CHAPTER 4: Objects in Modules

4.1 Action Manager

Figure 4-1 Action Manager

Purpose

Displays a list of actions defined in the current module. Allows creation of new actions, copying, renaming, and deletion of existing actions. Double-clicking on an action in the list will invoke the action editor on the selected action.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Tools, Action) and Window Component Editor (Managers, Action)

Calls

Action Editor

Menu Options

(See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens")


`File`
	`New`	New script action Create a script action and invoke the Action Editor.
	`New C action`	Create a C action and invoke the Action Editor.
	`Copy`	Copy an action. A dialog box allows the user to specify the action to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected action.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected action.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Action Editor on the selected action.
	`Exit`	Return to the previous screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of actions in the module.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter and re-display list of actions.
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of actions.
`Tools`
	`Check Syntax`	Checks the syntax of the selected action. Not applicable for C actions.

Radio Buttons

`All`	All types of actions are displayed.
`Script Action`	Only scripts are displayed.
`C action`	Only C actions are displayed.

Screen Elements

Action Name	List of actions defined in the current module.
Description	Descriptive comment on the corresponding actions.
Interface	Indicates whether the corresponding action is a script or C action.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.2 Action Property Editor

Figure 4-2 Action Property Editor

Purpose

To create or edit actions for modules. Actions may be written in Empress GUI Builder Script Language, or may be associated to routines using the C API. They can be attached to entry and exit events of fields and modules, push button actions, etc. The only editable properties for C actions are the name (when creating a new action), description, and cursor image.

For Script actions, the return type can also be set. Scripts can be imported from text files, or entered directly in the editor's text field.

Called From

Action Manager (File, New or Properties)

Calls

System editor ("vi" by default).

Menu Options

(See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens")


`File`
	`Run`	Run the current application.
	`Run with parameters`	Run the application, with parameters obtained from a dialog box.
	`Save`	Save the changes to the database.
	`Save & Exit`	Save the changes and return to the Action Manager screen.
	`Exit`	Return to the Action Manager screen.
`Edit`
	`Clear`	Clear the Description and Text fields, set Return Type to "`Void`", and Cursor Image to "`Default`".
	`Reset`	Reset all fields and options to original values.
	`Go to`	Scrolls the text field so that the specified line number appears at the top of the field. Not applicable for C actions.
`Tools`
	`Check Syntax`	Checks the syntax of the script in the text field. Not applicable for C actions.
	`Import GUI Script`	Invoke a dialog to allow selection of a file (containing Empress GUI Builder Script statements) to be read. Not applicable for C actions.
`System`
	`System Editor`	Invoke the system editor ("`vi`" by default) on the displayed text. Not applicable for C actions.

Screen Elements

Action Name	Name of action. It is editable only when defining a new action.
Description	Descriptive comment for the action.
Interface	Indicates whether the action is Script or C API.
Return Type	Data type of result returned: "`Boolean`", "`Character`", "`Date`", "`Decimal`", "`Float`", "`Integer`", "`Void`". "`Void`" indicates that the action does not return any result. Not applicable for C actions.
Cursor Image	Determines whether the mouse pointer remains unchanged ("`Default`"), turns into the "watch" ("`Wait`") or "X" ("`Inactive`") cursor while the action is executing.
Text field	Editable field containing the text of the Script action. For C actions, this field cannot be edited.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.3 Syntax Checker

The Syntax Checker is a tool to identify some of the common syntax errors in a script action, such as missing parentheses, commas and semicolons.

The Syntax Checker can be invoked in several ways:

In the Action Manager, by selecting Syntax Checker from the Tools pull-down menu. The syntax of the selected action is checked.
In the Action Editor, by selecting Syntax Checker from the Tools pull-down menu. The syntax of the action being edited is checked.
In the Action Editor, when saving a script action. The syntax of the action is checked prior to saving.

If the Syntax Checker does not find any errors, it will display a "Syntax Check Passed" message in an information dialog box.

If syntax errors are found, the Syntax Checker will display a "Syntax Error Detected" message in an information dialog box. Then it displays a window to list the error numbers, the line numbers of the script where it has found the errors and the error messages. The error window is actually a xterm window running the system editor (specified by the Empress system variable MSEDITOR, default is "vi").

Because of parsing limitations, the Syntax Checker is limited in its scope in terms of detecting line numbers of lines with errors. For example, a missing semicolon on line 5 may cause a syntax error to be reported on line 7, where the statement is correctly terminated by a semicolon.

Note that the Syntax Checker will not verify whether function names are valid, since these could be internal Empress SQL functions, Empress GUI Builder script functions, user-defined functions or script actions used as functions.

4.4 Bin Manager

Figure 4-3 Bin Manager

Purpose

Displays various types of bins contained in the current module. Allows creation of new bins, copying, renaming and deletion of existing bins.

Bins are collections of components defined to share common properties (see the Empress GUI Builder: User's Guide manual for further details).

Double-clicking on a bin will call the Component Editor for the selected bin.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Tools, Bin)

Calls

Bin Property Editor

Menu Options

(See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens")


`File`
	`New`	Create a bin of the type specified by the `Bin Type` radio button. Invoke the bin property editor on the new bin. (This function is not available if `Bin Type` is set to "`All`").
	`Copy`	Copy a bin. A dialog box allows the user to specify the bin to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected bin.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected bin.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Bin Property Editor on the selected bin.
	`Exit`	Return to the Application Module Manager screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of bins of the selected type.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter (and display complete list of bins of the selected type).
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of bins.
`Tools`
	`Bin Component Editor`	Invoke the Component Editor for the specified type of bin.

Screen Elements

Bin Name	List of bins of the selected type contained in the current module.
Description	Descriptive comment for the corresponding bins.
Type	Indicates the type of the corresponding bin.
Bin Type buttons	Choice of available bin types (or all).
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.5 Bin Property Editor

Figure 4-4 Bin Property Editor

Purpose

To identify a bin and describe its type and style.

Bins are collections of components defined to have common properties (see the Empress GUI Builder: User's Guide manual for further details). It uses the same common elements as the component property editors. The bin type cannot be changed. It is set when the bin is created (in the Bin Manager). The contents of a bin is not specified is the Bin Property Editor. This is done in the Bin Component Editor.

Called From

Bin Manager (File, New or Properties)

Calls

Style Manager

Menu Options


`File`
	`Run`	Run the current application.
	`Run with parameters`	Run the application, with parameters obtained from a dialog box.
	`Save`	Save the changes to the database.
	`Save & Exit`	Save the changes and return to the Bin Manager screen.
	`Exit`	Return to the Bin Manager screen.
`Edit`
	`Clear All Fields`	Clears the `Description` and `Style` fields as well as all style settings.
	`Reset All Fields`	Reset all fields and style settings to original values.
	`Clear Override Style`	Clear the settings in the Override Style section. Managers
	`Object Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for bins.
	`Font Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for fonts.
	`Color Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for colors.

Screen Elements

Name	Name of the bin
Description	Descriptive comment for the bin
Type	Identifies the type of bin.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

Style Section

The style section contains the standard elements (see Chapter 5.7).

4.6 Hypertext Manager

Figure 4-5 Hypertext Manager

Purpose

Displays a list of hypertext documents defined in the current module. Allows creation of new hypertext documents, deletion, renaming and copying of existing documents.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Tools, Hypertext)

Calls

Hypertext Property Editor

Menu Options

(See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens")


`File`
	`New`	Create new hypertext document and invoke the Hypertext Property Editor.
	`Copy`	Copy a hypertext document. A dialog box allows the user to specify the document to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected hypertext document.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected hypertext document.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Hypertext Property Editor on the selected hypertext document.
	`Exit`	Return to the Application Module Manager screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of hypertext documents in module.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter (and display complete list of hypertext documents).
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of hypertext documents.

Screen Elements

Name	List of hypertext documents contained in module.
Description	Descriptive comment for the corresponding documents.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.7 Hypertext Property Editor

Figure 4-6 Hypertext Property Editor

Purpose

To create or edit hypertext documents. Hypertext documents can be imported as text files, or entered directly in the text field of the editor.

Called From

Hypertext Manager (File, New or Properties)

Calls

System editor ("vi" by default)

Menu Options


`File`
	`Run`	Run the current application.
	`Run with parameters`	Run the application, with parameters obtained from a dialog box.
	`Save`	Save the changes to the database.
	`Save & Exit`	Save the changes and return to the Application Module Manager screen.
	`Exit`	Return to the Application Module Manager screen.
`Edit`
	`Clear`	Clear all fields.
	`Reset`	Reset all fields to original values.
`Import`
	`Hypertext`	Invoke a dialog to allow selection of a file (containing a hypertext document) to be read.
`System`
	`Editor`	Invoke system editor on the contents of the `Text` field.

Screen Elements

Name	Name of hypertext document.
Description	Descriptive comment on the document.
Text field	Contents of the document.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.8 Pixmap Manager

Figure 4-7 Pixmap Manager

Purpose

Displays a list of pixmaps available in current module. Allows addition of new pixmaps, deletion, renaming and copying of existing pixmaps.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Tools, Pixmap) and Window Component Editor (Managers, Pixmap)

Calls

Pixmap Property Editor

Menu Options

See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".


`File`
	`New`	Add a new pixmap to the module.
	`Copy`	Copy a pixmap. A dialog box allows the user to specify the pixmap to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected pixmap.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected pixmap.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Pixmap Property Editor on the selected pixmap.
	`Exit`	Return to the previous screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of pixmaps in the module.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter (and display complete list of pixmaps).
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of pixmaps.

Screen Elements

Pixmap Name	List of pixmaps contained in the module.
Description	Descriptive comment for the corresponding pixmaps.
Pixmap sample	Picture of the selected pixmap.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.9 Pixmap Property Editor

Figure 4-8 Pixmap Property Editor

Purpose

To import pixmaps for use in the application. Pixmaps are icons which can be used instead of text for labels.

Called From

Pixmap Manager (File, New or Properties)

Menu Options

See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

Menu Options


`File`
	`Run`	Run the current application.
	`Run with parameters`	Run the application, with parameters obtained from a dialog box.
	`Save`	Save the changes to the database.
	`Save & Exit`	Save the changes and return to the Application Module Manager screen.
	`Exit`	Return to the Pixmap Manager screen.
`Edit`
	`Clear`	Clear the fields and the pixmap sample.
	`Reset`	Set the fields and pixmap sample to original values.
`Import`
	`Empress Pixmap`	Invoke a dialog to allow selection of a file (containing an Empress pixmap) to be read.
	`XPM Pixmap`	Invoke a dialog to allow selection of a file (containing a pixmap in XPM format ) to be read.

Screen Elements

Name	Only editable when defining a new pixmap.
Description	Descriptive comment for the pixmap.
Pixmap Sample	Area displaying the pixmap.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.10 Style Manager

Figure 4-9 Style Manager

Purpose

Displays the various styles available in the current module. Allows creation of new styles, deletion, renaming and copying of existing styles.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Component Style) and Window Component Editor (Managers, Style)

Calls

Style Editor

Menu Options

(See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens")


`File`
	`New`	Create a new style to the module. The type of style created depends on the setting of the `Style Type` radio box.
	`Copy`	Copy a style. A dialog box allows the user to specify the style to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected style.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected style.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Style Editor on the selected style.
	`Exit`	Return to the previous screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of styles.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter (and display complete list of styles of the specified type).
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of styles.

Screen Elements

Style Name	List of styles in the current module.
Description	Descriptive comment for the corresponding styles.
Style Type	Specifies type of style to display.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.11 Window Manager

Figure 4-10 Window Manager

Purpose

Displays the windows defined in the module. Allows creation of new windows, deletion, renaming and copying of existing windows.

A module which can be executed must have a main window named "MAINWIN". This main window will define the dimensions of the module when it is invoked. On the other hand, a shareable module which is only used as a library of actions, pixmaps etc. does not require a main window.

Double-clicking on a window name invokes the Window Component Editor, for editing the layout of the components in that window.

Called From

Application Module Manager (Tools, Window)

Calls

Window Component Editor, Window Property Editor

Menu Options

See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".


`File`
	`New`	Add a new window to the module.
	`Copy`	Copy a window. A dialog box allows the user to specify the window to be copied, even if it is in another database and/or module.
	`Delete`	Delete the selected window.
	`Rename`	Change the name of the selected window.
	`Properties`	Invoke the Window Property Editor on the selected window.
	`Exit`	Return to the previous screen.
`View`
	`Refresh`	Re-display the list of windows in the module.
	`Clear Filters`	Remove filter (and display complete list of windows).
	`Set Filters`	Apply filter (name and/or description) to list of windows.
`Tools`
	`Window Component Editor`	Invoke the Window Component Editor on the selected window.

Screen Elements

Window Name	List of windows defined in the module.
Description	Descriptive comment for the corresponding windows.
Message field	See Chapter 2 - "Common Elements of Empress GUI Builder Screens".

4.12 Window Property Editor

Figure 4-11 Window Property Manager

Purpose

To assign properties and styles to windows.

A window is a rectangular area which contains objects called components. It may be shown or hidden by the application, except the main window of a module, which cannot be hidden.

The main window of a module is a special window. It is always called MAINWIN, and it acts as the parent (container) of all the other windows in the module. The X and Y positions are irrelevant for the main window, and its width and height dictate the size of the module window frame when the module is executed.

A window may have a pop-up menu, which is activated when the third mouse button is pressed while the mouse pointer is in the window.

Called From

Window Manager (File, New or Properties)

Calls

Style Manager

Menu Options


`File`
	`Run`	Run the current application.
	`Run with parameters`	Run the application, with parameters obtained from a dialog box.
	`Save`	Save the changes to the database.
	`Save & Exit`	Save the changes and return to the Bin Manager screen.
	`Exit`	Return to the Bin Manager screen.
`Edit`
	`Clear All Fields`	Clears the `Description` and `Style` fields as well as all style settings.
	`Reset All Fields`	Reset all fields and style settings to original values.
	`Clear Override Style`	Clear the settings in the Override Style section.
`Managers`
	`Object Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for windows.
	`Font Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for fonts.
	`Color Style Manager`	Invoke the Style Manager for colors.

Screen Elements

Name	Name of this window.
Description	Descriptive comment for this window.
Position X	Distance (in pixels) between the left edge of this window and the left edge of the module's main window.
Position Y	Distance (in pixels) between the top edge of this window and the top edge of the module's main window.
Hide	Default state of window: visible or hidden.
Pop-up menu	Name of pop-up menu associated with this window.
Menu list button	Displays a list of pop-up menus defined in this module or in other shared modules.

Style Section

The style section contains the standard elements (see Chapter 5.7). In addition, it contains the following:

Frame	Specifies whether the window should have a thin frame around it.
Scroll	Specifies whether the window should have vertical and horizontal scroll bars.
Component Color	Default color for objects contained in this window.