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AppMaker code generation

(quick note 24th Oct 2001 - this is considerably out of date as we are continually improving the AppMaker experience with OOFILE and there is a much richer range of samples and documentation coming. mailto:info@oofile.com.au for more information).

This document relates to the AppMaker program on Macintosh and how OOFILE applications can be automatically generated. This first version assumes you are generating code for the PowerPlant framework.

The basic philosophy is to make things as simple as possible for someone to construct an application. They should have to enter a minimal amount of code.

Please read gui.txt for an outline of the OOFILE gui integration philosophy. The following assumes you know how we handle browsing and editing data.

Note:These limits have not stopped users from producing several applications with AppMaker but there is a little work you have to do after code generation for more complex apps.

Things you can't do
- use DataDefs for linking of fields, views and lists - you have to type in the names in the linkedField box
- specifying additional indexes
- specifying relationships between tables
- specifying embedded tables (eg: Locations)
- editing report-writer layouts

You define your database by adding at least one dbTable category. Within the dbTable you specify the persistent fields.

You must also add a dbView category - this will be used by the ListControl on the Browser window. When you type in the names in the dbView's fields, be very careful to match the spelling from the dbTable.

You must now set the following Properties by clicking on each Category (eg: a Dialog and pressing command-I for Info). Nearly all the Properties are popup menus so very easy to set.

Document
- dbBrowseWindow
- dbAddDialog
- dbEditDialog
- itsTable

Window
- OOFILEview (leave at None for non-OOFILE window)

Dialog
- editsTable (leave at None for non-OOFILE dialog)

Edit Text
- linkedField (again, be careful with your spelling when you type this in)

List
- itsView