searcher

ASCIIViewerClass 105

AskGotoLine (go to user specified line)

AskGotoLine
The AskGotoLine method prompts the end user for a specific line number to display, then
positions the file to the line nearest the one specified.

Implementation: The ASCIIViewerClass invokes the AskGotoLine method from a RIGHT-CLICK

popup menu. The AskGotoLine method calls the SetLine method to position to
the requested record.

Example:
MyViewerClass.TakeEvent PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
CODE
CASE EventNo
OF EVENT:AlertKey
IF KEYCODE()=MouseRight
CASE SELF.Popup.Ask()
OF 'Print'
SELF.Printer.Ask
OF 'Goto'
SELF.AskGotoLine
END
END
END

See Also: SetLine

106 ABC Library Reference

DisplayPage (display new page)

DisplayPage( [line number] )

DisplayPage Displays a new page from the file.

line number An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that contains the offset or
position of the line of text to include in the display. If omitted, line number defaults
to the value of the TopLine property.
The DisplayPage method displays a new page from the file. The display includes the line at line
number, or the line specified by the TopLine property, if line number is omitted.

Example:
MyViewerClass.Reset PROCEDURE(*STRING Filename)
CODE
FREE(SELF.DisplayQueue)
DISPLAY(SELF.ListBox)
PARENT.Reset(Filename)
SELF.TopLine=1
SELF.DisplayPage
SELECT(SELF.ListBox,1)

See Also: TopLine

ASCIIViewerClass 107

Init (initialize the ASCIIViewerClass object)

Init( file, field, [filename], list control, error handler [, features] )

Init Initializes the ASCIIViewerClass object.

file The label of the file to display.
field The fully qualified label of the file field to display.
filename The label of the file's NAME attribute variable. If omitted, the file has a constant
NAME attribute. If null (''), the Init method prompts the end user to select a file.
list control An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the control
number of the LIST that displays the file contents.
error handler The label of the ErrorClass object to handle errors encountered by this
ASCIIViewerClass object.
features An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that tells the
ASCIIViewerClass object which features to implement; for example, printing
(EnablePrint), searching (EnableSearch), or both. If omitted, no additional
features are implemented.
The Init method initializes the ASCIIViewerClass object and returns a value indicating whether it
successfully accessed the file and is ready to proceed.

Implementation: The Init method returns one (1) if it accessed the file and is ready to proceed; it
returns zero (0) and calls the Kill method if unable to access the file and cannot
proceed. If the Init method returns zero (0), the ASCIIViewerClass object is not
initialized and you should not call its methods.

You can set the features value with the following EQUATEs declared in
ASCII.INC. Pass either EQUATE to implement its feature (search or print), or add
the EQUATEs together to implement both features.
EnableSearch BYTE(001b)
EnablePrint BYTE(010b)

Return Data Type: BYTE

108 ABC Library Reference

Example:
PROGRAM
MAP
END

INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIViewer Class

ViewWindow WINDOW('View an ASCII File'),AT(3,7,296,136),SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(5,5,285,110),USE(?AsciiBox),IMM
BUTTON('&Print'),AT(5,120),USE(?Print)
BUTTON('&Search'),AT(45,120),USE(?Search)
BUTTON('&Close'),AT(255,120),USE(?Close)
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object

Viewer AsciiViewerClass,THREAD !declare Viewer object

ViewerActive BYTE(False),THREAD !Viewer initialized flag

Filename STRING(255),THREAD !FileName variable

AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE

GlobalErrors.Init !initialize GlobalErrors object

OPEN(ViewWindow) !open the window
!Initialize Viewer with:
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init( AsciiFile, | ! file label,
A1:line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! variable file NAME attribute
?AsciiBox, | ! LIST control number
GlobalErrors, | ! ErrorClass object
EnableSearch+EnablePrint) ! features to implement flag
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN. !if init unsuccessful, don't
! call other Viewer methods
ACCEPT !If init succeeded, proceed
IF EVENT() = EVENT:CloseWindow
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Kill. !If init succeeded, shut down
END
!program code
END

See Also: Kill

ASCIIViewerClass 109

Kill (shut down the ASCIIViewerClass object)

Kill
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and performs any other
required termination code.

Example:
PROGRAM
MAP
END

INCLUDE('ABASCII.INC') !declare ASCIIViewer Class

ViewWindow WINDOW('View an ASCII File'),AT(3,7,296,136),SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(5,5,285,110),USE(?AsciiBox),IMM
BUTTON('&Print'),AT(5,120),USE(?Print)
BUTTON('&Search'),AT(45,120),USE(?Search)
BUTTON('&Close'),AT(255,120),USE(?Close)
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object

Viewer AsciiViewerClass,THREAD !declare Viewer object

ViewerActive BYTE(False),THREAD !Viewer initialized flag

Filename STRING(255),THREAD !FileName variable

AsciiFile FILE,DRIVER('ASCII'),NAME(Filename),PRE(A1),THREAD
RECORD RECORD,PRE()
Line STRING(255)
END
END
CODE

GlobalErrors.Init !initialize GlobalErrors object

OPEN(ViewWindow) !open the window
!Initialize Viewer with:
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init( AsciiFile, | ! file label,
A1:line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! variable file NAME attribute
?AsciiBox, | ! LIST control number
GlobalErrors, | ! ErrorClass object
EnableSearch+EnablePrint) ! features to implement flag
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN. !if init unsuccessful, don't
! call other Viewer methods
ACCEPT !If init succeeded, proceed
110 ABC Library Reference

IF EVENT() = EVENT:CloseWindow
IF ViewerActive THEN Viewer.Kill. !If init succeeded, shut down
END
!program code
END
ASCIIViewerClass 111

PageDown (scroll down one page)

PageDown, PROTECTED
The PageDown method scrolls the display down one "page." A page is the number of lines
displayed in the ASCIIViewerClass object's LIST control.

Example:
MyViewerClass.TakeEvent PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
CODE
IF FIELD()=SELF.ListBox
CASE EventNo
OF EVENT:Scrollup
SELF.SetLineRelative(-1)
OF EVENT:ScrollDown
SELF.SetLineRelative(1)
OF EVENT:PageUp
SELF.PageUp
OF EVENT:PageDown
SELF.PageDown
END
END
112 ABC Library Reference

PageUp (scroll up one page)

PageUp, PROTECTED
The PageUp method scrolls the display up one "page." A page is the number of lines displayed in
the ASCIIViewerClass object's LIST control.

Example:
MyViewerClass.TakeEvent PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
CODE
IF FIELD()=SELF.ListBox
CASE EventNo
OF EVENT:Scrollup
SELF.SetLineRelative(-1)
OF EVENT:ScrollDown
SELF.SetLineRelative(1)
OF EVENT:PageUp
SELF.PageUp
OF EVENT:PageDown
SELF.PageDown
END
END
ASCIIViewerClass 113

Reset (reset the ASCIIViewerClass object)

Reset( filename )

Reset Resets the ASCIIViewerClass object.

filename The label of the ASCIIFile property's NAME attribute variable.
The Reset method resets the ASCIIViewerClass object and returns a value indicating whether
the end user selected a file or did not select a file. A return value of one (1) indicates a file was
selected and filename contains its pathname; a retun value of zero (0) indicates no file was
selected and filename is empty.

Implementation: The Reset method frees the display QUEUE and calls the ASCIIFileClass.Reset
method to get a new filename from the end user. Reset refills the display QUEUE
and redisplays the list box if a new file was selected.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
AsciiFileClass.Init FUNCTION |
(FILE AsciiFile,*STRING FileLine,*STRING FName,ErrorClass ErrorHandler)

CODE
SELF.AsciiFile&=AsciiFile
SELF.Line&=FileLine
SELF.ErrorMgr&=ErrorHandler
SELF.IndexQueue&=NEW(IndexQueue)
IF ~SELF.Reset(FName)
SELF.Kill
RETURN False
END
RETURN True

See Also: ASCIIFile, ASCIIFileClass.Reset

114 ABC Library Reference

SetLine (position to specific line)

SetLine( line number ), PROTECTED, VIRTUAL

SetLine Positions the ASCIIViewerClass object to a specific line.

line number An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that contains the offset or
position of the line of text to position to.
The SetLine method positions the ASCIIViewerClass object to a specific line within the browsed
file.

Implementation: The AskGotoLine method, the ASCIIFileClass.SetPercentile method, and the

ASCIISearchClass.Ask method all use the SetLine method to position to the
required text line.

Example:
MyViewerClass.AskGotoLine PROCEDURE
LineNo LONG,STATIC
OKGo BOOL(False)
GotoDialog WINDOW('Goto'),AT(,,96,38),GRAY,DOUBLE
SPIN(@n_5),AT(36,4,56,13),USE(LineNo),RANGE(1,99999)
PROMPT('&Line No:'),AT(4,9,32,10),USE(?Prompt1)
BUTTON('&Go'),AT(8,22,40,14),USE(?GoButton)
BUTTON('&Cancel'),AT(52,22,40,14),USE(?CancelButton)
END
CODE
OPEN(GotoDialog)
ACCEPT
CASE EVENT()
OF EVENT:Accepted
CASE ACCEPTED()
OF ?GoButton
OKGo=True
POST(EVENT:CloseWindow)
OF ?CancelButton
POST(EVENT:CloseWindow)
END
END
END
CLOSE(GotoDialog)
IF OKGo THEN SELF.SetLine(LineNo).

See Also: AskGoToLine, ASCIIFileClass.SetPercentile, ASCIISearchClass.Ask

ASCIIViewerClass 115

SetLineRelative (move n lines)

SetLineRelative( lines ), PROTECTED

SetLineRelative Positions the ASCIIViewerClass object to a relative line.

lines An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion containing the number of
lines to move from the current position. A positive value moves downward; a
negative value moves upward.
The SetLineRelative method repositions the ASCIIViewerClass object lines lines from the
current position.

Example:
MyViewerClass.TakeScrollOne PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED EventNo)
CODE
IF FIELD()=SELF.ListBox
CASE EventNo
OF EVENT:Scrollup
SELF.SetLineRelative(-1)
OF EVENT:ScrollDown
SELF.SetLineRelative(1)
END
END
116 ABC Library Reference

SetTranslator (set run-time translator:ASCIIViewerClass)

SetTranslator( translator )

SetTranslator Sets the TranslatorClass object for the AsciiViewerClass object.

translator The label of the TranslatorClass object for this AsciiViewerClass object.
The SetTranslator method sets the TranslatorClass object for the AsciiViewerClass object. By
specifying a TranslatorClass object for the AsciiViewerClass object, you automatically translate
any window or popup menu text displayed by the viewer.

Implementation: The SetTranslator method sets the TranslatorClass object for the PopupClass,
AsciiPrintClass, and AsciiSearchClass objects.

Example:
Viewer AsciiViewerClass !declare Viewer object
Translator TranslatorClass !declare Translator object
CODE
Translator.Init !initialize Translator object
ViewerActive=Viewer.Init( AsciiFile, | ! file label,
A1:line, | ! file field to display
Filename, | ! variable file NAME attribute
?AsciiBox, | ! LIST control number
GlobalErrors, | ! ErrorClass object
EnableSearch+EnablePrint) ! features to implement flag
IF ~ViewerActive THEN RETURN. !if init unsuccessful, don't
! call other Viewer methods
Viewer.SetTranslator(Translator) !enable text translation
!program code
ASCIIViewerClass 117

TakeEvent (process ACCEPT loop event:ASCIIViewerClass)

TakeEvent( event ), PROC

TakeEvent Processes an ACCEPT loop event.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion containing the event
number.
The TakeEvent method processes an ACCEPT loop event on behalf of the ASCIIViewerClass
object and returns a value indicating whether a CYCLE to the top of the ACCEPT loop is required
to properly refresh the display.

Implementation: The TakeEvent method handles resizing, RIGHT-CLICKS, LEFT-CLICKS, and

scrolling events.

A return value of zero (0) indicates no CYCLE is needed; any other return value
requires a CYCLE.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
ACCEPT
CASE FIELD()
OF ?AsciiBox
IF ViewerActive
IF Viewer.TakeEvent(EVENT())
CYCLE
END
END
END
END
118 ABC Library Reference
BreakManagerClass 119

BreakManagerClass
BreakManagerClass - Overview
The BreakManagerClass handles embedded break events for a target report. Each break
can perform totaling based on a data element’s contents changing. Breaks can be
nested, allowing the contents of one break result to determine another break result.
Conditional headers and footers can be printed by any break. Each break is totally
customizable through available embed points defined in virtual methods.

BreakManagerClass - Concepts
Each embedded break generated by BreakManager is controlled by a template interface
in the Report Propeties dialog and through a set of embed points generated. Embedded
breaks are designed to give the developer more control “behind the scenes”. The
BreakManager is not related to the traditional Break logic supported by the structure of
the report.

Each break inherits a set of methods and properties defined by an internal

LevelManager. An internal break queue stores a unique break and level id which triggers
the appropriate break logic.

BreakManagerClass - Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

ReportManagerClass

The BreakManager class is derived from the ReportManager class.

LevelManagerClass

Each ReportManagerClass utilizing embedded breaks declares a

LevelManagerClass to manage the nesting and execution of the embedded break
logic.

BreakManagerClass - ABC Template Implementation

The Report template declares a BreakManager when a break is added through the
Break tab located in the Report Properties dialog.
120 ABC Library Reference

BreakManagerClass - Source Files

The BreakManagerClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC
folder. The specific BreakManagerClass source code and their respective
components are contained in:

ABBreak.INC EditClass declarations

ABBreak.CLW EditClass method definitions

BreakManagerClass - Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, and instantiate a
BreakManager object.
MEMBER('people.clw') ! This is a MEMBER module

INCLUDE('ABBREAK.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABREPORT.INC'),ONCE

MAP
INCLUDE('PEOPL005.INC'),ONCE !procedure decl
END

PrintPEO:KeyLastName PROCEDURE ! Generated from procedure template - Report

Progress:Thermometer BYTE !
FilesOpened BYTE !
TestCount LONG !
Process:View VIEW(people)
PROJECT(PEO:FirstName)
PROJECT(PEO:Gender)
PROJECT(PEO:Id)
PROJECT(PEO:LastName)
END
LocMyFocusControlExT SHORT(0) !Used by the ENTER Instead of Tab template
LocEnableEnterByTab BYTE(1) !Used by the ENTER Instead of Tab template
ProgressWindow WINDOW('Progress...'),AT(,,142,59),CENTER,TIMER(1),GRAY,DOUBLE
PROGRESS,USE(Progress:Thermometer),AT(15,15,111,12),RANGE(0,100)
STRING(''),AT(0,3,141,10),USE(?Progress:UserString),CENTER
STRING(''),AT(0,30,141,10),USE(?Progress:PctText),CENTER
BUTTON('Cancel'),AT(45,42,50,15),USE(?Progress:Cancel)
END
BreakManagerClass 121

report REPORT,AT(1000,1540,6000,7458),PRE(RPT),FONT('Arial',10,,),THOUS
HEADER,AT(1000,1000,6000,542)
STRING('People by Last Name’),AT(0,20,6000,220),CENTER,FONT(,,,FONT:bold)
BOX,AT(0,260,6000,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black),FILL(COLOR:Silver)
LINE,AT(1500,260,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
LINE,AT(3000,260,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
LINE,AT(4500,260,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
STRING('Id'),AT(50,310,1400,170),TRN
STRING('First Name'),AT(1550,310,1400,170),TRN
STRING('Last Name'),AT(3050,310,1400,170),TRN
STRING('Gender'),AT(4550,310,1400,170),TRN
END
detail DETAIL,AT(,,6000,281),USE(?unnamed)
LINE,AT(1500,0,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
LINE,AT(3000,0,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
LINE,AT(4500,0,0,280),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
STRING(@S10),AT(50,50,1400,170),USE(PEO:Id),RIGHT(1)
STRING(@S30),AT(1550,50,1400,170),USE(PEO:FirstName)
STRING(@S30),AT(3050,50,1400,170),USE(PEO:LastName)
STRING(@S1),AT(4552,52,240,167),USE(PEO:Gender)
STRING(@n_4),AT(5208,42),USE(TestCount),RIGHT(1)
LINE,AT(50,280,5900,0),COLOR(COLOR:Black)
END
FOOTER,AT(1000,9000,6000,219)
STRING(@pPage <<<#p),AT(5250,30,700,135),PAGENO,USE(?PageCount)
END
END

ThisWindow CLASS(ReportManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED! Method added to host embed code
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED! Method added to host embed code
OpenReport PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED! Method added to host embed code
SetAlerts PROCEDURE(),DERIVED ! Method added to host embed code
TakeWindowEvent PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED! Method added to host embed code
END

ThisReport CLASS(ProcessClass) ! Process Manager

TakeRecord PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED! Method added to host embed code
END

ProgressMgr StepStringClass ! Progress Manager

Previewer PrintPreviewClass ! Print Previewer
BreakMgr BreakManagerClass ! Break Manager

CODE
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run() !Opens the window and starts an Accept Loop

!---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DefineListboxStyle ROUTINE
!|
!| This routine create all the styles to be shared in this window
!| It's called after the window open
!|
122 ABC Library Reference

!---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO

CODE
GlobalErrors.SetProcedureName('PrintPEO:KeyLastName')
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest ! Store the incoming request
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?Progress:Thermometer
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
CLEAR(GlobalRequest)
CLEAR(GlobalResponse)
SELF.AddItem(Translator)
Relate:people.Open
! File people used by this procedure, so make sure it's RelationManager is open
SELF.FilesOpened = True
BreakMgr.Init() !Initialize the BreakManager object
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !A break exists
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !People Count is the name of the brteak
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)!resets when gender changes
BreakMgr.AddTotal(TestCount,1) !Performs a count when break occurs
SELF.AddItem(BreakMgr)

OPEN(ProgressWindow) ! Open window

BreakManagerClass 123

BreakManagerClass - Properties
The BreakManagerClass contains no public properties.

BreakManagerClass - Methods
The BreakManagerClass contains the following methods:

AddBreak (add a Break)

AddBreak( )

AddBreak Identifies to the corresponding report that an embedded break object is active.
The AddBreak method identifies that an embedded break object is active for a corresponding
report. An internal BreakID number is assigned for each break object created. This BreakID is
incremented when a subsequent AddBreak method is executed.

Implementation: The AddBreak method is called for each break object that is active for a report.
Each object is instantiated from the LevelManagerClass. An AddLevel method
follows each AddBreak method.

Example:
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !First Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Auto assign level 1
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)
BreakMgr.AddTotal(TestCount,1)
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !Second Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Break2

See Also: Add Level

124 ABC Library Reference

AddLevel (add a Level to the BreakId Break)

AddLevel( | breakid | )

AddLevel Assign a level number to the active break.

breakid An integer that identifies which internal break to assign this level to.
The AddLevel method identifies the order of break execution that is assigned to a corresponding
report. This is used when nested breaks are assigned, and controls which break is executed first.

Implementation: The AddLevel method is called after each break is added, directly following the
AddBreak method.

Example:
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !First Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Auto assign level 1
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)
BreakMgr.AddTotal(TestCount,1)
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !Second Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Break2

See Also: Add Break

BreakManagerClass 125

AddResetField (add a reset field to the last Level added)

AddResetField( fieldlabel )

AddResetField Identify a field to reset on the active break.

fieldlabel The label of a field that the break will reset

The AddResetField method identifies the field whose contents will be reset when a break is
executed.

Implementation: The AddResetField method is called after each break and level is added,
directly following the AddLevel method. In the template interface, it is only active
when the Reset on Break option is set to TRUE.

Example:
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !First Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Auto assign level 1
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender) !Reset on break is active
BreakMgr.AddTotal(TestCount,1)
BreakMgr.AddBreak() !Second Break
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Break2

See Also: Add Break

126 ABC Library Reference

AddTotal (add a total field to the last Level added)

AddTotal (target, source, type, reset )
(target, source, type, reset, condition)
(target, reset )
(target, reset, condition )

AddTotal Identify the break total type and optional source/target fields and condition.

target The label of a field that the total result will be stored into.

source The label of a field that the total result will be calculated from.

type A byte that identifies the total type defined for the break.
A count type = 1, average type = 2, sum type = 3.

reset A byte that specifies whether or not the target variable is reset on each
break detected. A value of 1 specifies a reset, zero will not reset the
target value.

condition A valid expression that will force a reset when evaluated to TRUE.

The AddTotal method is an overloaded method that caluculates three types of conditional or
unconditional totaling.

Implementation: The AddTotal method is called after each break and level is added, directly
following the AddResetField method. In the template interface, it is only active
when totaling is added to the break.
Example:

BreakMgr.Init()
BreakMgr.AddBreak()
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !Count Break
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)
BreakMgr.AddTotal(CountValue,1)
BreakMgr.AddBreak()
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !SumBreak
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)
BreakMgr.AddTotal(SumValue,SourceToTotal,eBreakTotalSum,1)
BreakMgr.AddBreak()
BreakMgr.AddLevel() !ConditionalAverage
BreakMgr.AddResetField(PEO:Gender)
BreakMgr.AddTotal(AverageValue,SourceToAverage,eBreakTotalAve,0,'PEO:Gender = ''M''')
BreakManagerClass 127

Construct (automatic initialization of the BreakManager object)

Construct
The Construct method performs the necessary code to initialize the BreakManager object.
Implementation: The Construct method is automatically called when the object is instantiated. The
internal break queue is created, and the Break Id is reset to zero.

Destruct (automatic destroy of the Breakmanager object)

Destruct
The Destruct method performs the necessary code to destroy the BreakManager object.
Implementation: The Destruct method is automatically called when the object is instantiated. Each
break object instantiated in the Init method is cleared from memory.

Init (initialize the BreakManager object)

Init( )

Init Initialize the BreakManager object.

The Init method initializes the BreakManager by clearing any prior entries in the internal Break
Queue, which holds any breaks defined. Normally, the Destruct method also performs a similar
function, but the Init method ensures that the Break Queue is clean before calling the report.
Implementation: The Init method is called prior to the first AddBreak method.

Example:
CODE
GlobalErrors.SetProcedureName('PrintPEO:KeyLastName')
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest ! Store the incoming request
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?Progress:Thermometer
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
CLEAR(GlobalRequest) ! Clear GlobalRequest after storing locally
CLEAR(GlobalResponse)
SELF.AddItem(Translator)
Relate:people.Open
SELF.FilesOpened = True
BreakMgr.Init()
BreakMgr.AddBreak()
128 ABC Library Reference

TakeEnd (Break closed)

TakeEnd ( )

TakeEnd A virtual method called prior to closing an active break.

The TakeEnd method is a virtual method that performs any necessary code action prior to the
close of the active break.
Implementation: The TakeEnd method is used by the ABC templates to print a custom footer
detail for the active break. There are embed points available if you need to prime
any variables prior to its printing.

Example:
BreakMgr.TakeEnd PROCEDURE(SHORT BreakId,SHORT LevelId)

CODE
CASE BreakId
END
OF 2
CASE LevelId
OF 1 !SumBreak
PRINT(RPT:sumdetail)
END
OF 3
CASE LevelId
OF 1 !ConditionalAverage
PRINT(RPT:AverageDetail)
END
END
PARENT.TakeEnd(BreakId,LevelId)
BreakManagerClass 129

TakeStart (Break opened)

TakeStart ( )

TakeStart A virtual method called prior to the start of an active break.

The TakeStart method is a virtual method that performs any necessary code action prior to the
start of the active break.
Implementation: The TakeStart method is used by the ABC templates to print a custom header
detail for the active break. There are embed points available if you need to prime
any variables prior to its printing.

Example:
BreakMgr.TakeStart PROCEDURE(SHORT BreakId,SHORT LevelId)

CODE
CASE BreakId
OF 1
CASE LevelId
OF 1 !Count Break
PRINT(RPT:CountDetail)
END
OF 3
CASE LevelId
OF 1 !ConditionalAverage
PRINT(RPT:AverageDetail)
END
END
PARENT.TakeStart(BreakId,LevelId)
130 ABC Library Reference

UpdateTotal (Calculate Break totaling)

UpdateTotal( )

UpdateTotal A virtual method called prior to the start and ending of any break totaling.

The UpdateTotal method is a virtual method that performs any necessary code action prior to the
start and finish of any totaling defined in an active break.

Implementation:

The UpdateTotal method is used by the ABC templates to allow any modifications or extra
cleanup of any totaling performed for an active break. The virtual method embeds provide a
“Before Totaling” and “After Totaling” embed point for every total defined in each break.
BrowseEIPManagerClass 131

BrowseEIPManagerClass
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Overview
The BrowseEIPManagerClass is an EIPManager that displays an Edit-in-place dialog, and
handles events for that dialog. Each BrowseClass utilizing Edit-in-place declares a
BrowseEIPManagerClass to manage the events and processes that are used by each Edit-in-
place field in the browse.

See Also:

BrowseEIPManagerClass Concepts

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

BrowseEIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation

BrowseEIPManagerClass Source Files

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example
132 ABC Library Reference

BrowseEIPManagerClass Concepts
Each Edit-in-place control is a window created on top of the browse from which it is called. The
EIPManager dynamically creates an Edit-in-place object and control upon request (Insert,
Change, or Delete) by the end user. When the end user accepts the edited record the
EIPManager destroys the edit-in-place object and control.

See Also:

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

BrowseEIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation

BrowseEIPManagerClass Source Files

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example
BrowseEIPManagerClass 133

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder

Classes
EIPManagerClass

The BrowseEIPManager class is derived from the EIPManager class.

BrowseClass

Each BrowseClass utilizing edit-in-place declares a BrowseEIPManagerClass to manage the

events and processes that are used by each edit-in-place field in the browse.

The BrowseClass.AskRecord method is the calling method for edit-in-place functionality when
edit-in-place is enabled.

EditClass

The BrowseEIPManager provides the basic or "under the hood" interface between the Edit
classes and the Browse class. All fields in the browse utilizing customized edit-in-place controls
are kept track of by the BrowseEIPManager via the BrowseEditQueue.

BrowseEIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation

The Browse template declares a BrowseEIPManager when the BrowseUpdateButtons control
template enables default edit-in-place support for the BrowseBox.

See Control Templates--BrowseBox, and BrowseUpdateButtons for more information.

BrowseEIPManagerClass Source Files

The BrowseEIPManagerClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder.
The specific BrowseEIPManagerClass source code and their respective components are
contained in:

ABBrowse.INC EditClass declarations

ABBrowse.CLW EditClass method definitions
ABBrowse.TRN EditClass translation strings
134 ABC Library Reference

BrowseEIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example
The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, and instantiate a
BrowseEIPManager object. The example page-loads a LIST of actions and associated priorities,
then edits the list items via edit-in-place. Note that the BrowseClass object declares a
BrowseEIPManager which is a refrence to the EIPManager as declared in ABBrowse.INC.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC'),ONCE
MAP
END

Actions FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(ACT),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
KeyAction KEY(ACT:Action),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
Action STRING(20)
Priority DECIMAL(2)
Completed DECIMAL(1)
END
END

Access:Actions &FileManager
Relate:Actions &RelationManager
GlobalErrors ErrorClass
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
ActionsView VIEW(Actions)
END

Queue:Browse QUEUE
ACT:Action LIKE(ACT:Action)
ACT:Priority LIKE(ACT:Priority)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END
BrowseWindow WINDOW('Browse Records'),AT(0,0,247,140),SYSTEM,GRAY
LIST,AT(5,5,235,100),USE(?List),IMM,HVSCROLL,MSG('Browsing Records'),|
FORMAT('80L~Action~@S20@8R~Priority~L@N2@'),FROM(Queue:Browse)
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(5,110,40,12),USE(?Insert),KEY(InsertKey)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(50,110,40,12),USE(?Change),KEY(CtrlEnter),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(95,110,40,12),USE(?Delete),KEY(DeleteKey)
END
BrowseEIPManagerClass 135

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
Q &Queue:Browse
Init PROCEDURE|
(SIGNED ListBox,*STRING Posit,VIEW V,QUEUE Q,RelationManager RM,WindowManager WM)
END

BRW1::EIPManager BrowseEIPManager

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Actions.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Actions.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue =PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?List
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
SELF.AddItem(Toolbar)
CLEAR(GlobalRequest)
CLEAR(GlobalResponse)
Relate:Actions.Open
FilesOpened = True
BRW1.Init|
(?List,Queue:Browse.ViewPosition,BRW1::View:Browse,Queue:Browse,Relate:Actions,SELF)
OPEN(BrowseWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= Queue:Browse
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,ACT:KeyAction)
BRW1.AddLocator(BRW1::Sort0:Locator)
BRW1::Sort0:Locator.Init(,ACT:Action,1,BRW1)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Action,BRW1.Q.ACT:Action)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Priority,BRW1.Q.ACT:Priority)
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
136 ABC Library Reference

BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
BRW1.AddToolbarTarget(Toolbar)
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue =PARENT.Kill()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
IF FilesOpened
Relate:Actions.Close
END
RETURN ReturnValue

BRW1.Init PROCEDURE(SIGNED ListBox,*STRING Posit,VIEW V,QUEUE Q,RelationManager|

RM,WindowManager WM)

CODE
PARENT.Init(ListBox,Posit,V,Q,RM,WM)
SELF.EIP &= BRW1::EIPManager
BrowseEIPManagerClass 137

BrowseEIPManagerClass Properties
BrowseEIPManagerClass Properties
The BrowseEIPManagerClass contains the following property and inherits all the properties of the
EIPManagerClass.

BC (browse class)

BC &BrowseClass, PROTECTED
The BC property is a reference to the calling BrowseClass object.
138 ABC Library Reference

BrowseEIPManagerClass Methods
BrowseEIPManagerClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EIPManagerClass, it is useful to organize its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EIPManagerClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init D initialize the BrowseEditClass object
Kill D shut down the BrowseEditClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeNewSelectionD handle Event:NewSelections

Occasional Use:
ClearColumnD reset column property values
TakeCompletedD process completion of edit

D These methods are also Derived

Derived Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are derived, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

Init D initialize the BrowseEditClass object

Kill D shut down the BrowseEditClass object
TakeNewSelectionD handle Event:NewSelections
ClearColumnD reset column property values
TakeCompletedD process completion of edit
BrowseEIPManagerClass 139

ClearColumn (reset column property values)

ClearColumn, DERIVED
The ClearColumn method checks for a value in the LastColumn property and conditionally sets
the column values to 0.

The TakeCompleted method calls the ClearColumn method.

Example:
BrowseEIPManager.TakeCompleted PROCEDURE(BYTE Force)
SaveAns UNSIGNED,AUTO
Id USHORT,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Again = 0
SELF.ClearColumn
SaveAns = CHOOSE(Force = 0,Button:Yes,Force)
IF SELF.Fields.Equal()
SaveAns = Button:No
ELSE
IF ~Force
SaveAns = SELF.Errors.Message(Msg:SaveRecord,|
Button:Yes+Button:No+Button:Cancel,Button:Yes)
END
END
! code to handle user input from SaveRecord message

See Also: Column

140 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the BrowseEIPManagerClass object)

Init, DERIVED, PROC

The Init method initializes the BrowseEIPManagerClass object.

Implementation: The Init method primes variables and calls the InitControls method which then
initializes the appropriate edit-in-place controls. It is indirectly called by the
BrowseClass.AskRecord method via a call to an inherited Run method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
WindowManager.Run PROCEDURE
CODE
IF ~SELF.Init()
SELF.Ask
END
SELF.Kill
RETURN CHOOSE(SELF.Response=0,RequestCancelled,SELF.Response)

See Also: BrowseClass.ResetFromAsk

BrowseEIPManagerClass 141

Kill (shut down the BrowseEIPManagerClass object)

Kill, DERIVED, PROC

The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and performs any other
required termination code. The Kill method must leave the object in a state in which it can be
initialized.

Implementation: The Kill method calls the BrowseClass.ResetFromAsk method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
WindowManager.Run PROCEDURE
CODE
IF ~SELF.Init()
SELF.Ask
END
SELF.Kill
RETURN CHOOSE(SELF.Response=0,RequestCancelled,SELF.Response)

See Also: BrowseClass.ResetFromAsk

142 ABC Library Reference

TakeCompleted (process completion of edit)

TakeCompleted( force ), DERIVED

TakeCompleted Determines the edit-in-place dialog's action after either a loss of focus or an end
user action.
force An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the record
being edited should be saved without prompting the end user.
The TakeCompleted method either saves the record being edited and end the edit-in-place
process, or prompts the end user to save the record and end the edit-in-place process, cancel the
changes and end the edit-in-place process, or remain editing.

Implementation: The EIPManager.TakeFocusLoss and EIPManager.TakeAction methods call the

TakeCompleted method.

Note: TakeCompleted does not override the WindowManager.TakeCompleted method.

Example:
EIPManager.TakeFocusLoss PROCEDURE
CODE
CASE CHOOSE(SELF.FocusLoss&=NULL,EIPAction:Default,BAND(SELF.FocusLoss,EIPAction:Save))
OF EIPAction:Always OROF EIPAction:Default
SELF.TakeCompleted(Button:Yes)
OF EIPAction:Never
SELF.TakeCompleted(Button:No)
ELSE
SELF.TakeCompleted(0)
END

See Also: EIPManager.TakeFocusLoss, EIPManager.TakeAction

BrowseEIPManagerClass 143

TakeNewSelection (reset edit-in-place column)

TakeNewSelection, DERIVED, PROC

The TakeNewSelection method resets the edit-in-place column selected by the end user.

Implementation: TakeNewSelection calls ResetColumn, and returns a Level:Benign.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
WindowManager.TakeEvent PROCEDURE
RVal BYTE(Level:Benign)
I USHORT,AUTO
CODE
IF ~FIELD()
RVal = SELF.TakeWindowEvent()
IF RVal THEN RETURN RVal.
END
CASE EVENT()
OF EVENT:Accepted
RVal = SELF.TakeAccepted()
OF EVENT:Rejected
RVal = SELF.TakeRejected()
OF EVENT:Selected
RVal = SELF.TakeSelected()
OF EVENT:NewSelection
RVal = SELF.TakeNewSelection()
OF EVENT:AlertKey
IF SELF.HistoryKey AND KEYCODE() = SELF.HistoryKey
SELF.RestoreField(FOCUS())
END
END
IF RVal THEN RETURN RVal.

See Also: ResetColumn

144 ABC Library Reference
BrowseClass 145

BrowseClass
BrowseClass Overview
The BrowseClass is a ViewManager with a user interface for navigating through the result set of
the underlying VIEW.

BrowseClass Concepts

The BrowseClass uses several related classes to provide standard browse functionality--that is,
file-loaded or page-loaded lists with automatic scrolling, searching, ranging, filtering, resets,
conditional colors, conditional icons, etc. These classes can be used to build other components
and functionality as well.

Added to this standard functionality, is Edit-In-Place--that is, you can update the VIEW's primary
file by typing directly into the browse list. No separate update procedure is required, and the
updates are appropriately autoincremented, referentially constrained, and field validated.

Following are the classes that provide this browse functionality. The classes and their respective
roles are:

BrowseClass Browse list "supervisor" class

StepClass Scrollbar/Progress Bar base class
LongStepClass Numeric Runtime distribution
RealStepClass Numeric Runtime distribution
StringStepClass Alpha/Lastname distribution
CustomStepClass Custom distribution
LocatorClass Locator base class
StepLocatorClass Step Locator
EntryLocatorClass Entry Locator
IncrementalLocatorClass Incremental Locator
FilterLocatorClass Filter Locator
EditClass Edit-In-Place

The BrowseClass is fully documented in the remainder of this chapter. Each related class is
documented in its own chapter.

BrowseClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The BrowseClass is closely integrated with several other ABC Library objects--in particular the
WindowManager and ToolbarClass objects. These objects register their presence with each
other, set each other's properties, and call each other's methods as needed to accomplish their
respective tasks.
146 ABC Library Reference

The BrowseClass is derived from the ViewManager, plus it relies on many of the other Application
Builder Classes (RelationManager, FieldPairsClass, ToolbarClass, PopupClass, etc.) to
accomplish its tasks. Therefore, if your program instantiates the BrowseClass, it must also
instantiate these other classes. Much of this is automatic when you INCLUDE the BrowseClass
header (ABBROWSE.INC) in your program's data section. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass ABC Template Implementation

The ABC Templates automatically include all the classes and generate all the code necessary to
support the functionality specified in your application's Browse Procedure and BrowseBox Control
templates.

The templates derive a class from the BrowseClass for each BrowseBox in the application. By
default, the derived class is called BRW# where # is the BrowseBox control template instance
number. This derived class object supports all the functionality specified in the BrowseBox
template.

The derived BrowseClass is local to the procedure, is specific to a single BrowseBox and relies
on the global file-specific RelationManager and FileManager objects for the browsed files. The
templates provide the derived class so you can customize the BrowseBox behavior on a per-
instance basis. See Control Templates--BrowseBox for more information.

BrowseClass Source Files

The BrowseClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
BrowseClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABBROWSE.INC BrowseClass declarations

ABBROWSE.CLW BrowseClass method definitions
ABBROWSE.TRN BrowseClass translation strings
BrowseClass 147

BrowseClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate a BrowseClass object and related objects. The example initializes and page-
loads a LIST, then handles a number of associated events, including searching, scrolling, and
updating. When they are initialized properly, the BrowseClass and WindowManager objects do
most of the work (default event handling) internally.
PROGRAM
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager class
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
MAP
END

State FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(ST),THREAD
StateCodeKey KEY(ST:STATECODE),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
STATECODE STRING(2)
STATENAME STRING(20)
END
END

StView VIEW(State) !declare VIEW for BrowseSt

END

StateQ QUEUE !declare Q for LIST

ST:STATECODE LIKE(ST:STATECODE)
ST:STATENAME LIKE(ST:STATENAME)
ViewPosition STRING(512)
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object

Access:State CLASS(FileManager) !declare Access:State object
Init PROCEDURE
END
Relate:State CLASS(RelationManager) !declare Relate:State object
Init PROCEDURE
END
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager) !declare ThisWindow object

Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END
BrowseSt CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BrowseSt object
Q &StateQ
END
148 ABC Library Reference

StLocator StepLocatorClass !declare StLocator object

StStep StepStringClass !declare StStep object

StWindow WINDOW('Browse States'),AT(,,123,152),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,5,108,124),USE(?StList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(StateQ),|
FORMAT('27L(2)|M~CODE~@s2@80L(2)|M~STATENAME~@s20@')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(8,133),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(43,133),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(83,133),USE(?Delete)
END
CODE
ThisWindow.Run() !run the window procedure

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE() !initialize things

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init() !call base class init
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
GlobalErrors.Init !initialize GlobalErrors object
Relate:State.Init !initialize Relate:State object
SELF.FirstField = ?StList !set FirstField for ThisWindow
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest !VCRRequest not used
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors !set error handler for ThisWindow
Relate:State.Open !open State and related files
!Init BrowseSt object by naming its LIST,VIEW,Q,RelationManager & WindowManager
BrowseSt.Init(?StList,StateQ.ViewPosition,StView,StateQ,Relate:State,SELF)
OPEN(StWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BrowseSt.Q &= StateQ !reference the browse QUEUE
!initialize the StStep object
StStep.Init(+ScrollSort:AllowAlpha,ScrollBy:Runtime)
!set the browse sort order
BrowseSt.AddSortOrder(StStep,ST:StateCodeKey)
BrowseSt.AddLocator(StLocator) !plug in the browse locator
StLocator.Init(,ST:STATECODE,1,BrowseSt) !initialize the locator
BrowseSt.AddField(ST:STATECODE,BrowseSt.Q.ST:STATECODE) !set a column to browse
BrowseSt.AddField(ST:STATENAME,BrowseSt.Q.ST:STATENAME) !set a column to browse
BrowseSt.InsertControl=?Insert !set the control to add records
BrowseSt.ChangeControl=?Change !set the control to change records
BrowseSt.DeleteControl=?Delete !set the control to delete records
SELF.SetAlerts() !alert any keys for ThisWindow
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE() !shut down things

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill() !call base class shut down
BrowseClass 149

IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.

Relate:State.Close !close State and related files
Relate:State.Kill !shut down Relate:State object
GlobalErrors.Kill !shut down GlobalErrors object
RETURN ReturnValue

Access:State.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
PARENT.Init(State,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'State'
SELF.Buffer &= ST:Record
SELF.AddKey(ST:StateCodeKey,'ST:StateCodeKey',0)

Relate:State.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
Access:State.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:State,1)
150 ABC Library Reference

BrowseClass Properties
BrowseClass Properties
The BrowseClass inherits all the properties of the ViewManager from which it is derived. See
ViewManager Properties for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the BrowseClass contains the following properties:

ActiveInvisible (obscured browse list action)

ActiveInvisible BYTE
The ActiveInvisible property indicates whether to fill or refill the browse queue when the browse
LIST is "invisible" because it is on a non-selected TAB or is otherwise hidden. A value of one (1)
refills the queue when the LIST is invisible; a value of zero (0) suppresses the refill.

Setting ActiveInvisible to zero (0) improves performance for procedures with "invisible" browse
lists; however, buffer contents for the invisible browse list are not current and should not be relied
upon.

Implementation: The ResetQueue method implements the behavior specified by the

ActiveInvisible property.

See Also: ResetQueue

BrowseClass 151

AllowUnfilled (display filled list)

AllowUnfilled BYTE
The AllowUnfilled property indicates whether to always display a "full" list, or to allow a partially
filled list when the result set "ends" in mid-list. A value of one (1) displays a partially filled list and
improves performance by suppressing any additional reads needed to fill the list; a value of zero
(0) always displays a filled list.

Setting AllowUnfilled to one (1) improves performance for browse lists, especially for those using
SQL data.

Implementation: The ResetQueue method implements the behavior specified by the AllowUnfilled
property.

See Also: ResetQueue

152 ABC Library Reference

ArrowAction (edit-in-place action on arrow key)

ArrowAction BYTE
The ArrowAction property indicates the action to take when the end user presses the up or
down arrow key during an edit-in-place process. There are three types of actions that
ArrowAction controls:

what to do with any changes (default, save, abandon, or prompt),

what mode to use next (continue editing or revert to non-edit mode),
what column to edit next (current column or first editable column).

The specified actions are implemented by the Ask method. Set the actions by assigning, adding,
or subtracting the following EQUATEd values to ArrowAction. The following EQUATEs are in
ABBROWSE.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0) !save according to the Ask method
Always EQUATE(1) !always save the changes
Never EQUATE(2) !never save the changes
Prompted EQUATE(4) !ask whether to save the changes
Remain EQUATE(8) !continue editing
RetainColumn EQUATE(16) !maintain column position in new row
END

Example:
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Prompted !ask to save changes
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Prompted+EIPAction:Remain !ask to save, keep editing
!1st editable column
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn!default save, keep editing
!same column

See Also: Ask

BrowseClass 153

AskProcedure (update procedure)

AskProcedure USHORT
The AskProcedure property identifies the procedure to update a browse item. A value of zero (0)
uses the BrowseClass object's own AskRecord method to do updates. Any other value uses a
separate procedure registered with the WindowManager object.

Implementation: Typically, the WindowManager object (Init method) sets the value of the
AskProcedure property when a separate update procedure is needed. The Ask
method passes the AskProcedure value to the WindowManager.Run method to
indicate which procedure to execute.

See Also: Ask, AskRecord, WindowManager.Run

ChangeControl (browse change/update control number)

ChangeControl SIGNED
The ChangeControl property contains the number of the browse's change/update control. This is
typically the value of the Change BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this
value to enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map
change behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the ChangeControl property. You
should initialize the ChangeControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

154 ABC Library Reference

CurrentChoice (current LIST control entry number)

CurrentChoice LONG, PROTECTED
The CurrentChoice property represents the entry number of the highlighted record in a LIST
control.

Implementation: The CurrentChoice property is updated as the scroll bar for the LIST control is
moved within the Listbox.

DeleteAction (edit-in-place action on delete key)

DeleteAction BYTE
The DeleteAction property indicates the action to take when the end user presses the DELETE
key during an edit-in-place process. DeleteAction controls what mode to use next (continue
editing or revert to non-edit mode).

The specified actions are implemented by the Ask method. Set the actions by assigning, adding,
or subtracting the following EQUATEd values to ArrowAction. The following EQUATEs are in
ABBROWSE.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0) !save according to the Ask method
Always EQUATE(1) !always save the changes
Never EQUATE(2) !never save the changes
Prompted EQUATE(4) !ask whether to save the changes
Remain EQUATE(8) !continue editing
END

DeleteControl (browse delete control number)

DeleteControl SIGNED
The DeleteControl property contains the number of the browse's delete control. This is typically
the value of the Delete BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value to
enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map delete
behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the DeleteControl property. You
should initialize the DeleteControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

BrowseClass 155

EditList (list of edit-in-place controls)

EditList &BrowseEditQueue, PROTECTED

The EditList property is a reference to a structure containing a list of edit-in-place classes for use
with specific browse list columns.

The AddEditControl method adds new edit-in-place classes and their associated browse list
columns to the EditList property.

Implementation: You do not need to initialize this property to implement the default edit-in-place
controls. The EditList property supports custom edit-in-place controls.

The EditList property is a reference to a QUEUE declared in ABBROWSE.INC as

follows:
BrowseEditQueue QUEUE,TYPE
Field UNSIGNED
FreeUp BYTE
Control &EditClass
END

See Also: AddEditControl

EIP (edit-in-place manager)

EIP &BrowseEIPManager
The EIP property is a reference to the BrowseEIPManager class used by this BrowseClass
object.

See Also: Init

156 ABC Library Reference

EnterAction (edit-in-place action on enter key)

EnterAction BYTE
The EnterAction property indicates the action to take when the end user presses the ENTER key
during an edit-in-place process.There are two types of actions that EnterAction controls:

what to do with any changes (default, save, abandon, or prompt),

what mode to use next (continue editing or revert to non-edit mode).

The specified actions are implemented by the Ask method. Set the actions by assigning, adding,
or subtracting the following EQUATEd values to ArrowAction. The following EQUATEs are in
ABBROWSE.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0) !save according to the Ask method
Always EQUATE(1) !always save the changes
Never EQUATE(2) !never save the changes
Prompted EQUATE(4) !ask whether to save the changes
Remain EQUATE(8) !continue editing
END

Example:
BRW1.EnterAction = EIPAction:Prompted !ask to save changes
BRW1.EnterAction = EIPAction:Prompted+EIPAction:Remain !ask to save, keep
editing

See Also: Ask

BrowseClass 157

FocusLossAction (edit-in-place action on lose focus)

FocusLossAction BYTE
The FocusLossAction property indicates the action to take with regard to pending changes
when the edit control loses focus during an edit-in-place process.

The specified action is implemented by the Ask method. Set the action by assigning, adding, or
subtracting one of the following EQUATEd values to FocusLossAction. The following EQUATEs
are in ABBROWSE.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0) !save according to the Ask method
Always EQUATE(1) !always save the changes
Never EQUATE(2) !never save the changes
Prompted EQUATE(4) !ask whether to save the changes
END

Example:
BRW1.FocusLossAction = EIPAction:Prompted !ask to save changes

See Also: Ask

158 ABC Library Reference

HasThumb (vertical scroll bar flag)

HasThumb BYTE
The HasThumb property indicates whether BrowseClass object's LIST control has a vertical
scroll bar. A value of one (1) indicates a scroll bar; a value of zero (0) indicates no scroll bar.

Implementation: The SetAlerts method sets the value of the HasThumb property. The
UpdateThumb method uses the HasThumb property to implement correct thumb
and scroll bar behavior.

See Also: ListControl, SetAlerts, UpdateThumb

HideSelect (hide select button)

HideSelect BYTE
The HideSelect property indicates whether to HIDE the Select button (as indicated by the
SelectControl property) when the browse is called for update purposes (as indicated by the
Selecting property). A value of one (1) hides the select button; a value of zero (0) always displays
the select button.

Implementation: The ResetQueue method implements the behavior specified by the HideSelect
property.

See Also: ResetQueue, SelectControl, Selecting

ILC(reference to IListControl interface)

ILC &IListControl
The ILC property is a reference to the IListControl interface which is passed to the Init method.
The IListControl interface is used to implement standard behaviors for a listbox. See the
IListControl interface section for more information.

Implementation: The Init method creates an instance of ILC for the list control. The Kill method
disposes of that interface instance.

See Also: BrowseClass.Init, BrowseClass.Kill

BrowseClass 159

InsertControl (browse insert control number)

InsertControl SIGNED
The InsertControl property contains the number of the browse's insert control. This is typically
the value of the Insert BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value to
enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map Insert
behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the InsertControl property. You
should initialize the InsertControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

ListQueue (browse data queue reference)

ListQueue &BrowseQueue, PROTECTED
The ListQueue property is a reference to a structure that is the source of the data elements
displayed in the browse LIST.

The BrowseClass.Init method initializes the ListQueue property. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: Init

Loaded (browse queue loaded flag)

Loaded BYTE, PROTECTED

The Loaded property contains a value that indicates whether or not the BrowseClass object has
tried to load the browse list queue. The BrowseClass uses this property to ensure the browse
queue gets loaded and to avoid redundant reloads.
160 ABC Library Reference

Popup (browse popup menu reference)

Popup &PopupClass
The Popup property is a reference to the PopupClass class used by this BrowseClass object.

Implementation: Because it directly references the PopupClass, the BrowseClass header

INCLUDEs the PopupClass header. That is, the BrowseClass's implementation
of the PopupClass is automatic. You need take no action.

The BrowseClass.Init method instantiates the PopupClass object referenced by the Popup
property. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: Init

PrevChoice (prior LIST control entry number)

PrevChoice LONG, PROTECTED
The PrevChoice property represents the entry number of the previously selected record in a
LIST control.

Implementation: The PrevChoice property is updated as the scroll bar for the LIST control is
moved within the Listbox.

PrintControl (browse print control number)

PrintControl SIGNED
The PrintControl property contains the number of the browse's print control. This is typically the
value of the Print BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value to enable
and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map Print behavior to
corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the PrintControl property. You
should initialize the PrintControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

BrowseClass 161

PrintProcedure (print procedure)

PrintProcedure USHORT
The PrintProcedure property identifies the procedure to execute when the Browse Print action is
called. The procedure name is registered with the WindowManager object.

Implementation: Typically, the WindowManager object (Init method) sets the value of the
PrintProcedure property when a Browse Print is called. The Ask method passes
the AskProcedure value to the WindowManager.Run method to indicate which
procedure to execute.

See Also: Ask

AskRecord
WindowManager.Run

Processors (reference to ProcessorQueue)

ListQueue &QUEUE, PROTECTED
The Processors property is a reference to the ProcessorQueue queue which contains references
to the RecordProcessor interface and manages several processes.

See Also: BrowseClass.Init, BrowseClass.Kill

Query (reference to QueryClass)

Query &QueryClass
The Query property is a reference to the QueryClass which manages Query-by-Example
processes for the BrowseClass.

See Also: BrowseClass.Init

BrowseClass.Kill
162 ABC Library Reference

QueryControl (browse query control number)

QueryControl SIGNED
The QueryControl property contains the number of the browse's query (QBE) control. This is
typically the value of the QBE BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value
to enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map QBE
behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the QueryControl property. You
should initialize the QueryControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

QueryShared (share query with multiple sorts)

QueryShared BYTE
The QueryShared property contains a value that tells the BrowseClass whether or not to keep
queries active when changing different sort orders. An example of this is when switching from one
tab control to another in the active browse.

A value of zero (0) disables sharing (the query is only active for the tab in which it is set); a value
of 1 enables sharing.

Implementation: The QueryShared property is ser by the Query Button template interface when
the Auto-share between tabs option is checked.
BrowseClass 163

QuickScan (buffered reads flag)

QuickScan BYTE
The QuickScan property contains a value that tells the BrowseClass whether or not to quickscan
when page-loading the browse list queue. Quick scanning only affects file systems that use multi-
record buffers. See Database Drivers for more information.

A value of zero (0) disables quick scanning; a non-zero value enables quick scanning. Quick
scanning is the normal way to read records for browsing. However, rereading the buffer may
provide slightly improved data integrity in some multi-user circumstances at the cost of
substantially slower reads.

Implementation: TheBrowseClass.Fetch method implements the faster reads only during the
page-loading process, and only if the QuickScan property is not zero. The
BrowseClass.Fetch method SENDs the 'QUICKSCAN=ON' driver string to the
applicable files' database drivers with the RelationManager.SetQuickScan
method.

Note: The RelationManager.SetQuickScan method does not set the

BrowseClass.QuickScan property. However if you set the BrowseClass.QuickScan
property to 1, the BrowseClass uses the RelationManager.SetQuickScan method to
SEND the QUICKSCAN driver string to the appropriate files.

See Also: Fetch, RelationManager.SetQuickScan.

164 ABC Library Reference

RetainRow (highlight bar refresh behavior)

RetainRow BYTE
The RetainRow property indicates whether the BrowseClass object tries to maintain the highlight
bar in the same list row following a change in sort order, an update, or other browse refresh
action. A value of one (1) maintains the current highlight bar row; a value of zero (0) lets the
highlight bar move to the first row.

Setting RetainRow to one (1) can cause a performance penalty in applications using TopSpeed's
pre-Accelerator ODBC driver.

Implementation: The Init method sets the RetainRow property to one (1). The ResetQueue
method implements the behavior specified by the RetainRow property.

See Also: Init, ResetQueue

SelectControl (browse select control number)

SelectControl SIGNED
The SelectControl property contains the number of the browse's select control. This is typically
the value of the Select BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value to
enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map Select
behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the SelectControl property. You
should initialize the SelectControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

BrowseClass 165

Selecting (select mode only flag)

Selecting BYTE
The Selecting property indicates whether the BrowseClass object selects a browse item or
updates browse items. A value of zero (0) sets update mode; a value of one (1) sets select only
mode.

The HideSelect property is only effective when the Selecting property indicates update mode.

Implementation: In select mode, a DOUBLE-CLICK or ENTER selects the item; otherwise, a

DOUBLE-CLICK or ENTER updates the item.

See Also: HideSelect

SelectWholeRecord (select entire record flag)

SelectWholeRecord BYTE
The SelectWholeRecord property indicates whether an UpdateViewRecord should be called in
the TakeEvent method. A value of one (1) will get the whole record from the view; a value of zero
(0), the default, gets the record from the buffer.

See Also: UpdateViewRecord, TakeEvent

166 ABC Library Reference

Sort (browse sort information)

Sort &BrowseSortOrder
The Sort property is a reference to a structure containing all the sort information for this
BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass methods use this property to implement multiple sort
orders, range limits, filters, and locators for a single browse list.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Sort property mimics or shadows the inherited

ViewManager.Order property. The Sort property is a reference to a QUEUE
declared in ABBROWSE.INC as follows:
BrowseSortOrder QUEUE(SortOrder),TYPE !browse sort information
Locator &LocatorControl !locator for this sort order
Resets &FieldPairsClass !reset fields for this sort order
Thumb &ThumbClass !ThumbClass for this sort order
END

Notice this BrowseSortOrder queue contains all the fields in the SortOrder queue
declared in ABFILE.INC as follows:
SortOrder QUEUE,TYPE !VIEW sort information
Filter &FilterQueue !ANDed filter expressions
FreeElement ANY !The Free key element
LimitType BYTE !Range limit type flag
MainKey &KEY !The KEY
Order &STRING !ORDER expression (equal to KEY)
RangeList &FieldPairsClass !fields in the range limit
END

And the SortOrder queue contains a reference to the FilterQueue declared in

ABFILE.INC as follows:
FilterQueue QUEUE,TYPE !VIEW filter information
ID STRING(30) !filter ID
Filter &STRING !filter expression
END

So, the BrowseSortOrder queue is, among other things, a queue of queues.

The AddSortOrder method defines sort orders for the browse. The SetSort
method applies or activates a sort order for the browse. Only one sort order is
active at a time.

See Also: AddSortOrder, SetSort

BrowseClass 167

StartAtCurrent (initial browse position)

StartAtCurrent BYTE
The StartAtCurrent property indicates whether the BrowseClass object initially positions to the
first item in the sort order or positions to the item specified by the contents of the Browse's view
buffer. A value of zero (0 or False) positions to the first item; a value of one (1 or True) positions
to the item specified by the contents of the view buffer.

Implementation: The SetSort method implements the StartAtCurrent initial position. The SetSort
method positions the browse list based on the contents of the fields in the active
sort order, including the free element field.

Example:
BRW1.StartAtCurrent = True
ST:StateCode = 'K' !set key component value
BrowseSt.Init(?StList,StateQ.ViewPosition,StView,StateQ,Relate:State,SELF)

See Also: SetSort

168 ABC Library Reference

TabAction (edit-in-place action on tab key)

TabAction BYTE
The TabAction property indicates the action to take when the end user presses the TAB key
during an edit-in-place process. There are two types of actions that TabAction controls:

what to do with pending changes (default, save, abandon, or prompt),

what mode to use next (continue editing or revert to non-edit mode).

The specified actions are implemented by the Ask method. Set the actions by assigning, adding,
or subtracting the following EQUATEd values to TabAction. The following EQUATEs are in
ABBROWSE.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0) !save according to the Ask method
Always EQUATE(1) !always save the changes
Never EQUATE(2) !never save the changes
Prompted EQUATE(4) !ask whether to save the changes
Remain EQUATE(8) !continue editing
END

Example:
BRW1.TabAction = EIPAction:Prompted !ask to save changes
BRW1.TabAction = EIPAction:Prompted+EIPAction:Remain !ask to save, keep
editing

See Also: Ask

BrowseClass 169

Toolbar (browse Toolbar object)

Toolbar &ToolbarClass
The Toolbar property is a reference to the ToolbarClass for this BrowseClass object. The
ToolbarClass object collects toolbar events and passes them on to the active ToolbarTarget
object for processing.

The AddToolbarTarget method registers a ToolbarTarget, such as a ToolbarListBoxClass object,

as a potential target of a ToolbarClass object.

The ToolbarClass.SetTarget method sets the active target for a ToolbarClass object.

Implementation: The ToolbarClass object for a browse is the object that detects toolbar events,
such as scroll down or page down, and passes them on to the active
ToolbarListBoxClass (ToolbarTarget) object. In the standard template
implementation, there is a single global toolbar, and a ToolbarClass object per
procedure that may drive several different browses and forms, each of which is a
ToolbarTarget. Only one ToolbarTarget is active at a time.

See Also: ToolbarItem, AddToolbarTarget, ToolbarClass.SetTarget

170 ABC Library Reference

ToolbarItem (browse ToolbarTarget object)

ToolbarItem &ToolbarListBoxClass
The ToolbarItem property is a reference to the ToolbarListBoxClass for this BrowseClass object.
The ToolbarListBoxClass (ToolbarTarget) object receives toolbar events (from a ToolbarClass
object) and processes them.

The AddToolbarTarget method registers a ToolbarTarget, such as a ToolbarListBoxClass object,

as a potential target of a ToolbarClass object.

The ToolbarClass.SetTarget method sets the active target for a ToolbarClass object.

Implementation: The ToolbarClass object for a browse is the object that detects toolbar events,
such as scroll down or page down, and passes them on to the active
ToolbarListBoxClass (ToolbarTarget) object. In the standard template
implementation, there is a single global toolbar, and a ToolbarClass object per
procedure that may drive several different browses and forms, each of which is a
ToolbarTarget. Only one ToolbarTarget is active at a time.

See Also: Toolbar, AddToolbarTarget, ToolbarClass.SetTarget

BrowseClass 171

ToolControl (browse toolbox control number)

ToolControl SIGNED
The ToolControl property contains the number of the browse's toolbox control. This is typically
the value of the Toolbox BUTTON's field equate. The BrowseClass methods use this value to
enable and disable the control when appropriate, to post events to the control, to map Toolbox
behavior to corresponding popup menu choices, etc.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Init method does not initialize the ToolControl property. You
should initialize the ToolControl property after the BrowseClass.Init method is
called. See the Conceptual Example.

See Also: UpdateToolbarButtons

ViewControl (view button)

ViewControl SIGNED
The ViewControl property contains the number (field equate) of the browse's view button control.

Window (WindowManager object)

Window &WindowManager
The Window property is a reference to the WindowManager object for this BrowseClass object.
The WindowManager object forwards events to the active BrowseClass object for processing.

The WindowManager.AddItem method registers the BrowseClass object with the

WindowManager object, so the WindowManager object can forward events.

The Init method sets the value of the Window property.

Implementation: The WindowManager object calls the BrowseClass.TakeEvent method so the

BrowseClass object can handle the events as needed.

See Also: Init, WindowManager.AddItem

172 ABC Library Reference

BrowseClass Methods
BrowseClass Methods
The BrowseClass inherits all the methods of the ViewManager from which it is derived. See
ViewManager Methods for more information.

BrowseClass Functional Organization--Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the BrowseClass, it is useful to organize its various methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the BrowseClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the BrowseClass object
AddEditControl specify custom edit-in-place for a browse field
AddField identify corresponding FILE and QUEUE fields
AddLocator associate a locator with its sort order
AddResetField specify a field that refreshes the browse list
AddSortOrder add a sort order to the browse list
AddToolbarTarget associate the browse list with a toolbar object
SetAlertsV alert keys for list, locator, and edit controls
Kill V shut down the BrowseClass object
Mainstream Use:
NextV get the next view record in sequence
PreviousV get the previous view record in sequence
Ask update the selected item
TakeEventV process the current ACCEPT loop event
TakeNewSelectionV process a new browse list item selection

V These methods are also Virtual.

Occasional Use:
ApplyRange refresh browse list to specified range limit
AskRecord edit-in-place the selected item
PostNewSelection post an EVENT:NewSelection to the browse list
Records return the number of records in the browse list
ResetResets snapshot the current value of the Reset fields
ResetThumbLimits reset thumb limits to match the result set
TakeAcceptedLocator apply an entered locator value
BrowseClass 173

UpdateResets copy reset fields to file buffer

UpdateThumb position the scrollbar thumb
UpdateThumbFixed position the scrollbar fixed thumb
UpdateWindow V apply pending scroll, locator, range, etc.

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.
ApplyRange conditionally range limit and filter the records
Fetch loads a page of items into the browse list
Kill shut down the BrowseClass object
Next get the next record from the browse view
Previous get the previous record from the browse view
ResetI reset the view position
ResetFromAsk reset browse object after update
ResetFromBuffer refill queue based on current record buffer
ResetFromFile refill queue based on FILE POSITION
ResetFromView reset browse object to its result set
ResetQueue fill or refill the browse queue
ScrollEnd scroll to the first or last item
ScrollOne scroll up or down one item
ScrollPage scroll up or down one page of items
SetAlerts alert keys for list, locator, and edit controls
SetQueueRecord copy data from file buffer to queue buffer
SetSort apply sort order to browse
ResetSort apply sort order to browse
TakeKey process an alerted keystroke
TakeEvent process the current ACCEPT loop event
TakeNewSelection process a new browse list item selection
TakeScroll process a scroll event
TakeVCRScroll process a VCR scroll event
UpdateBuffer copy data from queue buffer to file buffer
UpdateViewRecord copy selected item to corresponding file buffers
UpdateWindow apply pending scroll, locator, range, etc.

Use ResetSort followed by UpdateWindow to refresh and redisplay your ABC

BrowseBoxes. Or, use the WindowManager.Reset method.
174 ABC Library Reference

AddEditControl (specify custom edit-in-place class)

AddEditControl( [editclass], column [, autofree] )

AddEditControl Specifies a custom edit-in-place class for a browse field.

editclass The label of the EditClass. If omitted, the specified column is not editable.
column An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the browse
list column to edit with the specified editclass object. A value of one (1) indicates
the first column; a two (2) indicates the second column, etc.
autofree A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates whether the
BrowseClass.Kill method DISPOSEs of the editclass object. A zero (0) value
leaves the object intact. A non-zero value DISPOSEs the object. If omitted,
autofree defaults to zero (0).
The AddEditControl method specifies the editclass that defines the edit-in-place control for the
browse column. Use autofree with caution; you should only DISPOSE of memory allocated with a
NEW statement. See the Language Reference for more information on NEW and DISPOSE.

Implementation: You do not need to call this method to use the default editclass. If you do not call
the AddEditControl method for a browse list column, the BrowseClass
automatically instantiates the EditClass declared in ABBROWSE.INC for that
column.

The autofree parameter defaults to zero (0). The BrowseClass.Kill method

DISPOSEs the editclass objects only if autofree contains a non-zero value.

The BrowseClass.Ask method instantiates the editclass objects as needed, then

creates and deletes the edit-in-place control upon the end user's insert or change
request.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare browse & related classes
INCLUDE('MYCOMBO.INC') !declare custom Edit-in-place control class
!other browse class declarations
CODE
MyBrowse.AddEditControl(,1) !column 1 not editable
MyBrowse.AddEditControl(ComboClass,2) !edit column 2 with combo control

See Also: Ask

BrowseClass 175

AddField (specify a FILE/QUEUE field pair)

AddField( filefield, queuefield )

AddField Identifies the corresponding FILE and QUEUE fields for a browse list column.
filefield The fully qualified label of the FILE field or memory variable. The filefield is the
original source of the browse LIST's data.
queuefield The fully qualified label of the corresponding QUEUE field. The queuefield is
loaded from the filefield, and is the immediate source of the browse LIST's data.
The AddField method identifies the corresponding FILE and QUEUE fields for a browse list
column. You must call AddField for each column displayed in the browse list.

You may also use the AddField method to pair memory variables with QUEUE fields by
specifying a variable label as the filefield parameter.

Implementation: For browses with edit-in-place, you must add fields (call the AddField method) in
the same sequence that you declare the browse QUEUE fields.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare browse & related classes
States FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(StFile) !declare States file
ByCode KEY(StFile:Code),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
Code STRING(2)
Name STRING(20)
END
END
StQType QUEUE,TYPE !declare the St QUEUE type
Code LIKE(StFile:Code)
Name LIKE(StFile:Name)
Position STRING(512)
END
BrowseStClass CLASS(BrowseClass),TYPE !declare the BrowseSt CLASS
Q &StQType
END
StQ StQType !declare the (real) StQ QUEUE
BrowseSt BrowseStClass !declare the BrowseSt object
CODE
BrowseSt.AddField(StFile:Code,BrowseSt.Q.Code) !pair up fields in
BrowseSt.AddField(StFile:Name,BrowseSt.Q.Name) !FILE & QUEUE
176 ABC Library Reference

AddItem(program the BrowseClass object)

AddItem(RecordProcessor)

AddItem Adds specific functionality to the BrowseClass object.

RecordProcessor The label of a RecordProcessor interface.

The AddItem method registers an ABC Library interface with the BrowseClass object and adds
the interface's specific functionality to the BrowseClass.
See Also: BrowseClass.Kill

AddLocator (specify a locator)

AddLocator( locator )

AddLocator Specifies a locator object for a specific sort order.

locator The label of the locator object.
The AddLocator method specifies a locator object for the sort order defined by the preceding call
to the AddSortOrder or SetSort method. Typically, you call the AddLocator method immediately
after the AddSortOrder method.

Implementation: The specified locator is sort order specific--it is enabled only when the associated
sort order is active. The SetSort method applies or activates a sort order for the
browse. Only one sort order is active at a time.

Example:
BrowseSt.AddSortOrder(BrowseSt:Step,StFile:ByCode) !add sort order and
BrowseSt.AddLocator(BrowseSt:Locator) !associated locator
BrowseSt:Locator.Init(?Loc,StFile:StCode,1,BrowseSt)!init locator object

See Also: AddSortOrder, LocatorClass, SetSort

BrowseClass 177

AddResetField (set a field to monitor for changes)

AddResetField( resetfield)

AddResetField Specifies a field that resets the browse list when the contents of the field
changes.
resetfield The label of the field to monitor for changes.
For the active sort order (defined by the preceding call to the AddSortOrder or SetSort method),
the AddResetField method specifies a field that the browse object monitors for changes, then,
when the contents of the field changes, refreshes the browse list. Typically, you call the
AddResetField method immediately after the AddSortOrder method.

You may call AddResetField multiple times to establish multiple reset fields for a sort order.

Implementation: The specified resetfield is sort order specific--it is enabled only when the
associated sort order is active. The SetSort method sets the active sort order for
the browse. SetSort also calls ApplyRange to monitor the reset fields for changes
and SetSort resets the browse when a change occurs.

The WindowManager.Reset method also initiates an evaluation of the reset fields

and a subsequent browse reset if needed for any browse objects registered with
the WindowManager.

Example:
BrowseSt.AddSortOrder(BrowseSt:Step,StFile:ByCode) !add sort order
BrowseSt.AddLocator(BrowseSt:Locator) !and associated locator
BrowseSt.AddResetField(Local:StFilter) !and associated reset field

See Also: AddSortOrder, SetSort, WindowManager.Reset

178 ABC Library Reference

AddSortOrder (specify a browse sort order)

AddSortOrder( [thumbstep] [, key ]), PROC

AddSortOrder Specifies an additional sort order for the browse list.

thumbstep The label of the StepClass object that controls vertical scroll bar and thumb
behavior. If omitted, the vertical scroll bar exhibits Fixed Thumb behavior. See
Control Templates--BrowseBox for more information on thumb behavior.
key The label of the KEY to sort by. If omitted, the browse list is not sorted--the items
appear in physical order, or in the order specified by the inherited AppendOrder
method.
The AddSortOrder method specifies an additional sort order for the browse list and returns the
sort order's sequence number for use with the SetSort method. You must call the AddSortOrder
method for each different sort order applied to the browse list.

The AddLocator method adds an associated locator for the sort order defined by the preceding
call to AddSortOrder.

The AddResetField method adds an associated reset field for the sort order defined by the
preceding call to AddSortOrder. You may add multiple reset fields for each sort order with
multiple calls to AddResetField.

The inherited AddRange method adds an associated range limit for the sort order defined by the
preceding call to AddSortOrder.

Implementation: The AddSortOrder method adds an entry at a time to the Sort property.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseSt.AddSortOrder(BrowseSt:Step,StFile:ByCode) !add sort order
BrowseSt.AddLocator(BrowseSt:Locator) !and associated locator
BrowseSt.AddResetField(Local:StFilter) !and associated reset field

See Also: AddLocator, AddResetField, Sort, StepClass, SetSort, ViewManager.AddRange,

ViewManager.AppendOrder
BrowseClass 179

AddToolbarTarget (set the browse toolbar)

AddToolbarTarget( toolbar )

AddToolbarTarget Registers the browse list as a potential target of the specified toolbar.
toolbar The label of the ToolbarClass object that directs toolbar events to this
BrowseClass object.
The AddToolbarTarget method registers the BrowseClass object as a potential target of the
specified toolbar.

The ToolbarClass.SetTarget method sets the active target for a ToolbarClass object.

Implementation: The Toolbar object for a browse is the object that detects toolbar events, such as
scroll down or page down, and passes them on to the active ToolbarTarget
object. In the standard template implementation, there is a single global toolbar,
and a Toolbar object per procedure that may drive several different browses and
forms, each of which is a ToolbarTarget. Only one ToolbarTarget is active at a
time.

Example:
BrowseSt.AddToolbarTarget(Browse:Toolbar) !tie BrowseSt object to Toolbar object
BrowseZIP.AddToolbarTarget(Browse:Toolbar) !tie BrowseZIP object to Toolbar object
!program code
Browse:Toolbar.SetTarget(?StList) !state list is current toolbar target
!program code
Browse:Toolbar.SetTarget(?ZIPList) !ZIP list is current toolbar target

See Also: Toolbar, ToolbarItem, ToolbarClass.SetTarget

180 ABC Library Reference

ApplyRange (refresh browse based on resets and range limits)

ApplyRange, VIRTUAL, PROC

The ApplyRange method checks the current status of reset fields and range limits and refreshes
the browse list if necessary. Then it returns a value indicating whether a screen redraw is
required.

The inherited AddRange method adds an associated range limit for each sort order. The
AddResetField method establishes reset fields for each browse sort order.

Implementation: The ApplyRange method returns one (1) if a screen redraw is required or zero (0)
if no redraw is required.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
IF BrowseSt.ApplyRange() !refresh browse queue if things changed
DISPLAY(?StList) !redraw LIST if queue refreshed
END

See Also: AddResetField, ViewManager.AddRange

BrowseClass 181

Ask (update selected browse item)

Ask( request ), VIRTUAL, PROC

Ask Updates the selected browse record.

request A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the
requested update action. Valid actions are Insert, Change, and Delete.
The Ask method updates the selected browse record and returns a value indicating whether the
requested update was completed or cancelled.
Implementation: Depending on the value of the AskProcedure property, the Ask method either
calls the WindowManager.Run method to execute a specific update procedure,
or it calls the AskRecord method to do an edit-in-place update.

The TakeEvent method calls the Ask method. The Ask method assumes the
UpdateViewRecord method has been called to ensure correct record buffer
contents.
Return value EQUATEs are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW:
RequestCompleted EQUATE (1) !Update Completed
RequestCancelled EQUATE (2) !Update Aborted

EQUATEs for request are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW:

InsertRecord EQUATE (1) !Add a record to table
ChangeRecord EQUATE (2) !Change the current record
DeleteRecord EQUATE (3) !Delete the current record

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseClass.TakeEvent PROCEDURE
!procedure data
CODE
!procedure code
CASE ACCEPTED()
OF SELF.DeleteControl
SELF.Window.Update()
SELF.Ask(DeleteRecord) !delete a browse item
OF SELF.ChangeControl
SELF.Window.Update()
SELF.Ask(ChangeRecord) !change a browse item
OF SELF.InsertControl
SELF.Window.Update()
SELF.Ask(InsertRecord) !insert a browse item
182 ABC Library Reference

OF SELF.SelectControl
SELF.Window.Response = RequestCompleted
POST(EVENT:CloseWindow)
ELSE
SELF.TakeAcceptedLocator
END

See Also: AskProcedure, AskRecord, TakeEvent

BrowseClass 183

AskRecord (edit-in-place selected browse item)

AskRecord( request ), VIRTUAL, PROC

AskRecord Does edit-in-place update of the selected browse record.

request A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the
requested edit-in-place action. Valid edit-in-place actions are Insert, Change, and
Delete.
The AskRecord method does edit-in-place updates for the selected browse row and column,
then returns a value indicating whether the requested edit was completed or cancelled. The
AddEditControl method specifies a custom EditClass for a specific browse column.
Implementation: The AskRecord method assumes the UpdateViewRecord method has been
called to ensure correct record buffer contents. AskRecord should be followed
by the ResetFromAsk method. The Ask method calls the AskRecord method.
Return value EQUATEs are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW:
RequestCompleted EQUATE (1) !Update Completed
RequestCancelled EQUATE (2) !Update Aborted

EQUATEs for request are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW:

InsertRecord EQUATE (1) !Add a record to table
ChangeRecord EQUATE (2) !Change the current record
DeleteRecord EQUATE (3) !Delete the current record

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseClass.Ask PROCEDURE(BYTE Req)
Response BYTE
CODE
LOOP
SELF.Window.VCRRequest = VCR:None
IF Req=InsertRecord THEN
SELF.PrimeRecord
END
IF SELF.AskProcedure
Response = SELF.Window.Run(SELF.AskProcedure,Req) !do edit-in-place update
SELF.ResetFromAsk(Req,Response)
ELSE
Response = SELF.AskRecord(Req)
END
UNTIL SELF.Window.VCRRequest = VCR:None
RETURN Response

See Also: AddEditControl, Ask, ResetFromAsk

184 ABC Library Reference

Fetch (get a page of browse items)

Fetch( direction ), VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

Fetch Loads a page of items into the browse list queue.

direction A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates whether to
get the next set of items or the previous set of items.
The Fetch method loads the next or previous page of items into the browse list queue.

Implementation: Fetch is called by the ResetQueue, ScrollOne, ScrollPage, and ScrollEnd

methods. A page of items is as many items as fits in the LIST control.

BrowseClass.Fetch direction value EQUATEs are declared in ABBROWSE.INC

as follows:
FillBackward EQUATE(1)
FillForward EQUATE(2)

Example:
ScrollOne PROCEDURE(SIGNED Event)
CODE
IF Event = Event:ScrollUp AND CurrentChoice > 1
CurrentChoice -= 1
ELSIF Event = Event:ScrollDown AND CurrentChoice < RECORDS(ListQueue)
CurrentChoice += 1
ELSE
ItemsToFill = 1
MyBrowse.Fetch( CHOOSE( Event = EVENT:ScrollUp, FillForward, FillBackward ))
END

See Also: ResetQueue, ScrollOne, ScrollPage, ScrollEnd

BrowseClass 185

Init(initialize the BrowseClass object)

Init(|listcontrol, viewposition, view, listqueue, relationmanager, windowmanager |)

|ilistcontrol, view, browsequeue, relationmanager, windowmanager |

Init Initializes the BrowseClass object.

listcontrol A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the control
number of the browse's LIST control.
ilistcontrol A reference to an IListControl interface.
viewposition The label of a string field within the listqueue containing the POSITION of the
view.
view The label of the browse's underlying VIEW.
listqueue The label of the listcontrol's data source QUEUE.
browsequeue A reference to a BrowseQueue interface.
relationmanager
The label of the browse's primary file RelationManager object. See Relation
Manager for more information.
windowmanager
The label of the browse's WindowManager object. See Window Manager for
more information.

The Init method initializes the BrowseClass object.

Init(listcontrol, viewposition, view, listqueue, relationmanager,

windowmanager)
Initializes the BrowseClass object using the Standard Behaviour
interface. For more information see the StandardBehaviour
section.
Init(ilistcontrol, view, browsequeue, relationmanager,
windowmanager)
Initializes the BrowseClass object without the Standard
Behaviour interface. The Init method calls the PARENT.Init
(ViewManager.Init) method to initialize the browse's
ViewManager object. See View Manager for more information.
The Init method instantiates a PopupClass object for the browse.
The Init method calls the WindowManager.AddItem method to
register its presence with the WindowManager.

Example:
186 ABC Library Reference

CODE !Setup the BrowseClass object:

BrowseState.Init(?StateList,| ! identify its LIST control,
StateQ.Position, | ! its VIEW position string,
StateView, | ! its source/target VIEW,
StateQ, | ! the LIST's source QUEUE,
Relate:State | ! the primary file RelationManager
ThisWindow) ! the WindowManager

See Also: ViewManager.Init, PopupClass, WindowManager.AddItem, StandardBehavior

Interface

InitSort (initialize locator values)

InitSort (neworder), VIRTUAL

The InitSort method initializes locator values when a new sort order is applied to a browse list.

See Also: SetSort

BrowseClass 187

Kill (shut down the BrowseClass object)

Kill, VIRTUAL
The Kill method shuts down the BrowseClass object.

Implementation: Among other things, the BrowseClass.Kill method calls the PARENT.Kill
(ViewManager.Kill) method to shut down the browse's ViewManager object. See
View Manager for more information.

Example:
CODE !Setup the BrowseClass object:
BrowseState.Init(?StateList,| ! identify its LIST control,
StateQ.Position, | ! its VIEW position string,
StateView, | ! its source/target VIEW,
StateQ, | ! the LIST's source QUEUE,
Relate:State | ! the primary file RelationManager
ThisWindow) ! the WindowManager

!program code

BrowseState.Kill !shut down the BrowseClass object

See Also: ViewManager.Kill

188 ABC Library Reference

Next (get the next browse item)

Next, VIRTUAL
The Next method gets the next record from the browse view and returns a value indicating its
success or failure.

Next returns Level:Benign if successful, Level:Notify if it reached the end of the file, and
Level:Fatal if it encountered a fatal error.

Implementation: Corresponding return value EQUATEs are declared in ABERROR.INC. See Error
Class for more information on these severity level EQUATEs.
Level:Benign EQUATE(0)
Level:User EQUATE(1)
Level:Program EQUATE(2)
Level:Fatal EQUATE(3)
Level:Cancel EQUATE(4)
Level:Notify EQUATE(5)

The Next method is called by the Fetch and ResetThumbLimits(PRIVATE)

methods. Among other things, Next calls the PARENT.Next (ViewManager.Next)
method. See ViewManager for more information.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
CASE MyBrowse.Next() !get next record
OF Level:Benign !if successful, continue
OF Level:Fatal !if fatal error
RETURN ! end this procedure
OF Level:Notify !if end of file reached
MESSAGE('Reached end of file.') ! acknowledge EOF
END

See Also: Fetch

BrowseClass 189

NotifyUpdateError (throw error on update)

NotifyUpdateError( ), BYTE, VIRTUAL

The NotifyUpdateError method returns an error code to the active ErrorManager when an
attempted update to refresh a record has failed.

Implementation: The NotifyUpdateError is called from the BrowseClass UpdateViewRecord

method, which is used to retrieve the VIEW record that corresponds to a chosen
listbox record.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
IF SELF.ListQueue.Records()
SELF.CurrentChoice = SELF.ILC.Choice()
SELF.ListQueue.Fetch(SELF.CurrentChoice)
WATCH(SELF.View)
REGET(SELF.View,SELF.ListQueue.GetViewPosition())
RC = ERRORCODE()
IF
RC = NoDriverSupport
Pos = POSITION (SELF.View)
RESET(SELF.View,SELF.ListQueue.GetViewPosition())
WATCH(SELF.View)
NEXT(SELF.View)
RC = ERRORCODE()
RESET(SELF.View,Pos)
END
IF RC <> 0
SELF.NeedRefresh = SELF.NotifyUpdateError()
END
END

See Also: UpdateViewRecord

190 ABC Library Reference

PostNewSelection (post an EVENT:NewSelection to the browse list)

PostNewSelection
The PostNewSelection method posts an EVENT:NewSelection to the browse list to support
scrolling, inserts, deletes, and other changes of position within the browse list.

Implementation: Event EQUATEs are declared in EQUATES.CLW.

Example:
UpdateMyBrowse ROUTINE
!update code
MyBrowse.ResetFromFile !after insert or change, reload Q from file
MyBrowse.PostNewSelection !after update, post a new selection event
!so window gets properly refreshed
BrowseClass 191

Previous (get the previous browse item)

Previous, VIRTUAL
The Previous method gets the previous record from the browse view and returns a value
indicating its success or failure.

Implementation: Returns Level:Benign if successful, Level:Notify if it reached the end of the file,
and Level:Fatal if it encountered a fatal error. Corresponding severity level
EQUATEs are declared in ABERROR.INC. See Error Class for more information
on error severity levels.
Level:Benign EQUATE(0)
Level:User EQUATE(1)
Level:Program EQUATE(2)
Level:Fatal EQUATE(3)
Level:Cancel EQUATE(4)
Level:Notify EQUATE(5)

The Previous method is called by the Fetch and ResetThumbLimits methods.

Among other things, Previous calls the PARENT.Previous
(ViewManager.Previous) method. See ViewManager for more information.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
CASE MyBrowse.Previous() !get previous record
OF Level:Benign !if successful, continue
OF Level:Fatal !if fatal error
RETURN ! end this procedure
OF Level:Notify !if end of file reached
MESSAGE('Reached end of file.')! acknowledge EOF
END

See Also: Fetch

192 ABC Library Reference

Records (return the number of browse queue items)

Records, PROC
The Records method returns the number of records in the browse list queue and disables
appropriate controls if the record count is zero.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
DeleteMyBrowse ROUTINE
!delete code
MyBrowse.Records() !disable delete button (and menu) if no items

ResetFields(reinitialize FieldPairsClass)
ResetFields
The ResetFields method reinitializes the FieldPairs recognized by the FieldPairsClass.

Implementation: The ResetFields method reinitializes the FieldPairs by first disposing the
FieldsPairsClass and then initializing the FieldPairsClass.

See Also: FieldPairsClass.Init , FieldPairsClass.Kill

BrowseClass 193

ResetFromAsk (reset browse after update)

ResetFromAsk( request, response ), VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

ResetFromAsk Resets the BrowseClass object following an update.

request An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the type of
update requested. Valid updates are insert, change, and delete.
response An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates whether the
requested update was completed or cancelled.
The ResetFromAsk method resets the BrowseClass object following an Ask or AskRecord
update to a browse item.

Implementation: The Ask and AskRecord methods call ResetFromAsk as needed to reset the
BrowseClass object.

ResetFromAsk FLUSHes the BrowseClass object's VIEW if needed, calls the

appropriate "reset" method (ResetQueue, ResetFromFile, or ResetFromView) to
refill the QUEUE, then carries out any pending scroll request made concurrently
with the update. See WindowManager.VCRRequest.

EQUATEs for the request parameter are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW as

follows:
InsertRecord EQUATE (1) !Add a record to table
ChangeRecord EQUATE (2) !Change the current record
DeleteRecord EQUATE (3) !Delete the current record

EQUATEs for the response parameter are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW

as follows:
RequestCompleted EQUATE (1) !Update Completed
RequestCancelled EQUATE (2) !Update Aborted
194 ABC Library Reference

Example:
BrowseClass.Ask PROCEDURE(BYTE Req)
Response BYTE
CODE
LOOP
SELF.Window.VCRRequest = VCR:None
IF Req=InsertRecord THEN
SELF.PrimeRecord
END
IF SELF.AskProcedure
Response = SELF.Window.Run(SELF.AskProcedure,Req)
SELF.ResetFromAsk(Req,Response) !reset the browse after update
ELSE
Response = SELF.AskRecord(Req)
END
UNTIL SELF.Window.VCRRequest = VCR:None
RETURN Response

See Also: Ask, AskRecord, ResetQueue, ResetFromFile, ResetFromView,

WindowManager.VCRRequest
BrowseClass 195

ResetFromBuffer (fill queue starting from record buffer)

ResetFromBuffer, VIRTUAL
The ResetFromBuffer method fills or refills the browse queue starting from the record in the
primary file buffer (and secondary file buffers if applicable). If the record is found,
ResetFromBuffer fills the browse queue starting from that record. If the record is not found,
ResetFromBuffer fills the browse queue starting from the nearest matching record.

If the active sort order (key) allows duplicates and duplicate matches exist, ResetFromBuffer fills
the browse queue starting from the first matching record.

Tip: Use ResetFromBuffer when the primary and secondary file positions and values
are valid, but the result set may no longer match the buffer values. For example,
after a locator or scrollbar thumb move.

Implementation: ResetFromBuffer succeeds even if there is no exactly matching record and is

typically used to locate the appropriate record after a thumb movement.

ResetFromBuffer calls the ViewManager.Reset method for positioning, then calls

the ResetQueue method to fill the browse queue.

Example:
IF EVENT() = EVENT:ScrollDrag !if thumb moved
IF ?MyList{PROP:VScrollPos} <= 1 !handle scroll to top
POST(Event:ScrollTop, ?MyList)
ELSIF ?MyList{PROP:VScrollPos} = 100 !handle scroll to bottom
POST(Event:ScrollBottom, ?MyList)
ELSE !handle intermediate scroll
MyBrowse.Sort.FreeElement =
MyBrowse.Sort.Step.GetValue(?MyList{PROP:VScrollPos})
MyBrowse.ResetFromBuffer !and reload the queue from that point
END
END

See Also: ViewManager.Reset, ResetQueue

196 ABC Library Reference

ResetFromFile (fill queue starting from file POSITION)

ResetFromFile, VIRTUAL
The ResetFromFile method fills or refills the browse queue starting from the current POSITION
of the primary file. If no POSITION has been established, ResetFromFile fills the browse queue
starting from the beginning of the file.

Tip: Use ResetFromFile when the primary file position is valid but secondary records
and their contents may not be. For example, when returning from an update.

Implementation: ResetFromFile succeeds even if the record buffer is cleared and is typically used
to get the current record after an update.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.ResetFromAsk PROCEDURE(*BYTE Request,*BYTE Response)
CODE
IF Response = RequestCompleted
FLUSH(SELF.View)
IF Request = DeleteRecord
DELETE(SELF.ListQueue)
SELF.ResetQueue(Reset:Queue) !refill queue after delete
ELSE
SELF.ResetFromFile !refill queue after insert or change
END
ELSE
SELF.ResetQueue(Reset:Queue)
END
BrowseClass 197

ResetFromView (reset browse from current result set)

ResetFromView, VIRTUAL
The ResetFromView method resets the BrowseClass object to conform to the current result set.

Tip: Use ResetFromView when you want to reset for any changes that may have
happened to the entire record set, such as new records added or deleted by other
workstations.

Implementation: The SetSort method calls the ResetFromView method.

The ResetFromView method readjusts the scrollbar thumb if necessary. The

ABC Templates override the BrowseClass.ResetFromView method to recalculate
totals if needed.

Example:
BRW1.ResetFromView PROCEDURE
ForceRefresh:Cnt LONG
CODE
SETCURSOR(Cursor:Wait)
SELF.Reset
LOOP
CASE SELF.Next()
OF Level:Notify
BREAK
OF Level:Fatal
RETURN
END
SELF.SetQueueRecord
ForceRefresh:Cnt += 1
END
ForceRefresh = ForceRefresh:Cnt
SETCURSOR()
198 ABC Library Reference

ResetQueue (fill or refill queue)

ResetQueue( resetmode ), VIRTUAL

ResetQueue Fills or refills the browse queue.

resetmode A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that determines how
ResetQueue determines the highlighted record after the reset. A value of
Reset:Queue highlights the currently selected item. A value of Reset:Done
highlights a record based on the view's current position and other factors, such
as the RetainRow property.
The ResetQueue method fills or refills the browse queue and appropriately enables or disables
Change, Delete, and Select controls. The refill process depends on the value of the resetmode
parameter and several other BrowseClass properties, including ActiveInvisible, AllowUnfilled,
RetainRow, etc.

A resetmode value of Reset:Queue usually produces a more efficient queue refill than
Reset:Done.

Implementation: ResetQueue calls the Fetch method to fill the queue.

The resetmode EQUATEs are declared in ABBROWSE.INC as follows:

ITEMIZE,PRE(Reset)
Queue EQUATE
Done EQUATE
END

Example:
DeleteMyBrowse ROUTINE
!delete code
MyBrowse.ResetQueue(Reset:Queue) !after delete, refresh Q
MyBrowse.PostNewSelection !after delete, post a new selection event
!so window gets properly refreshed

See Also: ActiveInvisible, AllowUnfilled, RetainRow, ChangeControl, DeleteControl,

SelectControl, Fetch
BrowseClass 199

ResetResets (copy the Reset fields)

ResetResets, PROTECTED
The ResetResets method copies the current values of the Reset fields so any subsequent
changes in their contents can be detected.

The AddResetField method adds an associated reset field for the sort order defined by the
preceding call to AddSortOrder. You may add multiple reset fields for each sort order with
multiple calls to AddResetField.

Example:
MyBrowse.CheckReset PROCEDURE
IF NOT SELF.Sort.Resets.Equal() !if reset fields changed,
SELF.ResetQueue(Reset:Queue) !refresh Q
SELF.ResetResets !take a new copy of the reset field values
END

See Also: AddResetField

200 ABC Library Reference

ResetSort (apply sort order to browse)

ResetSort( force ), VIRTUAL, PROC

ResetSort Reapplies the active sort order to the browse list.

force A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates whether to
reset the browse conditionally or unconditionally. A value of one (1 or True)
unconditionally resets the browse; a value of zero (0 or False) only resets the
brose as circumstances require (sort order changed, reset fields changed, first
loading, etc.).
The ResetSort method reapplies the active sort order to the browse list and returns one (1) if the
sort order changed; it returns zero (0) if the order did not change. Any range limits, locators, or
reset fields associated with the sort order are enabled.

Tip: Use ResetSort followed by UpdateWindow to refresh and redisplay your ABC
BrowseBoxes. Or, use the WindowManager.Reset method.

Implementation: The ResetSort method calls the SetSort method to applt the current sort order.
The ABC Templates override the ResetSort method to apply the sort order based
on the selected tab.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BRW1.ResetSort FUNCTION(BYTE Force) !apply appropriate sort order

CODE
IF CHOICE(?CurrentTab) = 1 !If 1st tab selected
RETURN SELF.SetSort(1,Force) !apply first sort order
ELSE !otherwise
RETURN SELF.SetSort(2,Force) !apply second sort order
END

See Also: AddRange, AddResetField, AddSortOrder, Set Sort ,UpdateWindow

BrowseClass 201

ScrollEnd (scroll to first or last item)

ScrollEnd( scrollevent ), VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

ScrollEnd Scrolls to the first or last browse list item.

scrollevent A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the
requested scroll action. Valid scroll actions for this method are scrolls to the top
or bottom of the list.
The ScrollEnd method scrolls to the first or last browse list item.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.TakeScroll method calls the ScrollEnd method.

A hexadecimal scrollevent value of EVENT:ScrollTop scrolls to the first list item.

A value of EVENT:ScrollBottom scrolls to the last list item. Corresponding scroll
event EQUATEs are declared in EQUATES.CLW:
EVENT:ScrollTop EQUATE (07H)
EVENT:ScrollBottom EQUATE (08H)

Example:
BrowseClass.TakeScroll PROCEDURE( SIGNED Event )
CODE
IF RECORDS(SELF.ListQueue)
CASE Event
OF Event:ScrollUp OROF Event:ScrollDown
SELF.ScrollOne( Event )
OF Event:PageUp OROF Event:PageDown
SELF.ScrollPage( Event )
OF Event:ScrollTop OROF Event:ScrollBottom
SELF.ScrollEnd( Event )
END
END

See Also: TakeScroll

202 ABC Library Reference

ScrollOne (scroll up or down one item)

ScrollOne( scrollevent ), VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

ScrollOne Scrolls up or down one browse list item.

scrollevent A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the
requested scroll action. Valid scroll actions for this method are scrolls up or down
a single list item.
The ScrollOne method scrolls up or down one browse list item.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.TakeScroll method calls the ScrollOne method.

A hexadecimal scrollevent value of EVENT:ScrollUp scrolls up one list item. A

value of EVENT:ScrollDown scrolls down one list item. Corresponding scroll
event EQUATEs are declared in EQUATES.CLW:
EVENT:ScrollUp EQUATE (03H)
EVENT:ScrollDown EQUATE (04H)

Example:
BrowseClass.TakeScroll PROCEDURE( SIGNED Event )
CODE
IF RECORDS(SELF.ListQueue)
CASE Event
OF Event:ScrollUp OROF Event:ScrollDown
SELF.ScrollOne( Event )
OF Event:PageUp OROF Event:PageDown
SELF.ScrollPage( Event )
OF Event:ScrollTop OROF Event:ScrollBottom
SELF.ScrollEnd( Event )
END
END

See Also: TakeScroll

BrowseClass 203

ScrollPage (scroll up or down one page)

ScrollPage( scrollevent ), VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

ScrollPage Scrolls up or down one page of browse list items.

scrollevent A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the
requested scroll action. Valid scroll actions for this method are scrolls up one
page or down one page of browse list items.
The ScrollPage method scrolls up or down one page of browse list items.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.TakeScroll method calls the ScrollPage method.

A hexadecimal scrollevent value of EVENT:PageUp scrolls up one page of

browse list items. A value of EVENT:PageDown scrolls down one page of
browse list items. Corresponding scroll event EQUATEs are declared in
EQUATES.CLW:
EVENT:PageUp EQUATE (05H)
EVENT:PageDown EQUATE (06H)

Example:
BrowseClass.TakeScroll PROCEDURE( SIGNED Event )
CODE
IF RECORDS(SELF.ListQueue)
CASE Event
OF Event:ScrollUp OROF Event:ScrollDown
SELF.ScrollOne( Event )
OF Event:PageUp OROF Event:PageDown
SELF.ScrollPage( Event )
OF Event:ScrollTop OROF Event:ScrollBottom
SELF.ScrollEnd( Event )
END
END

See Also: TakeScroll

204 ABC Library Reference

SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for list and locator controls)

SetAlerts, VIRTUAL
The SetAlerts method alerts standard keystrokes for the browse's list control and for any
associated locator controls.

The BrowseClass.TakeKey method processes the alerted keystrokes.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.SetAlerts method alerts the mouse DOUBLE-CLICK, the

INSERT, DELETE and CTRL+ENTER keys for the browse's list control and calls
the LocaorClass.SetAlerts method for each associated locator control.
Corresponding keycode EQUATEs are declared in KEYCODES.CLW.

The BrowseClass.SetAlerts method also sets up a popup menu for the browse
list that mimics the behavior of any control buttons (insert, change, delete,
select).

Example:
PrepareStateBrowse ROUTINE !Setup the BrowseClass object:
BrowseState.Init(?StateList,| ! identify its LIST control,
StateQ.Position, | ! its VIEW position string,
StateView, | ! its source/target VIEW,
StateQ, | ! the LIST's source QUEUE,
Relate:State) ! and primary file RelationManager
BrowseState.SetAlerts !alert LIST and locator keystrokes

See Also: TakeKey

BrowseClass 205

SetLocatorField (set sort free element to passed field)

SetLocatorField (free), VIRTUAL

SetLocatorField Sets the sort free element to the passed field.

free An ANY data type, passed by address, that contains the free element
that will be used as the locator field.
The SetLocatorField method sets the specified locator sort to the browse list. The free element
represents a potential sort that has modified the default sort in the browse list. That element now
can become the active locator.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.SetLocatorFromSort call the SetLocatorField method.

SetLocatorFromSort (use sort like locator field)

SetLocatorFromSort (free), VIRTUAL

SetLocatorFromSort Applies a specified locator to the browse list.

The SetLocatorFromSort method uses the first field of the sort as the locator field if there is a
sort order active.

Implementation: None
206 ABC Library Reference

SetQueueRecord (copy data from file buffer to queue buffer:BrowseClass)

SetQueueRecord, VIRTUAL
The SetQueueRecord method copies corresponding data from the filefield fields to the
queuefield fields specified by the AddField method. Typically these are the file buffer fields and
the browse list's queue buffer fields so that the queue buffer matches the file buffers.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Fetch and BrowseClass.Ask methods call the

SetQueueRecord method.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.SetQueueRecord PROCEDURE
CODE
SELF.Fields.AssignLeftToRight !copy data from file to q buffer
SELF.ViewPosition = POSITION( SELF.View )!set the view position
!your custom code here

See Also: Ask, AddField, Fetch

BrowseClass 207

SetSort (apply a sort order to the browse)

SetSort( order, force reset ), VIRTUAL, PROC

SetSort Applies a specified sort order to the browse list.

order An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies the sort
order to apply.
force reset A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that tells the method
whether to reset the browse conditionally or unconditionally. A value of zero (0 or
False) resets the browse only if circumstances require (sort order changed, reset
fields changed, first time loading); a value of one (1 or True) unconditionally
resets the browse.
The SetSort method applies the specified sort order to the browse list and returns one (1) if the
sort order changed; it returns zero (0) if the sort order did not change. Any range limits, locators,
and reset fields associated with the sort order are enabled and applied.

The order value is typically a value returned by the AddSortOrder method which identifies the
particular sort order. Since AddSortOrder returns sequence numbers, a value of one (1) applies
the sort order specified by the first call to AddSortOrder; two (2) applies the sort order specified
by the next call to AddSortOrder; etc. A value of zero (0) applies the default sort order.

Implementation: The ResetSort method calls the SetSort method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?FirstTab !if first tab selected
IF MyBrowse.SetSort(1,0) !apply the first sort order
MyBrowse.ResetThumbLimits !if sort changed, reset thumb limits
END
MyBrowse.UpdateBuffer !update file buffer from selected item
END

See Also: AddRange, AddResetField, AddSortOrder, ResetSort

208 ABC Library Reference

TakeAcceptedLocator (apply an accepted locator value)

TakeAcceptedLocator, VIRTUAL
The TakeAcceptedLocator method applies an accepted locator value to the browse list--the
BrowseClass object scrolls the list to the requested item.

Locators with entry controls are the only locators whose values are accepted. Other types of
locators are invoked in other ways, for example, with alerted keys. Locator values are accepted
whenthe end user TABS off or otherwise switches focus away from the locator's entry control.

The AddLocator method establishes locators for the browse.

Implementation: The TakeAcceptedLocator method calls the appropriate

LocatorClass.TakeAccepted method.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyLocator !focus on locator field
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted !if accepted
MyBrowse.TakeAcceptedLocator !BrowseClass object handles it
END
END
See Also: AddLocator
BrowseClass 209

TakeEvent (process the current ACCEPT loop event:BrowseClass)

TakeEvent, VIRTUAL
The TakeEvent method processes the current ACCEPT loop event for the BrowseClass object.
The TakeEvent method handles all events associated with the browse list except a new selection
event. The TakeNewSelection method handles new selection events for the browse.

Implementation: The WindowManager.TakeEvent method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method calls the TakeScroll or TakeKey method as appropriate.
Example:
MyWindowManager.TakeEvent PROCEDURE
RVal BYTE(Level:Benign)
I USHORT,AUTO
CODE
!procedure code
LOOP I = 1 TO RECORDS(SELF.Browses)
GET(SELF.Browses,I)
SELF.Browses.Browse.TakeEvent
END
LOOP i=1 TO RECORDS(SELF.FileDrops)
GET(SELF.FileDrops,i)
ASSERT(~ERRORCODE())
SELF.FileDrops.FileDrop.TakeEvent
END
RETURN RVal

See Also: TakeKey, TakeNewSelection, TakeScroll, WindowManager.TakeEvent

210 ABC Library Reference

TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:BrowseClass)

TakeKey, VIRTUAL, PROC

The TakeKey method processes an alerted keystroke for the BrowseClass object, including
DOUBLE-CLICK, INSERT, CTRLENTER, or DELETE, and returns a value indicating whether any
action was taken.

Implementation: TakeKey returns one (1) if any action is taken, otherwise it returns zero (0).

The TakeEvent method calls the TakeKey method as appropriate. The

BrowseClass.TakeKey method calls the Locator.TakeKey method as
appropriate.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyBrowseList !focus on browse list
IF EVENT() EVENT:AlertKey !if alerted keystroke
MyBrowse.TakeKey !BrowseClass object handles it
END
END

See Also: TakeEvent

BrowseClass 211

TakeNewSelection (process a new selection:BrowseClass)

TakeNewSelection, VIRTUAL, PROC

The TakeNewSelection method processes a new browse list item selection and returns a value
indicating whether a window redraw is needed.

Implementation: TakeNewSelection returns one (1) if a window redraw is needed, otherwise it

returns zero (0).

The TakeEvent method calls the TakeNewSelection method when appropriate.

The BrowseClass.TakeNewSelection method calls the appropriate
Locator.TakeNewSelection method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyBrowse !focus on browse list
IF EVENT() = EVENT:NewSelection !if new selection
MyBrowse.TakeNewSelection() !BrowseClass object handles it
ELSE !if other event
MyBrowse.TakeEvent !BrowseClass object handles it
END
END
212 ABC Library Reference

TakeScroll (process a scroll event)

TakeScroll( [scrollevent] ), VIRTUAL

TakeScroll Processes a scroll event for the browse list.

scrollevent An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies the scroll
event. Valid scroll events are up one item, down one item, up one page, down
one page, up to the first item, and down to the last item. If omitted, no scrolling
occurs.
The TakeScroll method processes a scroll event for the browse list.

Implementation: A scrollevent value of EVENT:ScrollUp scrolls up one item; EVENT:ScrollDown

scrolls down one item; EVENT:PageUp scrolls up one page; EVENT:PageDown
scrolls down one page; EVENT:ScrollTop scrolls to the first list item;
EVENT:ScrollBottom scrolls to the last list item. Corresponding scrollevent
EQUATEs are declared in EQUATES.CLW.
EVENT:ScrollUp EQUATE (03H)
EVENT:ScrollDown EQUATE (04H)
EVENT:PageUp EQUATE (05H)
EVENT:PageDown EQUATE (06H)
EVENT:ScrollTop EQUATE (07H)
EVENT:ScrollBottom EQUATE (08H)

The TakeScroll method calls the ScrollEnd, ScrollOne, or ScrollPage method as

needed.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyBrowse !focus on browse list
CASE EVENT() !scroll event
OF EVENT:ScrollUp
OROF EVENT:ScrollDown
OROF EVENT:PageUp
OROF EVENT:PageDown
OROF EVENT:ScrollTop
OROF EVENT:ScrollBottom
MyBrowse.TakeScroll !BrowseClass object handles it
END
END

See Also: ScrollEnd, ScrollOne, ScrollPage

BrowseClass 213

TakeVCRScroll (process a VCR scroll event)

TakeVCRScroll( [vcrevent] ), VIRTUAL

TakeVCRScroll Processes a VCR scroll event for the browse list.

vcrevent An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies the scroll
event. Valid scroll events are up one item, down one item, up one page, down
one page, up to the first item, and down to the last item. If omitted, no scrolling
occurs.
The TakeVCRSroll method processes a VCR scroll event for the browse

Implementation: A vcrevent value of VCR:Forward scrolls down one item; VCR:Backward scrolls
up one item; VCR:PageForward scrolls down one page; VCR:PageBackward
scrolls up one page; VCR:Last scrolls to the last list item; VCR:First scrolls to the
first list item. Corresponding vcrevent EQUATEs are declared in
\LIBSRC\ABTOOLBA.INC.
ITEMIZE,PRE(VCR)
Forward EQUATE(Toolbar:Down)
Backward EQUATE(Toolbar:Up)
PageForward EQUATE(Toolbar:PageDown)
PageBackward EQUATE(Toolbar:PageUp)
First EQUATE(Toolbar:Top)
Last EQUATE(Toolbar:Bottom)
Insert EQUATE(Toolbar:Insert)
None EQUATE(0)
END

The TakeVCRScroll method calls the TakeScroll method, translating the vcrevent
to the appropriate scrollevent.

Example:
LOOP !process repeated scroll events
IF VCRRequest = VCR:None !if no more events
BREAK !break out of loop
ELSE !if scroll event
MyBrowse.TakeVCRScroll( VCRRequest ) !BrowseClass object handles it
END
END

See Also: TakeScroll

214 ABC Library Reference

UpdateBuffer (copy selected item from queue buffer to file buffer)

UpdateBuffer, VIRTUAL
The UpdateBuffer method copies corresponding data from the queuefield fields to the filefield
fields specified by the AddField method for the currently selected browse item. Typically these are
the browse list's queue buffer fields and the file buffer fields so that the file buffers match the
currently selected browse list item.

Implementation: Many of the BrowseClass methods call the UpdateBuffer method.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?FirstTab !if first tab selected
IF MyBrowse.SetSort(1,0) !apply the first sort order
MyBrowse.ResetThumbLimits !if sort changed, reset thumb limits
END
MyBrowse.UpdateBuffer !update file buffer from selected item
MyBrowse.UpdateResets !update file buffer from reset fields
END

See Also: AddField

BrowseClass 215

UpdateQuery (set default query interface)

UpdateQuery( querymanager, [casesensitive])

UpdateQuery Defines a default query interface for the BrowseClass object.

querymanager The label of the BrowseClass object's QueryClass object. See QueryClass for
more information.
casesensitive A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the case
sensitivity of the query expression. If this parameter is omitted the query is case
insensitive.
The UpdateQuery method defines a default query interface (dialog) for the BrowseClass object.

Tip: You may use the UpdateQuery method in combination with the
QueryClass.AddItem method to define a query interface that contains the
displayed fields plus other queryable items.

Implementation: The UpdateQuery method sets the value of the Query property, then calls the
QueryClass.AddItem method for each displayed field, so that each displayed field
accepts filter criteria in the query dialog.

Example:
QueryForm QueryFormClass
QueryVis QueryFormVisual
BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
Q &CusQ
END

CusWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
CODE
!open files, views, window, etc.
IF DefaultQuery
BRW1.UpdateQuery(QueryForm)
ELSE
BRW1.Query &= QueryForm
QueryForm.AddItem('UPPER(CUS:NAME)','','')
QueryForm.AddItem('UPPER(CUS:CITY)','','')
QueryForm.AddItem('CUS:ZIP_CODE','','')
END
RETURN Level:Benign

See Also: Query, QueryClass.AddItem

216 ABC Library Reference

UpdateResets (copy reset fields to file buffer)

UpdateResets, PROTECTED
The UpdateResets method copies reset field values to corresponding file buffer fields.

The AddResetField method defines the reset fields for the BrowseClass object.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.Next an BrowseClass.Previous methods call the

UpdateResets method.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.Next PROCEDURE !method of class derived from BrowseClass
CODE
IF Level:Fatal = PARENT.Next() !do parent method
POST(EVENT:CloseWindow) !if fails, shut down
ELSE !otherwise
SELF.UpdateResets !update file buffer from reset fields
END

See Also: AddResetField, Next, Previous

BrowseClass 217

UpdateThumb (position the scrollbar thumb)

UpdateThumb
The UpdateThumb method positions the scrollbar thumb and enables or disables the vertical
scroll bar depending on the number of items in the browse list, the currently selected item, and
the active step distribution method. See Control Templates--BrowseBox for more information on
thumb behavior.

Implementation: The AddSortOrder method sets the stepdistribution methods for the BrowseClass
object.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyBrowse !focus on browse list
IF EVENT() = EVENT:NewSelection !if new selection
IF MyBrowse.TakeNewSelection() !BrowseClass object handles it
MyBrowse.UdateThumb !Reposition the thumb
END
END
END
218 ABC Library Reference

UpdateThumbFixed (position the scrollbar fixed thumb)

UpdateThumbFixed, PROTECTED
The UpdateThumbFixed method positions the scrollbar fixed thumb and enables or disables the
vertical scroll bar depending on the number of items in the browse list, the currently selected item,
and the active step distribution method. See Control Templates--BrowseBox for more information
on fixed thumb behavior.

Implementation: The AddSortOrder method sets the step distribution methods for the
BrowseClass object.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.UpdateThumb PROCEDURE
CODE
IF SELF.Sort.Thumb &= NULL !if no step object
SELF.UpdateThumbFixed !reposition thumb as fixed
ELSE
!reposition thumb per step object
END
BrowseClass 219

UpdateViewRecord (get view data for the selected item)

UpdateViewRecord, VIRTUAL
The UpdateViewRecord method regets the browse's VIEW record for the selected browse list
item so the VIEW record can be written to disk. The UpdateViewRecord method arms automatic
optimistic concurrency checking so the eventual write (PUT) to disk returns an error if another
user changed the data since it was retrieved by UpdateViewRecord.

Imlementation: The UpdateViewRecord method uses WATCH and REGET to implement

optimistic concurrency checking; see the Language Reference for more
information.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?ChangeButton !on change button
IF EVENT() = EVENT:Accepted !if button clicked
MyBrowse.UpdateViewRecord !refresh buffers and arm WATCH
DO MyBrowse:ButtonChange !call the update routine
END
END
220 ABC Library Reference

UpdateWindow (update display variables to match browse)

UpdateWindow, VIRTUAL
The UpdateWindow method updates display variables to match the current state of the browse
list.

Tip: Use ResetSort followed by UpdateWindow to refresh and redisplay your ABC
BrowseBoxes. Or, use the WindowManager.Reset method.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.UpdateWindow method calls the appropriate

LocatorClass.UpdateWindow method, which ensures the locator field contains
the current search value.

Example:
IF FIELD() = ?MyBrowse !focus on browse list
IF EVENT) = EVENT:NewSelection !if new selection
IF MyBrowse.TakeNewSelection() !BrowseClass object handles it
MyBrowse.SetSort(0,1) !reapply sort order
MyBrowse.UpdateBuffer !refresh file buffer from selected item
MyBrowse.UpdateWindow !update display variables (locator)
DISPLAY() !and redraw the window
END
END
END
BrowseQueue Interface 221

BrowseQueue Interface
BrowseQueue Concepts
The BrowseQueue interface is a defined set of behaviors that relate to the VIEW and QUEUE
that the LIST control uses.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The StandardBehavior class implements the BrowseQueue interface. For more information, see
the StandardBehavior class.

BrowseQueue Source Files

The BrowseQueue source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
BrowseQueue source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABBROWSE.INC BrowseQueue interface declaration

ABBROWSE.CLW BrowseQueue method definitions
222 ABC Library Reference

BrowseQueue Methods

Delete(remove entry in LIST queue)

Delete
TheDelete method removes an entry in the queue that the LIST control is using.

Fetch(retrieve entry from LIST queue)

Fetch(position)

Fetch Retrieves an entry from the queue for the LIST control.
position An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that indicates the relative position in the queue for the
LIST.
The Fetch method retrieves an entry from the queue that the LIST control is using at the relative
position specified.

Free(clear contents of LIST queue)

Free
The Free method clears all entries from the queue that the LIST control is using.

GetViewPosition(retrieve VIEW position)

GetViewPosition
The GetViewPosition method retrieves the VIEW's POSITION.

Return Data Type: STRING

BrowseQueue Interface 223

Insert(add entry to LIST queue)

Insert([position])

Insert Adds an entry to the queue for the LIST control.

position An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
indicates the relative position in the queue for the LIST.
The Insert method adds an entry to the queue that the LIST control is using. If no position
parameter is used, the entry is added to the end of the queue. If the position parameter is used,
the entry is added at the relative position specified. If an entry exists at that position, it is moved
down to make room for the new entry.

Records(return number of records)

Records
The Records method returns the number of records available in the queue for the LIST control.

Return Data Type: UNSIGNED

SetViewPosition(set VIEW position)

SetViewPosition(position)

SetViewPosition Sets the POSITION of the VIEW.

position A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the POSITION to set in the VIEW.
The SetViewPosition sets the POSITION of the VIEW based on the position parameter.
224 ABC Library Reference

Update(update entry in LIST queue)

Update
The Update method updates an entry in the queue that the LIST control is using.

Who(returns field name)

Who(column)

Who Returns the queue field name for the specified column.
column An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains a column number from the queue.
The Who method returns the queue field name for the column specified by the column
parameter.

Return Data Type: STRING

BrowseToolbarClass 225

BrowseToolbarClass
BrowseToolbarClass Overview
The BrowseToolbarClass handles events for specialized buttons for scrolling in the associated
BrowseBox. This class works with the BrowseClass and the WindowManager objects to
accomplish these tasks.

BrowseToolbarClass Concepts
The BrowseToolbarClass object interacts with the BrowseClass and WindowManager to allow the
toolbar buttons to scroll the browse highlight bar within the BrowseBox. When a toolbar button is
pressed and EVENT:Accepted is posted to the associated Browse control.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The BrowseToolbarClass works with the BrowseClass and WindowManager to accomplish its
tasks.

BrowseToolbarClass ABC Template Implementation

The BrowseToolbarControl control template generates code to declare a BrowseToolbarClass
object in the Browse procedure that the control template is placed. The templates also generate
code to register the BrowseToolbarClass object with the BrowseClass and WindowManager
objects, as well as initializing all toolbar button controls.

BrowseToolbarClass Source Files

The BrowseToolbarClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific BrowseToolbarClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABTOOLBA.INC BrowseToolbarClass declarations

ABTOOLBA.CLW BrowseToolbarClass method definitions
226 ABC Library Reference

BrowseToolbarClass Properties

Browse (BrowseClass object)

Browse &BrowseClass, PROTIECTED

The Browse property is a reference to the BrowseClass object. The BrowseToolbarClass object
uses this property to access the BrowseClass object's properties and methods.

Implementation: The BrowseToolbarClass.Init method sets the value of the Browse property.

See Also: BrowseToolbarClass.Init

BrowseToolbarClass 227

Button (toolbar buttons FEQ values)

Button SIGNED, DIM(Toolbar:Last+1-Toolbar:First), PROTECTED

The Button property is a dimensioned variable that holds the contol numbers (FEQ) of the
buttons that are represented on the toolbar. A value of zero (0) disables the individual toolbar
button

Implementation: The BrowseToolbarClass object uses this property to enable or disable a

toolbar control.

Window (WindowManager object)

Window &WindowManager, PROTECTED

The Window property is a reference to the WindowManager object for this BrowseToolbarClass
object. The WindowManager object forwards events to the BrowseToolbarClass object for
processing.

Implementation: The BrowseToolbarClass.Init method sets the value of the Window property.

See Also: BrowseToolbarClass.Init

228 ABC Library Reference

BrowseToolbarClass Methods

Init (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass object)

Init(WindowManager, BrowseClass)

Init Initializes the BrowseToolbarClass object.

WindowManager The label of the toolbar's WindowManager object. See
Window Manager for more information.
BrowseClass The label of the toolbar's BrowseClass object. See
BrowseClass for more information.
The Init method initializes the BrowseToolbarClass object by declaring a reference to both the
WindowManager and BrowseClass objects. All toolbar buttons are initialized to zero (0).

InitBrowse (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass update buttons)

InitBrowse(insert, change, delete, select)

InitBrowse Initializes the BrowseToolbarClass update buttons.

insert An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Insert control.
change An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Change control.
delete An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Delete control.
select An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Select control.
The InitBrowse method initializes the Button property with the control numbers (FEQ) for the
update controls on the toolbar.

Inplementation: This method is called automatically by the ABC BrowseToolbarControl

template.
BrowseToolbarClass 229

InitMisc (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass miscellaneous buttons)

InitMisc(history, help)

InitMisc Initializes the BrowseToolbarClass miscellaneous

buttons.
history An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that identifies the FEQ for the History control.
help An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that identifies the FEQ for the Help control.
The InitMisc method initializes the Button property with the control numbers (FEQ) for the History
and Help controls on the toolbar.

Inplementation: This method is called automatically by the ABC BrowseToolbarControl

template.
230 ABC Library Reference

InitVCR (initialize the BrowseToolbarClass VCR buttons)

InitVCR(top, bottom, pageup, pagedown, up, down, locate)

InitVCR Initializes the BrowseToolbarClass VCR buttons.

top An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Top control.
bottom An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Bottom control.
pageup An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the PageUp control.
pagedown An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the PageDown control.
up An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Up control.
down An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Down control.
locate An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies the FEQ for the Locate control.
The InitVCR method initializes the Button property with the control numbers (FEQ) for the VCR
controls on the toolbar.

Inplementation: This method is called automatically by the ABC BrowseToolbarControl template.

BrowseToolbarClass 231

ResetButton (synchronize toolbar with a corresponding browse control)

ResetButton(toolbutton, browsebutton), PROTECTED

ResetButton Sync Toolbar control properties with its corresponding

Browse control.
toolbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies a particular toolbar control.
browsebutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
identifies a specific browse control.
The ResetButton method enables/disables, hides/unhides a toolbar control based on the current
properties of its corresponding browse control.

There are predefined equates that represent each button available on the toolbar. These equates
can be found at the top of ABTOOLBA.INC.

Inplementation: This method is called by the BrowseToolBarClass.ResetFromBrowse

method.
232 ABC Library Reference

ResetFromBrowse(synchronize toolbar controls with browse controls)

ResetFromBrowse, VIRTUAL
The ResetFromBrowse method synchronizes the toolbar controls with their corresponding
brrowse control. These controls include the Select, Insert, Change, Delete, History, Help and
Locate buttons.

Inplementation: This method is called from the BrowseToolBarClass.TakeEvent method.

TakeEvent(process the current event)

TakeEvent, VIRTUAL
The TakeEvent method processes all accepted events for the toolbar controls. When an
accepted event occurs, an EVENT:Accepted is posted to the corresponding Browse control.
When a NewSelection event occurs on the BrowseBox, the ResetFromBrowse method is called
to redisplay the toolbar controls with the correct properties (hide, unhide, enable, disable).

A Level:Benign is returned from this method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

BufferedPairsClass 233

BufferedPairsClass
BufferedPairsClass Overview
The BufferedPairsClass is a FieldPairs class with a third buffer area (a "save" area). The
BufferedPairsClass can compare the save area with the primary buffers, and can restore data
from the save area to the primary buffers (to implement a standard "cancel" operation).

BufferedPairsClass Concepts

The BufferedPairsClass lets you move data between field pairs, and lets you compare the field
pairs to detect whether any changes occurred since the last operation.

This class provides methods that let you identify or "set up" the targeted field pairs.

Note: The paired fields need not be contiguous in memory, nor do they need to be part of
a structure. You can build a virtual structure simply by adding a series of
otherwise unrelated fields to a BufferedPairsClass object. The BufferedPairsClass
methods then operate on this virtual structure.

Once the field pairs are identified, you call a single method to move all the fields in one direction
(left to right), and others single methods to move all the fields in the other directions (right to left,
left to buffer, etc.). You simply have to remember which entity (set of fields) you described as
"left" and which entity you described as "right." Other methods compares the sets of fields and
return a value to indicate whether or not they are equivalent.

BufferedPairsClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The BufferedPairsClass is derived from the FieldPairsClass. The BrowseClass, ViewManager,

and RelationManager use the FieldPairsClass and BufferedPairsClass to accomplish various
tasks.

BufferedPairsClass ABC Template Implementation

Various ABC Library objects instantiate BufferedPairsClass objects as needed; therefore, the
template generated code does not directly reference the BufferedPairsClass.

BufferedPairsClass Source Files

The BufferedPairsClass source code is installed in the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
BufferedPairsClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABUTIL.INC BufferedPairsClass declarations

ABUTIL.CLW BufferedPairsClass method definitions
234 ABC Library Reference

BufferedPairsClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate a BufferedPairsClass object.

Let's assume you have a Customer file declared as:

Customer FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(CUST),CREATE,BINDABLE
ByNumber KEY(CUST:CustNo),NOCASE,OPT,PRIMARY
Record RECORD,PRE()
CustNo LONG
Name STRING(30)
Phone STRING(20)
Zip DECIMAL(5)
END
END

And you have a Customer queue declared as:

CustQ QUEUE
CustNo LONG
Name STRING(30)
Phone STRING(20)
Zip DECIMAL(5)
END

And you want to move data between the file buffer and the queue buffer.
INCLUDE('ABUTIL.INC') !declare BufferedPairsClass
Fields BufferedPairsClass !declare Fields object

CODE
Fields.Init !initialize Fields object
Fields.AddPair(CUST:CustNo, CustQ.CustNo) !establish CustNo pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Zip, CustQ.Zip) !establish Zip pair

Fields.AssignLeftToRight !copy from Customer FILE to CustQ QUEUE

Fields.AssignLeftToBuffer !copy from Customer FILE to save area
!accept user input
IF ACCEPTED() = ?RestoreButton
Fields.AssignBufferToLeft !copy from save area to Customer FILE
Fields.AssignBufferToRight !copy from save area to Customer QUEUE
END

Fields.Kill !shut down Fields object

BufferedPairsClass 235

BufferedPairsClass Properties
BufferedPairsClass Properties
The BufferedPairsClass inherits the properties of the FieldPairsClass from which it is derived.
See FieldPairsClass Properties for more information.

In addition to (or instead of) the inherited properties, the BufferedPairsClass contains the RealList
property.

RealList (recognized field pairs)

RealList &FieldPairsQueue
The RealList property is a reference to the structure that holds all the field pairs recognized by
the BufferedPairsClass object.

Use the AddPair method to add field pairs to the RealList property. For each field pair, the
RealList property includes the designated "Left" field, the designated "Right" field, plus a "Buffer"
field you can use as an intermediate storage area (a save area).

The "Left," "Right," and "Buffer" designations are reflected in other BufferedPairsClass method
names (for example, field assignment methods--AssignLeftToRight and AssignRightToBuffer) so
you can easily and accurately control the movement of data between the three sets of fields.

Implementation: During initialization, the BufferedPairsClass initialization method "points" the

inherited List property to the RealList property so there is, in fact, only one list of
fields which may be referred to as RealList.

RealList is a reference to a QUEUE declared in ABUTIL.INC as follows:

BufferedPairsQueue QUEUE,TYPE
Left ANY
Right ANY
Buffer ANY
END

The Init method creates the List and RealList properties; the Kill method disposes of them.
AddPair adds field pairs to the RealList property.

See Also: AddPair, Init, Kill

236 ABC Library Reference

BufferedPairsClass Methods
BufferedPairsClass Methods
The BufferedPairsClass inherits all the methods of the FieldPairsClass from which it is derived.
See FieldPairsClass Methods for more information.

In addition to (or instead of) the inherited methods, the BufferedPairsClass contains other
methods listed below.

BufferedPairsClass Functional Organization

Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the BufferedPairsClass, it is useful to organize its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the BufferedPairsClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the BufferedPairsClass object
AddPairV add a field pair to the List property
Kill shut down the BufferedPairsClass object

V These methods are also Virtual.

Occasional Use:
AssignLeftToRight assign each "left" field to its "right" counterpart
AssignLeftToBuffer assign each "left" field to its "buffer" counterpart
AssignRightToLeft assign each "right" field to its "left" counterpart
AssignRightToBuffer assign each "right" field to its "buffer" counterpart
AssignBufferToLeft assign each "buffer" field to its "left" counterpart
AssignBufferToRight assign each "buffer" field to its "right" counterpart
EqualLeftRight return 1 if each left equal right, otherwise return 0
EqualLeftBuffer return 1 if each left equal buffer, otherwise return 0
EqualRightBuffer return 1 if right equal buffer, otherwise return 0
ClearLeft CLEAR each "left" field
ClearRight CLEAR each "right" field
BufferedPairsClass 237

Inappropriate Use:

These methods are inherited from the FieldPairsClass and typically are not used in the context of
this (BufferedPairsClass) derived class.

AddItem add a field pair from one source field

Equal return 1 if each left equal right, otherwise return 0

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly. However, we anticipate you will often want to
override these methods, and because they are virtual, they are very easy to override. These
methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do not want to override them.
238 ABC Library Reference

AddPair (add a field pair:BufferedPairsClass)

AddPair( left, right ), VIRTUAL

AddPair Adds a field pair to the RealList property.

left The label of the "left" field of the pair. The field may be any data type, but may
not be an array.
right The label of the "right" field of the pair. The field may be any data type, but may
not be an array.
The AddPair method adds a field pair to the RealList property. A third "buffer" field is supplied for
you. You may use this third "buffer" as an intermediate storage area (a save area).

The fields need not be contiguous in memory, nor do they need to be part of a structure.
Therefore you can build a virtual structure simply by adding a series of otherwise unrelated fields
to a BufferedPairs object. The other BufferedPairs methods then operate on this virtual structure.

Implementation: AddPair assumes the RealList property has already been created by Init or by
some other method.

By calling AddPair for a series of fields (for example, the corresponding fields in a RECORD and
a QUEUE), you effectively build three virtual structures containing the fields and a (one-to-one-to-
one) relationship between the structures.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABUTIL.INC') !declare BufferedPairs Class
Fields &BufferedPairsClass !declare BufferedPairs reference

Customer FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(CUST),CREATE,BINDABLE
ByNumber KEY(CUST:CustNo),NOCASE,OPT,PRIMARY
Record RECORD,PRE()
CustNo LONG
Name STRING(30)
Phone STRING(20)
END
END

CustQ QUEUE
CustNo LONG
Name STRING(30)
Phone STRING(20)
END

CODE
BufferedPairsClass 239

Fields &= NEW BufferedPairsClass !instantiate BufferedPairs object

Fields.Init !initialize BufferedPairs object
Fields.AddPair(CUST:CustNo, CustQ.CustNo) !establish CustNo pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair

See Also: Init, RealList

240 ABC Library Reference

AssignBufferToLeft (copy from "buffer" fields to "left" fields)

AssignBufferToLeft
The AssignBufferToLeft method copies the contents of each "buffer" field to its corresponding
"left" field in the RealList property.

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualRightBuffer !compare QUEUE fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToLeft !copy changes to CUST (write) buffer
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignBufferToLeft !restore original to CustQ (display) buffer
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

BufferedPairsClass 241

AssignBufferToRight (copy from "buffer" fields to "right" fields)

AssignBufferToRight
The AssignBufferToRight method copies the contents of each "buffer" field to its corresponding
"right" field in the RealList property.

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualRightBuffer !compare QUEUE fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToBuffer
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignBufferToRight
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

242 ABC Library Reference

AssignLeftToBuffer (copy from "left" fields to "buffer" fields)

AssignLeftToBuffer
The AssignLeftToBuffer method copies the contents of each "left" field to its corresponding
"buffer" field in the RealList property.

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualRightBuffer !compare QUEUE fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToLeft
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignLeftToBuffer
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

BufferedPairsClass 243

AssignRightToBuffer (copy from "right" fields to "buffer" fields)

AssignRightToBuffer
The AssignRightToBuffer method copies the contents of each "right" field to its corresponding
"buffer" field in the RealList property.

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualRightBuffer !compare QUEUE fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToBuffer
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignBufferToRight
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

244 ABC Library Reference

EqualLeftBuffer (compare "left" fields to "buffer" fields)

EqualLeftBuffer
The EqualLeftBuffer method returns one (1) if each "left" field equals its corresponding "buffer"
field; otherwise it returns zero (0).

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualLeftBuffer !compare CUST fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToLeft !copy changes to CUST (write) buffer
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignBufferToLeft !restore original to CustQ (display) buffer
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

BufferedPairsClass 245

EqualRightBuffer (compare "right" fields to "buffer" fields)

EqualRightBuffer
The EqualRightBuffer method returns one (1) if each "right" field equals its corresponding
"buffer" field; otherwise it returns zero (0).

Implementation: The "left" field is the first (left) parameter of the AddPair method. The "right" field
is the second (right) parameter of the AddPair method. The BufferedPairsClass
automatically supplies the "buffer" field.

Example:
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Name, CustQ.Name) !establish Name pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:Phone, CustQ.Phone) !establish Phone pair
Fields.AddPair(CUST:ZIP, CustQ.ZIP) !establish ZIP pair
!some code
IF ~Fields.EqualRightBuffer !compare CUST fields to save buffer
CASE MESSAGE('Abandon Changes?',,,BUTTON:Yes+BUTTON:No)
OF BUTTON:No
Fields.AssignRightToLeft !copy changes to CUST (write) buffer
OF BUTTON:Yes
Fields.AssignBufferToLeft !restore original to CustQ (display) buffer
END
END

See Also: AddPair, RealList

246 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the BufferedPairsClass object)

Init
The Init method initializes the BufferedPairsClass object.

Implementation: The Init method creates the List and RealList properties. This method "points" the
inherited List property to the RealList property so there is, in fact, only one list of
fields which may be referred to as RealList.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABUTIL.INC') !declare BufferedPairs Class
Fields &BufferedPairsClass !declare BufferedPairs reference

CODE
Fields &= NEW BufferedPairsClass !instantiate BufferedPairs object
Fields.Init !initialize BufferedPairs object
.
.
.
Fields.Kill !terminate BufferedPairs object
DISPOSE(Fields) !release memory allocated for BufferedPairs object

See Also: Kill, List, RealList

BufferedPairsClass 247

Kill (shut down the BufferedPairsClass object)

Kill
The Kill method disposes any memory allocated during the object's lifetime and performs any
other necessary termination code.

Implementation: The Kill method disposes the List and RealList properties created by the Init
method.

Example:
INCLUDE('ABUTIL.INC') !declare BufferedPairs Class
Fields &BufferedPairsClass !declare BufferedPairs reference

CODE
Fields &= NEW BufferedPairsClass !instantiate BufferedPairs object
Fields.Init !initialize BufferedPairs object
.
.
.
Fields.Kill !terminate BufferedPairs object
DISPOSE(Fields) !release memory allocated for BufferedPairs object

See Also: Init, List, RealList

248 ABC Library Reference
ConstantClass 249

ConstantClass
ConstantClass Overview
The ConstantClass provides an easy, flexible, and efficient way to "loop through" constant data.
That is, the ConstantClass parses structures like the following so you can access each
(unlabeled) data item discretely:
Errors GROUP,STATIC
Items USHORT(40) !item count
USHORT(Msg:RebuildKey) !begin item 1
BYTE(Level:Notify)
PSTRING('Invalid Key')
USHORT(Msg:RebuildFailed) !begin item 2
BYTE(Level:Fatal)
PSTRING('Key was not built')
!38 more USHORT,BYTE,PSTRING combinations
END

ConstantClass Concepts

The ConstantClass parses and loads constant data such as error messages or translation text
from the GROUP structure that declares the data into other data structures or memory variables
(one item at a time). It can also write all the constant data into a QUEUE or a FILE.

The ConstantClass intelligently handles irregular data--you can declare the constant text data
with a series of strings of varying lengths so that no space is wasted. The ConstantClass also
handles a variety of numeric datatypes including BYTE, SHORT, USHORT, and LONG.

The ConstantClass provides several ways to stop processing the constant data, including a
simple item count, a text match, and a read-to-the-end option.

A single ConstantClass object can process multiple GROUP structures with the same (or
incremental) layouts.
250 ABC Library Reference

Declaring the Data

To use the ConstantClass, you must declare the constant data within a GROUP structure. The
GROUP structure may declare a single sequence using any combination of the permitted
datatypes, or a series of such sequences (the GROUP repeats the combination of datatypes as
many times as needed). The ConstantClass permits CSTRING, PSTRING, BYTE, SHORT,
USHORT, and LONG datatypes. The GROUP structure may contain an initial BYTE or USHORT
that specifies how many times a sequence of datatypes is repeated. For example:

Errors GROUP,STATIC
Items BYTE(2) !optional item count
USHORT(Msg:RebuildKey) !begin first item
BYTE(Level:Notify)
PSTRING('Invalid Key') !end first item
USHORT(Msg:RebuildFailed) !begin second item
BYTE(Level:Fatal)
PSTRING('Key not built') !end second item
END

Here is another example of a structure the ConstantClass can handle:

Translation GROUP,STATIC !no item count
PSTRING('&Across') !default text
PSTRING('') !translation text
PSTRING('Align all window Icons') !default text
PSTRING('') !translation text
PSTRING('Arrange Icons') !default text
PSTRING('') !translation text
END

If the GROUP is declared within a procedure it must have the STATIC attribute. See the
Language Reference for more information.

Describing the Data

The ConstantClass uses two methods to describe or understand the structure of the constant
data it processes: the Init method and the AddItem method. The Init method (termination
parameter) indicates whether or not the GROUP structure declares an item count as well as the
datatype of the item count (see Init). The AddItem method identifies each repeating component of
the GROUP structure as well as the target variable that receives the contents of the repeating
component (see AddItem).
ConstantClass 251

ConstantClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The TranslatorClass, ErrorClass, ToolbarClass, and PrintPreview classes all use the
ConstantClass. These classes automatically instantiate the ConstantClass as needed.

ConstantClass ABC Template Implementation

All ABC Library references to the ConstantClass are encapsulated with ABC Library methods--the
ABC Templates do not directly reference the ConstantClass.

ConstantClass Source Files

The ConstantClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC. The specific
ConstantClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABUTIL.INC ConstantClass declarations

ABUTIL.CLW ConstantClass method definitions

ConstantClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate a ConstantClass object. The example loads translation pairs from a constant
GROUP into two CSTRINGs, which are then passed as parameters to another TranslatorClass
method. Note that the target CSTRINGs could just as easily be fields in a QUEUE or FILE buffer.
INCLUDE('ABUTIL.INC') !declare ConstantClass, TranslatorClass
Spanish GROUP !declare constant data
Items BYTE(50) !item count
PSTRING('One') !begin first item
PSTRING('Uno')
PSTRING('Two') !begin second item
PSTRING('Dos')
!48 more PSTRING pairs
END

LangQ QUEUE
Text CSTRING(50)
Repl CSTRING(50)
Done BYTE
END

Const ConstantClass !declare & instantiate Const object

Text CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
Repl CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
252 ABC Library Reference

EndFlag BYTE !terminator flag

CODE
!process items one-at-a-time:
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !initialize the Const object,
!the first BYTE contains item count
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, Text) !Describe constant structure and
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, Repl) ! variables to accept the values
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, EndFlag)
Const.TerminatorValue = 1 ! terminate when endFlag =1
Const.TerminatorField = 50 ! 50th field is the terminating field
Const.TerminatorInclude = True ! include the terminating record
Const.Set(Spanish) ! pass the constant data to Const object
LOOP WHILE Const.Next()= Level:Benign !copy constant data one at a time
!do something with Text and Repl !to AddItem variables
END
Const.Kill !shut down Const object

!process all items at a time:

Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !re initialize the Const object,
!the first BYTE contains item count
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString,LangQ.Text) !Describe constant structure and
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString,LangQ.Repl) ! variables to accept the values
Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object
Const.Next(LangQ) !copy all constant items to the LangQ
Const.Kill !shut down Const object
ConstantClass 253

ConstantClass Properties
TerminatorField (identify the terminating field)

TerminatorField USHORT

The TerminatorField property contains a value that can be set to a number that
represents the number (1 based) of the field that will tested to see if it contains the
termination value. The default value is 1.
See Also:

TerminatorInclude

TerminatorValue

ConstantClass.Next

Conceptual Example

TerminatorInclude (include matching terminator record)

7

TerminatorInclude BOOL

The TerminatorInclude property, when set to true (1), will include the record that matches the
terminator value in the "returned records". When set to FALSE (0), the record containing the
termination value will not be included in the returned records. By default, this property is set to
FALSE (0)

See Also:

TerminatorField

TerminatorValue

Conceptual Example

ConstantClass.Next
254 ABC Library Reference

TerminatorValue (end of data marker)

TerminatorValue ANY
The TerminatorValue property contains a value that the ConstantClass object looks for within
the constant data. When the ConstantClass object finds the TerminatorValue, it stops processing
the constant data (inclusive).

The TerminatorValue property is only one of several techniques you can use to mark the end of
the constant data. See the Init method for more information on this and other techniques.

Implementation: The Init method CLEARs the TerminatorValue property; therefore, you should set
the TerminatorValue property after the Init method executes.

The Next() method returns Level:Notify when the characters of the constant data
matches the value of the TerminatorValue property. The Next(FILE) and
Next(QUEUE) methods stop processing when the ConstantClass object finds the
TerminatorValue.

The TerminatorField property can be set to a number that represents the number
(1 based) of the field that will tested to see if it contains the termination value.

When the TerminatorInclude property is set to true, this will include the record
that matches the terminator value in the 'returned records'. When false, the
record containing termination value will not be included in the returned records.
By default this is set to false.

See Also: Init, Next

ConstantClass 255

ConstantClass Methods
ConstantClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the ConstantClass, it is useful to organize the its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the ConstantClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the ConstantClass object
AddItem set constant datatype and target variable
Set set the constant data to process
Kill shut down the ConstantClass object

Mainstream Use:
Next copy one or all constant items to targets

Occasional Use:
Reset reset the object to beginning of the constant data

Virtual Methods

The ConstantClass has no virtual methods.

256 ABC Library Reference

AddItem (set constant datatype and target variable)

AddItem( datatype, target )

AddItem Sets the (repeating) constant datatype and its corresponding target variable.
datatype An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that identifies the
datatype of a repeating constant within the constant GROUP structure. Valid
datatype values are ConstType:Cstring, ConstType:Pstring, ConstType:Byte,
ConstType:Short, ConstType:Ushort, and ConstType:Long.
target The label of the variable that receives the constant value.
The AddItem method sets a (repeating) constant datatype and its corresponding target variable.
Use multiple calls to the AddItem method to "describe" the constant data structure as well as the
target variables that receive the constant data.
Implementation: You should call AddItem for each repeating datatype declared in the constant
GROUP structure. The Next method processes the constant data items
described by the AddItem calls. EQUATEs for the datatype parameter are
declared in ABUTIL.INC:
ITEMIZE(1),PRE(ConstType)
First EQUATE
Cstring EQUATE(ConstType:First)
Pstring EQUATE
Byte EQUATE !1 byte unsigned integer
Short EQUATE !2 byte signed integer
UShort EQUATE !2 byte unsigned interger
Long EQUATE !4 byte signed integer
Last EQUATE(ConstType:Long)
END

Example:
Errors GROUP,STATIC
USHORT(Msg:RebuildKey) !begin first item
PSTRING('Invalid Key') !end first item
USHORT(Msg:RebuildFailed) !begin second item
PSTRING('Key not built') !end second item
END
ErrorQ QUEUE
ID LONG
Text CSTRING(255)
END
CODE
!The following describes the Errors GROUP and its corresonding target variables
Const.AddItem(ConstType:Ushort, ErrorQ.ID) !USHORT constant maps to error ID
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, ErrorQ.Text)!PSTRING constant maps to error text

See Also: Next

ConstantClass 257

Init (initialize the ConstantClass object)

Init( [termination] )

Init Initializes the ConstantClass object.

termination An integer constant, variable, EQUATE or expresssion that controls when the
Next(FILE) and Next(QUEUE) methods stop processing the constant data. If
omitted, termination defaults to Term:Ushort. Valid termination values are
Term:Ushort, Term:Byte, Term:EndGroup, andTerm:FieldValue
The Init method initializes the ConstantClass object.

The termination parameter provides two important pieces of information to the ConstantClass
object: it tells the ConstantClass object whether there is a non-repeating item count declared at
the beginning of the constant data (describes the structure of the constant data), and it tells the
ConstantClass object how to recognize the end of the constant data. Valid termination values are:

Term:Ushort The GROUP declares a USHORT containing the item count--

stops reading when item count reached.
Term:Byte The GROUP declares a BYTE containing the item count--stops
reading when item count reached.
Term:EndGroup The GROUP does not declare an item count—stops reading at
end of GROUP structure.
Term:FieldValue The GROUP does not declare an item count—stops reading
when it finds the TerminatorValue within the constant data.

Implementation: The Init method CLEARs the TerminatorValue property. The Init method
allocates memory and should always be paired with the Kill method, which frees
the memory.

EQUATEs for the termination parameter are declared in ABUTIL.INC:

ITEMIZE(1),PRE(Term)
EndGroup EQUATE !Stops reading at end of GROUP
UShort EQUATE !Reads number of items specified by USHORT at start of group
Byte EQUATE !Reads number of items specified by BYTE at start of group
FieldValue EQUATE !Stops when specified value is found in first AddItem field,
!only first 32 chars are compared
END

Example:
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !Initialize the Const object,
!the first BYTE contains item count

Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Text)
258 ABC Library Reference

!Describe constant structure and variables to accept the values

Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Repl)

Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object

Const.Next(LangQ) !copy all constant items to the LangQ
Const.Kill !shut down Const object

See Also: Kill, Next, TerminatorValue

ConstantClass 259

Kill (shut down the ConstantClass object)

Kill
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and does any other
required termination code.

Example:
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !Initialize the Const object,
! the first BYTE contains item count
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Text) !Describe constant structure and
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Repl) !variables to accept the values
Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object
Const.Next(LangQ) !copy all constant items to the LangQ
Const.Kill !shut down Const object
260 ABC Library Reference

Next (load all constant items to file or queue)

Next( | file |)

| queue | )

Next Loads all the constant items to a file or queue.

file The label of the FILE to which to ADD each constant item.
queue The label of the QUEUE to which to ADD each constant item.
The Next method processes all of the constant items and executes an ADD(file) or ADD(queue)
for each item.

Prior calls to the AddItem method determine the makeup of the item as well as the target
variables that receive the item. The target variables should be within the file or queue structure to
make the corresponding ADD meaningful.

The Init method determines what constitutes the end of the constant data.

Implementation: The Next(FILE) and Next(QUEUE) methods call the Next() method for each
constant item, then execute an ADD(file) or ADD(queue) for each item.

Example:
Spanish GROUP !declare constant data
Items BYTE(50) !item count
PSTRING('One') !begin first item
PSTRING('Uno')
PSTRING('Two') !begin second item
PSTRING('Dos')
!48 more PSTRING pairs
END

LangQ QUEUE
Text CSTRING(50)
Repl CSTRING(50)
END

Const ConstantClass !declare & instantiate Const object

Text CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
Repl CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
CODE
!process all items at a time
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !Initialize the Const object,
! the first BYTE contains item count
ConstantClass 261

Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Text) !Describe constant structure and

Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Repl) ! variables to accept the values
Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object
Const.Next(LangQ) !copy all constant items to the LangQ
Const.Kill !shut down Const object

See Also: AddItem, Init, Next

262 ABC Library Reference

Next (copy next constant item to targets)

Next, PROC
The Next method copies the next constant item to its respective targets (as defined by the
AddItem method) and returns a value indicating whether the item was copied. A return value of
Level:Benign indicates the item was copied successfully; a return value of Level:Notify indicates
the item was not copied because the end of the constant data, as defined by the Init method, was
reached.

Prior calls to the AddItem method determine the makeup of the item as well as the target
variables that receive the item.

Implementation: The Next method parses a single item in the constant data, performing any
required datatype conversions, and increments appropriate internal counters.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
Spanish GROUP !declare constant data
Items BYTE(50) !item count
PSTRING('One') !begin first item
PSTRING('Uno')
PSTRING('Two') !begin second item
PSTRING('Dos')
!48 more PSTRING pairs
END

Const ConstantClass !declare & instantiate Const object

Text CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
Repl CSTRING(255),AUTO !a variable to receive a constant value
CODE
!process items one-at-a-time
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !initialize the Const object,
! the first BYTE contains item count
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, Text) !Describe constant structure and
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, Repl) ! variables to accept the values
Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object
LOOP WHILE Const.Next()=Level:Benign !copy constant data one item at a time
!do something with Text and Repl ! to respective AddItem target variables
END
Const.Kill !shut down Const object

See Also: AddItem, Init, Next

ConstantClass 263

Reset (reset the object to the beginning of the constant data)

Reset
The Reset method resets internal counters to start processing constant data from the beginning.

Implementation: The Set, Next(FILE) and Next(QUEUE) methods call the Reset method. Typically
you will not call this method.

Example:
ConstantClass.Set PROCEDURE(*STRING Src)
CODE
DISPOSE(SELF.Str)
SELF.Str &= NEW STRING(LEN(Src))
SELF.Str = Src
SELF.SourceSize=LEN(SELF.Str)
SELF.Reset
264 ABC Library Reference

Set (set the constant data to process)

Set( datasource )

Set Sets the GROUP structure to process.

datasource The label of the GROUP structure the ConstantClass object processes.
The Set method sets the GROUP structure to process.

Implementation: The Set method takes a copy of datasource and calls the Reset method to reset
internal counters to process datasource copy from the beginning.

Example:
Spanish GROUP !declare constant data
Items BYTE(50) !item count
PSTRING('One') !begin first item
PSTRING('Uno')
PSTRING('Two') !begin second item
PSTRING('Dos')
!48 more PSTRING pairs
END

LangQ QUEUE
Text CSTRING(50)
Repl CSTRING(50)
END

Const ConstantClass !declare & instantiate Const object

CODE
!process all items at a time
Const.Init(Term:BYTE) !re initialize the Const object,
! the first BYTE contains item count
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Text) !Describe constant structure and
Const.AddItem(ConstType:PString, LangQ.Repl) ! variables to accept the values
Const.Set(Spanish) !pass the constant data to Const object
Const.Next(LangQ) !copy all constant items to the LangQ
Const.Kill !shut down Const object

See Also: Reset

Crystal8Class 265

Crystal8 Class
Seagate Software’s Crystal Reports is one of the leading report writers delivering Windows
reports. For more information on this product see Seagate Software at
www.seagatesoftware.com.

Clarion’s Crystal Report interface is comprised of templates, libraries, and DLLs that
communicate with Seagate’s Crystal Reports, version 8. The DLL is accessed by a Class
Interface and is hooked to your application using simple standard Clarion code. This interface
allows a seamless integration of previously defined Crystal reports within a Clarion application.
The Crystal report engine accesses data and creates the report. The report can be previewed in
a Clarion window.

Clarion’s Crystal Reports implementation is compatible with both the ABC and Legacy
templates. It can only be used in 32-bit applications.

Crystal8 Class Concepts

Clarion’s Crystal Reports implementation is a DLL that communicates with Seagate Software’s
Crystal Reports report writer. The Crystal 8 Class accesses the DLL. There are several
templates available which make the interface to the report writer easily accessible from your
Clarion program. Previewing and/or printing reports are simple.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The Crystal8 class works independently of all other ABC classes.

ABC Template Implementation

The PreviewCrystalReport and PrintCrystalReport template extensions instantiate an object
based on the object name specified by either of these extensions. The object is instantiated in
the procedure where the extension exists.

Crystal8 Source Files

The Crystal8 class declarations are installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
Crystal8 component is distributed as a LIB/DLL, therefore the source code for the methods is
not available. However, the methods are defined in this chapter and may be implemented in
applications provided the required LIB/DLL is available at runtime.

C60cr8.INC Crystal Class Definition

C60cr8l.INC Crystal Class Definition Local Compile
C60cr8.dll Crystal DLL
C60cr8.lib Crystal LIB
C60cr8L.lib Crystal Local LIB
266 ABC Library Reference

Crystal8 Class Properties

There are no properties associated with the Crystal8 Class Library.
Crystal8Class 267

Crystal8 Methods
AllowPrompt (prompt for runtime parameter data)

AllowPrompt(| allowpromptflag |)

AllowPrompt Allow report runtime prompting for Crystal Parameter fields.

Allowpromptflag An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether the report will prompt for runtime parameter fields. A value of
one (1) is used to allow prompting; a value of zero (0) is used to disallow
field prompting.

The AllowPrompt method can conditionally allow the Crystal report that is being previewed or
printed to prompt for runtime parameter fields. These parameter fields must be defined in the
Crystal report. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of allowpromptflag.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
oCrystal8.AllowPrompt(1)
268 ABC Library Reference

CanDrillDown(allow Crystal drill down support )

CanDrillDown(| candrilldown |)

CanDrillDown Allows use of Crystal Report’s drill down feature.

candrilldown An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether the report make use of Crystal’s drill down feature. A value of
one (1) allows drill down to be used; a value of zero (0) removes the
ability to drill down.

The CanDrillDown method allows a Crystal Report to use the defined drill down support.
For more information on Crystal’s drill down feature refer to the Crystal Report
documentation. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of candrilldown.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
oCrystal8.CanDrillDown(1)
Crystal8Class 269

HasCancelButton (display cancel button on report preview)

HasCancelButton (| hascancelbutton |)

HasCancelButton Allow a cancel button on the report preview window.

hascancelbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a cancel button will appear on the report’s preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the cancel button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the cancel button.

The HasCancelButton method is used to optionally display a cancel button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hascancelbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasCancelButton(1)
270 ABC Library Reference

HasCloseButton (display close button on report preview)

HasCloseButton (| hasclosebutton |)

HasCloseButton Allow a close button on the report preview window.

hasclosebutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies
whether a close button will appear on the reports preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the close button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the close button.

The HasCloseButton method is used to optionally display a close button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hasclosebutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasCloseButton(1)
Crystal8Class 271

HasExportButton (display export button on report preview)

HasExportButton (| hasexportbutton |)

HasExportButton Allow an export button on the report preview window.

hasexportbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether an export button will appear on the reports preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the export button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the export button.

The HasExportButton method is used to optionally display an export button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hasexportbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasExportButton(1)
272 ABC Library Reference

HasLaunchButton (display launch button on report preview)

HasLaunchButton (| haslaunchbutton |)
HasLaunchButton Allow a launch button on the report preview window.

haslaunchbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a launch button will appear on the reports preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the launch button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the launch button.

The HasLaunchButton method is used to optionally display a launch button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of haslaunchbutton.
The launch button is used to launch the Seagate Analysis tool.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasLaunchButton(1)
Crystal8Class 273

HasNavigationControls (display navigation controls on report

preview)

HasNavigationControls (| hasnavigationcontrols |)

HasNavigationControls Allows navigation controls on the report preview window.

hasnavigationcontrols An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that

specifies whether the navigation controls will appear on the
report’s preview window. A value of one (1) displays the
navigation controls; a value of zero (0) does not display the
navigation controls.

The HasNavigationControls method is used to optionally display navigation controls on

the report preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of
hasnavigationcontrols. Navigation controls are used to navigate through a report,
immediately to the beginning, end or anywhere in between.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasNavigationControls(1)
274 ABC Library Reference

HasPrintButton (display print button on report preview)

HasPrintButton (| hasprintbutton |)

HasPrintButton Allows a print button on the report preview window.

Hasprintbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a print button will appear on the report’s preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the print button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the print button.

The HasPrintButton method is used to optionally display a print button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hasprintbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasPrintButton(1)
Crystal8Class 275

HasPrintSetupButton (display print setup button on report preview)

HasPrintSetupButton (| hasprintsetupbutton |)

HasPrintSetupButton Allows a print setup button on the report preview window.

hasprintsetupbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a print setup button will appear on the reports preview window.
A value of one (1) displays the print setup button; a value of zero (0)
does not display the print setup button.

The HasPrintSetupButton method is used to optionally display a print setup button on the
report preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of
hasprintsetupbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasPrintSetupButton(1)
276 ABC Library Reference

HasProgressControls (display progress controls on report preview)

HasProgressControls (| hasprogresscontrols |)

HasProgressControls Allows navigation controls on the report preview window.

Hasprogresscontrols An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether the progress controls will appear on the reports preview window.
A value of one (1) displays the progress controls; a value of zero (0)
does not display the progress controls.

The HasProgressControls method is used to optionally display progress controls on the

report preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of
hasprogresscontrol. The Progress controls display the progress of the report when it is
running. It displays records read, records selected, etc.).

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasProgressControls(1)
Crystal8Class 277

HasRefreshButton (display refresh button on report preview)

HasRefreshButton (| hasrefreshbutton |)

HasRefreshButton Allows a refresh button on the report preview window.

hasrefreshbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a refresh button will appear on the report’s preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the refresh button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the refresh button.

The HasRefreshButton method is used to optionally display a refresh button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hasrefreshbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasRefreshButton(1)
278 ABC Library Reference

HasSearchButton (display search button on report preview)

HasSearchButton (| hassearchbutton |)

HasSearchButton Allows a search button on the report preview window.

hassearchbutton An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a search button will appear on the reports preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the search button; a value of zero (0) does not
display the search button.

The HasSearchButton method is used to optionally display a search button on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of hassearchbutton.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasSearchButton(1)
Crystal8Class 279

HasZoomControl (display zoom control on report preview)

HasZoomControl (| haszoomcontrol |)

HasZoomControl Allows a zoom control on the report preview window.

haszoomcontrol An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether a zoom button will appear on the report’s preview window. A
value of one (1) displays the zoom control; a value of zero (0) does not
display the zoom control.

The HasZoomControl method is used to optionally display a zoom control on the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of haszoomcontrol.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.HasZoomControl(1)
280 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize Crystal8 object)

Init (reportname)

Init Initialize the Crystal8 object.

reportname A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the report name.
This report name is used when previewing a report. It is also the window caption
(text).

The Init method initializes the Crystal8 object. This method also sets the title of the
preview window, if the report is previewed. A BYTE is returned from this method and
represents whether the report engine is successfully initialized.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.Init( ReportPathName )
Crystal8Class 281

Kill (shut down Crystal8 object)

Kill

The Kill method shuts down the Crystal8 object, releasing any memory allocated durring
the lifetime of the object.

Example:

oCrystal8.Kill()
282 ABC Library Reference

Preview (preview a Crystal Report)

Preview (| windowtitle, initstate, frame, icon, systemmenu, maximizebox, 3dflag|)
Preview Preview a Crystal Report.

windowtitle A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the text to display
in the report preview window’s title bar. This parameter is optional.

initstate A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing an N, M, or I. Use

N (Normal) to display the preview window at the default size. Use M (Maximized)
to display the preview window in a maximized state. Use I (Iconized) to display
the preview window in an iconized state. This parameter is optional.

frame A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing an S, D, R, or N.

Use S to give the preview window a single pixel frame. Use D to give the preview
window a thick frame. Use R to give the preview window a thick but resizeable
frame. Use N to give the preview window no frame under Windows 3.1 or a
single pixel frame under Window 95/98. This parameter is optional.

icon A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing an icon filename.

By specifiying an icon file, a minimize button is automatically placed on the
preview window. This parameter is optional.

systemmenu An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies whether the
preview window will contain a system menu. A value of TRUE will give the
preview window a system menu. A value of FALSE (the default value) will not
include the system menu on the preview window. This parameter is optional.

maximizebox An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies whether the
preview window will contain a maximize button. A value of TRUE (the default
value) will place the maximize button on the preview window. A value of FALSE
will not include the maximize box on the preview window. This parameter is
optional.

3dflag An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies whether the
preview window will have a 3D look. The 3D look provides the window with a
gray backgound and chiseled control look. A value of TRUE (the default value)
will provide the preview window with the 3D look. A value of FALSE will not
provide the preview window with the 3d look. This parameter is optional.

The Preview method is used to preview a Crystal report within a Clarion window. This
method supports several preview window options.

Example:

oCrystal8.Preview( 'My Report','I','R',,0,1,1 )

Crystal8Class 283

_Print (print a Crystal Report)

_Print(| copies, printersetup |)

_Print Print a Crystal Report.

copies An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies the number
of copies of the report to print. The default for this parameter is 1. This parameter
is optional.

printersetup An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies whether the
Printer Setup dialog is displayed before sending the report to the printer.
Specifying TRUE or 1 for this parameter will cause the Printer Setup dialog to be
displayed; a value of FALSE or 0 (the default value) will allow the report to go
directly to the printer. This parameter is optional.

The _Print method prints a Crystal report directly to the printer without any option to
preview the report. The printer setup dialog is optional before the report is sent to the
printer.

Example:

oCrystal8._Print( 1, 1 )
284 ABC Library Reference

Query (retrieve or set the SQL data query)

Query( | querystring |)

Query Set or retrieve the SQL data query.

querystring A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the SQL query to
be sent to the SQL data source. This parameter is optional.

The Query method is used to either get or set the SQL query. If the querystring is omitted
from the method call, the current query is retrieved.

Return Data Type: STRING

Example:

formula = oCrystal8.Query()!retrieve query into formula variable

formula = '{{Customer.Country} in ["Australia"]' ! SQL query
oCrystal8.Query( formula ) ! Set the query
Crystal8Class 285

SelectionFormula (retrieve or set the Crystal formula )

SelectionFormula(| formulastring |)

SelectionFormula Set or retrieve the Crystal formula.

Formulastring A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression containing the

Crystal formula. This parameter is optional.

The SelectionFormula method is used to either get or set the report’s formula used to
limit retrieved records. If the formulastring is omitted from the method call, the current
formula is retrieved.

Return Data Type: STRING

Example:

formula = oCrystal8.SelectionFormula()!retrieve selection formula into formula va

formula = '{{Customer.Country} in ["Australia"]' ! SQL query
oCrystal8.SelectionFormula( formula ) ! Set the query
286 ABC Library Reference

ShowDocumentTips (show tips on docuement in the preview window)

ShowDocumentTips(| showdocumenttips |)

ShowDocumentTips Display tooltips in the document being previewed.

showdocumenttips An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether to enable tooltips on the document in the report preview window.
A value of one (1) indicates that tooltips will be shown. A value of zero
(0) indicates that tooltips will not be displayed on the document in the
preview window. This is the default if the parameter is omitted.

The ShowDocumentTips method is used to enable tooltips on the document being

previewed in the report preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the
value of showdocumenttips.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.ShowDocumentTips(1)
Crystal8Class 287

ShowReportControls (show print controls)

ShowReportControls (| showreportcontrols |)

ShowReportControls Display tooltips in the document being previewed.

showreportcontrols An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether the print controls are displayed. A value of one (1) will cause the
print controls to be displayed. A value of zero (0) indicates that will hide
the print controls. This parameter is optional and defaults to TRUE if
omitted.

The ShowReportControls method is used to display the print controls. The print controls
include the First, Previous, Next, and Last Page buttons as well as the buttons for
Cancel, Close, Export, and Print to Printer. This method returns a BYTE representing the
value of showreportcontrols.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
oCrystal8.ShowReportControls(1)
288 ABC Library Reference

ShowToolbarTips (show tips on preview window toolbar)

ShowToolbarTips(| showtooltips |)

ShowToolbarTips Display tooltips in the preview window’s toolbar.

showtooltips An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies

whether to enable tooltips on the toolbar in the report preview window. A
value of one (1) indicates that tooltips will be shown. This is the default if
the parameter is omitted. A value of zero (0) indicates that tooltips will
not be displayed in the report preview window.

The ShowToolbarTips method is used to enable tooltips on the toolbar of the report
preview window. This method returns a BYTE representing the value of showtooltips.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:

oCrystal8.ShowToolBarTips(1)
cwRTFClass 289

cwRTF Class
cwRTF Overview
Clarion's implementation of Rich Text Format (RTF) is derived from Microsoft's Rich Edit
Control, version 3.0. Rich Text provides a storage format for text that keeps the text compatible
among different operating systems, and software applications. A rich text control allows a user
to enter, edit, format, print, and save text.

cwRTF Class Concepts

The features of Clarion's RTF control include the support for colorized text, fonts, font sizes, bold,
italics, underlining, paragraph justification, bullets, undo, redo, cut, copy and paste clipboard
functionality, search, print, new open and save to file, ruler, and tab settings.

Clarion's Rich Text support is compatible with both the ABC and Legacy templates. It may only
be used in a 32-bit application. Multiple RTF controls may be used on a single window.

Clarion's Rich Text Classes and Templates are wrappers around Microsoft's Rich Edit Control
DLL's. The presence of RichEdxx.DLL is required in the Windows/System directory. There are
three versions of this DLL. The following list of operating systems shows which DLL each system
installs and supports. Other programs may install a newer version of the Rich Edit DLL.

Windows NT/Windows 2000

Microsoft® Windows NT® version 4.0 includes Rich Edit 1.0 and 2.0. Microsoft
Windows® 2000 includes Rich Edit 3.0 with a Rich Edit 1.0 emulator.
Windows 98
Windows 98 includes Rich Edit 1.0 and 2.0.
Windows 95
Windows 95 includes only Rich Edit 1.0. However, Riched20.dll is compatible with
Windows 95 and may be installed if an application that uses Rich Edit 2.0 has been
installed.
290 ABC Library Reference

cwRTF Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The cwRTF class works independantly of all other ABC classes.

cwRTF ABC Template Implementation

Once the cwRTF procedure template extension is added to a procedure, the templates instantiate
a cwRTF object into the generated code for the procedure. This is also where the cwRTF object
is initialized.

cwRTF Source Files

The cwRTF class declarations are installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The cwRTF
component is distributed as a LIB/DLL, therefore the source code for the methods is not
available. However, the methods are defined in this chapter and may be implemented in
applications provided the required LIB/DLL is available at runtime.

C60RTF.INC Rich Text Class Definition

C60RTFL.INC Rich Text Class Definition Local Compile
C60RTF.dll Rich Text DLL
C60RTF.lib Rich Text LIB
C60RTFL.lib Rich Text Local LIB
cwRTFClass 291

cwRTF Properties
cwRTF Properties
The cwRTF class contains many properties that although are not PRIVATE, should not be used.
These methods are used internally.

hRTFWindow(RTF control handle)

hRTFWindow LONG
The hRTFWindow property is a handle to the RTF control.
292 ABC Library Reference

cwRTF Methods
AlignParaCenter (center paragraph)
AlignParaCenter
The AlignParaCenter method is used to center the current or selected paragraph of text within
the rich text control. The current paragraph is the one that the cursor is within.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.AlignParaCenter() !Center paragraph

AlignParaLeft (left justify paragraph)

AlignParaLeft
The AlignParaLeft method is used to left justify the current or selected paragraph of text within
the rich text control. The current paragraph is the one that the cursor is within.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.AlignParaLeft() !Left justify paragraph

AlignParaRight (right justify paragraph)

AlignParaRight
The AlignParaRight method is used to right justify the current or selected paragraph of text
within the rich text control. The current paragraph is the one that the cursor is within.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.AlignParaRight() !Right justify paragraph
cwRTFClass 293

ChangeFontStyle (set current font style)

ChangeFontStyle(fontstyle)

ChangeFontStyle Sets the current font style.

fontstyle An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that contains a value that represents a fontstyle. Valid
fontstyle equates can be found in EQUATES.CLW.
The ChangeFontStyle method is used to set the current font style. The style of a font represents
the strike weight and style of the font.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ChangeFontStyle(FONT:Italic ) !Font Style
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ChangeFontStyle(loc:fontstyle ) !Variable Font Style

CanRedo (check for redo data)

CanRedo
The CanRedo method is used to to see if there is data in the redo buffer. A return value of one (1
or True) indicates there is redo data in the buffer, a redo operation is available; a return value of
zero (0 or False) is returned if there is no redo data in the buffer, a redo operation is not available.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
loc:redo =oRTF_RTFTextBox.CanRedo() !Check for data in the Redo buffer
294 ABC Library Reference

CanUndo (check for undo data)

CanUndo
The CanUndo method is used to to see if there is data in the undo buffer. A return value of one
(1 or True) indicates there is undo data in the buffer, an undo operation is available; a return
value of zero (0 or False) is returned if there is no undo data in the buffer, an undo operation is
not available.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
loc:undo =oRTF_RTFTextBox.CanUndo() !Check for data in the Undo buffer

Color (set text color)

Color
The Color method calls the Windows standard color choice dialog box in order to allow a user to
choose a color. If text is selected prior to calling the color dialog, the selected text will be colored
the selected color.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Color()!Color text

Copy (copy selected text to clipboard)

Copy
The Copy method is used to copy selected text from the rich text control into the clipboard.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Copy() !Copy text to clipboard
cwRTFClass 295

Cut (cut selected text )

Cut
The Cut method is used to cut the selected text from the rich text control into the clipboard.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Cut() !Cut text to clipboard

Find (set current font style)

Find([findtext])

Find Search for text within the rich text field.

findtext A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the text for search for. If this is omitted the
Find dialog is presented.
The Find method is used to search the Rich Text field for the text specified in findtext. If no
findtext is specified, the Find dialog is presented. The user can type in the text to search for as
well as specify other search options such as Whoe Words Only, Case Sensitive Search, and
Search Direction (up or down).

This method returns a value indicating the character position where the text was found.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
loc:position =oRTF_RTFTextBox.Find(loc:find ) ! Search for contents of
loc:find
loc:position =oRTF_RTFTextBox.Find('mytext ' ) ! Search for 'mytext'
loc:position =oRTF_RTFTextBox.Find() ! Show find dialog
296 ABC Library Reference

FlatButtons (use flat button style)

FlatButtons(buttonstatus)

FlatButtons Set the FormatBar and Toolbar buttons to appear in a

flat or raised mode.

buttonstatus A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to use flat or raised buttons. A
TRUE valid is passed to the method to use flat buttons.
A FLASE value is passed to the FlatButtons method to
raised buttons.
The FlatButtons method is used to set the FormatBar and Toolbar buttons to appear in a flat or
raised mode. A flat button remains flat until the mouse cursor passes over it.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.FlatButtons(1 ) !Flat buttons
oRTF_RTFTextBox.FlatButtons(0 ) !Raised buttons
cwRTFClass 297

Font (apply font attributes)

Font([fontname], [fontsize], [fontcolor], [fontstyle])

Font Apply font attributes to rich text.

fontname A string constant or variable containing a font name.

fontsize An integer constant containing the size (in points) of the

font.

fontcolor An integer constant containing the red, green, and blue

values for the color of the font in the low-order three
bytes, for an EQUATE for a standard Windows color
value.

fontstyle An integer constant, constant expression, or EQUATE

specifying the strike weight and style of the font.
The Font method is used to set font attributes at the current insertion point or apply it to the
currently selected text. If all of the parameters for this method are omitted the Windows standard
font dialog box is called in order to allow a user to set standard font attributes.

Example:
!Using variables
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Font(FontName,FontSize,FontColor,FontStyle )
!Specific Font Attributes
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Font('Arial ',10,COLOR:Red,FONT:Underline )
!Font Dialog
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Font()
298 ABC Library Reference

GetText (copy text to variable)

GetText(text, [startpos], [endpos])

GetText Copy indicated text to a variable.

text A string variable that will receive the specified text. The
highlighted text will be assigned to the variable if no
starting and ending positions are specified. If positions
are specified the text specified by these positions will be
assigned to the string variable.

startpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the starting

character position to copy text from.

endpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the ending

character position to copy text from.
The GetText method is used to copy the specified text to a string or variable. The method can
return a result that specifies the length (number of characters) of the copied text.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.GetText(loc:find, ,) !read text into loc:find
loc:length =oRTF_RTFTextBox.GetText(loc:find,,) !return string length

!read text into loc:find from specified position

oRTF_RTFTextBox.GetText(loc:find,10,20)
cwRTFClass 299

Init (initialize the cwRTF object)

Init(window, textbox, [rulerflag], [toolbarflag], [formatbarflag])

Init Initialize the cwRTF object.

window The label of the WINDOW that contains the rich text
control.

textbox A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the control number (FEQ) of the rich text
control.

rulerflag A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to initially display the RulerBar
with the rich text control.

toolbarflag A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to initially display the ToolBar with
the rich text control.

formatbarflag A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to initially display the FormatBar
with the rich text control.
The Init method initializes the cwRTF object. This method also sets the initial states of the
RulerBar, ToolBar, and FormatBar. By default all three bars are displayed.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Init( Window, ?RTFTextBox, 1, 1, 1 )
300 ABC Library Reference

IsDirty (indicates modified data)

IsDirty([saveflag])

IsDirty Determines if the data in the rich text control has been
modified.

saveflag A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to prompt the user to save
changes to the rich text field if the field has changed
data. A one (1 or True) value signifies the user will be
prompted. This is the default value. A zero (0 or False)
value signifies the user will not be prompted to save the
data.
The IsDirty method is used to determine if the text in the RTF control has changed. If the text has
changed, the user can be prompted to save all changes. A one (1 or True) is returned if the data
in the rich text control contains changes; a zero (0 or False) is returned if the data in the rich text
control does not contain data changes.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
loc:dirty =oRTF_RTFTextBox.IsDirty(1) !Prompt to save changes
loc:dirty =oRTF_RTFTextBox.IsDirty(0) !No prompt to save changes
cwRTFClass 301

Kill (shut down the csRTF object)

Kill([isdirty])

Kill Shut down the cwRTF object.

isdirty A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether the rich text control's modified
data should be saved to disk.
The Kill method shuts down the cwRTF object, releasing any memory allocated during the life of
the obejct. Passing a one (1 or True) value to this method will force the modified data to be saved
upon termination of the method; a value of zero (0 or False) will not save the modified data to the
table.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Kill( TRUE )

LeftIndent (indent the current or selected paragraph)

LeftIndent(indentsize)

LeftIndent Indent the current or selected paragraph.

indentsize A REAL numeric constant, variable, or expression that

indicates the number of inches to indent. A negative
value will reverse the indent.
The LeftIndent method is used to indent the current or selected paragraph. The indentation size
is specified in inches and may also be a negative number to reverse the indentation.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.LeftIndent(.5) !Indent 1/2 inch from left
302 ABC Library Reference

LimitTextSize (limit amount of text)

LimitTextSize(maxtextsize)

LimitTextSize Limits the amount of text that can be placed in the rich
text control regardless of the method used to save the
data field or file.

maxtextsize A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates the maximum number of characters
allowed in the rich text field. This includes the rich text
formatting characters.
The LimitTextSize method is used limit the number of text that can be placed in the rich text
control regardless of the method used to save the data field or file. This method should be called
before the rich text control is loaded.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.LimitTextSize(2000) !Limit text to 2000 characters

LoadField (load rich text data from field)

LoadField(fieldname)

LoadField Load the rich text control with the data contained in the
field specified.

fieldname The fully qualified label of a field to load the data from.
The LoadField method is used to load a string or memo rich text field into the rich text control.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.LoadField(let:letter ) !Load RTF field
cwRTFClass 303

LoadFile (load rich text data from file)

LoadFile(filename)

LoadFile Load the rich text control with the data contained in the
file specified.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the .RTF filename. If no filename is specified,
the Open file dialog is opened.
The LoadFile method is used to load a .RTF file into the rich text control.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.LoadField(let:letter ) !Load RTF field

NewFile (clear rich text data)

NewFile
The NewFile method is used to clear the contents of the rich text control.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.NewFile()

Offset (offset current or selected paragraph)

Offset(offsetsize)

Offset Offset the second and subsequent lines of a paragraph.

offsetsize A REAL numeric constant, variable, or expression that

indicates the number of inches to offset. A negative
value will reverse the offset.
The Offset method is used to offset the second and subsequent lines of the current or selected
paragraph. The offsetsize is specified in inches and may also be a negative number to reverse
the offset.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Offset(1 ) !Offset by 1 inch
304 ABC Library Reference

PageSetup (set page attributes)

PageSetup
The PageSetup method calls the Windows standard page setup dialog box. This dialog allows
the setting of the paper size and source, orientation, margins and printer selection and defaults.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.PageSetup()

ParaBulletsOff (turn off paragraph bullets)

ParaBulletsOff
The ParaBulletsOff method is used turn off bullets for the current or selected paragraph. The
current paragraph is the one that the cursor is within.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ParaBulletsOff() !Turn bullets off

ParaBulletsOn (turn on paragraph bullets)

ParaBulletsOn(bulletstyle)

ParaBulletsOn Turn on paragraph bullets.

bulletstyle A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or
expression that identifies the bullet style. Bullet styles
are defined in C60RTF.INC.
The ParaBulletsOn method is used turn on bullets for the current or selected paragraph. The
current paragraph is the one that the cursor is within.

Supported bullet styles are:

Bullets:On (•)
Bullets:Arabic (1, 2, 3,...)
Bullets:LowerLetters (a, b, c,...)
Bullets:UpperLetters (A, B, C,...)
Bullets:LowerRoman (i, ii, iii,...)
Bullets:UpperRoman (I, II, III,...)

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ParaBulletsOn(BULLET:On) !Turn bullets on
cwRTFClass 305

Paste (paste text from clipboard)

Paste
The Paste method is used to paste clipboard text into the rich text control .

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Paste() !Paste text to clipboard

_Print (print rich text control contents)

_Print(showsetup, [jobtitle])

_Print Print rich text control data.

showsetup A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that determines whether to show the Windows Print
Setup dialog.
jobtitle A string constant or variable containing a title of the job
being printed. The job title is seen from the print spooler.
If no job title is specified, the default job title is 'Untitled'.
If the Print icon is used from the toolbar, the job title is
set to 'RTF Data'.
The _Print method is used to simply print the rich text data.

If the PageSetup dialog is used, the method will return a one (1 or True) value if the OK button on
the dialog is pressed. A zero (0 or False) is returned if the Cancel button on the Page Seup dialog
is pressed. If the Page Setup dialog is not used, a one (1 or True) is returned.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox._Print(1 ) !Show Print Setup dialog before printing
oRTF_RTFTextBox._Print(0 ) !Do not show Print Setup dialog
oRTF_RTFTextBox._Print(0, 'JobTitle' ) !Do not show Print Setup dialog
status = oRTF_RTFTextBox._Print(1, 'JobTitle' )!Do not show Print Setup dialog
306 ABC Library Reference

Redo (reapply action)

Redo
The Redo method is used to reapply the action that was previously undone on the rich text
control. Redo can be used on the previous 100 actions.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Redo() !Redo previous undo action to rich text control

Replace (find and replace search)

Replace([findtext], [replacetext])

Replace Search for text within the rich text field.

findtext A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the text for search for. If this is omitted the
Find dialog is presented.

replacetext A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the text for search for. If this is omitted the
Find dialog is presented.
The Replace method is used to do a Find and Replace search option within the rich text control.
If the findtext and replacetext parameters are omitted the Find and Replace dialog will appear.

This method returns a value indicating the number of applied replaces.

Return Data Type: LONG

Example:
!Using Variables
loc:replace =oRTF_RTFTextBox.Replace(loc:find,loc:replace )
!Replace dialog
loc:replace =oRTF_RTFTextBox.Replace()

ResizeControls (used internally)

The ResizeControls method is used internally and should not be called otherwise.
cwRTFClass 307

RightIndent (indent the current or selected paragraph)

RightIndent(indentsize)

RightIndent Indent the current or selected paragraph.

indentsize A REAL numeric constant, variable, or expression that

indicates the number of inches to indent. A negative
value will reverse the indent.
The RightIndent method is used to indent the current or selected paragraph from the right side of
the rich text control. The indentation size is specified in inches and may also be a negative
number to reverse the indentation.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.RightIndent(.5) !Indent 1/2 inch from right

SaveField (save rich text data to field)

SaveField(fieldname)

SaveField Save the rich text control data to the field specified.

fieldname The fully qualified label of a field to save to.

The SaveField method is used to save rich text data into a table field.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SaveField(let:letter )
308 ABC Library Reference

SaveFile (save rich text data to file)

SaveFile(filename)

SaveFile Save the rich text data to the file specified.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the .RTF filename to save the data to.
The SaveFile method is used to save rich text data to a .RTF file.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SaveFile(loc:Filename )
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SaveFile('0101SS.RTF ' )

SelectText (select characters)

SelectText(startpos, endpos)

GetText Select a specific set of characters by character position.

startpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the starting

character position to select text from.

endpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the ending

character position to select text from.
The SelectText method is used select a specific set of characters by character position. The text
is highlighted when it is selected.

Example:
!Select text from position 1 to 20
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SelectText(1,20 )
!Select text from variable positions
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SelectText(loc:startpos,loc:endpos )
cwRTFClass 309

SetDirtyFlag (set modified flag)

SetDirtyFlag(status)

SetDirtyFlag Sets the modified flag for the rich text control

status A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether to set or clear the dirty flag. A one
(1 or True) sets the flag; a zero (0 or False) claers the
flag.
The SetDirtyFlag method is used to set or clear the modified flag for the rich text control. This
can be used to clear the flag so the user is not prompted to save data.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SetDirtyFlag( 0) ! Clear dirty flag

SetFocus (give rich text control focus)

SetFocus
The SetFocus method is used to give the rich text control focus.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SetFocus
310 ABC Library Reference

SetText (place text into rich text control)

SetText(text, [allowundo], [startpos], [endpos])

SetText Place indicated text into rich text control.

text A string constant or variable containing the text to place

in the rich text control.

allowundo A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that determines whether the placement of text action is
saved into the undo buffer. This allows the undo method
to be called for this action. A one (1 or True) allows an
undo for this action; a zero (0 or False) does not allow
an undo for this action. The default value is False.

startpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the starting

character position to place the text to.

endpos An integer constant or variable that specifies the ending

character position to to place the text to.
The SetText method is used to place the text to a specified position within the a rich text control.
The text to place comes from the specified string or variable. If the start and end positions are not
available the current cursor position is used.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SetText(loc:find,0,) !place text at current position
oRTF_RTFTextBox.SetText(loc:find,10,20) !place text at specified position
cwRTFClass 311

ShowControl (hide/unhide RTF control)

ShowControl(showstate)

ShowControl Hide/Unhide RTF control

showstate A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether the RTF control is displayed or
hidden. A one (1 or True) unhides the control; a zero (0
or False) hides the control.
The ShowControl method is used hide or unhide the RTF control. When hidden, the ruler bar is
also hidden.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ShowControl( 0 ) ! Hide control
oRTF_RTFTextBox.ShowControl( 1 ) ! Unhide control

Undo (undo action)

Undo
The Undo method is used to undo (reverse) the action previously taken on the rich text control.

Example:
oRTF_RTFTextBox.Undo()!Undo previous change to rich text control
312 ABC Library Reference
DbAuditManager 313

DbAuditManager
DbAuditManager Overview
The DbAuditManager class declares an audit manager that consistently handles all database
auditing operations. This class provides methods that create and update an audit log file.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The DbAuditManager class uses the DbFileManager to handle the opening of the log file. This
also takes care of any errors that may occur when opening the file. The DbAuditManager class
uses the DbChangeManager class to update the audit log file.

This class also implements the DbdChangeAudit interface. This interface aids in the update of the
log file.

DbAuditManager ABC Template Implementation

The DbAuditManager class is used in an application when the Global Database Auditing
extension is added to the application. The ABC Templates instantiate the DbAuditManager class
in the global module of the application where the class is also initialized.

The DbAuditManager class implements the IDbdChangeAudit interface.

DbAuditManager Source Files

The DbAuditManager source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific DbAuditManager source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABFILE.INC DbAuditManager declarations

ABFILE.CLW DbAuditManager method definitions
314 ABC Library Reference

DbAuditManager Properties
The DbAuditManager contains the following properties:

Action (log file action column)

Action STRING(20)
The Action property contains a string that is used to update the Action column in the audit log
file. The action column show the type of update that was performed on the data file.

Implementation: The Action property is set by the OnInsert, OnDelete, OnChange, and
BeforeChange methods. It is used to update the log file by the AddLogFile
method.

See Also: OnInsert, OnDelete, OnChange, and BeforeChange, AddLogFile

ColumnInfo (log file column queue)

ColumnInfo &DbColumnQueue, PROTECTED
The ColumnInfo property is a reference to a structure that is the source of the data that is added
to the audit log file.

Implementation: The ColumnInfo queue is initialized by the Init method and updated by the
AddItem method.

See Also: AddItem, AppendLog, CreateHeader, Init, Kill

LogFiles (log file queue)

LogFiles &LogFileQueue, PROTECTED
The LogFiles property is a reference to a structure that keeps track of all audit log files.

Implementation: The LogFiles queue is initialized by the Init method and updated by the
AddLogFile method.

See Also: AddLogFile, Init, Kill, SetFm, OpenLogFile

DbAuditManager 315

FM (DbLogFileManager object)

LFM &DbLogFileManager, PROTECTED

The LFM property is a reference to the DbLogFileManager object that creates and opens the
various audit log files.

Implementation: The LFM property is intialized in the Init method.

See Also: AppendLog, CreateHeader, Init, Kill, OpenLogFile

Errors (ErrorClass object)

Errors &ErrorClass, PROTECTED

The Errors property is a reference to the ErrorClass object that handles unexpected conditions for
the DbAuditManager. In an ABC Template enerated program, the ErroClass object is called
GlobaErros by default.

Implementation: The Init method initializes the Errors property.

See Also: Init, OpenLogFile

316 ABC Library Reference

DbAuditManager Methods
The DbAuditManager class contains the following methods:

AddItem (maintain the columninfo structure)

AddItem(filename, fieldname, field, fieldheader, fieldpicture)

AddItem Adds fields to the columninfo structure so they can be

monitored in the audit log file.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the label of the file that is to be audited.

fieldname A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the label of the field that is to be audited.

field The fully qualified label for the FILE field.

fieldheader A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the field header (title) field that is to be
audited. This is the column header that will appear in the
audit log file.

fieldpicture A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

containing the picture of the field that is to be audited.
This defines how the column in the audit log file will be
formatted.
The AddItem method maintains the ColumnInfo queue by updating it with field information
needed to create and update the log file.

Implementation: This method is called one time for each field that will appear in the log file.
There is one extra column that always appears in the log file. This is the
action column that defines the update action that occurred to cause the log
file update.

See Also: AddLogFile

DbAuditManager 317

AddLogFile (maintain log file structure)

AddLogFile(filename, logfilename)

AddLogFile Maintain the log file queue.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
logfilename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the audit log file name.
The AddLogFile method maintains the LogFiles structure in order to keep track of each log file
and its associated data file.

Implementation: In template generated code, the AddLogFile method is called after the
DbAuditManager object is initialized. This method should be a called once for
each file being auditied.

AppendLog (initiate audit log file update)

AppendLog(filename)

AppendLog Initiate audit log file update.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
The AppendLog method initiates the audit log file update by retrieving the field information and
setting the date and time of the update. This information is added to the log file by the
FileManager.

See Also: LFM

318 ABC Library Reference

BeforeChange (update audit log file before file change)

BeforeChange(filename, BFP), VIRTUAL

BeforeChange
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
BFP The label of a BufferedPairsClass object. See
BufferedPairsClass for more information.
The BeforeChange method saves the values of the record before a change is made. These
values are used for comparison after the record is saved back to disk.

Implementation: The BeforeChange method sets the Action property and saves the current
field values to the log file. This method is called from the
DbChangeManager.CheckChanges method.

See Also: BufferedPairsClass, DbChangeManager.CheckChanges

CreateHeader (create log file header records)

CreateHeader(filename, LFM), VIRTUAL

CreateHeader Create the header records in the audit log file.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
LFM The label of the log file's DbLogFileManager object.
The CreateHeader method updates the audit log file just after file creation. It adds header
records to the log file which serve as column heading information. The header includes the Date,
Time, Action, and Field header.

Implementation: The CreateHeader method is called by the OpenLogFile method.

See Also: OpenLogFile

DbAuditManager 319

Init (initialize the DbAuditManager object)

Init(error handler), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the DbAuditManager object

error handler The label of an ErrorClass object. See Error Class for
more information.
The Init method initializes the DbAuditManager object. The error handler object, ColumnInfo,
LogFiles, and LFM properties are initialized at this time.

Implementation: In template generated code, the Init method is called in the main application
module. It is called with the GlobalErrors error handler.

Kill (shut down DbAuditManger object)

Kill, VIRTUAL
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and does any other
required termination code.

Implementation: The Kill method frees memory allocated to the ColumnInfo, LogFiles, and
LFM properties.
320 ABC Library Reference

OnChange (update audit log file after a record change)

OnChange(filename, file), VIRTUAL

OnChange Initiates an update to the audit log file after a Change to

the file.
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
file The label of the FILE being auditied.
The OnChange method initiates the update to the audit log file after a Change action.

Implementation: The OnChange method sets the Action property and calls the AppendLog
method. This method is called from the DbChangeManager.CheckChanges
method.

See Also: DbChangeManager.CheckChanges

OnDelete (update audit log file when a record is deleted)

OnDelete(filename, file), VIRTUAL

OnDelete Initiates an update the audit log file on a Delete action.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
file The label of the FILE being auditied.
The OnDelete method initiates the update to the audit log file on a Delete action.

Implementation: The OnDelete method sets the Action property and calls the AppendLog
method. This method is called from the RelationManager's Delete method.

See Also: RelationManager.Delete

DbAuditManager 321

OnFieldChange (virtual method for each field change)

OnFieldChange(left, right, fieldname, filename), VIRTUAL

OnFieldChange Manage field changes.

left The label of the "left" field of the pair that contains the
original value of the field being updated. The field may
be any data type, but may not be an array.
right The label of the "right" field of the pair that contains the
new value of the field being updated. The field may be
any data type, but may not be an array.
fieldname A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the field that is to be audited.
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The OnFieldChange method is called for each field in the record that has changed. The before
and after values are passed to this method.

Implementation: OnFieldChange is a VIRTUAL method so that other base class methods can
directly call the OnFieldChange virtual method in a derived class. This lets
you easily implement your own custom version of this method.

See Also: DbChangeManager.CheckPair

322 ABC Library Reference

OnInsert (update audit log file when a record is added)

OnInsert(filename, file), VIRTUAL

OnInsert Initiates an update the audit log file on an Insert action.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is to be audited.
file The label of the FILE being auditied.
The OnInsert method initiates the update to the audit log file on an Insert action.

Implementation: The OnInsert method sets the Action property and calls the AppendLog
method. This method is called from the FileManager's Insert method.

See Also: FileManager.Insert

OpenLogFile (open the audit log file)

OpenLogFile(filename), PROTECTED

OpenLogFile Opens the audit log file.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The OpenLogFile method opens the audit log file that is to be updated. If the log file does not
already exist, the file is created and the headers are added to it.

Implementation: This method is called by the AppendLog method to ensure the log file exists
before trying to update it.

See Also: AppendLog, DbLogFileManager class

DbAuditManager 323

SetFM (determine log file status)

SetFM(filename), PROTECTED

SetFM Determines log file status.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The SetFM method is used to determine if the log file has been initialized by the AddLogFile
method.

A one (1 or True) value is returned if the log file has been correctly initialized into the LogFiles
structure; a zero (0 or False) is returned otherwise.

Implementation: The SetFM method is called by the AddItem and AppendLog methods.

Return Data Type: BYTE

See Also: AddItem, AppendLog

324 ABC Library Reference
DbChangeManager 325

DbChangeManager
DbChangeManager Overview
The DbChangeManager class declares an audit manager that consistently handles all database
change operations.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The DbChangeManager class works in conjunctions with the DbAuditManager class and the
IDbChangeManager interface.

DbChangeManager ABC Template Implementation

The DbChangeManager class is used in an application when the Global Database Auditing
extension is added to the application. The ABC Templates instantiate the DbChangeManager
class in the global module of the application where the class is also initialized.

DbChangeManager Source Files

The DbChangeManager source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific DbChangeManager source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABFILE.INC DbChangeManager declarations

ABFILE.CLW DbChangeManager method definitions
326 ABC Library Reference

DbChangeManager Properties
The DbChangeManager contains the following properties:

NameQueue (pointer into trigger queue)

NameQueue &DbNameQueue, PROTECTED

The NameQueue property keeps track of the file and field names when a change is made to a file
that is being audited. The NameQueue queue entry also points into the trigger queue for the
change data.

Implementation: The NameQueue structure is updated in the DbChangeManager.AddItem

method. This queue contains a pointer into the TriggerQueue.

See Also: DbChangeManager.Init, DbChangeManager.Kill,

DbChangeManager.AddItem, DbChangeManager.CheckPair

TriggerQueue (pointer to BFP for field changes)

TriggerQueue &DbTriggerQueue, PROTECTED

The TriggerQueue property contains the field change information by managing the
BufferFieldPairs structure.
DbChangeManager 327

DbChangeManager Methods
The DbChangeManager class contains the following methods:

AddItem (maintain the namequeue structure)

AddItem(left, name, filename)

AddItem Maintains the namequeue structure.

left The label of the "left" field of the pair that contains the
original value of the field being updated. The field may
be any data type, but may not be an array.
name A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the field that is to be audited.
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The AddItem method maintains the NameQueue structure by updating it with field information
needed to track before and after file changes.

Implementation: This method is called one time for each field that will appear in the log file.

AddThread (maintains the triggerqueue)

AddThread(filename)

AddThread Maintains the TriggerQueue.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The AddThread method maintains the TriggerQueue by updating it with the current thread
number and an instance of the BufferedPairsClass.
328 ABC Library Reference

CheckChanges(check record for changes)

CheckChanges(filename, file)

CheckChanges Checks the record for changes.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
file The label of the FILE being auditied.
The CheckChanges method checks to see if there were any changes made to the columns in
the audited file. This method calls the CheckPairs method to compare the before and after field
values of the audited file.

See Also: DbChangeManagerBeforeChange, IDbChangeManagerOnChange,

DbChangeManager.CheckPair

CheckPair(check field pairs for changes)

CheckPair(FP)

CheckPairs Checks fields for changes.

FP The label of a FieldPairsClass object. See
FieldPairsClass for more information.
The CheckPair method compares the before and after values of a field to see if there were
changes made. This is needed to know whether to update the audit log file.
DbChangeManager 329

Equal(checks for equal before and after values)

Equal(filename)

Equal Compares before and after values of fields.

filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The Equal method returns one (1) if all pairs are equal and returns zero (0) if any pairs are not
equal.

Implementation: The Equal method simply calls FieldPairsClass.Equat method which calls the
FieldPairsClass.EqualLeftRight method which in turn does all the comparison
work.

Return Data Type: BYTE

See Also: FieldPairsClass.Equal

Init (initialize the DbChangeManager object)

Init(IDBC), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the DbChangeManager object

IDBC The label of an IDbChangeManager interface. See
IDbChangeManager for more information.
The Init method initializes the DbChangeManager object. The TriggerQueue and NameQueue
are also initialized at this time.

Implementation: In template generated code, the Init method is called in the main application
module.
330 ABC Library Reference

Kill (shut down DbChangeManger object)

Kill, VIRTUAL
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and does any other
required termination code.

Implementation: The Kill method frees memory allocated to the NameQueue and
TriggerQueue structures.

SetThread (read triggerqueue)

SetThread(filename)

SetThread Reads the TriggerQueue for the specified file and

current thread.
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The SetThread method reads the TriggerQueue for the specified file and current thread. If a
matching entry is found in the queue a one (1 or True) is returned; if an entry is not found in the
TriggerQueue a zero (0 or False) is returned.

Return Data Type: BYTE

DbChangeManager 331

Update (update the audit log file buffer)

Update(filename)

Update
filename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
containing the label of the file that is audited.
The Update method calls the BufferFieldPairs class to update the record buffer with the changes
made in order for the audit log file to be updated with the before and after values.

See Also: BFP.AssignLeftToRight

332 ABC Library Reference
DbLogFileManager 333

DbLogFileManager
DbLogFileManager Overview
The DbLogFileManager class declares a file manager that consistently handles the routine
database operations on the audit log file. The DbLogFileManager is derived from the
FileManager class.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The DbLogFileManager class is derived from the FileManager class. This class inherits all
FileManager class properties and methods. The DbLogFileManager also relies on the
ErrorClass for most of its error handling.

DbLogFileManager ABC Template Implementation

The DbLogFileManager class is instantiated by the DbAuditManager LFM property in the
DbAuditManager.Init method.

DbLogFileManager Source Files

The DbLogFileManager source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific DbLogFileManager source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABFILE.INC DbLogFileManager declarations

ABFILE.CLW DbLogFileManager method definitions
334 ABC Library Reference

DbLogFileManager Properties
DbLogFileManager Properties
The DbLogFileManager inherits all the properties of the FileManager class from which it is
derived. See FileManager Properties for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the DbLogFileManager contains the following properties:

Opened (file opened flag)

Opened BYTE
The Opened property indicates whether the DbLogFileManager's FILE (the log file) has been
opened. A value of one (1 or True) indicates the FILE is open; a value of zero (0 or False)
indicates the FILE is not opened.
DbLogFileManager 335

DbLogFileManager Methods
DbLogFileManager Methods
The DbLogFileManager inherits all the methods of the FileManager class from which it is
derived. See FileManager Methods for more information.

In addition to the inherited methods, the DbLogFileManager contains the following methods:

Init (initialize the DbLogFileManager object)

Init(errorclass, logfilename), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the DbAuditManager object

errorclass The label of an ErrorClass object. See Error Class for
more information.
logfilename A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
contains the audit log file name.
The Init method initializes the DbLogFileManager object.
336 ABC Library Reference
EditClass 337

EditClass
EditClass Overview
The EditClass lets you implement a dynamic edit-in-place control for each column in a LIST. The
EditClass is an abstract class--it is not useful by itself, but serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. See EditCheckClass, EditColorClass, EditFileClass,
EditDropListClass, EditFontClass, and EditMultiSelectClass.

EditClass Concepts
The EditClass creates an input control (CHECK, ENTRY, SPIN, COMBO, etc.), accepts input
from the end user, then returns the input to a specified variable, typically the variable associated
with a specific LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditClass also
signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as tabbing to a
new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or row). The
EditClass provides virtual methods (TakeEvent) to allow you to take control of significant edit-in-
place events.

The BrowseClass (AskRecord method) uses the EditClass to accomplish edit-in-place data entry
by assigning the EditClass input control to a specific LIST cell--see BrowseClass.AskRecord.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

Derived Classes

The EditClass serves as the foundation and framework for its derived classes. See
EditCheckClass, EditColorClass, EditEntryClass, EditFileClass, EditFileDropClass,
EditFontClass, and EditMultiSelectClass. These derived classes each provide a different type of
input control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived
EditClass objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass
The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to this chapter's specification; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.
The BrowseClass.AskProcedure property indicates whether the BrowseClass object uses the
EditClass for updates.
The BrowseClass.AskRecord method is the engine for the edit-in-place functionality. This method
uses the EditClass to dynamically create the Edit-in-place control upon request (Insert, Change,
or Delete) by the end user. When the end user moves off the edited record (enter key, click on
another item) the AskRecord method saves or deletes the record and uses the EditClass to
destroy the Edit-in-place control.
338 ABC Library Reference

ABC Template Implementation

The BrowseUpdateButtons template generates references to EditClass objects as needed. One
check box on the BrowseUpdateButtons control template enables default edit-in-place support for
a given BrowseBox--any associated Form (update) procedure then becomes redundant.

If you accept the BrowseUpdateButtons default edit-in-place behavior, the generated code does
not reference the EditClass, because the default edit-in-place behavior is implemented in the
BrowseClass (see BrowseClass.AskRecord), and no additional generated code is needed.

If you use custom (Configure EditInPlace) edit-in-place behavior, the BrowseUpdateButtons

template generates the code to instantiate the requested object (derived from the EditClass) and
register the object with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered
EditClass object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.

EditClass Source Files

The EditClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditClass method definitions
ABEIP.TRN EditClass translation strings
EditClass 339

EditClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate several EditClass objects and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits the list
items with a variety of edit-in-place objects. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the
"registered" EditClass objects' methods as needed.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes
MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END
PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END
340 ABC Library Reference

Edit:PR:FieldName EditEntryClass !declare Edit:PR:FieldName-EIP ENTRY control

Edit:PR:Color CLASS(EditColorClass) !declare Edit:PR:Color-EIP color dialog

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

Edit:PR:Hide CLASS(EditCheckClass) !declare Edit:PR:Color-EIP CHECK control

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END
Edit:PR:IconFile CLASS(EditFileClass)!declare Edit:PR:IconFile-EIP file dialog
Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

Edit:PR:ControlType CLASS(EditDropListClass) !declare Edit:PR:ContolType-EIP droplist

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill
EditClass 341

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
?PropList{PROP:LineHeight}=12 !enlarge rows to accomodate EditClass icons
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:FieldName,1) !Register Edit:PR:FieldName with BRW1
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Color,2) !Register Edit:PR:Color with BRW1
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:ControlType,3)!Register Edit:PR:ControlType with BRW1
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Hide,4) !Register Edit:PR:Hide with BRW1
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:IconFile,5) !Register Edit:PR:IconFile with BRW1
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:Color.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Title='Select field color' !set EIP color dialog title

Edit:PR:Hide.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
342 ABC Library Reference

SELF.Feq{PROP:Text}='Hide ' !set EIP check box text

SELF.Feq{PROP:Value,1}='Y' !set EIP check box true value
SELF.Feq{PROP:Value,2}='N' !set EIP check box false value

Edit:PR:IconFile.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Title='Select icon file' !set EIP file dialog title
SELF.FilePattern='Icon files *.ico|*.ico' !set EIP file dialog file masks
SELF.FileMask=FILE:KeepDir+FILE:LongName !set EIP file dialog behavior flag

Edit:PR:ControlType.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Feq{PROP:From}='ENTRY|SPIN|TEXT|STRING' !set ControlType droplist
choices

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
EditClass 343

EditClass Properties
The EditClass contains the following properties.

FEQ (the edit-in-place control number)

FEQ UNSIGNED
The FEQ property contains the control number of the edit-in-place control.

The CreateControl method sets the value of the FEQ property when it creates the control.

See Also: CreateControl

ReadOnly ( edit-in-place control is read-only)

ReadOnly BYTE
The ReadOnly property is a flag indicating that the edit-in-place control is not editable.

See Also: SetReadOnly

344 ABC Library Reference

EditClass Methods
Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EditClass, it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitV initialize the EditClass object
Kill V shut down the EditClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventV handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV a virtual to create the edit control
SetAlertsV alert appropriate keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

Init initialize the EditClass object

CreateContol a virtual to create the edit control
SetAlerts alert appropriate keystrokes for the edit control
TakeAccpted handle accepted events for the edit control
TakeEventV handle events for the edit control
Kill shut down the EditClass object
EditClass 345

CreateControl (a virtual to create the edit control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method is a virtual placeholder to create the appropriate window control for
derived classes.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
must set the value of the FEQ property.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditCheckClass.CreateControl, EditColorClass.CreateControl,

EditEntryClass.CreateControl, EditFileClass.CreateControl,
EditDropListClass.CreateControl, EditMultiSelectClass.CreateControl
346 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the EditClass object)

Init( column, listbox, editedfield ), VIRTUAL

Init Initializes the EditClass object.

column An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the edited column number of the listbox.
listbox An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the control number of the edited LIST
control--typically a BrowseClass object's LIST.
editedfield The fully qualifiedlabel of the edited field--typically a field
in the BrowseClass object's QUEUE.
The Init method initializes the EditClass object.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the Init method. The Init method
creates the edit-in-place control, loads it with the selected list item's data,
and alerts the appropriate edit-in-place navigation keys.

Example:
MyEditClass.Init(1,?MyList,StateQ:StateCode) !initialize EditClass object
!program code
MyEditClass.Kill !shut down EditClass object

See Also: BrowseClass.AskRecord

EditClass 347

Kill (shut down the EditClass object)

Kill, VIRTUAL
The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and performs any other
required termination code. The Kill method must leave the object in an Initable state.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the Kill method. The Kill method
destroys the edit-in-place control created by the Init method.

Example:
MyEditClass.Init(1,?MyList,StateQ:StateCode) !initialize EditClass object
!program code
MyEditClass.Kill !shut down EditClass object

See Also: BrowseClass.AskRecord

SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the edit control)

SetAlerts, VIRTUAL
The SetAlerts method method alerts appropriate keystrokes for the edit-in-place control.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method to create the input control
and set the FEQ property. The Init method then calls the SetAlerts method to
alert standard edit-in-place keystrokes for the edit control. Alerted keys are:
TabKey !next field
ShiftTab !previous field
EnterKey !complete and save
EscKey !complete and cancel
DownKey !complete and save, then edit next row
UpKey !complete and save, then edit prior row
Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: Init

348 ABC Library Reference

SetReadOnly (set edit control to read-only)

SetReadOnly( state ), VIRTUAL

SetReadOnly The SetReadOnly method places the edit-in-place control in

a read-only state.
state An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
indicates whether to disable a droplist control's dropdown
button. A value of one (1 or True) disables the button. A
value of zero (0 or False) has no effect on the control.
Implementation: The SetReadOnly method uses PROP:ReadOnly to place the edit-in-place
conrol in a read-only state. After the parent call in the Init method of the
EditInPlace object is the recommended place to call SetReadonly.

Example:
EditInPlace::CUS:Number.SetReadOnly()

See Also: ReadOnly, EditDropListClass.SetReadOnly

TakeAccepted (validate EIP field)

TakeAccepted (Action), VIRTUAL

The TakeAccepted method processes the accepted EIP field value and returns a value
indicating whether to continue editing or to complete the field. If the EIPManager Class attribute
SELF.REQ is TRUE, the field will be required, and the row can not be accepted if the field is
blank. If the TakeAccepted method returns the EditAction:Cancel equate, the EIP wil remain on
the current field.

Return Data Type: BYTE

See Also: EIPManager.TakeAcceptAll

EditClass 349

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the event number (see EVENT in the
Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method process an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place control
and returns a value indicating the user requested action. The
BrowseClass.AskRecord method carries out the user requested action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared

in ABBROWSE.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

350 ABC Library Reference

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward
!handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward
!handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next
!handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous
!handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete
!handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel
!handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END

See Also: BrowseClass.AskRecord

EditSpinClass 351

EditSpinClass
EditSpinClass--Overview
The EditSpinClass is an EditClass that supports a SPIN control. The EditSpinClass lets you
implement a dynamic edit-in-place SPIN control for a column in a LIST.

EditSpinClass Concepts
The EditSpinClass creates a SPIN control, accepts input from the end user, then returns the input
to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a specific LIST
cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditSpinClass also signals the calling
procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as tabbing to a new column,
cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or row). The EditSpinClass
provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control of significant edit-in-place events.

EditSpinClass -- Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditSpinClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseEIPManagerClass

The EditClass is managed by the BrowseEIPManagerClass. The BrowseEIPManagerClass

depends on the EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the
EditClass may be called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditSpinClass--ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditSpinClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditSpinClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information. EditSpinClass Source Files

The EditSpinClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditSpinClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditSpinClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditSpinClass method definitions
352 ABC Library Reference

EditSpinClass--Conceptual Example
The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditSpinClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of actions and associated attributes (priority and completed), then edits the "Priority" items
with an EditSpinClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the "registered"
EditSpinClass object's methods as needed.

Note: The EditSpinClass requires values for PROP:RangeLow, PROP:RangeHigh, and

PROP:Step to function correctly. The EditSpinClass.Init method is the proper
place to set these properties. See SPIN in the Language Reference for more
information.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABEIP.CLW'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.CLW'),ONCE
MAP
END
Actions FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(ACT),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
KeyAction KEY(ACT:Action),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
Action STRING(20)
Priority DECIMAL(2)
Completed DECIMAL(1)
END
END
ViewActions VIEW(Actions)
END
ActQ QUEUE
ACT:Action LIKE(ACT:Action)
ACT:Priority LIKE(ACT:Priority)
ACT:Completed LIKE(ACT:Completed)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

ActionWindow WINDOW('Actions File'),AT(,,164,144),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY|

LIST,AT(8,6,148,115),USE(?List),IMM,HVSCROLL,FORMAT('80L(2)|~Action~'&|
'@S20@31C|~Priority~@N2@40L(2)|~Done~L(0)@N1@'),FROM(ActQ)
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(10,126,45,14),USE(?Insert:2)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(59,126,45,14),USE(?Change:2),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(108,126,45,14),USE(?Delete:2)
END
EditSpinClass 353

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
END
BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
Q &ActQ
END

Edit:ACT:Priority CLASS(EditSpinClass) ! Edit-in-place class for field ACT:Priority

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),DERIVED
END
CODE
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue =PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?List
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
CLEAR(GlobalRequest)
CLEAR(GlobalResponse)
Relate:Actions.Open
FilesOpened = True
BRW1.Init(?List,ActQ.ViewActions,BRW1::ViewActions,ActQ,Relate:Actions,SELF)
OPEN(ActionWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= ActQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(ACT:KeyAction)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Action,BRW1.Q.ACT:Action)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Priority,BRW1.Q.ACT:Priority)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Completed,BRW1.Q.ACT:Completed)
BRW1.AddEditControl(EditInPlace::ACT:Priority,2) !Add cutom edit-inplace class
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert:2
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change:2
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete:2
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue =PARENT.Kill()
354 ABC Library Reference

IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.

IF FilesOpened
Relate:Actions.Close
END
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:ACT:Priority.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*?

UseVar)
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.FEQ{PROP:RANGE,1} = 1 !Set the Low Range for the Spinbox
SELF.FEQ{PROP:RANGE,2} = 10 !Set the High Range for the Spinbox
SELF.FEQ{PROP:Step} = 1 !Set the incremental steps of the Spinbox
EditSpinClass 355

EditSpinClass Properties
EditSpinClass Properties
The EditSpinClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.
356 ABC Library Reference

EditSpinClass Methods
EditSpinClass Methods
The EditSpinClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

EditSpinClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditSpinClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditSpinClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditSpinClass object
KillVI shut down the EditSpinClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the SPIN control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the SPIN control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the SPIN control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditSpinClass object

CreateContol create the SPIN control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the SPIN control
TakeEventI handle events for the SPIN control
KillI shut down the EditSpinClass object
EditSpinClass 357

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place SPIN control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place SPIN control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method sets
the value of the FEQ property. Use the Init method or the CreateControl method
to set any required properties of the SPIN control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

358 ABC Library Reference
EditCheckClass 359

EditCheckClass
EditCheckClass Overview
The EditCheckClass is an EditClass that supports a CHECK control. The EditCheckClass lets
you implement a dynamic edit-in-place CHECK control for a column in a LIST.

EditCheckClass Concepts
The EditCheckClass creates a CHECK control, accepts input from the end user, then returns the
input to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a specific
LIST cell—a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditCheckClass also signals the
calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as tabbing to a new
column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or row). The
EditCheckClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control of significant edit-in-
place events.

EditCheckClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditCheckClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditCheckClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditCheckClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditCheckClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates—BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.

EditCheckClass Source Files

The EditCheckClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EditCheckClass source code and their respective components are contained in:
360 ABC Library Reference

ABEIP.INC EditCheckClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditCheckClass method definitions
EditCheckClass 361

EditCheckClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditCheckClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads
a LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits the
"Hide" items with an EditCheckClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the
"registered" EditCheckClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END
Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden) !edit this LIST field with a CHECK control
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
362 ABC Library Reference

BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

Edit:PR:Hide CLASS(EditCheckClass) !declare Edit:PR:Color-EIP CHECK control

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END

GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO

CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
EditCheckClass 363

OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Hide,4) !Use Edit:PR:Hide to edit BRW1 column 4
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:Hide.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text}='Hide ' !set EIP check box text
SELF.Feq{PROP:Value,1}='Y' !set EIP check box true value
SELF.Feq{PROP:Value,2}='N' !set EIP check box false value

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
364 ABC Library Reference

EditCheckClass Properties
The EditCheckClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.
EditCheckClass 365

EditCheckClass Methods
The EditCheckClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

In addition to (or instead of) the inherited methods, the EditCheckClass contains the following
methods:

EditCheckClass Functional Organization—Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditCheckClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use—the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditCheckClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditCheckClass object
KillVI shut down the EditCheckClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the CHECK control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the CHECK control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the CHECK control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly—the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditCheckClass object

CreateContol create the CHECK control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the CHECK control
TakeEventI handle events for the CHECK control
Kill shut down the EditCheckClass object
366 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place CHECK control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place CHECK control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
sets the value of the FEQ property. Use the Init method or the CreateControl
method to set any required properties of the CHECK control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

EditColorClass 367

EditColorClass
EditColorClassOverview
The EditColorClass is an EditClass that supports the Windows Color dialog by way of a dynamic
edit-in-place COMBO control.

EditColorClass Concepts
The EditColorClass creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button that invokes the Windows
Color dialog. The EditColorClass accepts a color selection from the end user, then returns the
selection to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a
specific LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE.

The EditColorClass also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events
occur, such as tabbing to a new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a
new record or row). The EditColorClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take
control of significant edit-in-place events.

EditColorClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditColorClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditColorClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditColorClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditColorClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.
368 ABC Library Reference

EditColorClass Source Files

The EditColorClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditColorClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditColorClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditColorClass method definitions
ABEIP.TRN EditColorClass translation strings
EditColorClass 369

EditColorClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditColorClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits the
"Color" items with an EditColorClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the
"registered" EditColorClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color) !edit this LIST field with the color dialog
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END
370 ABC Library Reference

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

Edit:PR:Color CLASS(EditColorClass) !declare Edit:PR:Color-EIP color dialog

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill
EditColorClass 371

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Color,2) !Use Edit:PR:Color to edit BRW1 column 2
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:Color.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Title='Select field color' !set EIP color dialog title

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)
372 ABC Library Reference

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
EditColorClass 373

EditColorClass Properties
EditColorClass Properties
The EditColorClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the EditColorClass contains the following properties:

Title (color dialog title text)

Title CSTRING(256)
The Title property contains a string that sets the title bar text in the Windows color dialog.

Implementation: The EditColorClass (TakeEvent method) uses the Title property as the title
parameter to the COLORDIALOG procedure. See COLORDIALOG in the
Language Reference for more information.

See Also: TakeEvent

374 ABC Library Reference

EditColorClass Methods
EditColorClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EditColorClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditColorClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditColorClass object
KillVI shut down the EditColorClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventV handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditColorClass object

CreateContol create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the edit control
TakeEvent handle events for the edit control
KillI shut down the EditColorClass object
EditColorClass 375

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button and sets the value of the
FEQ property.

Use the Init method or the CreateControl method to set any required
properties of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

376 ABC Library Reference

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditColorClass)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditColorClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the event number (see EVENT in the
Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditColorClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place control.
On EVENT:DroppingDown, TakeEvent invokes the Windows color dialog and
stores the color selection in the edited field specified by the Init method. Finally,
TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested action. The
BrowseClass.AskRecord method carries out the user requested action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared

in ABBROWSE.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward !handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward !handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next !handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous !handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete !handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel !handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END
See Also: Init, BrowseClass.AskRecord
EditDropComboClass 377

EditDropComboClass
EditDropComboClass Overview
The EditDropComboClass is an EditClass that supports a dynamic edit-in-place COMBO control
for a column in a LIST.

EditDropComboClass Concepts
The EditDropComboClass creates a COMBO control, accepts input from the end user, then
returns the input to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with
a specific LIST cell—a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditDropComboClass
also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as
tabbing to a new column, canceling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or
row). The EditDropComboClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control of
significant edit-in-place events.

Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditDropComboClass is derived from the EditDropListClass which in turn is derived from the
EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and framework for its derived classes. These
derived classes each provide a different type of input control or input user interface. You can
control the values returned by these derived EditClass objects by using their virtual methods. See
the Conceptual Example.

BrowseEIPManagerClass

The EditClass is managed by the BrowseEIPManagerClass. The BrowseEIPManagerClass

depends on the EditClass operating according to its documented specifications; however, the
EditClass may be called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditDropComboClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditDropComboClass object called EditInPlace:fieldname and register the
object with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered
EditDropComboClass object's methods as needed. See Control Templates—
BrowseUpdateButtons for more information.
378 ABC Library Reference

EditDropComboClass Source Files

The EditDropComboClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EditDropComboClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditDropComboClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditDropComboClass method definitions
EditDropComboClass 379

EditDropComboClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditDropComboClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-
loads a LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits
the "ControlType" items with an EditDropComboClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object
calls the "registered" EditDropComboClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType) !edit this field with a COMBO control
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
380 ABC Library Reference

BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END
!declare Edit:PR:ControlType-EIP COMBO
Edit:PR:ControlType CLASS(EditDropComboClass)
Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects—
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END

GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
EditDropComboClass 381

BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
!Use Edit:PR:ControlType to edit BRW1 col 3
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:ControlType,3)
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:ControlType.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED

ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Feq{PROP:From}='ENTRY|SPIN|TEXT|STRING'!set ControlType droplist
choices

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)
Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager
CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)
Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager
CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
382 ABC Library Reference

EditDropComboClass Properties
The EditDropComboClass inherits all of the properties of the EditDropListClass and EditClass
from which is derived. See EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.
EditDropComboClass 383

EditDropComboClass Methods
The EditDropComboClass inherits all the methods of the EditDropListClass and EditClass from
which it is derived. See EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts for more information.

EditDropComboClass Functional Organization

Non-Virtual Methods

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the LIST control

V This method is also virtual.

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call this method directly—the Non-Virtual methods call it. However, we
anticipate you will often want to override this method, and because it is virtual, it is very easy to
override. This method does provide reasonable default behavior in case you do not want to
override it.

CreateContol create the LIST control

384 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place COMBO control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED
The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
sets the value of the FEQ property. Use the Init method or the CreateControl
method to set any required properties of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

EditDropListClass 385

EditDropListClass
EditDropListClass Overview
The EditDropListClass is an EditClass that supports a DROPLIST control. The EditDropListClass
lets you implement a dynamic edit-in-place DROPLIST control for a column in a LIST.

EditDropListClass Concepts
The EditDropListClass creates a DROPLIST control, accepts input from the end user, then
returns the input to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with
a specific LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditDropListClass also
signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as tabbing to a
new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or row). The
EditDropListClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control of significant edit-
in-place events.

EditDropListClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditDropListClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditDropListClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditDropListClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the
object with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered
EditDropListClass object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons
for more information.

EditDropListClass Source Files

The EditDropListClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EditDropListClass source code and their respective components are contained in:
386 ABC Library Reference

ABEIP.INC EditDropListClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditDropListClass method definitions
EditDropListClass 387

EditDropListClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditDropListClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-
loads a LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits
the "ControlType" items with an EditDropListClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls
the "registered" EditDropListClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END
Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END
PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType) !edit this field with a DROPLIST control
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END
388 ABC Library Reference

!declare Edit:PR:ControlType-EIP DROPLIST

Edit:PR:ControlType CLASS(EditDropListClass)
Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
EditDropListClass 389

BRW1.Q &= PropQ

BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
!Use Edit:PR:ControlType to edit BRW1 col 3
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:ControlType,3)
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:ControlType.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Feq{PROP:From}='ENTRY|SPIN|TEXT|STRING'!set ControlType droplist choices

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
390 ABC Library Reference

EditDropListClass Properties
EditDropListClass Properties
The EditDropListClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.
EditDropListClass 391

EditDropListClass Methods
EditDropListClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EditDropListClass it is useful to organize its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditDropListClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The non-virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditDropListClass object
KillVI shut down the EditDropListClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the LIST control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the LIST control
SetAlertsV alert keystrokes for the LIST control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditDropListClass object

CreateContol create the LIST control
SetAlerts alert keystrokes for the LIST control
TakeEventI handle events for the LIST control
KillI shut down the EditDropListClass object
392 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place DROPLIST control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place DROPLIST control and sets the FEQ
property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
sets the value of the FEQ property. Use the Init method or the CreateControl
method to set any required properties of the DROPLIST control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

EditDropListClass 393

SetAlerts (alert keystrokes for the edit control:EditDropListClass)

SetAlerts, VIRTUAL
The SetAlerts method alerts appropriate keystrokes for the edit-in-place DROPLIST control.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method to create the input control
and set the FEQ property. The Init method then calls the SetAlerts method to
alert appropriate edit-in-place keystrokes for the edit control. Alerted keys
are:
TabKey !next field
ShiftTab !previous field
EnterKey !complete and save
EscKey !complete and cancel

Tip: Arrowup and Arrowdown keys are not alerted for a DROPLIST control because
these keys are used to navigate within the DROPLISt.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: Init

394 ABC Library Reference

SetReadOnly (set edit control to read-only:EditDropClass)

SetReadOnly( state ), VIRTUAL

SetReadOnly The SetReadOnly method places the edit-in-place

control in a read-only state.
state An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that indicates whether to disable the droplist control's
dropdown button. A value of one (1 or True) disables the
button. A value of zero (0 or False) has no effect on the
control.
Implementation: The SetReadOnly method uses PROP:ReadOnly to place the edit-in-place
conrol in a read-only state. After the parent call in the Init method of the
EditInPlace object is the recommended place to call SetReadonly.

Example: EditInPlace::CUS:Number.SetReadOnly()

See Also: ReadOnly

EditDropListClass 395

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditDropList Class)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditDropListClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the event number (see EVENT in the
Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditDropListClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The TakeEvent method is called by the WindowManager.TakeEvent method.

The TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place
control. TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared

in ABEIP.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
WindowManager.TakeEvent PROCEDURE
CODE
! Event handling code
LOOP i=1 TO RECORDS(SELF.FileDrops)
GET(SELF.FileDrops,i)
ASSERT(~ERRORCODE())
SELF.FileDrops.FileDrop.TakeEvent
END

See Also: Init

396 ABC Library Reference
EditEntryClass 397

EditEntryClass
EditEntryClass Overview
The EditEntryClass is an EditClass that supports an ENTRY control. The EditEntryClass lets you
implement a dynamic edit-in-place ENTRY control for a column in a LIST.

EditEntryClass Concepts
The EditEntryClass creates an ENTRY control, accepts input from the end user, then returns the
input to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a specific
LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE. The EditEntryClass also signals the
calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events occur, such as tabbing to a new
column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a new record or row). The
EditEntryClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control of significant edit-in-
place events.

EditEntryClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditEntryClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

Tip: The BrowseClass instantiates the EditEntryClass as the default edit-in-place object
whenever edit-in-place is requested (when BrowseClass.AskProcedure is zero).
398 ABC Library Reference

EditEntryClass ABC Template Implementation

When you check the Use EditInPlace box and you do not set column-specific configuration, the
BrowseUpdateButtons control template relies on the default BrowseBox edit-in-place behavior--
which is the default BrowseClass edit-in-place implementation--which instantiates an
EditEntryClass object for each BrowseBox column.

You can also use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to
explicitly instantiate an EditEntryClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditEntryClass
object's methods as needed. By explicitly requesting an EditEntryClass object, you gain access to
EditEntryClass method embed points. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.

EditEntryClass Source Files

The EditEntryClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditEntryClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditEntryClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditEntryClass method definitions

EditEntryClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditEntryClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits the
items with an EditEntryClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the EditEntryClass
object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM
_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
EditEntryClass 399

IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

Edit:PR:Name CLASS(EditEntryClass) !declare Edit:PR:Name-EIP ENTRY control

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass

Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
400 ABC Library Reference

Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END

GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName) !edit with Edit:PR:Name
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color) !default EditEntryClass
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)!edit with default EditEntryClass
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden) !edit with default EditEntryClass
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile) !edit with default EditEntryClass
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Name,1) !Use Edit:PR:Name for BRW1 col 1
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue
EditEntryClass 401

Edit:PR:Name.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Feq{PROP:CAP}=True !force EIP mixed case input

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
402 ABC Library Reference

EditEntryClass Properties
EditEntryClass Properties
The EditEntryClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.
EditEntryClass 403

EditEntryClass Methods
EditEntryClass Methods
The EditEntryClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

EditEntryClass Functional Organization--Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditEntryClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditEntryClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditEntryClass object
KillVI shut down the EditEntryClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the ENTRY control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the ENTRY control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the ENTRY control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditEntryClass object

CreateContol create the ENTRY control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the ENTRY control
TakeEventI handle events for the ENTRY control
KillI shut down the EditEntryClass object
404 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place ENTRY control)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place ENTRY control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
sets the value of the FEQ property. Use the Init method or the CreateControl
method to set any required properties of the ENTRY control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

EditFileClass 405

EditFileClass
EditFileClass Overview
The EditFileClass is an EditClass that supports the Windows File dialog by way of a dynamic edit-
in-place COMBO control.

EditFileClass Concepts
The EditFileClass creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button that invokes the Windows File
dialog. The EditFileClass accepts a pathname selection from the end user, then returns the
selection to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a
specific LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE.

The EditFileClass also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events
occur, such as tabbing to a new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a
new record or row). The EditFileClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take control
of significant edit-in-place events.

EditFileClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditFileClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditFileClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditFileClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditFileClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.
406 ABC Library Reference

EditFileClass Source Files

The EditFileClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditFileClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditFileClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditFileClass method definitions
EditFileClass 407

EditFileClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditFileClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, icon, etc.), then edits the
"IconFile" items with an EditFileClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the
"registered" EditFileClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare Edit-in-place classes

MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
ControlType STRING(12)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile) !edit this LIST field with the file dialog
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END
408 ABC Library Reference

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Field Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

Edit:PR:IconFile CLASS(EditFileClass) !declare Edit:PR:IconFile-EIP file dialog

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1, the BrowseClass object

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects--
END ! i.e. calls Init, TakeEvent, Kill

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
EditFileClass 409

ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:IconFile,5) !Use Edit:PR:IconFile to edit BRW1 col 5
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:IconFile.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*?

UseVar)
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Title='Select icon file' !set EIP file dialog title
SELF.FilePattern='Icon files *.ico|*.ico' !set EIP file dialog file masks
SELF.FileMask=FILE:KeepDir+FILE:LongName !set EIP file dialog behavior flag
410 ABC Library Reference

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize FileManager

CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE !initialize RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE !shut down RelationManager

CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
EditFileClass 411

EditFileClass Properties
EditFileClass Properties
The EditFileClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.

FileMask (file dialog behavior)

FileMask BYTE
The FileMask property is a bitmap that indicates the type of file action the Windows file dialog
performs (select, multi-select, save directory, lock directory, suppress errors).

Implementation: The EditFileClass (TakeEvent method) uses the FileMask property as the
flag parameter to the FILEDIALOG procedure. See FILEDIALOG in the
Language Reference for more information.

See Also: TakeEvent

FilePattern (file dialog filter)

FilePattern CSTRING(1024)
The FilePattern property contains a text string that defines both the file masks and the file mask
descriptions that appear in the file dialog's List Files of Type drop-down list. The first mask is the
default selection in the file dialog.

The FilePattern property should contain one or more descriptions followed by their corresponding
file masks in the form description|masks|description|masks. All elements in the string must be
delimited by the vertical bar (|). For example, 'all files *.*|*.*|Clarion source
*.clw;*.inc|*.clw;*.inc' defines two selections for the File dialog's List Files of Type drop-
down list. See the extensions parameter to the FILEDIALOG function in the Language Reference
for more information.
412 ABC Library Reference

Title (file dialog title text)

Title CSTRING(256)
The Title property contains a string that sets the title bar text in the Windows file dialog.

Implementation: The EditFileClass (TakeEvent method) uses the Title property as the title
parameter to the FILEDIALOG procedure. See FILEDIALOG in the
Language Reference for more information.

See Also: TakeEvent

EditFileClass 413

EditFileClass Methods
EditFileClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EditFileClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditFileClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditFileClass object
KillVI shut down the EditFileClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditFileClass object

CreateContol create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the edit control
TakeEventI handle events for the edit control
KillI shut down the EditFileClass object
414 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditFileClass)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button and sets the value of the
FEQ property.

Use the Init method or the CreateControl method to set any required
properties of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

EditFileClass 415

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditFileClass)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditFileClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the event number (see EVENT in the
Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditFileClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place
control. On EVENT:DroppingDown, TakeEvent invokes the Windows file
dialog and stores the pathname selection in the edited field specified by the
Init method. Finally, TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested
action. The BrowseClass.AskRecord method carries out the user requested
action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared

in ABBROWSE.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

416 ABC Library Reference

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward !handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward !handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next !handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous !handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete !handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel !handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END

See Also: Init, BrowseClass.AskRecord

EditFontClass 417

EditFontClass
EditFontClass Overview
The EditFontClass is an EditClass that supports the Windows Font dialog by way of a dynamic
edit-in-place COMBO control.

EditFontClass Concepts
The EditFontClass creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button that invokes the Windows
Font dialog. The EditFontClass accepts a font specification from the end user, then returns the
specification to the variable specified by the Init method, typically the variable associated with a
specific LIST cell--a field in the LIST control's data source QUEUE.

The EditFontClass also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events
occur, such as tabbing to a new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a
new record or row). The EditFontClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take
control of significant edit-in-place events.

EditFontClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass

The EditFontClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.

EditFontClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditFontClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditFontClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.
418 ABC Library Reference

EditFontClass Source Files

The EditFontClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditFontClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditFontClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditFontClass method definitions
EditFontClass 419

EditFontClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditFontClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-loads a
LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, font, icon, etc.), then edits the
"Font" items with an EditFontClass object. Note that the BrowseClass object calls the "registered"
EditFontClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC') !declare EditInPlace classes

MAP END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
Font STRING(40)
ControlType STRING(12)
ApplyTo CSTRING(500)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:Font LIKE(PR:Font)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
PR:ApplyTo LIKE(PR:ApplyTo)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BRW1--a BrowseClass object

420 ABC Library Reference

Q &PropQ ! that drives the EditClass objects

END

Edit:PR:Font CLASS(EditFontClass) !declare Edit:PR:Font-EIP font dialog

Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
TakeEvent PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED Event),BYTE,VIRTUAL
TypeFace CSTRING(30) !declare font typeface property
FontSize LONG !declare font size property
FontStyle LONG !declare font style property
FontColor LONG !declare font color property
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Font~@s40@60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@' &|
'120L(2)|_M~Apply To~L(0)@s25@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END

GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill
EditFontClass 421

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
?PropList{PROP:LineHeight}=12 !enlarge rows to accomodate EIP icons
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Font,BRW1.Q.PR:Font)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ApplyTo,BRW1.Q.PR:ApplyTo)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:Font,3) !Use Edit:PR:Font to edit BRW1 col 3
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:Font.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

Comma BYTE(1)
SaveFont CSTRING(100) !indexable hold area for font spec
i USHORT
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SaveFont=SELF.UseVar !comma separated font attributes
IF SaveFont ! e.g. Arial,14,255,400
LOOP WHILE Comma !parse/separate the font attributes
422 ABC Library Reference

Comma = INSTRING(',',SaveFont,1,1)
i+=1
IF Comma
EXECUTE i
SELF.TypeFace = SaveFont[1 : Comma-1] !get Typeface
SELF.FontSize = SaveFont[1 : Comma-1] !get FontSize
BEGIN
SELF.FontColor = SaveFont[1 : Comma-1] !get FontColor & Style
SELF.FontStyle = SaveFont[Comma+1 : LEN(SaveFont)]
END
END
SaveFont=SaveFont[Comma+1 : LEN(SaveFont)]
END
END
END

Edit:PR:Font.TakeEvent PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED Event)

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
CASE Event
OF EVENT:DroppingDown !call Font dialog & store result
! in comma separated string
IF FONTDIALOG(SELF.Title,SELF.TypeFace,SELF.FontSize,SELF.FontColor,SELF.FontStyle)
SELF.UseVar = SELF.TypeFace&','&SELF.FontSize&','&SELF.FontColor&','&SELF.FontStyle
DISPLAY(SELF.Feq)
END
RETURN EditAction:Ignore !no I/O action on DroppingDown
ELSE !otherwise, default I/O action:
RETURN PARENT.TakeEvent(Event) ! save, cancel, next field, etc.
END

Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)

Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE
CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
EditFontClass 423

EditFontClass Properties
EditFontClass Properties
The EditFontClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the EditFontClass contains the following properties:

Title (font dialog title text)

Title CSTRING(256)
The Title property contains a string that sets the title bar text in the Windows font dialog.

Implementation: The EditFontClass (TakeEvent method) uses the Title property as the title
parameter to the FONTDIALOG procedure. See FONTDIALOG in the
Language Reference for more information.

See Also: TakeEvent

424 ABC Library Reference

EditFontClass Methods
EditFontClass Methods
The EditFontClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

EditFontClass Functional Organization--Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditFontClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditFontClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditFontClass object
KillVI shut down the EditFontClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventV handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditFontClass object

CreateContol create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the edit control
TakeEvent handle events for the edit control
KillI shut down the EditFontClass object
EditFontClass 425

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditFontClass)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button and sets the value of the
FEQ property.

Use the Init method or the CreateControl method to set any required
properties of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

426 ABC Library Reference

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditFontClass)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditFontClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that contains the
event number (see EVENT in the Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditFontClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place
control. On EVENT:DroppingDown, TakeEvent invokes the Windows font
dialog and stores the font specification in the edited field specified by the Init
method. Finally, TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested
action. The BrowseClass.AskRecord method carries out the user requested
action.
Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared in ABEIP.INC as
follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward !handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward !handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next !handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous !handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete !handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel !handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END
See Also: Init, BrowseClass.AskRecord
EditMultiSelectClass 427

EditMultiSelectClass
EditMultiSelectClass Overview
The EditMultiSelectClass is an EditClass that supports a MultiSelect dialog by way of a dynamic
edit-in-place COMBO control.

EditMultiSelectClass Concepts
The EditMultiSelectClass creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button that invokes the
MultiSelect dialog. The MultiSelect dialog is an interface for selecting and ordering items from a
list.

The EditMultiSelectClass provides an AddValue method so you can prime the dialog's Available
Items and Selected Items lists.

The EditMultiSelectClass accepts input (selection actions) from the end user, then signals the
calling procedure when selection actions occur. The EditMultiSelectClass provides a virtual
TakeAction method to let you take control of the end user input.

The EditMultiSelectClass also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place
events occur, such as tabbing to a new column, canceling the edit, or completing the edit (moving
to a new record or row). The EditMultiSelectClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you
take control of significant edit-in-place events.

EditMultiSelectClass Relationship to Other Application Builder

Classes
EditClass

The EditMultiSelectClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation
and framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of
input control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived
EditClass objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseClass

The EditClass is loosely integrated into the BrowseClass. The BrowseClass depends on the
EditClass operating according to it's documented specifications; however, the EditClass may be
called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.
428 ABC Library Reference

EditMultiSelectClass ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditMultiSelectClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the
object with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered
EditMultiSelectClass object's methods as needed. See Control Templates--
BrowseUpdateButtons for more information.

EditMultiSelectClass Source Files

The EditMultiSelectClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EditMultiSelectClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditMultiSelectClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditMultiSelectClass method definitions
EditMultiSelectClass 429

EditMultiSelectClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize, use, and
terminate an EditMultiSelectClass object and a related BrowseClass object. The example page-
loads a LIST of fieldnames and associated control attributes (such as color, font, when-to-apply,
etc.), then edits the "when-to-apply" items with an EditMultiSelectClass object. Note that the
BrowseClass object calls the "registered" EditMultiSelectClass object's methods as needed.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC')
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC')
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC')

MAP
END

Property FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(PR),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
NameKey KEY(PR:FieldName),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
FieldName STRING(30)
Color STRING(20)
Hidden STRING(1)
IconFile STRING(30)
Font STRING(40)
ControlType STRING(12)
ApplyTo CSTRING(500)
END
END

PropView VIEW(Property)
END

PropQ QUEUE
PR:FieldName LIKE(PR:FieldName)
PR:Color LIKE(PR:Color)
PR:Font LIKE(PR:Font)
PR:ControlType LIKE(PR:ControlType)
PR:Hidden LIKE(PR:Hidden)
PR:IconFile LIKE(PR:IconFile)
PR:ApplyTo LIKE(PR:ApplyTo)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END
430 ABC Library Reference

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
Q &PropQ
END
!declare Edit:PR:ApplyTo-EIP multi dialog
Edit:PR:ApplyTo CLASS(EditMultiSelectClass)
Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar),VIRTUAL
TakeAction PROCEDURE(BYTE Action,<STRING Item>,LONG Pos1=0,LONG Pos2=0),VIRTUAL
END

PropWindow WINDOW('Browse Properties'),AT(,,318,137),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

LIST,AT(8,4,303,113),USE(?PropList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(PropQ),|
FORMAT( '50L(2)|_M~Field Name~@s30@[70L(2)|_M~Color~@s20@' &|
'60L(2)|_M~Font~@s40@60L(2)|_M~Control Type~@s12@' &|
'20L(2)|_M~Hide~L(0)@s1@/130L(2)|_M~Icon File~@s30@' &|
'120L(2)|_M~Apply To~L(0)@s25@]|M')
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(169,121),USE(?Insert)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(218,121),USE(?Change),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(267,121),USE(?Delete)
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass
Access:Property CLASS(FileManager)
Init PROCEDURE
END

Relate:Property CLASS(RelationManager)
Init PROCEDURE
Kill PROCEDURE,VIRTUAL
END

GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
GlobalResponse BYTE(0),THREAD
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Property.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Property.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill
EditMultiSelectClass 431

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init()
SELF.FirstField = ?PropList
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
Relate:Property.Open
BRW1.Init(?PropList,PropQ.ViewPosition,PropView,PropQ,Relate:Property,SELF)
OPEN(PropWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
?PropList{PROP:LineHeight}=12 !enlarge rows to accomodate EIP icons
BRW1.Q &= PropQ
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,PR:NameKey)
BRW1.AddField(PR:FieldName,BRW1.Q.PR:FieldName)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Color,BRW1.Q.PR:Color)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Font,BRW1.Q.PR:Font)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ControlType,BRW1.Q.PR:ControlType)
BRW1.AddField(PR:Hidden,BRW1.Q.PR:Hidden)
BRW1.AddField(PR:IconFile,BRW1.Q.PR:IconFile)
BRW1.AddField(PR:ApplyTo,BRW1.Q.PR:ApplyTo)
BRW1.AddEditControl(Edit:PR:ApplyTo,7) !use Edit:PR:ApplyTo to edit BRW1 col 7
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE()
ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill()
Relate:Property.Close
RETURN ReturnValue

Edit:PR:ApplyTo.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)

CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Reset
SELF.AddValue('Browse',INSTRING('Browse',SELF.UseVar,1,1))!set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Form',INSTRING('Form',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Report',INSTRING('Report',SELF.UseVar,1,1))!set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Window',INSTRING('Window',SELF.UseVar,1,1))!set multi-select choice
432 ABC Library Reference

Edit:PR:ApplyTo.TakeAction PROCEDURE(BYTE Action,<STRING Item>,LONG Pos1=0,LONG Pos2=0)

HoldIt CSTRING(1024) !indexable string of end user choices
Pos USHORT !index to parse end user selections
Comma USHORT !index to parse end user selections
ItemQ QUEUE !Q to reorder end user selections
Item CSTRING(100)
Ord BYTE
END
CODE
PARENT.TakeAction(Action,Item,Pos1,Pos2)
HoldIt=SELF.UseVar
CASE Action
OF MSAction:Add !end user selected an Item
IF HoldIt
HoldIt=HoldIt&','&Item
ELSE
HoldIt=Item
END
OF MSAction:Delete !end user deselected an Item
Pos=INSTRING(Item,HoldIt,1,1)
CASE Pos
OF 0
MESSAGE(Item&' not found!')
OF 1 !first item
HoldIt=HoldIt[Pos+LEN(Item)+1 : LEN(HoldIt)] !deselect first item
ELSE
IF Pos+LEN(Item) > LEN(HoldIt) !last item
HoldIt=HoldIt[1 : Pos-2] !deselect last item
ELSE !deselect any other item
HoldIt=HoldIt[1 : Pos-1] & HoldIt[Pos+LEN(Item)+1 : LEN(HoldIt)]
END
END
OF MSAction:Move !Selected Item moved up or down
FREE(ItemQ) ! Pos1=Item's "old" position
CLEAR(ItemQ) ! Pos2=Item's "new" position
Comma=1
LOOP WHILE Comma !build Q of Selected Items
Comma = INSTRING(',',HoldIt,1,1) ! to use for repositioning
ItemQ.Ord+=1
IF Comma
ItemQ.Item = HoldIt[1 : Comma-1]
ADD(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord)
HoldIt=HoldIt[Comma+1 : LEN(HoldIt)] !comma separated list of user choices
ELSE
ItemQ.Item = HoldIt
ADD(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord)
END
END
EditMultiSelectClass 433

ItemQ.Ord=Pos2
GET(ItemQ, ItemQ.Ord) !get the "bumped" item
ItemQ.Ord=Pos1
PUT(ItemQ) !reposition the "bumped" item
ItemQ.Item=Item
GET(ItemQ, ItemQ.Item) !get the selected item
ItemQ.Ord=Pos2
PUT(ItemQ) !reposition the selected item
SORT(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord) !reorder Q of selected items
HoldIt=''
LOOP Pos = 1 TO RECORDS(ItemQ) !refill comma separated list
GET(ItemQ,Pos)
IF HoldIt
HoldIt=HoldIt&','&ItemQ.Item
ELSE
HoldIt=ItemQ.Item
END
END
OF MSAction:StartProcess !begin AddAll (>>) or DeleteAll (<<)
SETCURSOR(CURSOR:Wait)
OF MSAction:EndProcess !end AddAll (>>) or DeleteAll (<<)
SETCURSOR()
END
SELF.UseVar=HoldIt
Access:Property.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
PARENT.Init(Property,GlobalErrors)
SELF.FileNameValue = 'Property'
SELF.Buffer &= PR:Record
SELF.Create = 1
SELF.AddKey(PR:NameKey,'PR:NameKey',0)

Relate:Property.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
Access:Property.Init
PARENT.Init(Access:Property,1)
Relate:Property.Kill PROCEDURE
CODE
Access:Property.Kill
PARENT.Kill
434 ABC Library Reference

EditMultiSelectClass Properties
EditMultiSelectClass Properties
The EditMultiSelectClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the EditMultiSelectClass contains the following properties:

Title (font dialog title text:EditMultiSelectClass)

Title CSTRING(256)
The Title property contains a string that sets the title bar text in the MultiSelect dialog.
EditMultiSelectClass 435

EditMultiSelectClass Methods
EditMultiSelectClass Methods
The EditMultiSelectClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

EditMultiSelectClass Functional Organization--Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditMultiSelectClass it is useful to organize its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditMultiSelectClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitV initialize the EditMultiSelectClass object
AddValue prime the MultiSelect dialog
KillV shut down the EditMultiSelectClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeActionV handle user actions for the dialog
TakeEventV handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the edit (COMBO) control
Reset clear the MultiSelect dialog
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass
436 ABC Library Reference

Virtual Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

Init initialize the EditMultiSelectClass object

CreateContol create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the edit control
TakeAction handle user actions for the dialog
TakeEvent handle events for the edit control
Kill shut down the EditMultiSelectClass object
EditMultiSelectClass 437

AddValue (prime the MultiSelect dialog)

AddValue( item [ ,selected ] )

AddValue Primes the Available and Selected items lists in the

MultiSelect dialog.
item A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
contains the value to add to the item list.
selected An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that indicates which list to update. A value of zero (0 or
False) adds the item to the Available Items list; a value
of one (1 or True) adds the item to the Selected Items
list. If omitted, selected defaults to zero and AddValue
adds the item to the Available Items list.
The AddValue method primes the Available and Selected items lists in the MultiSelect dialog.

Example:
Edit:PR:ApplyTo.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Reset
SELF.AddValue('Browse',INSTRING('Browse',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Form',INSTRING('Form',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Report',INSTRING('Report',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Window',INSTRING('Window',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
438 ABC Library Reference

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditMultiSelectClass)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED
The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control and sets the FEQ property.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
creates a read only COMBO control with an ellipsis button and sets the value
of the FEQ property.

Use the Init method or the CreateControl method to set any required
properties of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

Reset (reset the EditMultiSelectClass object)

Reset
The Reset method resets the EditMultiSelectClass object.

Implementation: The Reset method clears the Available and Selected items lists in the
MultiSelect dialog. Use the AddValue method to refill these lists.

Example:
Edit:PR:ApplyTo.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNumber,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
PARENT.Init(FieldNumber,ListBox,UseVar)
SELF.Reset
SELF.AddValue('Browse',INSTRING('Browse',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Form',INSTRING('Form',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Report',INSTRING('Report',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice
SELF.AddValue('Window',INSTRING('Window',SELF.UseVar,1,1)) !set multi-select choice

See Also: AddValue

EditMultiSelectClass 439

TakeAction (process MultiSelect dialog action)

TakeAction( action [, item ] [ ,oldposition ] [ ,newposition ] ), VIRTUAL

TakeAction Processes a MultiSelect dialog action.

action An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the action to process. Valid actions are add
(select), delete (deselect), move, begin process, and end
process.
item A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that
contains the value of the list item affected by the action.
If omitted, the action affects no item. For example a
begin process action is not associated with a list item.
oldposition An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the ordinal position of the item (in the
Selected Items list) prior to the move action. If omitted,
oldposition defaults to zero (0), indicating a non-move
action.
newposition An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that contains the ordinal position of the item (in the
Selected Items list) after the move action. If omitted,
newposition defaults to zero (0), indicating a non-move
action.
The TakeAction method processes a MultiSelect dialog action for the EditMultiSelectClass
object. The TakeAction method is your opportunity to interpret and implement the meaning of the
end user's selection.

Tip: The TakeAction processing is immediate and occurs while the MultiSelect dialog is
open. The MultiSelect dialog does not generate an action or an event when the
dialog closes.

Implementation: The TakeEvent method (indirectly) calls the TakeAction method each time
the end user makes a new selection or moves a selection in the MultiSelect
dialog.
440 ABC Library Reference

Corresponding EQUATEs for the MultiSelect dialog action are declared in ABEIP.INC as follows:
MSAction ITEMIZE(1),PRE
Add EQUATE !add / select
Delete EQUATE !delete / deselect
Move EQUATE !reposition a selected item
StartProcess EQUATE !begin an add/delete series
EndProcess EQUATE !end an add/delete series
END

Example:
!This implementation of TakeAction converts the end user selections into
!comma separated items in a string.
Edit:PR:ApplyTo.TakeAction PROCEDURE(BYTE Action,<STRING Item>,LONG Pos1=0,LONG Pos2=0)
HoldIt CSTRING(1024) !indexable string of end user choices
Pos USHORT !index to parse end user selections
Comma USHORT !index to parse end user selections
ItemQ QUEUE !Q to reorder end user selections
Item CSTRING(100)
Ord BYTE
END
CODE
PARENT.TakeAction(Action,Item,Pos1,Pos2)
HoldIt=SELF.UseVar
CASE Action
OF MSAction:Add !end user selected an Item
HoldIt=CHOOSE(HoldIt,HoldIt&','&Item,Item)
OF MSAction:Delete !end user deselected an Item
Pos=INSTRING(Item,HoldIt,1,1)
IF Pos=1 !first item
HoldIt=HoldIt[Pos+LEN(Item)+1 : LEN(HoldIt)] !deselect first item
ELSE
IF Pos+LEN(Item) > LEN(HoldIt) !last item
HoldIt=HoldIt[1 : Pos-2] !deselect last item
ELSE !deselect any other item
HoldIt=HoldIt[1 : Pos-1] & HoldIt[Pos+LEN(Item)+1 : LEN(HoldIt)]
END
END
OF MSAction:Move !Selected Item moved up or down
FREE(ItemQ) ! Pos1=Item's "old" position
CLEAR(ItemQ) ! Pos2=Item's "new" position
Comma=1
LOOP WHILE Comma !build Q of Selected Items
Comma = INSTRING(',',HoldIt,1,1) ! to use for repositioning
ItemQ.Ord+=1
IF Comma
ItemQ.Item = HoldIt[1 : Comma-1]
EditMultiSelectClass 441

ADD(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord)
HoldIt=HoldIt[Comma+1 : LEN(HoldIt)] !comma separated list of user choices
ELSE
ItemQ.Item = HoldIt
ADD(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord)
END
END
ItemQ.Ord=Pos2
GET(ItemQ, ItemQ.Ord) !get the "bumped" item
ItemQ.Ord=Pos1
PUT(ItemQ) !reposition the "bumped" item
ItemQ.Item=Item
GET(ItemQ, ItemQ.Item) !get the selected item
ItemQ.Ord=Pos2
PUT(ItemQ) !reposition the selected item
SORT(ItemQ,ItemQ.Ord) !reorder Q of selected items
HoldIt=''

LOOP Pos = 1 TO RECORDS(ItemQ) !refill comma separated list

GET(ItemQ,Pos)
HoldIt=CHOOSE(Holdit,HoldIt&','&ItemQ.Item,ItemQ.Item)
END
OF MSAction:StartProcess !begin AddAll (>>) or DeleteAll (<<)
SETCURSOR(CURSOR:Wait)
OF MSAction:EndProcess !end AddAll (>>) or DeleteAll (<<)
SETCURSOR()
END
SELF.UseVar=HoldIt

See Also: TakeEvent

442 ABC Library Reference

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditMultiSelectClass)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditMultiSelectClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that contains the
event number (see EVENT in the Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditMultiSelectClass object and returns a
value indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next
record, previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.AskRecord method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place
control. On EVENT:DroppingDown, TakeEvent invokes the MultiSelect
dialog. Finally, TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested
action. The BrowseClass.AskRecord method carries out the user requested
action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared

in ABEIP.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward !handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward !handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next !handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous !handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete !handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel !handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END
See Also: Init, BrowseClass.AskRecord
EditTextClass 443

EditTextClass
EditTextClass: Overview
The EditTextClass is an EditClass that supports memo and large string fields by way of an edit-in-
place COMBO control.

EditTextClass Concepts

The EditTextClass creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button that invokes a text dialog.

The EditTextClass also signals the calling procedure whenever significant edit-in-place events
occur, such as tabbing to a new column, cancelling the edit, or completing the edit (moving to a
new record or row). The EditTextClass provides a virtual TakeEvent method to let you take
control of significant edit-in-place events.

EditTextClass:Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

EditClass
The EditTextClass is derived from the EditClass. The EditClass serves as the foundation and
framework for its derived classes. These derived classes each provide a different type of input
control or input user interface. You can control the values returned by these derived EditClass
objects by using their virtual methods. See the Conceptual Example.

BrowseEIPManagerClass
The EditClass is managed by the BrowseEIPManagerClass. The BrowseEIPManagerClass
depends on the EditClass operating according to its documented specifications; however, the
EditClass may be called by non-BrowseClass procedures and objects.
444 ABC Library Reference

ABC Template Implementation

You can use the BrowseUpdateButtons control template (Configure EditInPlace) to generate the
code to instantiate an EditTextClass object called EditInPlace::fieldname and register the object
with the BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object then calls the registered EditTextClass
object's methods as needed. See Control Templates—BrowseUpdateButtons for more
information.

EditTextClass Source Files

The EditTextClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The specific
EditTextClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditTextClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditTextClass method definitions
EditTextClass 445

EditTextClass Properties
The EditTextClass inherits all the properties of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Properties and EditClass Concepts for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the EditTextClass contains the following properties:

Title (text dialog title text)

Title CSTRING(256)
The Title property contains a string that sets the title bar text in the dialog containing the text
control.

Implementation: The EditTextClass (TakeEvent method) uses the Title property as the title text for
the titlebar of the dialog containing the text control.

See Also: TakeEvent

446 ABC Library Reference

EditTextClass Methods
The EditTextClass inherits all the methods of the EditClass from which it is derived. See
EditClass Methods and EditClass Concepts.

EditTextClass: Functional Organization—Expected Use

As an aid to understanding the EditTextClass it is useful to organize its methods into two large
categories according to their expected use—the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EditTextClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods
The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

InitVI initialize the EditTextClass object
KillVI shut down the EditTextClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeEventVI handle events for the edit control

Occasional Use:
CreateContolV create the edit (COMBO) control
SetAlertsVI alert keystrokes for the edit control

V These methods are also virtual.

I These methods are inherited from the EditClass

Virtual Methods
Typically you will not call these methods directly—the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they
are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do
not want to override them.

InitI initialize the EditTextClass object

CreateContol create the edit COMBO control
SetAlertsI alert keystrokes for the edit control
TakeEventI handle events for the edit control
KillI shut down the EditTextClass object
EditTextClass 447

CreateControl (create the edit-in-place control:EditTextClass)

CreateControl, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The CreateControl method creates the edit-in-place COMBO control.

Implementation: The Init method calls the CreateControl method. The CreateControl method
creates a COMBO control with an ellipsis button.

Use the Init method or the CreateControl method to set any required properties
of the COMBO control.

Example:
EditClass.Init PROCEDURE(UNSIGNED FieldNo,UNSIGNED ListBox,*? UseVar)
CODE
SELF.ListBoxFeq = ListBox
SELF.CreateControl()
ASSERT(SELF.Feq)
SELF.UseVar &= UseVar
SELF.Feq{PROP:Text} = ListBox{PROPLIST:Picture,FieldNo}
SELF.Feq{PROP:Use} = UseVar
SELF.SetAlerts

See Also: FEQ, EditClass.CreateControl

448 ABC Library Reference

TakeEvent (process edit-in-place events:EditTextClass)

TakeEvent( event ), VIRTUAL

TakeEvent Processes an event for the EditTextClass object.

event An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that contains the event
number (see EVENT in the Language Reference).
The TakeEvent method processes an event for the EditTextClass object and returns a value
indicating the user requested action. Valid actions are none, complete or OK, cancel, next record,
previous record, next field, and previous field.

Implementation: The EIPManager.TakeFieldEvent method calls the TakeEvent method. The

TakeEvent method processes an EVENT:AlertKey for the edit-in-place control.
On EVENT:DroppingDown, TakeEvent invokes a Windwo with a text control.
Finally, TakeEvent returns a value indicating the user requested action.

Corresponding EQUATEs for the possible edit-in-place actions are declared in

ABEIP.INC as follows:
EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE ! no action
Forward EQUATE ! next field
Backward EQUATE ! previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! cancel
Next EQUATE ! next record
Previous EQUATE ! previous record
Ignore EQUATE ! no action
END

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EditClassAction ROUTINE
CASE SELF.EditList.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT())
OF EditAction:Forward !handle tab forward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Backward !handle tab backward (new field, same record)
OF EditAction:Next !handle down arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Previous !handle up arrow (new record, offer to save prior record)
OF EditAction:Complete !handle OK or enter key (save record)
OF EditAction:Cancel !handle Cancel or esc key (restore record)
END

See Also: Init

EIPManagerClass 449

EIPManagerClass
EIPManagerClass--Overview
The EIPManagerClass is a WindowManager that displays an edit-in-place dialog, and handles
events for that dialog . The EIPManagerClass is an abstract class--it is not useful by itself, but
serves as the foundation and framework for the BrowseEIPManagerClass. See
BrowseEIPManagerClass.

EIPManagerClass Concepts
Each edit-in-place control is created on top of the browse from which it is called. The
EIPManager dynamically creates an edit-in-place object and control upon request (Insert,
Change, or Delete) by the end user. When the end user accepts the edited record the
EIPManager destroys the edit-in-place object and control.

EIPManagerClass--Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

WindowClass

The EIPManager class is derived from the WindowManager class.

BrowseClass

Each BrowseClass utilizing edit-in-place requires an BrowseEIPManager to manage the events

and processes that are used by each edit-in-place field in the browse.

The BrowseClass.AskRecord method is the calling method for edit-in-place functionality.

EditClasses

The EIPManager provides the basic or "under the hood" interface between the Edit classes and
the Browse class. The EIPManager uses the EditQueue to keep track of the fields in the browse
utilizing edit-in-place.
450 ABC Library Reference

EIPManagerClass--ABC Template Implementation

The Browse template declares a BrowseEIPManager when the BrowseUpdateButtons control
template enables default edit-in-place support for the BrowseBox.

See Control Templates--BrowseBox and BrowseUpdateButtons for more information.

EIPManagerClass Source Files

The EIPManagerClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EIPManagerClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABEIP.INC EditClass declarations

ABEIP.CLW EditClass method definitions
ABEIP.TRN EditClass translation strings
EIPManagerClass 451

EIPManagerClass--Conceptual Example
The following example shows a sequence of statements to declare, and instantiate an
EIPManager object. The example page-loads a LIST of actions and associated priorities, then
edits the list items via edit-in-place. Note that the BrowseClass object references the
BrowseEIPManager which is an EIPManager object, as referenced in ABBrowse.INC.
PROGRAM

_ABCDllMode_ EQUATE(0)
_ABCLinkMode_ EQUATE(1)

INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABEIP.INC'),ONCE
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC'),ONCE
MAP
END

Actions FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(ACT),CREATE,BINDABLE,THREAD
KeyAction KEY(ACT:Action),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
Action STRING(20)
Priority DECIMAL(2)
Completed DECIMAL(1)
END
END

Access:Actions &FileManager
Relate:Actions &RelationManager
GlobalErrors ErrorClass
GlobalRequest BYTE(0),THREAD
ActionsView VIEW(Actions)
END

Queue:Browse QUEUE
ACT:Action LIKE(ACT:Action)
ACT:Priority LIKE(ACT:Priority)
ViewPosition STRING(1024)
END
BrowseWindow WINDOW('Browse Records'),AT(0,0,247,140),SYSTEM,GRAY
LIST,AT(5,5,235,100),USE(?List),IMM,HVSCROLL,MSG('Browsing Records'),|
FORMAT('80L~Action~@S20@8R~Priority~L@N2@'),FROM(Queue:Browse)
BUTTON('&Insert'),AT(5,110,40,12),USE(?Insert),KEY(InsertKey)
BUTTON('&Change'),AT(50,110,40,12),USE(?Change),KEY(CtrlEnter),DEFAULT
BUTTON('&Delete'),AT(95,110,40,12),USE(?Delete),KEY(DeleteKey)
END
452 ABC Library Reference

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager)
Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,DERIVED
END

BRW1 CLASS(BrowseClass)
Q &Queue:Browse
Init PROCEDURE(SIGNED ListBox,*STRING Posit,VIEW V,QUEUE Q,RelationManager RM,WindowManager WM)
END

BRW1::EIPManager BrowseEIPManager ! EIPManager for Browse using ?List

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init
Relate:Actions.Init
GlobalResponse = ThisWindow.Run()
Relate:Actions.Kill
GlobalErrors.Kill

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
SELF.Request = GlobalRequest
ReturnValue =PARENT.Init()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
SELF.FirstField = ?List
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest
SELF.Errors &= GlobalErrors
SELF.AddItem(Toolbar)
CLEAR(GlobalRequest)
CLEAR(GlobalResponse)
Relate:Actions.Open
FilesOpened = True
BRW1.Init(?List,Queue:Browse.ViewPosition,BRW1::View:Browse,Queue:Browse,Relate:Actions,SELF)
OPEN(BrowseWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BRW1.Q &= Queue:Browse
BRW1.AddSortOrder(,ACT:KeyAction)
BRW1.AddLocator(BRW1::Sort0:Locator)
BRW1::Sort0:Locator.Init(,ACT:Action,1,BRW1)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Action,BRW1.Q.ACT:Action)
BRW1.AddField(ACT:Priority,BRW1.Q.ACT:Priority)
BRW1.ArrowAction = EIPAction:Default+EIPAction:Remain+EIPAction:RetainColumn
BRW1.InsertControl=?Insert
BRW1.ChangeControl=?Change
BRW1.DeleteControl=?Delete
EIPManagerClass 453

BRW1.AddToolbarTarget(Toolbar)
SELF.SetAlerts()
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue =PARENT.Kill()
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
IF FilesOpened
Relate:Actions.Close
END
RETURN ReturnValue

BRW1.Init|
PROCEDURE(SIGNED ListBox,*STRING Posit,VIEW V,QUEUE Q,RelationManagerRM,WindowManager WM)

CODE
PARENT.Init(ListBox,Posit,V,Q,RM,WM)
SELF.EIP &= BRW1::EIPManager ! Browse object's reference to the BrowseEIPManager
454 ABC Library Reference

EIPManagerClass Properties

Again (column usage flag)

Again BYTE, PROTECTED
The Again property contains a value that indicates whether or not the current edit-in-place
column has been selected by the user during an edit-in-place process.

The TakeEvent method is where the Again property receives a value.

Arrow (edit-in-place action on arrow key)

Arrow &BYTE
The Arrow property is a reference to a BYTE which indicates the action to take when the end
user presses the up or down arrow key during an edit-in-place process.

Note: The Arrow property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except during
initialization.

Implementation: When the EIPManager is instantiated from a browse the Arrow property will point
to the BrowseClass.ArrowAction.

See Also: BrowseClass.ArrowAction

Column (listbox column)

Column UNSIGNED
The Column property contains a value that indicates the column number of the listbox field which
currently has focus in an edit-in-place process.
EIPManagerClass 455

Enter (edit-in-place action on enter key)

Enter &BYTE
The Enter property is a reference to the BrowseClass.EnterAction property, and indicates the
action to take when the end user presses the ENTER key during an edit-in-place process.

Note: The Enter property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except during
initialization.

See Also: BrowseClass.EnterAction

EQ (list of edit-in-place controls)

EQ &EditQueue
The EQ property is a reference to a structure containing a list of browse list columns that will not
utilize the default edit-in-place control. This list includes columns that will not utilize edit-in-place.

Implementation: The AddControl method adds browse list columns to the EQ property. An entry
without an associated control indicates a column that has been specified as non-
edit-in-place.

You do not need to initialize this property to implement the default edit-in-place
controls. The EQ property supports custom edit-in-place controls.

The EQ property is a reference to a QUEUE declared in ABEdit.INC as follows:

EditQueue QUEUE,TYPE
Field UNSIGNED
FreeUp BYTE
Control &EditClass
END

Note: The EQ property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except during

initialization.

See Also: AddControl

456 ABC Library Reference

Fields (managed fields)

Fields &FieldPairsClass, PROTECTED

The Fields property is a reference to the FieldPairsClass object that moves and compares data
between the BrowseClass object's FILE and the EditClasses.

Note: The Fields property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except during
initialization.

See Also: BrowseClass.TabAction

FocusLoss ( action on loss of focus)

FocusLoss &BYTE
The FocusLoss property is a reference to the BrowseClass.FocusLossAction property, and
indicates the action to take with regard to pending changes when the edit control loses focus
during an edit-in-place process.

Note: The FocusLoss property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except

during initialization.

See Also: BrowseClass.TabAction, BrowseClass.FocusLossAction

EIPManagerClass 457

Insert (placement of new record)

Insert BYTE
The Insert property indicates where in the list a new record will be added when the end user
inserts a new record. The default placement is below the selected record.

Implementation: There are three places a new record can be placed in a list when using edit-in-
place: above the selected record; below the selected record (the default); or
appended to the bottom of the list.

Note: This does not change the sort order. After insertion, the list is resorted and the
new record appears in the proper position within the sort sequence.

The specified placements are implemented by the BrowseEIPManager.Init method. Set the
record insertion point by assigning, adding, or subtracting the following EQUATEd values to
Insert. The following EQUATEs are in ABEdit.INC:
ITEMIZE,PRE(EIPAction)
Default EQUATE(0)
Always EQUATE(1)
Never EQUATE(2)
Prompted EQUATE(4)
Save EQUATE(7)
Remain EQUATE(8)
Before EQUATE(9) ! insert before/above selected record
Append EQUATE(10) ! insert at the bottom of the list
RetainColumn EQUATE(16)
END

See Also: BrowseEIPManager.Init

458 ABC Library Reference

ListControl (listbox control number)

ListControl SIGNED
The ListControl property contains the control number of the LIST control that is utilizing edit-in-
place.

Note: The ListControl property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except

during initialization.

See Also: BrowseClass.TabAction

LastColumn (previous edit-in-place column)

LastColumn BYTE, PROTECTED

The LastColumn property contains the column number of the previously used edit-in-place
control to facilitate the appropriate processing of a NewSelection.

Implementation: The LastColumn method is assigned the value of the Column property in the
ResetColumn method.
EIPManagerClass 459

Repost (event synchronization)

Repost UNSIGNED, PROTECTED

The Repost property indicates the appropriate event to post to the edit-in-place control based on
events posted from the browse procedure window.

Implementation: The TakeEvent and TakeFieldEvent methods assign the appropriate value to the
Repost property. The Kill method posts the specified event to the appropriate
edit-in-place control based on the value contained in the RepostField property.

See Also: RepostField

RepostField (event synchronization field)

RepostField UNSIGNED, PROTECTED

The RepostField property contains the field control number of the listbox field that is being
edited.

Implementation: The TakeFieldEvent method assigns the appropriate value to the RepostField
property. The Kill method posts the specified event to the appropriate edit-in-
place control based on the value contained in the RepostField property.

See Also: Repost

460 ABC Library Reference

Req (database request)

Req BYTE, PROTECTED

The Req property indicates the database action the procedure is handling. The EIPManager
uses this property to make appropriate processing decisions with regard to priming records,
saving or abandoning changes, etc.

Implementation: The Run method is passed a parameter which contains the value assigned to the
Req property.

See Also: WindowManager.Request

SeekForward (get next field flag)

SeekForward BYTE, PROTECTED

The SeekForward property indicates that the end user has pressed the TAB key during an edit-
in-place process.

Implementation: The TakeAction method conditionally assigns a value of one (1) to the
SeekForward property based on the actions of the end user.

See Also: Next

Tab (action on a tab key)

Tab &BYTE
The Tab property is a reference to the BrowseClass.TabAction property that indicates the action
to take when the end user presses the TAB key during an edit-in-place process.

Note: The Tab property should be treated as a PROTECTED property except during
initialization.

See Also: BrowseClass.TabAction

EIPManagerClass 461

EIPManagerClass Methods
EIPManagerClass--Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the EIPManagerClass, it is useful to organize its methods into two
large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual methods. This
organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the EIPManagerClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Run run this procedure
InitD initialize the EditClass object
InitControls initialize edit-in-place controls
KillD shut down the EditClass object

Mainstream Use:
TakeAcceptAll handle all validation settings
TakeEventD handle events for the edit control
TakeNewSelectionD handle Event:NewSelection

Occasional Use:
AddControl register edit-in-place controls
ClearColumnV reset column property values
CreateContolV a virtual to create the edit control
GetEditV identify edit-in-place field
Next get the next edit-in-place field
ResetColumnV reset edit-in-place object to selected field
SetAlertsV alert appropriate keystrokes for the edit control
TakeActionV process end user actions
TakeCompletedV process completion of edit
TakeFocusLossV process loss of focus
TakeFieldEventD handle field specific events

D These methods are also derived.

V These methods are also virtual.
462 ABC Library Reference

Virtual and Derived Methods

Typically you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. However,
we anticipate you will often want to override these methods, and because they are either derived
or virtual, they are very easy to override. These methods do provide reasonable default behavior
in case you do not want to override them.

InitD initialize the EditClass object

Kill D shut down the EditClass object
TakeEventD handle events for the edit control
TakeNewSelectionD handle Event:NewSelection
ClearColumnV reset column property values
CreateContolV a virtual to create the edit control
GetEditV identify edit-in-place field
ResetColumnV reset edit-in-place object to selected field
SetAlertsV alert appropriate keystrokes for the edit control
TakeActionV process end user actions
TakeCompletedV process completion of edit
TakeFocusLossV process loss of focus
TakeFieldEventD handle field specific events
EIPManagerClass 463

AddControl (register edit-in-place controls)

AddControl([EditClass], Column, AutoFree)

AddControl Specifies an edit-in-place control.

EditClass The label of the EditClass. If omitted, the specified column is not editable.
Column An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression
that indicates the browse list column to edit with the
specified editclass object.

AutoFree A numeric constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression

that indicates whether the BrowseClass.Kill method
DISPOSEs of the editclass object. A zero (0) value
leaves the object intact. A non-zero value DISPOSEs the
object.

The AddControl method specifies the editclass that defines the edit-in-place control for the
browse column. Use autofree with caution; you should only DISPOSE of memory allocated with a
NEW statement. See the Language Reference for more information on NEW and DISPOSE.

The AddControl method also registers fields which will not be editable via edit-in-place. In this
instance the EditClass parameter is omitted.

Implementation: The InitControls and BrowseClass.AddEditControl methods call the AddControl

method. The BrowseClass.AddEditControl method defines the editclass for a
column not utilizing the default editclass.

The AddControl method ADDs a record containing the values of EditClass,

Column, and AutoFree, to the EditQueue which is declared in ABEdit.INC as
follows:
EditQueue QUEUE,TYPE
Field UNSIGNED
FreeUp BYTE
Control &EditClass
END

Example:
BrowseClass.AddEditControl PROCEDURE(EditClass EC,UNSIGNED Id,BYTE Free)
CODE
SELF.CheckEIP
SELF.EIP.AddControl(EC,Id,Free)

See Also: EQ, InitControls, BrowseClass.AddEditControl

464 ABC Library Reference

ClearColumn (reset column property values:EIPManagerClass)

ClearColumn, VIRTUAL
The ClearColumn method checks for a value in the LastColumn property and conditionally sets
the column values to zero (0).

The TakeAction and TakeNewSelection methods call the ClearColumn method.

Example:
EIPManager.TakeNewSelection PROCEDURE ! Must be overridden to handle out-of-row click
CODE
IF FIELD() = SELF.ListControl AND KEYCODE() = MouseLeft ! An in-row mouse click
SELF.ClearColumn
SELF.Column = SELF.ListControl{PROPLIST:MouseUpField}
SELF.ResetColumn
END
RETURN Level:Benign

See Also: Column, TakeAction, TakeNewSelection

EIPManagerClass 465

GetEdit (identify edit-in-place field)

GetEdit, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The GetEdit method checks for a value in the Control field of the EditQueue.

Implementation: GetEdit is called by the Next method, and returns one (1) if any value is in the
Control field of the EditQueue, otherwise it returns zero (0).

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EIPManager.Next PROCEDURE
CODE

GET(SELF.EQ,RECORDS(SELF.EQ))
? ASSERT(~ERRORCODE())
LastCol=SELF.EQ.Field

LOOP
CLEAR(SELF.EQ)
SELF.EQ.Field = SELF.Column
GET(SELF.EQ,SELF.EQ.Field)
IF ~ERRORCODE() AND SELF.GetEdit()
BREAK
END
!executable code

See Also: EQ, Next

466 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the EIPManagerClass object)

Init, DERIVED, PROC
The Init method initializes the EIPManagerClass object.

Implementation: The BrowseEIPManager.Init method calls the Init method. The Init method
primes variables and calls the InitControls method which then initializes the
appropriate edit-in-place controls.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseEIPManager.Init ! initialize BrowseEIPManagerClass object
!program code
RETURN PARENT.Init() ! call to the EIPManager.Init

See Also: BrowseEIPManager.Init, InitControls

InitControls (initialize edit-in-place controls)

InitControls, VIRTUAL
The InitControls method registers the default edit-in-place controls with the EIPManager by
calling the AddControl method, and initializes each added control.

Implementation: The Init method calls the InitControls method. The InitControls method checks for
custom edit-in-place controls in the EditQueue before adding a default edit-in-
place control.

Example:
EIPManager.Init PROCEDURE
CODE
IF SELF.Column = 0 THEN SELF.Column = 1.
SELF.LastColumn = 0
SELF.Repost = 0
SELF.RepostField = 0
ASSERT(~SELF.EQ &= NULL)
SELF.EQ.Field = 1

SELF.InitControls
SELF.ResetColumn
RETURN Level:Benign

See Also: Init, EQ, AddControl

EIPManagerClass 467

Kill (shut down the EIPManagerClass object)

Kill, DERIVED, PROC

The Kill method frees any memory allocated during the life of the object and performs any other
required termination code. The Kill method must leave the object in a state in which an Init can be
called.

Implementation: The BrowseEIPManager.Kill method calls the Kill method with a PARENT call.
The Kill method destroys the edit-in-place controls created by the InitControls
method.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseEIPManager.Kill PROCEDURE
CODE
SELF.BC.ResetFromAsk(SELF.Req,SELF.Response)
RETURN PARENT.Kill()

See Also: BrowseEIPManager.Kill

468 ABC Library Reference

Next (get the next edit-in-place field)

Next, PROTECTED
The Next method gets the next edit-in-place control in the direction specified (forward or
backward) by the end user.

Implementation: The Next method loops through the EditQueue and gets the next edit-in-place
control based on the RETURN value of the GetEdit method.

Example:
EIPManager.ResetColumn PROCEDURE
CODE
SETKEYCODE(0)
SELF.Next
IF SELF.Column <> SELF.LastColumn
SELF.ListControl{PROP:Edit,SELF.EQ.Field} = SELF.EQ.Control.Feq
SELECT(SELF.EQ.Control.Feq)
SELF.LastColumn = SELF.Column
END

See Also: GetEdit, SeekForward, Column, EQ

EIPManagerClass 469

ResetColumn (reset edit-in-place object to selected field)

ResetColumn, VIRTUAL, PROTECTED

The ResetColumn method selects the appropriate edit-in-place control based on the selected
listbox field.

Implementation: The ResetColumn method resets the FEQ to the selected ListControl field.

Example:
EIPManager.TakeCompleted PROCEDURE(BYTE Force)
CODE
SELF.Column = 1
IF SELF.Again
SELF.ResetColumn
END

See Also: EditClass.FEQ

Init, ListControl, TakeAction, TakeCompleted, TakeNewSelection
470 ABC Library Reference

Run (run the EIPManager)

Run( request )

Run Run the EIPManager.

request An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression identifying the database
action (insert, change, delete) requested.
The Run method assigns the passed value to the Req property and executes the EIPManager.

Implementation: Return value EQUATEs are declared in \LIBSRC\TPLEQU.CLW as follows:

RequestCompleted EQUATE (1) !Update Completed
RequestCancelled EQUATE (2) !Update Cancelled

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseClass.AskRecord PROCEDURE(BYTE Req)
CODE
SELF.CheckEIP
RETURN SELF.EIP.Run(Req)

See Also: Req

TakeAcceptAll (validate completed row)

TakeAcceptAll ( ), VIRTUAL

TakeAcceptAll Processes edit-in-place validation.

When an Edit-in-Place row is completed, the TakeAcceptAll method will validate and reselect
any column that is required and empty, or any column that returns an EditAction:Cancel equate
by the EditClass:TakeAccepted method, with the exception of any cancel action performed during
an Insert or Change session. If all columns are successfully validated, TakeAcceptAll returns
TRUE (1).

Return Value: BYTE

EIPManagerClass 471

TakeAction (process edit-in-place action)

TakeAction( action ), VIRTUAL

TakeAction Processes edit-in-place action.

action An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that contains the action to
process. Valid EQUATEs are forward, backward, next, previous, complete, and
cancel.
The TakeAction method processes an EIPManager dialog action. The TakeAction method is
your opportunity to interpret and implement the meaning of the end user's selection.

Implementation: The TakeFieldEvent conditionally calls the TakeAction method.

Corresponding EQUATEs are declared in ABEIP.INC as follows:

EditAction ITEMIZE(0),PRE
None EQUATE
Forward EQUATE ! Next field
Backward EQUATE ! Previous field
Complete EQUATE ! OK
Cancel EQUATE ! Cancel
Next EQUATE ! Focus moving to Next record
Previous EQUATE ! Focus moving to Previous record
Ignore EQUATE
END

Example:
EIPManager.TakeFieldEvent PROCEDURE
I UNSIGNED(1)
CODE
IF FIELD() = SELF.ListControl THEN RETURN Level:Benign .
LOOP I = 1 TO RECORDS(SELF.EQ)+1
! Optimised to pick up subsequent events from same field
IF ~SELF.EQ.Control &= NULL AND SELF.EQ.Control.Feq = FIELD()
SELF.TakeAction(SELF.EQ.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT()))
RETURN Level:Benign
END
GET(SELF.EQ,I)
END
! Code to handle an unknown field

See Also: TakeFieldEvent

472 ABC Library Reference

TakeCompleted (process completion of edit:EIPManagerClass)

TakeCompleted( force ), VIRTUAL

TakeCompleted Determines the edit-in-place dialog's action after either a loss of focus or an end
user action.
action An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates an end user
requested action.
The TakeCompleted method conditionally calls the ResetColumn method. The
BrowseEIPManager.TakeCompleted provides the bulk of the process completion functionality,
and is derived from the TakeCompleted method.

Implementation: The BrowseEIPManager.TakeCompleted method calls the TakeCompleted

method via PARENT syntax. TakeFocusLoss and TakeAction also call the
TakeCompleted method.

Note: TakeCompleted does not override the WindowManager.TakeCompleted method.

Example:
EIPManager.TakeFocusLoss PROCEDURE
CODE
CASE CHOOSE(SELF.FocusLoss&=NULL,EIPAction:Default,BAND(SELF.FocusLoss,EIPAction:Save)
OF EIPAction:Always OROF EIPAction:Default
SELF.TakeCompleted(Button:Yes)
OF EIPAction:Never
SELF.TakeCompleted(Button:No)
ELSE
SELF.TakeCompleted(0)
END

See Also: BrowseEIPManager.TakeCompleted, TakeFocusLoss, TakeAction

EIPManagerClass 473

TakeEvent (process window specific events)

TakeEvent, DERIVED, PROC

The TakeEvent method processes window specific events and returns Level:Notify for an
EVENT:Size, EVENT:Iconize, or EVENT:Maximize; it returns a Level:Fatal for an
EVENT:CloseDown, EVENT:CloseWindow, or EVENT:Sized; all other window events return a
Level:Benign.

Implementation: The TakeFieldEvent method calls the TakeEvent method. The TakeEvent
method calls the TakeFocusLoss method subsequent to returning a Level:Fatal.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
EIPManager.TakeFieldEvent PROCEDURE
I UNSIGNED(1)
CODE
IF FIELD() = SELF.ListControl THEN RETURN Level:Benign .
LOOP I = 1 TO RECORDS(SELF.EQ)+1
! Optimised to pick up subsequent events from same field
IF ~SELF.EQ.Control &= NULL AND SELF.EQ.Control.Feq = FIELD()
SELF.TakeAction(SELF.EQ.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT()))
RETURN Level:Benign
END
GET(SELF.EQ,I)
END
! Code to handle an unknown field

See Also: TakeFieldEvent, TakeFocusLoss

474 ABC Library Reference

TakeFieldEvent (process field specific events)

TakeFieldEvent, DERIVED, PROC

The TakeFieldEvent method processes all field-specific/control-specific events for the window. It
returns a value indicating whether edit-in-place process is complete and should stop.

TakeFieldEvent returns Level:Benign to indicate processing of this event should continue

normally; it returns Level:Notify to indicate processing is completed for this event and the
ACCEPT loop should CYCLE; it returns Level:Fatal to indicate the event could not be processed
and the ACCEPT loop should BREAK.

Implementation: The WindowManager.TakeEvent method calls the TakeFieldEvent method.

Return value EQUATEs are declared in ABERROR.INC.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
MyWindowManager.TakeEvent PROCEDURE
RVal BYTE(Level:Benign)
I USHORT,AUTO
CODE
IF ~FIELD()
RVal = SELF.TakeWindowEvent()
IF RVal THEN RETURN RVal.
END
CASE EVENT()
OF EVENT:Accepted; RVal = SELF.TakeAccepted()
OF EVENT:Rejected; RVal = SELF.TakeRejected()
OF EVENT:Selected; RVal = SELF.TakeSelected()
OF EVENT:NewSelection; RVal = SELF.TakeNewSelection()
OF EVENT:Completed; RVal = SELF.TakeCompleted()
OF EVENT:CloseWindow OROF EVENT:CloseDown
RVal = SELF.TakeCloseEvent()
END
IF RVal THEN RETURN RVal.
IF FIELD()
RVal = SELF.TakeFieldEvent()
END
RETURN RVal
EIPManagerClass 475

TakeFocusLoss (a virtual to process loss of focus)

TakeFocusLoss, VIRTUAL
The TakeFocusLoss method determines the appropriate action to take when the EIPManager
window loses focus, and calls the TakeCompleted method with the appropriate parameter.

Implementation: TakeEvent and TakeFieldEvent methods conditionally call the TakeFocusLoss

method.

Example:
EIPManager.TakeFieldEvent PROCEDURE
I UNSIGNED(1)
CODE
IF FIELD() = SELF.ListControl THEN RETURN Level:Benign .
LOOP I = 1 TO RECORDS(SELF.EQ)+1
! Optimized to pick up subsequent events from same field
IF ~SELF.EQ.Control &= NULL AND SELF.EQ.Control.Feq = FIELD()
SELF.TakeAction(SELF.EQ.Control.TakeEvent(EVENT()))
RETURN Level:Benign
END
GET(SELF.EQ,I)
END
! Code to handle an unknown field

See Also: TakeCompleted

476 ABC Library Reference

TakeNewSelection (reset edit-in-place column:EIPManagerClass)

TakeNewSelection, DERIVED, PROC

The TakeFieldEvent method resets the edit-in-place column selected by the end user.

Implementation: TakeNewSelection is called by the BrowseEIPManager.TakeNewSelection

method.

TakeNewSelection calls ResetColumn, and returns a Level:Benign.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
BrowseEIPManager.TakeNewSelection PROCEDURE
CODE
IF FIELD() = SELF.ListControl
IF CHOICE(SELF.ListControl) = SELF.BC.CurrentChoice
RETURN PARENT.TakeNewSelection()
ELSE
! Code to handle Focus change to different record
END
END

See Also: ResetColumn

EntryLocatorClass 477

EntryLocatorClass
EntryLocatorClass Overview
The EntryLocatorClass is a LocatorClass with an input control (ENTRY, COMBO, or SPIN). An
Entry Locator is a multi-character locator that activates when the locator control is accepted (not
upon each keystroke).

Use an Entry Locator when you want a multi-character search on numeric or alphanumeric keys
and you want to delay the search until the user accepts the locator control. This delayed search
reduces network traffic and provides a smoother search in a client-server environment.

EntryLocatorClass Concepts

The EntryLocatorClass lets you specify a locator control and a sort field on which to search (the
free key element) for a BrowseClass object. The BrowseClass object uses the EntryLocatorClass
to locate and scroll to the nearest matching item.

When the end user places one or more characters in the locator control, then accepts the control
by pressing TAB, pressing a locator button, or selecting another control on the screen, the
EntryLocatorClass object advances the BrowseClass object's LIST to the nearest matching
record.

EntryLocatorClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

The BrowseClass uses the EntryLocatorClass to locate and scroll to the nearest matching item.
Therefore, if your program's BrowseClass objects use an Entry Locator, your program must
instantiate the EntryLocatorClass for each use. Once you register the EntryLocatorClass object
with the BrowseClass object (see BrowseClass.AddLocator), the BrowseClass object uses the
EntryLocatorClass object as needed, with no other code required. See the Conceptual Example.

EntryLocatorClass ABC Template Implementation

The ABC BrowseBox template generates code to instantiate the EntryLocatorClass for your
BrowseBoxes. The EntryLocatorClass objects are called BRWn::Sort#:Locator, where n is the
template instance number and # is the sort sequence (id) number. As this implies, you can have a
different locator for each BrowseClass object sort order.

You can use the BrowseBox's Locator Behavior dialog (the Locator Class button) to derive
from the EntryLocatorClass. The templates provide the derived class so you can modify the
locator's behavior on an instance-by-instance basis.
478 ABC Library Reference

EntryLocatorClass Source Files

The EntryLocatorClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC folder. The
specific EntryLocatorClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABBROWSE.INC EntryLocatorClass declarations

ABBROWSE.CLW EntryLocatorClass method definitions

EntryLocatorClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate a BrowseClass object and related objects, including an EntryLocatorClass
object. The example initializes and page-loads a LIST, then handles a number of associated
events, including scrolling, updating, and locating records.

Note that the WindowManager and BrowseClass objects internally handle the normal events
surrounding the locator.

PROGRAM
INCLUDE('ABWINDOW.INC') !declare WindowManager class
INCLUDE('ABBROWSE.INC') !declare BrowseClass and Locator
MAP
END
State FILE,DRIVER('TOPSPEED'),PRE(ST),THREAD
StateCodeKey KEY(ST:STATECODE),NOCASE,OPT
Record RECORD,PRE()
STATECODE STRING(2)
STATENAME STRING(20)
END
END
StView VIEW(State) !declare VIEW to process
END
StateQ QUEUE !declare Q for LIST
ST:STATECODE LIKE(ST:STATECODE)
ST:STATENAME LIKE(ST:STATENAME)
ViewPosition STRING(512)
END
Access:State CLASS(FileManager) !declare Access:State object
Init PROCEDURE
END
Relate:State CLASS(RelationManager) !declare Relate:State object
Init PROCEDURE
END
VCRRequest LONG(0),THREAD
EntryLocatorClass 479

StWindow WINDOW('Browse States'),AT(,,123,152),IMM,SYSTEM,GRAY

PROMPT('Find:'),AT(9,6)
ENTRY(@s2),AT(29,4),USE(ST:STATECODE)
LIST,AT(8,5,108,124),USE(?StList),IMM,HVSCROLL,FROM(StateQ),|
FORMAT('27L(2)|M~CODE~@s2@80L(2)|M~STATENAME~@s20@')
END

ThisWindow CLASS(WindowManager) !declare ThisWindow object

Init PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
Kill PROCEDURE(),BYTE,PROC,VIRTUAL
END
BrowseSt CLASS(BrowseClass) !declare BrowseSt object
Q &StateQ
END

StLocator EntryLocatorClass !declare StLocator object

StStep StepStringClass !declare StStep object

CODE
ThisWindow.Run() !run the window procedure

ThisWindow.Init PROCEDURE() !initialize things

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Init() !call base class init
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
Relate:State.Init !initialize Relate:State object
SELF.FirstField = ?ST:STATECODE !set FirstField for ThisWindow
SELF.VCRRequest &= VCRRequest !VCRRequest not used
Relate:State.Open !open State and related files
!Init BrowseSt object by naming its LIST,VIEW,Q,RelationManager & WindowManager
BrowseSt.Init(?StList,StateQ.ViewPosition,StView,StateQ,Relate:State,SELF)
OPEN(StWindow)
SELF.Opened=True
BrowseSt.Q &= StateQ !reference the browse QUEUE
StStep.Init(+ScrollSort:AllowAlpha,ScrollBy:Runtime)!initialize the StStep object
BrowseSt.AddSortOrder(StStep,ST:StateCodeKey) !set the browse sort order
BrowseSt.AddLocator(StLocator) !plug in the browse locator
StLocator.Init(?ST:STATECODE,ST:STATECODE,1,BrowseSt) !initialize locator object
BrowseSt.AddField(ST:STATECODE,BrowseSt.Q.ST:STATECODE) !set a column to browse
BrowseSt.AddField(ST:STATENAME,BrowseSt.Q.ST:STATENAME) !set a column to browse
SELF.SetAlerts() !alert any keys for ThisWindow
RETURN ReturnValue

ThisWindow.Kill PROCEDURE() !shut down things

ReturnValue BYTE,AUTO
480 ABC Library Reference

CODE
ReturnValue = PARENT.Kill() !call base class shut down
IF ReturnValue THEN RETURN ReturnValue.
Relate:State.Close !close State and related files
Relate:State.Kill !shut down Relate:State object
GlobalErrors.Kill !shut down GlobalErrors object
RETURN ReturnValue
EntryLocatorClass 481

EntryLocatorClass Properties
EntryLocatorClass Properties
The EntryLocatorClass inherits all the properties of the LocatorClass from which it is derived. See
LocatorClass Properties and LocatorClass Concepts for more information.

In addition to the inherited properties, the EntryLocatorClass also contains the following property:

Shadow (the search value)

Shadow CSTRING(40)
The Shadow property contains the search value for the entry locator.

The TakeKey method adds to the search value based on the end user's keyboard input. The
BrowseClass.TakeAcceptedLocator method implements the search for the specified value.

See Also: TakeKey, BrowseClass.TakeAcceptedLocator

482 ABC Library Reference

EntryLocatorClass Methods
The EntryLocatorClass inherits all the methods of the LocatorClass from which it is derived. See
LocatorClass Methods and LocatorClass Concepts for more information.

GetShadow(return shadow value)

GetShadow, DERIVED
The GetShadow method returns the value of the Shadow property. The Shadow property is set
based on the users keyboard input into the entry locator field.

Return Data Type: STRING

See Also: EntryLocatorClass.SetShadow, EntryLocatorClass.Shadow

EntryLocatorClass 483

Init (initialize the EntryLocatorClass object)

Init( [control] , freeelement [,ignorecase] [,browseclass ] )

Init Initializes the EntryLocatorClass object.

control An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that sets the locator
control for the locator. If omitted, the control number defaults to zero (0)
indicating there is no locator control.
freeelement The fully qualified label of a component of the sort sequence of the searched
data set. The ABC Templates further require this to be a free component of a
key. A free component is one that is not range limited to a single value. Typically
this is also the USE variable of the locator control.
ignorecase An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that determines whether
the locator does case sensitive searches or ignores case. A value of one (1) or
True does case insensitive searches; a value of zero (0) or False ignores case. If
omitted, nocase defaults to 0.
browseclass The label of the BrowseClass object for the locator. If omitted, the LocatorClass
object has no direct access to the browse QUEUE or it's underlying VIEW.
The Init method initializes the EntryLocatorClass object.

Implementation: The Init method sets the values of the Control, FreeElement, NoCase, and
ViewManager properties. The Shadow property is the control's USE variable.

By default, only the StepLocatorClass and FilterLocatorClass use the

browseclass. The other locator classes do not.

Example:
BRW1::Sort1:Locator.Init(,CUST:StateCode,1) !without locator control
BRW1::Sort2:Locator.Init(?CUST:CustMo,CUST:CustNo,1) !with locator control

See Also: Control, FreeElement, NoCase, ViewManager

484 ABC Library Reference

Set (restart the locator:EntryLocatorClass)

Set, DERIVED
The Set method prepares the locator for a new search.

Implementation: The Set method clears the FreeElement property and the Shadow property.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.TakeScroll PROCEDURE(SIGNED Event) !process a scroll event
CODE
!handle the scroll
SELF.PostNewSelection !post EVENT:NewSelection to list
IF ~SELF.Sort.Locator &= NULL !if locator is present
SELF.Sort.Locator.Set ! clear it
END
IF SELF.Sort.Thumb &= NULL !if thumb is present
SELF.UpdateThumbFixed ! reposition it
END

See Also: FreeElement, Shadow

EntryLocatorClass 485

SetShadow(set shadow value)

SetShadow(shadow), DERIVED

SetShadow Set the Shadow property.

shadow A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that contains the value to
give to the Shadow property.
The SetShadow property sets the Shadow property with the passed value.

See Also: EntryLocatorClass.GetShadow, EntryLocatorClass.Shadow

TakeAccepted (process an accepted locator value:EntryLocatorClass)

TakeAccepted, DERIVED
The TakeAccepted method processes the accepted locator value and returns a value indicating
whether the browse list display should change.

A locator value is accepted when the end user changes the locator value, then TABS off the
locator control or otherwise switches focus to another control on the same window.

Implementation: The TakeAccepted method primes the FreeElement property with the entered
search value, then returns one (1 or True) if a new search is required or returns
zero (0 or False) if no new search is required.

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
MyBrowseClass.TakeAcceptedLocator PROCEDURE
CODE
IF ~SELF.Sort.Locator &= NULL !if locator is present
IF SELF.Sort.Locator.TakeAccepted() !if locator value requires a search
SELF.Reset(1) !reposition the view
SELECT(SELF.ListControl) !focus on the list control
SELF.ResetQueue( Reset:Done ) !reset the browse queue
SELF.Sort.Locator.Reset !reset the locator USE variable
END
END

See Also: FreeElement

486 ABC Library Reference

TakeKey (process an alerted keystroke:EntryLocatorClass)

TakeKey, DERIVED
The TakeKey method processes an alerted keystroke for the LIST control that displays the data
to be searched and returns a value indicating whether the browse list display should change. By
default, all alphanumeric keys are alerted for LIST controls.

Implementation: The BrowseClass.TakeKey method calls the locator TakeKey method. The
TakeKey method stuffs the keystroke detected by the LIST into the locator's input
control and returns zero (0 or False).

Return Data Type: BYTE

Example:
MyBrowseClass.TakeKey PROCEDURE
CODE
IF RECORDS(SELF.ListQueue)
CASE KEYCODE()
OF InsertKey OROF DeleteKey OROF CtrlEnter OROF MouseLeft2 ;!handle keys
ELSE
DO CheckLocator !handle all other keystrokes
END
END
RETURN 0

CheckLocator ROUTINE
IF ~(SELF.Sort.Locator &= NULL)
IF SELF.Sort.Locator.TakeKey() !add keystroke to locator input control
SELF.Reset(SELF.GetFreeElementPosition()) !and refresh browse if necessary
SELF.ResetQueue(Reset:Done)
DO HandledOut
ELSE
IF RECORDS(SELF.ListQueue)
DO HandledOut
END
END
END

HandledOut ROUTINE
SELF.UpdateWindow
SELF.PostNewSelection
RETURN 1

See Also: BrowseClass.TakeKey

EntryLocatorClass 487

Update (update the locator control and free elements)

Update, PROTECTED, VIRTUAL

The Update method redraws the locator control and updates the free key elements in the record
buffer with the current locator value.

Implementation: The Update method primes the FreeElement property with the current search
value (the Shadow property), then calls the UpdateWindow method to redraw the
locator control.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.UpdateWindow PROCEDURE !update browse related controls
CODE
IF ~(SELF.Sort.Locator &= NULL) !if locator is present
SELF.Sort.Locator.UpdateWindow !redraw locator control
END

See Also: FreeElement, Shadow, UpdateWindow

UpdateWindow (redraw the locator control)

UpdateWindow, DERIVED
The UpdateWindow method redraws the locator control with the current locator value.

Implementation: The Update method calls the UpdateWindow method to redraw the locator
control with the current locator contents.

Example:
MyBrowseClass.UpdateWindow PROCEDURE !update browse related controls
CODE
IF ~(SELF.Sort.Locator &= NULL) !if locator is present
SELF.Sort.Locator.UpdateWindow ! redraw locator control
END

See Also: Update

488 ABC Library Reference
ErrorClass 489

ErrorClass
ErrorClass Overview
The ErrorClass declares an error manager which consistently and flexibly handles any errors.
That is, for a given program scope, you define all possible errors by ID number, severity, and
message text, then when an error or other notable condition occurs, you simply pass the
appropriate ID to the error manager which processes it appropriately based on its severity level.

The defined "errors" may actually include questions, warnings, notifications, messages, benign
tracing calls, as well as true errors. The ErrorClass comes with about forty general purpose
database errors already defined. You can expand this list to include additional general purpose
errors, your own application-specific errors, or even field specific data validation errors. Your
expansion of the errors list may be "permanent" or may be done dynamically at runtime.

ErrorClass Source Files

The ErrorClass source code is installed by default to the Clarion \LIBSRC. The specific
ErrorClass source code and their respective components are contained in:

ABERROR.INC ErrorClass declarations

ABERROR.CLW ErrorClass method definitions
ABERROR.TRN ErrorClass default error definitions
490 ABC Library Reference

Multiple Customizable Levels of Error Treatment

Six Levels of Treatment

By default, the error manager recognizes six different levels of error severity. The default actions
for these levels range from no action for benign errors to halting the program for fatal errors. The
error manager also supports the intermediate actions of simply notifying the user, or of notifying
the user and letting the user decide whether to continue or abort.

Customizable Treatments

These various levels of treatment are implemented with virtual methods so they are easy to
customize. The error manager calls a different virtual method for each severity level, so you can
override the default error actions with your own application specific error actions. See the various
Take methods for examples.

The recognized severity EQUATEs are declared in ABERROR.INC. These severity levels and
their default actions are:

Level:Benign no action, returns Level:Benign

Level:User displays message, returns Level:Benign or Level:Cancel
Level:Notify displays message, returns Level:Benign
Level:Fatal displays message, halts the program
Level:Program treated as Level:Fatal
Level:Cancel used to confirm no action taken by User
any other value treated as Level:Program

You may define your own additional severity levels and their associated actions.
ErrorClass 491

Predefined Windows and Database Errors

A list of common database errors are defined in ABERROR.TRN for your use and for the ABC
Templates. The defined "errors" include questions, warnings, messages, notifications, benign
tracing calls, as well as true errors.

You may edit these error definitions to suit your own requirements. That is, you may add new
error definitions, change the wording of the error message text, or even translate the English text
to another language.

Note: If you use the ABC Templates you should not remove any of the default error
definitions or change their ID numbers.

Dynamic Extensibility of Errors

You may add new error definitions, override default error definitions, and modify default error
definitions at runtime with the methods provided for these purposes:

AddErrors Adds new errors, overrides errors, or both.

RemoveErrors Removes errors, restores overridden errors, or both.
SetFatality Modifies the severity level of an error.

ErrorClass ABC Template Implementation

The ABC Templates instantiate a global ErrorClass object called GlobalErrors. All template
recognized errors are defined at program startup and almost every generated procedure then
relies on the GlobalErrors object to handle known error conditions. You can use the Application
Template's Global Properties dialog to specify a different class to instantiate as GlobalErrors--
providing complete flexibility for error handling in your template generated procedures.

ErrorClass Relationship to Other Application Builder Classes

All the classes that access files (ASCIIFileClass, ASCIIViewerClass, FileManager,
RelationManager, ViewManager, and BrowseClass) use the ErrorClass. Therefore, if your
program instantiates any of these classes, it must also instantiate the ErrorClass.
492 ABC Library Reference

ErrorClass Macro Expansion

The following ErrorClass methods allow runtime customization of error message text through
expansion of macro symbols:

SetField Names the field that produced the error.

SetFile Names the file that produced the error.
ThrowFile Names the file that produced the error, then handles the error.
ThrowMessage Modifies error text, then handles the error.

Each error has associated message text. The error message text may contain macro symbols
recognized by the ErrorClass object. The ErrorClass object expands these macro symbols to their
current runtime values before displaying the message. Supported macros and their runtime
substitution values are:

%File The ErrorClass.FileName property

%Field The ErrorClass.FieldName property
%Message The ErrorClass.MessageText property
%Error Value returned by ERROR()
%ErrorCode Value returned by ERRORCODE()
%FileError Value returned by FILEERROR()
%FileErrorCode Value returned by FILEERRORCODE()
%ErrorText %Error(%ErrorCode) or %FileError(%FileErrorCode)
%Previous Text from prior defined error with the same id

The %ErrorText macro uses %FileError(%FileErrorCode)--the more specific backend server error
information--when it is available, otherwise it uses %Error(%ErrorCode).

This macro expansion capability is a feature of the ErrorClass and is not a feature of the Clarion
language in general.

Tip: You do not need to specify two percent signs (%%) to display a percent sign (%) in
your message text.
ErrorClass 493

ErrorClass Multi-Language Capability

Because all error message text is defined in one place (ABERROR.TRN), it is easy to implement
non-English error messages. For static (permanent) language translation, simply translate the
English text in ABERROR.TRN to the language of your choice. Alternatively, for dynamic
language translation, you may add an error definition block to ABERROR.TRN for each
supported language. For example in ABERROR.TRN declare:
DefaultErrors GROUP !English error messages
END
GermanErrors GROUP !German error messages
END

Then at runtime, initialize the error manager with the appropriate error definition block. For
example, you could override the Init method (defined in ABERROR.CLW) with something like
this:
INCLUDE('ABERROR.INC') !declare ErrorClass
MyErrorClass CLASS(ErrorClass) !declare derived class
Init PROCEDURE(BYTE PreferredLanguage)
END

GlobalErrors MyErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object

Language BYTE !Language Flag
Language:English EQUATE(0) !English equate
Language:German EQUATE(1) !German equate

CODE
Language = GETINI('Preferences','Language',0) !get language preference
GlobalErrors.Init(Language) !GlobalErrors initialization
!with preferred language

MyErrorClass.Init PROCEDURE(BYTE PreferredLanguage) !New Init method

CODE
SELF.Errors &= NEW ErrorEntry !allocate new Errors list
CASE PreferredLanguage !which language was selected
OF Language:German !if German
SELF.AddErrors(GermanErrors) !add German errors to list
ELSE !otherwise...
SELF.AddErrors(DefaultErrors) !add default (English) errors
END

Alternatively, you could call the AddErrors method to define additional errors for the selected
language as shown in the following example.
494 ABC Library Reference

ErrorClass Conceptual Example

The following example shows a typical sequence of statements to declare, instantiate, initialize,
use, and terminate an ErrorClass object.

PROGRAM
INCLUDE('ABERROR.INC') !include ErrorClass declarations

AppErrors GROUP !declare app specific errors

Number USHORT(2) !number of errors in this group
USHORT(Msg:DuplicateKey) !first error ID
BYTE(Level:Notify) !severity level
PSTRING('Duplicate Key') !window title
PSTRING('%File key is invalid.') !message text with macro
USHORT(Msg:FieldOutOfRange) !second error ID
BYTE(Level:Notify) !severity level
PSTRING('Range Error') !window title
PSTRING('%Field must be between %Message.') !message text
END

GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object

CODE
GlobalErrors.Init !initialize (add default errors)
GlobalErrors.AddErrors(AppErrors) !add app specific errors
GlobalErrors.SetFatality(Msg:DuplicateKey,Level:Fatal) !modify severity of an error
!
!program code
!
!user attempts to enter invalid month value...
GlobalErrors.SetField('Month') !set %Field for macro expansion
GlobalErrors.ThrowMessage(Msg:FieldOutOfRange,'1 and 12')!pass error to errormanager
!
!user attempts to insert a duplicate key...
GlobalErrors.SetFile('Customer') !set %File for macro expansion
GlobalErrors.Throw(Msg:DuplicateKey) !pass error to errormanager
!program code
!
GlobalErrors.Kill !shut down GlobalErrors object
ErrorClass 495

ErrorClass Properties
ErrorClass Properties
There are two types of ErrorClass properties, the Errors list and the macro substitution values.
The most important property is the Errors list--the list of errors recognized by ErrorClass. The
defined "errors" may actually include questions, warnings, notifications, benign tracing calls, as
well as true errors. This list is established by the ErrorClass initialization method, ErrorClass.Init.
The list may be modified thereafter by methods provided for this purpose, allowing application
specific errors (such as field specific invalid data messages).

The other three ErrorClass properties support the error text "macros" recognized by the error
manager. The error manager expands these macro symbols to their current runtime values
before displaying the message.

DefaultCategory (error category)

DefaultCategory ASTRING, PROTECTED

The DefaultCategory is a string that is a classification of the type of error. This property is set by
the SetCategory. The Init method sets the DefaultCategory to 'ABC'. When the category is
changed by SetCategory, the new category becomes the default category.
See Also:
ErrorClass.Init, ErrorClass.SetCategory, ErrorClass.GetCategory

ErrorLog (errorlog interface)

ErrorLog &ErrorLogInterface, PROTECTED

The ErrorLog property is a reference to the errorlog interface that manages the error log file.
496 ABC Library Reference

Errors (recognized error definitions)

Errors &ErrorEntry, PROTECTED

The Errors property is a reference to the data structure that holds all errors recognized by the
ErrorClass. The defined "errors" may actually include questions, warnings, messages,
notifications, benign tracing calls, as well as true error conditions.

The default errors are defined in ABERROR.TRN. You may edit ABERROR.TRN to customize
the default error list. The Init method adds these default error definitions to the Errors property at
runtime. You may also use the SetFatality method, the AddErrors method, and the RemoveErrors
method to customize the Errors property at runtime.

The SetFatality method changes the severity level of a specified error.

The AddErrors method lets you add more error definitions, override existing error definitions, or
both. The Errors property may have more than one error with the same ID. Error definitions
added later "override" any earlier definitions with the same IDs. The "overridden" definitions are
preserved for substitution into the %Previous macro symbol.

The RemoveErrors method lets you remove error definitions, restore previously overridden errors,
or both.

The error message text may contain "macros" recognized by the error manager. The error
manager expands these macro symbols to their current runtime values before displaying the
message. See Macro Expansion for more information.

Implementation: Errors is a reference to a queue declared in ABERROR.INC as follows. For each

recognized error, the Errors property includes an ID number, error message text,
window title text, and a severity indicator.
ErrorEntry QUEUE,TYPE !List of all error definitions
Id USHORT !Error message identifier
Message &STRING !Message text
Title &STRING !Error window caption bar text
Fatality BYTE !Severity of error
END

See Also: AddErrors, Init, RemoveErrors, SetFatality

ErrorClass 497

FieldName (field that produced the error)

FieldName CSTRING(MessageMaxlen), PROTECTED
The FieldName property contains the name of the field that produced the error. The SetField
method sets the value of the FieldName property. The FieldName value replaces any %Field
symbols within the error message text.

MessageMaxlen is a constant EQUATE declared in ABERROR.INC.

See Also: SetField

FileName (file that produced the error)

FileName CSTRING(MessageMaxlen), PROTECTED
The FileName property contains the name of the file that produced the error. The SetFile and
ThrowFile methods both set the value of the FileName property. The FileName value then
replaces any %File symbols within the error message text.

MessageMaxlen is a constant EQUATE declared in ABERROR.INC.

See Also: SetFile, ThrowFile

History (error history structure)

History &ErrorHistoryList,PROTECTED
The History property is a reference to the ErrorHistoryList structure that holds the history for
errors that have previously occurred. The error History is determined based on the
HistoryThreshold and HistoryResetOnView properties.
498 ABC Library Reference

HistoryResetOnView(clear error history log file)

HistoryResetOnView BYTE
The HistoryResetOnView property determines if the error history view structure should be
cleared upon viewing an error message. If this property is set to one (1 or True), the History
structure will be reset after each error is viewed. Setting this property to zero (0 or False) will
cause the errors to be queued in the History structure.

HistoryThreshold (determine size of error history)

HistoryThreshold LONG
The HistoryThreshold property sets the number of items to store in the error log file. Setting this
property to -1 keeps all errors. Setting this property to 0 switches off error history logging.

HistoryViewLevel (trigger error history)

HistoryViewLevel LONG
The HistoryViewLevel property sets the error level which triggers error history viewing. This
property is only valid with a HistoryThreshold other than 0.

KeyName (key that produced the error)

KeyName CSTRING(MessageMaxlen), PROTECTED
The KeyName property contains the name of the key that produced the error. The SetKey
method sets the value of the KeyName property. The KeyName value then replaces any %Key
symbols within the error message text.

MessageMaxlen is a constant EQUATE declared in ABERROR.INC.

See Also: SetKey

ErrorClass 499

LogErrors (turn on error history logging)

LogErrors BYTE
The LogErrors property turns the error history logging on or off. Setting this property to one (1 or
True) turns on the error logging. Setting this property to zero (0 or False) turns off the error
logging.

MessageText (custom error message text)

MessageText CSTRING(MessageMaxlen), PROTECTED
The MessageText property contains text to substitute for any %Message symbols within the error
message text. The ThrowMessage method sets the value of the MessageText property. The
MessageText value then replaces any %Message symbols within the error message text.

MessageMaxlen is a constant EQUATE declared in ABERROR.INC.

See Also: ThrowMessage

Silent (silent error flag)

Silent BYTE

The Silent property determines whether an error will be displayed to the screen. If Silent is set to
one (1 or True), the error message box will not be displayed to the screen; however it will be
added to the error log file. If Silent is set to zero, (0 or False) the error is displayed to the screen
as well as added to the error log file.
500 ABC Library Reference

ErrorClass Methods
ErrorClass Functional Organization--Expected Use
As an aid to understanding the ErrorClass, it is useful to organize the various ErrorClass methods
into two large categories according to their expected use--the Non-Virtual and the virtual
methods. This organization reflects what we believe is typical use of the ErrorClass methods.

Non-Virtual Methods

The Non-Virtual methods, which you are likely to call fairly routinely from your program, can be
further divided into three categories:

Housekeeping (one-time) Use:

Init initialize the ErrorClass object
AddErrors add or override recognized error definitions
SetFatality change the severity level of a specific error
Kill terminate the ErrorClass object

Mainstream Use:
Throw process an error
ThrowFile set substitution value of %File then process an error
ThrowMessage set substitution value of %Message then process an error
Message display an error message from the Errors list

Occasional Use:
SetField set the substitution value of the %Field macro
SetFile set the substitution value of the %File macro
SetErrors save the current error state
SetId make a selected error the current one
RemoveErrors remove (and/or restore) error definitions
TakeError process an error, assuming SetErrors has been called
ErrorClass 501

Virtual Methods

Typically, you will not call these methods directly--the Non-Virtual methods call them. We
anticipate you will want to override these methods, and because they are virtual, they are very
easy to override. However they do provide reasonable default behavior in case you do not want
to override them. These methods are listed functionally rather than alphabetically.

TakeBenign process benign errors

TakeNotify process notify errors
TakeUser process user errors
TakeFatal process fatal errors
TakeProgram process program errors
TakeOther process any other errors
502 ABC Library Reference

AddErrors (add or override recognized errors)

AddErrors( error block ), VIRTUAL

AddErrors Adds entries to the Errors property from the error block passed to it.
error block A GROUP whose first component field is a USHORT containing the number of
error entries in the GROUP. Subsequent component fields define the error
entries.
The AddErrors method receives error entries and adds them to the existing Errors property.
These later added Error definitions "override" any earlier definitions with the same IDs. The
"overridden" definitions are preserved for substitution into the %Previous macro symbol, and may
be fully restored by removing the overriding error entries with the RemoveErrors method.

Implementation: AddErrors assumes the Errors property has already been created by Init or by
some other method.

Each error block entry consists of a USHORT containing the error ID, a BYTE containing the
severity level, a PSTRING containing the title to display on the error message window, and
another PSTRING containing the error message text.

Example:
AppErrors GROUP
Number USHORT(2) !number of errors in the group
USHORT(Msg:RebuildKey) !first error ID
BYTE(Level:Notify) !severity level
PSTRING('Invalid Key') !window title
PSTRING('%File key is invalid.') !message text
USHORT(Msg:RebuildFailed) !second error ID
BYTE(Level:Fatal) !severity level
PSTRING('Key was not built') !window title
PSTRING('Repairing key for %File.')!message text
END
GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init !GlobalErrors initialization
GlobalErrors.AddErrors(AppErrors) !add some app specific errors
Main !call main procedure
GlobalErrors.Kill !GlobalErrors termination

See Also: Init, Errors, RemoveErrors

ErrorClass 503

AddHistory (update History structure)

AddHistory, VIRTUAL
The AddHistory method adds an entry to the History structure. This structure is used to display
the message to the screen.

GetCategory (retrieve error category)

GetCategory([Id] )

GetCategory Retrieves the current error category.

id An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the error id.
The GetCateogry method retrieves the error category from the ErrorEntry structure. If the id is
omitted the DefaultCategory is returned.

Return Data Type: ASTRING

GetError (Retrieve the current error message)

GetError([errorlevel] )

GetError Retrieves the current error message.

errorlevel An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the error
level.
The GetError method retrieves the error message from the SaveError or SaveFileError property,
based on the type of errorlevel that is detected.

Return Data Type: CSTRING

504 ABC Library Reference

GetErrorcode (Retrieve the current Errorcode)

GetErrorcode([errorlevel] )

GetErrorcode Retrieves the current error code

errorlevel An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the error
level.
The GetErrorcode method retrieves the error code from the SaveErrorCode or
SaveFileErrorCode property, based on the type of errorlevel detected.

Return Data Type: LONG

GetProcedureName (return procedure name )

GetProcedureName
The GetProcedureName method returns the name of the procedure in which it has been called.

Implementation: Returns the name of the procedure as established in t he .APP file providing that
the procedure name has been added to a PRIVATE queue by the
SetProcedureName method. The GetProcedureName method is not called by
any other methods or templates.

Return Data Type: STRING

MESSAGE(GlobalErrors.GetProcedureName()) ! Displays the procedure name in

! a MESSAGE dialog

See Also: SetProcedureName

ErrorClass 505

HistoryMsg (initialize the message window)

HistoryMsg(caption, icon, buttons, default button), PROC, VIRTUAL

HistoryMsg Initialize the message box window and controls.

caption A string constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that specifies the message
box window caption.
icon An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the icon to
display on the message box.
buttons An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates which
Windows standard buttons to place on the message box. This may indicate
multiple buttons.
default button An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates the default
button on the message box.
The HistoryMsg method initializes the error message dialog.

Return Data Type: LONG

506 ABC Library Reference

Init (initialize the ErrorClass object)

Init
Init(errorlog), VIRTUAL

Init Initialize the ErrorClass object.

errorlog The label of the ErrorLogInterface.
The Init method initializes the ErrorClass object and adds the default errors.

Implementation: Creates the Errors property and calls the AddErrors method to initialize it with the
default errors defined in ABERROR.TRN. Default error ID EQUATEs are defined
in ABERROR.INC.

The standard templates instantiate a single global ErrorClass object and make a single global call
to Init. However, you may wish to instantiate an ErrorClass object with a separate set of errors for
each base class, or for any other logical entity (for example a PayrollErrors object for the Payroll
segment of your program).

Example:
GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init !GlobalErrors initialization
Main !call main procedure
GlobalErrors.Kill !GlobalErrors termination

See Also: AddErrors, Errors, Kill

ErrorClass 507

Kill (perform any necessary termination code)

Kill
The Kill method disposes any memory allocated during the object's lifetime and performs any
other necessary termination code.

Implementation: Disposes the Errors queue created by the Init method.

Example:
GlobalErrors ErrorClass !declare GlobalErrors object
CODE
GlobalErrors.Init !GlobalErrors initialization
Main !call main procedure
GlobalErrors.Kill !GlobalErrors termination

See Also: Init

508 ABC Library Reference

Message (display an error message)

Message( error id, buttons, default button )

Message Displays an error message dialog box and returns the button the user pressed.
error id An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates which
ErrorClass.Errors message to show in the dialog box.
buttons An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression that indicates which
Windows standard buttons to place on the dialog box. This may indicate multiple
buttons.
default button An integer constant, variable, EQUATE, or expression t