The Integrated Toolkit IDE supports three types of libraries.   Use the View option on the menu bar to access the libraries and launch their interface utility. Each Library management utility resides in own free floating window that can be independent positioned and resized.

Nomads Object Libraries

These libraries contain Nomad panel layouts, queries, and menu definitions.   The tight integration between IT and Nomads means that the programmer can easily work on all aspects of the application without having to switch between environments.

To edit a Nomads object simply double click the desired object from the library listing.   Access to additional utilities is available through the popup menu associated with the right mouse click.

Program Libraries

The IT Program librarian provides the ability to add, delete, and/or rename programs within a library.   In addition program files can be dragged and dropped into a program library from external application such as Windows Explorer.

Text Macro Libraries

IT is designed to be easily extensible through the use Macro libraries, which allow the programmer to define text to insert, launch programs, or even run PxPlus code.

Each entry in the macro library has a name which defines its location within the hierarchy using a slash as a tree level separator.   Each entry also has a text value and type indicator.   Text entries simply insert the text as provided into the current program.   An OS Command type will invoke the command line provided in the text value whereas a PxPlus code type will execute the logic provided in the text field.

Text Expansion

The text provided in a Macro library is always passed through a expression evaluator that replaces any values surrounded by << >> with its associated value.   For example the value <<DAY>> will be replaced the value in the system DAY variable.  

Any valid PxPlus string expression or variable may be used between the << >> characters.

Some preset values are always present during the execution of the expression evaluator.   The current values are:

The value Textot $ may be optionally set by a PxPlus code macro.   If this value is set to non-null, its contents will be pasted into the program at the current position.

Accessing Macros

The Macro librarian itself manages the library definitions in a hierarchal tree view allowing the developer to group his desired functions in a logical manner.   To invoke a macro the user simply double clicks the desired entry or the macro can be assigned to function keys allowing quick access to the macro functionality through keyboard entry.

The system will remember the last accessed Macro library for the user and automatically load the function keys defined for the macro entries in that library during IT startup.

Creating Libraries

The 'File" menu bar option includes a 'M'ake Library option that allows the programmer to create a new Nomads, Program, or Macro library.

File Recognition

One of the other features of the built in librarian is the ability of the system to recognize various files by their type and physical characteristics. During the File Open logic within IT, the librarian is called upon to help determine the type of file being accessed.   If the file is determined to be a known library format, the system will launch the appropriate library manager.

The librarian further extends this feature to recognize data files and will cause the system to launch the graphical file maintenance program to allow for file viewing and/or update.

IT also provides a Find File option that can be used in lieu of the File Open.   This option performs the same function as the File Open except that the current prefix rules apply to the file name entered.   This allows the programmer to directly access programs or files based on the system prefix and current directory.