Data Access Worldwide May 16 – 18, 2007 Copyright 2007, Data Access Worldwide May 16 – 18, 2007...

May 16 – 18, 2007 Copyright 2007, Data Access Worldwide

Data Access Worldwide

May 16 – 18, 2007 Copyright 2007, Data Access Worldwide

Building Great Looking Windows Applications Fast & Easy

John Tuohy

Copyright 2007, Data Access WorldwideMay 16 – 18, 2007

The Studio Development Plan – First Release GoalsThe Studio Development Plan – First Release Goals

Natural code modeling☼Source code is the basis for all modeling☼No special markups or registrations☼Flexible visual modeling of components ☼All DataFlex can be modeled☼Code Explorer shows code outline☼All properties are modeled☼Unlimited Undo / Redo



New User Interface☼New menu and toolbar system☼Dockable panels

Smart Studio provides coding assistance☼Code complete / List members☼Parameter info☼Quick info☼Auto complete☼Go to definition



Debugger☼ Integrated into Studio☼Breakpoints set directly in code at any time☼Better watch and expression evaluation

Improved Workspace Management☼ Workspaces can be easily selected, added, copied

and moved☼Class library support☼Better cooperation with source control systems☼Allow multiple instances of the Studio



Released December 2006


The Studio Development Plan – Second Release GoalsThe Studio Development Plan – Second Release Goals

Visual designer for menus and toolbars Redesign of Database Builder☼ Integrate data dictionary modeling into the Studio☼More Database management functions integrated

into the Studio☼Better and easier support for other databases

All tools to use the new menus and toolbars☼Database Explorer☼Database Builder☼Other tools


But then, an unexpected change in plansBut then, an unexpected change in plans

Our developers requested better looking windows applications☼Wanted a facelift for their existing applications☼Wanted to be able to do this quickly and easily

What they wanted☼Extremely important - Better looking menus and

toolbars☼Very important –Better looking views (skins)☼ Important - New controls


A case study of three developersA case study of three developers

Emil Stojanov – Quantaris

Björn Thunvik – EXDE Systems

Tony MacKay – Anasazi Software

They all used Codejock active/x controls


And so, a minor change in plansAnd so, a minor change in plans

Provide new menu and toolbar classes using the Codejock controlsBuild a visual menu / toolbar designer into the Studio for these controlsEncourage and support developers in their use of other Codejock controls☼Skinning controls☼Other controls

Get this released ASAP!


The Codejock control libraryThe Codejock control library

Who are they?☼ Just google “codejock”

What are they?☼Menu / toolbar controls (CommandBars)☼Skin Framework☼Docking Pane, Report Control, Property Grid,

Calendar, etc.

Provided as MFC classes & Active/X classes☼How we used them in the Studio☼How you will use them in your applications


What will you get in 12.1What will you get in 12.1

The Codejock menu and toolbar Active/X controls☼ Xtreme Command Bars

A set of menu, toolbar and statusbar classes☼Easy to use☼Easy to convert existing menus

A visual builder in the Studio


What will you get in 12.1What will you get in 12.1

Beta: June/July 2007

Let’s take a look


Menu and Toolbars - The ClassesMenu and Toolbars - The Classes

Creates menu, toolbars, statusbar and context menusVisual themesSupports MDI / client-area style applicationsCan be embedded in other dialogsUser configurable:☼Menubar and toolbars are dockable and floatable☼Menus and toolbars can be edited at runtime☼Save and restore layouts



Many style of menu and toolbar items supported☼Button - a normal menu/toolbar item☼Popup menu -sub-menus☼Split Button☼Checkbox☼Combo☼Edit☼Label☼Radio



Menu and toolbar item support includes☼ Caption, tooltip, statusbar description, accelerator key☼ Easy to enable, disable, hide and check items☼Updates can be managed via a timer☼ Simple selection process (OnExecute)

Image Support☼ Bitmaps and Icons☼ Automatic and manual support for item’s state

Normal, disabled, selected, checked, pressedCan display text, images or both

☼ Large, small images supported



Simple class structureCreates easy to visualize and easy to maintain object structuresSupport for static and dynamic menus and toolbarsPowerful sub-class menu item support☼Library of standard items provided

Many other customization features providedFull Codejock COM interface supported in classes


Menu and Toolbars - The StudioMenu and Toolbars - The Studio

Full Visual Modeling of:☼Menubar and menu items☼ Toolbars and toolbar items☼ Context menus☼ Status Bar (support to be added post 12.1)

Menubar and toolbars are dragged from class paletteNew menu and toolbar items are easily createdItems are visually added, moved, copied and deletedSupport for all item control typesProperty Panel is used to maintain bar and item properties


Menu and Toolbars - The StudioMenu and Toolbars - The Studio

Menu items are created when view and reports are addedEasy to manually add existing components to menus and toolbarsEasy to select new items from sub-classesTemplates provided for standard menu systems☼ These can be custom configured


Thank youThank you

Data Access Worldwide May 16 – 18, 2007 Copyright 2007, Data Access Worldwide May 16 – 18, 2007...

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