NOMADS Graphical Application

Views Menu Option

Method

Button View

Under Objects New/Maintain, type a new file maintenance panel name in the Name field (see Note above). Then either click the File Maint button or select Objects > File Maint from the menu bar. The Welcome panel is launched.

Toolbar View

Click the File Maint button on the toolbar, and when prompted, type a new file maintenance panel Name (see Note above). The Welcome panel is launched.

Another method is to select Objects > File Maint from the menu bar, and when prompted, type a new file maintenance panel Name.

Menubar View

Select Objects > File Maint from the menu bar, and when prompted, type a new file maintenance panel Name (see Note above). The Welcome panel is launched.

Progress Bar

Displays the seven steps for generating a file maintenance panel. A white step number against a dark red background indicates the current step being defined.

Clicking on a step number goes directly to that step without having to select intermediate steps in order. This is useful when reviewing or changing previous selections before exiting the generator. Keep in mind that certain steps may require data before advancing to subsequent steps.

Work Area

Body of the File Maintenance Generator panel that consists of fields used to process each step.

Navigation Bar

Consists of buttons that are enabled or disabled, depending on the step being defined:

Select the file maintenance template

Select a template to apply its settings to the new panel(s) or HTML page(s) to be generated.

A template consists of predetermined settings that define the appearance of a panel or HTML page. Using templates makes designing new panels or HTML pages easier and gives them a consistent look and feel.

The templates data file "maint_templates.dat" is created according to the prefix settings the first time the File Maintenance Generator is accessed on a new PxPlus installation or for a new PxPlus project. Therefore, different PxPlus projects may have unique template data files.

(Support for creating the templates data file according to prefix settings was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Different templates can be used to create different panel or HTML page designs. For example:

   •  A simple maintenance panel with (or without) browse buttons
   •  A panel that includes a folder with top (or bottom) tabs
   •  A panel that includes a folder with left (or right) sidebar tabs
   •  A panel with an embedded toolbar

To save template settings for future use, click the Save Template button in Step 7: Finish.

File Maintenance Template

(Available when a Template exists)

Click the drop-down arrow for a list of previously saved templates (if applicable). See Save Template (in Step 7: Finish).

When a template is selected, its settings are applied to the current panel or HTML page to be generated.

If no templates exist or an existing template is not selected, the default will be None.

If a template was saved with the Default Template check box selected (see Save Template), that template name will be the default when a new file maintenance panel is being generated, and the words *Default Template* will display.

Note:
If a panel is being regenerated, the File Maintenance Template drop box will initially be disabled. To enable this drop box and choose another template, select the Reset Template check box.

(The default setting "None" was added in PxPlus 2019 Update 1.)

(Copy Template)

(Available when no Templates are defined)

Button (next to the File Maintenance Template drop box) that launches the Copy File Maintenance Templates window.

This window is used to copy the file maintenance templates from an existing templates data file (maint_templates.dat) to the templates data file in the current PxPlus installation or project. This allows previously defined templates to be available in subsequent PxPlus installations or projects without having to recreate them.

For example, assuming that file maintenance templates were defined in PxPlus 2020, after installing PxPlus 2021, you would need to use the Copy Template button to copy those existing templates to the currently empty templates data file in PxPlus 2021.

This window consists of the following:

Note:
If a panel is being regenerated and the template used is invalid for the new installation or project, the template will be reset to the original value if it is valid after the copy is complete.

(The Copy Template button was added in PxPlus 2020.)

(Delete Template)

(Available when a previously saved template is selected)

Button (next to the File Maintenance Template drop box) that is used to delete a template. Prior to deleting a template, a message will display.

This button is enabled when a previously saved template (other than None) is selected from the File Maintenance Template drop box.

Note:
If the template that was used to generate a panel is subsequently deleted, a message will display when regenerating the panel, stating that the template is no longer valid. However, the template settings that were used to generate the original panel will not be deleted.

Reset Template

(Available when an existing panel is being regenerated)

Select this check box to enable the File Maintenance Template drop box and reset the template by choosing one from the drop box. The settings associated with the selected template will be used instead of the settings when the panel was generated.

If the Reset Template check box is unchecked after another template has been selected, the original template name and its settings will be put back to the way they were on the original panel.

By default, this check box is not selected. When generating a new file maintenance (or inquiry-only) panel, this check box is hidden.

(The Reset Template option was added in PxPlus 2020.)

Screen Designer

(Available when an existing panel is being regenerated)

Button that opens the regenerated file maintenance panel in the NOMADS Panel Designer.

If any File Maintenance settings were changed, a message will display when clicking this button.

(The Screen Designer button was added in PxPlus 2023.)

Select the type of form(s) to create

A NOMADS panel, an HTML page or both types can be created. Non-File Maintenance forms, which do not use the standard file maintenance logic, can also be created.

Form Type

Select the type of form(s) to create: a NOMADS Panel (Default), a Webster+ HTML Page, or both types.

The Non-File Maintenance Form check box is used for creating a NOMADS panel and/or HTML page that does not use the standard file maintenance logic. Selecting this check box provides the capability to generate informational/dashboard-like panels or pages. Entering a data dictionary table is optional. If a table is entered, fields can be added to the layout if desired. The Non-File Maintenance Form setting is not saved to a template.

Before an HTML page can be created, a location must be defined to store the Webster+ generated HTML forms. This is done by selecting Webster+ > Directory on the Library Object Selection menu bar. If the location is not defined and the HTML Page option is selected, a message will display.

(The Form Type option was added in PxPlus 2021.)
(The Non-File Maintenance Form option was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Select the table from the data dictionary

A definition must exist in the data dictionary (providex.ddf and providex.dde files) to generate a new panel.

Table Name

Name of an existing data dictionary table for which the file maintenance object is being defined. Click the Query Table View button (magnifying glass) to invoke the Lookup Table Names window to search for a table name or type the table name.

If the Non-File Maintenance Form check box is selected, the table name is optional.

Note:
When the panel is generated, the table name is recorded in the Tag Field property in the Panel Header record for the main panel.

Panel Title

Title to display at the top of the generated panel. The panel title is required before proceeding to the next step.

By default, the panel title displays as xxxxxx Maintenance (where xxxxxx is the Table Name selected from the data dictionary).

If the Inquiry Only check box is selected, the panel title defaults to xxxxxx Inquiry.

If the Non-File Maintenance Form check box is selected, a panel title must be entered.

Note:
The default Panel Title is derived using the data dictionary description and one of the standard message library references - 'FM_TITLE' for the word 'Maintenance' and 'FM_INQ' for the word 'Inquiry'.

For generating panels in languages other than English, corresponding message library entries should be created.

Panel Title Symbol

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

A symbol can be optionally added before the panel title in Webster+ HTML pages. It can be either a Font Awesome symbol or a standard PxPlus bitmap selected from the Bitmap Library lookup button. For a list of Font Awesome symbols, visit https://fontawesome.com/v4/icons/.

Note:
When specifying the Font Awesome symbol name, do not include the leading 'fa-'.

(The Panel Title Symbol option was added in PxPlus 2022 Update 1.)

Enter the maintenance object

Generated file maintenance panels require a file maintenance object as the Default Program in the Panel Header for a generated main panel. This object contains properties that correspond to the options on the Step 2: Properties panel. This object can be unique to each generated file maintenance panel or can be shared among different generated file maintenance panels.

File Maintenance Object

Click the drop-down arrow for available selections:

(The File Maintenance Object drop box was added in PxPlus 2020.)

Object Name

Input depends on the File Maintenance Object drop box selection:

Note:
Object names must end with the file extension .pvc.

Inquiry Only

Select this check box to create a file maintenance panel in inquiry mode, which allows view-only access to records. Records cannot be added, edited or deleted.

If this check box is selected, the Panel Title defaults to xxxxxx Inquiry. In addition, all options in Step 2: Properties, as well as the Required Fields option in Step 4: Controls, are disabled.

Enter the optional HTML interface program

As with the File Maintenance logic in NOMADS, hooks are available to allow additional logic to be performed for the HTML page. If the HTML page requires additional logic at some or all of the following points, ensure that the methods are named as shown below:

Interface Program

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

Enter the name of the interface program or click the Query button.

An interface program is needed if you want to add code for any of the methods listed above. It is also needed to code events associated with various Objects (Buttons, Grids, Input Fields, etc.) that you are adding to the HTML page in Step 6: Fields.

If adding a Grid object, the HTML interface program is required to create a method to load the Grid using a memory file. The interface program name entered will be used as the default Initialization Program.

For an example of an interface program, see Grid Example. For additional Grid information, see Using Grids in Webster+.

(The Interface Program option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Select the update behavior

Select the record locking behavior when a record is updated.

Review Before Write

(Default) Record's contents are reviewed before the record is written to determine if another user changed any fields.

Lock Record

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Locks the record.

No Record Lock

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Writes the record with no lock.

Select the screen behavior

Select the screen behavior on a new record, for saving changes and after writing or deleting a record.

Do Not Clear Fields

(Default) Record's contents are not cleared from data fields. This behavior can be applied after a new record key is entered and after a record is written or deleted.

Auto-Clear All Fields

Record's contents are automatically cleared from data fields. This behavior can be applied after a new record key is entered and after a record is written or deleted.

Standard Save

(Default) To save a new or edited record, the Write button is selected; otherwise, a confirm-save message displays when tabbing off an input control and selecting the Clear, Exit, browse or X (Close) buttons.

Auto-Save Changes

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

A new or edited record is automatically saved when tabbing off an input control and selecting the Exit, browse or X (Close) buttons. No Write button is provided.

Select record message options

Select the messages that will display when a record is created or deleted.

Confirm New Record

A message asks to create the new record before proceeding.

Acknowledge Writes

A message confirms that the new record has been added or an existing record has been updated.

Confirm Delete Request

(Default) A message asks to delete the selected record before proceeding.

Acknowledge Deletes

(Default) A message confirms that the selected record is deleted.

Define screen position

Define the options for screen position for the NOMADS panel. Click the Additional Options button for panel header options.

Position

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Determines where the panel is placed on the desktop. NOMADS provides the capability for the system to remember where a panel was last placed and will attempt to restore it to the same position. See Panel Persistence.

Click the drop-down arrow for a list of selections:

Column

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when Position is Absolute or Relative)

Starting vertical position for the top left corner of the generated panel. Valid values are 1 - 620. (Default is 5.)

(Support for increased Column maximum was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Line

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when Position is Absolute or Relative)

Starting horizontal position for the top left corner of the generated panel. Valid values are 1 - 255. (Default is 5.)

(Support for increased Line maximum was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Additional Options

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Button that launches the Additional Options window with more options for defining the panel header.

Panel Notes

Button that is used to add notes/comments for the panel. Maximum 1024 characters. (Same as the Notes button in NOMADS Panel Definition.)

(The Panel Notes button was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Location of browse buttons

Specify the location of the browse buttons. Define any Additional Buttons to be added before and/or after the browse buttons.

(Location Drop Box)

Click the drop-down arrow for a list of locations.

If selecting a Location that is either identical to or conflicts with the location of the Action buttons, a message will display, in which case, select a different location.

For additional information, see Browse and Action Buttons in HTML Pages.

(The Toolbar and Embedded Toolbar selections were added in PxPlus 2020.)

Library

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when browse buttons Location is Embedded Panel)

Library path for the existing embedded panel. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of (up to nine) previous library selections.

Click the Browse button to look through the directory structure to find the library or type the library path. An expression can also be entered by preceding the expression with an = (equals sign); e.g. =libname$ or ="mylib.en".

Note:
The Library name may be a specific or generic reference. See Cascading Language Suffixes.

Panel

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when a Library is selected)

Embedded panel name. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of panels in the selected library.

Note:
It is not recommended to embed a generated file maintenance panel into another file maintenance panel to be generated, as this may cause issues when the NOMADS panel or HTML page is displayed.

Position

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when an Embedded Panel Name is selected)

Position of the selected embedded panel on the file maintenance panel. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of positions: Top Left, Top Center, Top Right, Left Edge, Right Edge, Bottom Left, Bottom Center, Bottom Right, to Right of Key, Right of Last Key Seg.

Note:,
The Position cannot be duplicated if using more than one embedded panel to define the screen layout in Step 3: Screen; otherwise, a message will display.

Tab Stops

(Not Available when browse buttons Location is Toolbar, Embedded Panel, Embedded Toolbar or None)

Select this check box to add the browse buttons to the panel's tabbing sequence.

Location of action buttons

Specify the location of the action buttons (i.e. Write, Delete, Clear, Exit). Define any Additional Buttons to be added before and/or after the action buttons.

If the location is set to "Embedded Panel" and the Position selected is either Top Bar or Bottom Bar, any before/after Action buttons that are added will be ignored when generating the NOMADS panel. In that case, the additional buttons should be added directly to the panel being embedded.

(Location Drop Box)

Click the drop-down arrow for a list of locations.

If selecting a Location that is either identical to or conflicts with the location of the Browse buttons, a message will display, in which case, select a different location.

For additional information, see Browse and Action Buttons in HTML Pages.

Library

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when action buttons Location is Embedded Panel)

Library path for the existing embedded panel. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of (up to nine) previous library selections.

Click the Browse button to look through the directory structure to find the library or type the library path. An expression can also be entered by preceding the expression with an = (equals sign); e.g. =libname$ or ="mylib.en".

Note:
The Library name may be a specific or generic reference. See Cascading Language Suffixes.

Panel

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when a Library is selected)

Embedded panel name. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of panels in the selected library.

Note:
It is not recommended to embed a generated file maintenance panel into another file maintenance panel to be generated, as this may cause issues when the NOMADS panel or HTML page is displayed.

Position

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when an Embedded Panel Name is selected)

Position of the selected embedded panel on the file maintenance panel. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of positions: Top Left, Top Center, Top Right, Top Bar, Left Edge, Right Edge, Bottom Left, Bottom Center, Bottom Right, Bottom Bar.

Embedding a panel in the Top Bar or Bottom Bar position is similar to embedding it in the Top Left or Bottom Left position except that when Top Bar or Bottom Bar is selected, the Stretchable check box is automatically selected for the embedded panel control on the generated panel. This allows an embedded panel that contains a rectangle shape to be stretched to fill the entire width of the panel, which is useful when creating a Toolbar.

When Top Bar or Bottom Bar is selected, any Additional Buttons that are added before and/or after the Action buttons will be ignored; therefore, any additional buttons that are required should be added directly to the panel being embedded.

Note:
The Position cannot be duplicated if using more than one embedded panel to define the screen layout in Step 3; otherwise, a message will display.

Tab Stops

(Not Available when action buttons Location is Toolbar, Embedded Panel or Embedded Toolbar)

Select this check box to add the action buttons to the panel's tabbing sequence.

Additional Buttons

Button that launches the Maintain Additional Buttons window for adding (and editing) additional buttons that are placed before and/or after the browse and action buttons.

(The Additional Buttons button was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Optional embedded panel

Define the options for adding an embedded panel to the NOMADS panel.

Library

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Library path for the existing embedded panel to be added. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of (up to nine) previous library selections.

Click the Browse button to look through the directory structure to find the library or type the library path. An expression can also be entered by preceding the expression with an = (equals sign); e.g. =libname$ or ="mylib.en".

Note:
The Library name may be a specific or generic reference. See Cascading Language Suffixes.

Panel

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when a Library is selected)

Embedded panel name. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of panels in the selected library.

Note:
It is not recommended to embed a generated file maintenance panel into another file maintenance panel to be generated, as this may cause issues when the NOMADS panel or HTML page is displayed.

Position

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only - Available when an Embedded Panel Name is selected)

Position of the selected embedded panel on the file maintenance panel. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of positions: Top Left (Default), Top Center, Top Right, Top Bar, Left Edge, Right Edge, Bottom Left, Bottom Center, Bottom Right, Bottom Bar.

Note:
The Position cannot be duplicated if using more than one embedded panel to define the screen layout in Step 3; otherwise, a message will display.

Optional Include HTML page

Specify an HTML page to include on the file maintenance panel to be generated.

(Input field)

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

(Optional) Enter the directory and an existing HTML page to include or click the Query button.

(The option to include an HTML page was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Position

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only - Available when an HTML Page is specified)

Position of the HTML page on the file maintenance panel, either Top (Default) or Bottom.

(The Position option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

FM_BROWSE.HTML

Standard browse buttons (not in a toolbar)

FM_ACTION.HTML

Standard action buttons (Write, Delete, Clear, Exit)

FM_INQ_ACTION.HTML

Standard action buttons for an inquiry panel (Clear, Exit)

FM_BROWSE_TOOLBAR.HTML

Browse buttons in a toolbar

FM_ACTION_TOOLBAR.HTML

Action buttons in a toolbar

FM_INQ_ACTION_TOOLBAR.HTML

Inquiry panel action buttons in a toolbar

FM_FULL_TOOLBAR.HTML

Browse and action buttons in a toolbar

FM_INQ_FULL_TOOLBAR.HTML

Browse and inquiry panel action buttons in a toolbar

TitleBar Option

Specify a panel to insert as a title bar at the top of the panel. You can also specify that the default title bar or no title bar will be used.

Available selections are:

For information on the use of the Frame Style parameter when creating a custom title bar, see Custom Title Bars.

Panel Information

(Available when the TitleBar Option is TitleBar)

Theme

Assign a Theme to be applied to the panel. The Theme can be defined as a Fixed value or string Expression.

Note:
A Theme applied at the Panel level overrides the General level Theme set in %NOMADS'Theme$ and the Library level Theme assigned in Library Defaults.

A Theme assigned to the %NOMADS'ThemeOverride$ property overrides all other Theme settings. See Applying a Theme to Your Application.

Attributes

Parameters

iNomads Template

If specified, the iNomads Template will be applied to the panel, overriding the template specified for the session.

OK

Saves changes and closes the Additional Options window, returning to the Step 3: Screen panel.

Cancel

Does not save changes and closes the Additional Options window, returning to the Step 3: Screen panel.

(Additional Buttons Grid)

Displays a list of the additional buttons. After a new additional button is defined, it is automatically added to this list.

Add or Edit an Additional Button

Button that launches the Add an Additional Button window for defining a new additional button and editing an existing one.

Many of these options are also available when adding a Button object on the file maintenance panel in Step 6: Fields (see Button object), except for these differences:

Delete an Additional Button

Removes the selected additional Button. Prior to deletion, a message will display.

Copy an Additional Button

Creates a new additional button by copying the settings from an existing button selected in the grid.

(Copy an Additional Button was added in PxPlus 2023.)

Move Up
Move Down

Moves the selected additional Button up or down within the list, changing the order of the additional Buttons on the NOMADS panel and Webster+ page.

Remove All Buttons

(Available when an additional Button is defined)

Removes all the additional Buttons listed in the grid. Prior to deletion, a message will display.

(Remove All Buttons was added in PxPlus 2023.)

Select field and screen layout options

Define the options for field and screen layout.

Prompt Alignment

Sets the alignment of text controls displayed as field names on the generated panel. Click the drop-down for a list of selections:

Append Colon on Prompt

(Available if Prompt Alignment is Left or Right)

Adds a : (colon) to the end of text controls displayed as field names (e.g. City:). (Default is On.)

Tab Sequence

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Sets the tabbing order:

Required Fields

(Available if Prompt Alignment is Left or Right)

Determines whether required fields are marked with a preceding * (asterisk) and includes the option to display a brief explanation for the asterisk in the bottom left of the generated panel.

Note:
If there are no required fields or the Prompt Alignment option is set to No Prompts or the Inquiry Only check box is selected, this drop box will be set to Do not indicate required fields and disabled.

Click the drop-down for a list of selections:

Vertical Spacing

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Determines the amount of vertical spacing between input controls on the generated panel.

Values between 0.50 and 3.0 lines are allowed. (Default is 0.50.)

SHOW. Visual Class

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only and if Extended Class Validation was defined)

Specify a Visual Class (Fixed value or string Expression) for applying default settings to Extended Validation SHOW.xxxxxx Multi-Lines created from data elements in the selected table.

See Extended Class Validation and Display.

Note:
If a SHOW. Visual Class is specified, the Locked, Borderless and Transparent properties for the SHOW.xxxxxx Multi-Lines will be turned Off unless specifically defined in the Visual Class.

If no SHOW. Visual Class is specified, the Locked, Borderless and Transparent properties will remain On.

(The SHOW. Visual Class option was added in PxPlus 2020.)

Select fonted text options

Define the options for fonted text (other than field prompts) on the NOMADS panel. These options do not apply to HTML pages.

Fonted text can be added to the panel layout in Step 6: Fields by entering text directly into a row in the Layout Grid.

Font

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Font type to apply to the Fonted Text entered in the Layout Grid. Click the drop-down arrow for a list of selections.

Size

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Click the drop-down for a list of sizes that relate to the current font (Quarter, Half, Regular (Default), Double) or enter a specific size.

Alignment

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Click the drop-down for a list of selections: Left Justify (Default), Center, Right Justify.

Visual Class

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Assign a Visual Class to the fonted text control.

Note:
Visual class names that begin with an "*" (asterisk) are pre-defined visual classes used by PVX Plus and may be subject to change without notice.

Select full horizontal line option

Define the option for full horizontal lines on the NOMADS panel. This option does not apply to HTML pages.

Full horizontal lines can be added to the panel layout in Step 6: Fields by right clicking on the Layout Grid and selecting Add Full Horizontal Line from the popup menu.

Vertical Spacing

(Applicable for NOMADS Panels Only)

Vertical spacing to be applied before and after each full horizontal line added in Step 6: Fields. This option does not apply to half horizontal lines.

Values between 0.25 and 3.0 lines are allowed. (Default is 0.50.)

Primary Key Field(s)

The primary Key field(s) identifies each record in the file.

(Display Only) Primary Key field(s) for the data dictionary table selected in Step 1: Definition.

Note:
For single-segment keys, the remainder of the options on this panel do not apply and are disabled.

Fixed Key Segment

Fixed Key Segment applies only to files that have a fixed value, which makes up the first segment of the key.

Lock First Segment

(Not Applicable for Single Segment Keys)

If the primary Key has more than a single segment defined, selecting this check box allows the first key segment to be locked to contain a fixed value that does not change. If selected, a value for the fixed key segment must be entered in the Value to Pre-load field.

Behavior

(Available when Lock First Segment check box is selected)

Select to Disable or Hide the locked segment at run time.

Value to Pre-load

(Available when Lock First Segment check box is selected)

Sets a value to preload, which can be defined as a Fixed value or an Expression.

Cross Reference Key Field

This option is applicable if a unique, single segment key is to be maintained automatically. If a cross reference key is used, this data is stored in the Tag Field property of the control corresponding to the first key segment.

Field that Contains 'Reference Key'

Click the drop-down arrow to select the field that contains the unique identifier generated by the system to cross-reference with the primary Key field.

(Fields List Box)

Lists all the fields in the data dictionary table that was selected in Step 1: Definition. Fields flagged as Required in the data dictionary table are preceded with an * (asterisk), providing that the Non-File Maintenance Form check box was not selected in Step 1: Definition.

Fields are listed in the same order as they appear in the data dictionary definition (in Data Dictionary Maintenance on the Elements tab).

If a field is defined with a Multi-Line data class that is using Extended Validation with a Descriptive Field specified, the descriptive field will be listed and named SHOW.xxxxxx (where xxxxxx is the name of its related field); e.g. SHOW.SalesRep. If the descriptive field is related to a single-segment primary Key field, the descriptive field will not be listed.

Use this list to select the fields to drag and drop into the Layout Grid on the right when defining the panel layout.

To select multiple fields, use Shift-Click (consecutive selections) or Ctrl-Click (random selections). To select all fields, click the Select All button.

If any data dictionary fields are removed from the Layout Grid, they will be returned to the Fields list box.

Data dictionary fields that are added as Hidden Variables are shown in gray text as a visual cue only.

(The gray text display to indicate hidden variables was added in PxPlus 2023.)

(Layout Grid)

Grid used for defining the layout of the main panel and any folder panels (if Folder Tabs have been defined). By default, a two-column grid (for defining the Left and Right sides of a panel) is displayed. If the Use SmartPhone Layout check box is selected, only a single-column grid will display.

Each layout accommodates a maximum of 50 grid rows.

Key Fields

Key fields are in dark red bolded font and, by default, occupy either half rows or full rows (depending on the type of layout selected) at the top of the Main panel. Key fields are on the Main panel only. They cannot be deleted or moved to a folder panel; however, they can be moved to any row on the Main panel by using drag and drop.

If the Non-File Maintenance Form check box was selected in Step 1: Definition and a table name was entered, Key fields will not be in dark red bolded font and will be treated the same as other fields.

(The ability to move Key fields to any row on the main panel was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Adding Data Dictionary Fields

Data dictionary fields that are added to the Layout Grid display in blue font.

Note:
If the number of fields being dropped at one time will exceed the maximum number of rows (50) based on the starting row, a message will display. For example, attempting to drop 15 fields starting at row 40 will display a message, and the move will not be performed.

Adding Extended Validation Descriptive Fields (SHOW.xxxxxx)

A SHOW.xxxxxx field (where xxxxxx is the name of its related field) can be added beside its related field in the adjoining cell (in a two-column layout) or directly below it. It can also be added or moved to the same cell as its related field, which may also be a Key field if the primary Key has more than one segment. This combines the two fields in one cell and allows another field to be placed beside it in the adjoining cell.

To combine a SHOW.xxxxxx field with its related field, the related field must first be in the Layout Grid. Before the two fields are combined, a message will display.

(The ability to combine a SHOW.xxxxxx field and its related field was added in PxPlus 2021.)
(The ability to combine a SHOW.xxxxxx field and its related Key field was added in PxPlus 2021 Update 1.)

See Extended Class Validation and Display.

When added to the grid, the SHOW.xxxxxx field is displayed in the following format:

     elementname from file

     Where:

          elementname is the name of the element and file is the data file in the data dictionary.

     Example:

          Name from Sales Rep (SHOW.SalesRep)

When the panel is generated, the SHOW.xxxxxx field Multi-Line is locked and is not included in the tab sequence.

Adding Fonted Text Fields

Enter the text directly into a grid row. See Step 4: Controls for fonted text options.

HTML Events and HTML Calculations

Colored ticks in the top left corner of a cell indicate the following:

(The colored tick indicators were added in PxPlus 2023.)

Moving Fields

Use drag and drop to move a single field to a target row. Fields cannot be multi-selected when using this method.

Key fields always remain on the Main panel. They can be dragged and dropped to any row on the Main panel but not to a row on a folder panel. Fields can be moved to a row in the same column or in the adjoining column (if Use SmartPhone Layout is not selected).

Another alternative would be to use the Cut Cell and Paste Cell(s) options on the right click menu.

Note:
Care should be taken when moving to a target row that is not blank, as the contents being moved will overwrite the contents of the target row except if the target row contains a Key field. In that case, the Key field will not be overwritten and a message will display.

If the target row contains a data dictionary field, that field will be returned to the Fields list box.

If the target row contains a horizontal line or fonted text, the line or text will be removed.

If the target row contains a Smart List Box, Smart Chart, Image, Embedded Panel or HTML Short Codes, a message will display.

Removing Fields

Key fields cannot be removed. When a data dictionary field is removed from the Layout Grid, it is returned to the Fields list box. Other controls (i.e. List Box, Chart, Image, horizontal line, fonted text, etc.) are deleted.

To remove a single field, use one of the following methods:

   •  Press the Delete key to remove the contents of the currently selected cell from the Layout Grid. (Fields cannot be multi-selected for removal.)
   •  Drag and drop a data dictionary field from the Layout Grid to the Fields list box. (Fields cannot be multi-selected for removal.)
   •  Right click on the cell or row containing the field and select either Clear Current Cell or Delete Row from the popup menu.

To remove all fields on the current panel, use one of the following methods:

   •  Click the Reset button, which displays a message for resetting the Layout Grid.
   •  Right click on a cell in the Layout Grid and select Clear All Cells from the popup menu.

(The ability to use the Delete key to remove a field was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Use SmartPhone Layout

Select this check box to use a SmartPhone (single column) layout for the panel; otherwise, a two-column (side-by-side) layout is presented.

If this check box is selected (or deselected) after fields have been added to the Layout Grid, a Reset message will display:

(Info Line)

The Info line is located above the Navigation Bar and displays information about a selected field or control in the Fields list box or the Layout Grid.

For example, when a data dictionary field is selected, the Info line displays the field name, type and size. When a Smart List Box control is selected, the Info line displays the width, height, query library/panel, and Span Multiple Lines settings.

(The Info Line was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Select All
(Deselect All)

Toggle button that selects (or deselects) all remaining fields in the Fields list box.

Reset

Selecting this button displays a message for resetting the Layout Grid. The message will have either two or three possible responses, depending on whether the Layout Grid is being reset when creating a new file maintenance panel or regenerating an existing panel.

When creating a new panel, the Reset message displays Yes/No responses:

If regenerating an existing panel, the Reset message displays Yes/No/Cancel responses:

(Support for resetting a regenerated panel layout was added in PxPlus 2020.)

Hidden Variables

(Available when HTML Page check box is selected for Form Type)

Button that launches the Include Hidden Fields on HTML Page window. Data dictionary fields and/or additional variables that do not appear on the panel Layout Grid may be added as hidden variables for use in HTML Calculations associated with other data dictionary fields or with Input Fields added to the panel Layout Grid. Any data dictionary fields that are added as hidden variables are shown in gray text in the Fields list box as a visual cue only.

(The gray text display to indicate hidden variables was added in PxPlus 2023.)

This button displays a check mark to indicate hidden variables have been added.

This window consists of the following:

(The Hidden Variables button was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Folder

Select this check box to set up Folder sub-panels.

For information about folders in NOMADS panels, see NOMADS Folder Controls.

For information about folders in Webster+ HTML pages, see Webster+ Folders/Tabs.

Options

(Available when Folder check box is selected)

Button that launches the Folder Options window for specifying Folder properties.

When only HTML Page is selected as the form type in Step 1: Definition, options that are not applicable are not displayed, as shown in the second screen shot:

This window consists of the following:

Panel/Current Tab

(Available when Folder check box is selected)

Indicates the main panel or folder tab being defined. When the Folder check box is selected, the fonted text changes from Panel to Current Tab, and the Maintain Folder Tabs button next to the drop box is enabled.

New tabs can be added either by typing the new tab name in the drop box and then pressing Enter or by clicking the Maintain Folder Tabs button.

Use the Current Tab drop box to view a list of the tabs created (if applicable) and to select the tab or Main Panel for which the field layout will be defined.

(Maintain Folder Tabs)

(Available when Folder check box is selected)

Button (next to the Current Tab drop box) that launches the File Maintenance Panel Tabs window. This window is used to add, delete or rename folder tabs on the file maintenance panel.

Note:
A maximum of nine folder tabs can be created; otherwise, a message will display. If more tabs are required, use the NOMADS Panel Designer to edit the Folder control once the file maintenance panel is generated. To edit a Folder control, see Folder Properties.

This window consists of the following:

(The Rename button was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Smart List Box

Launches the Add a Smart List Box window for adding (and editing) a Smart List Box on the file maintenance panel. See Webster+ [list] short code.

Many of these options are also available when defining a Smart List Box control in the NOMADS Panel Designer (see Defining Smart Controls), except for these differences:

Example - Span Multiple Lines:

This panel layout shows a List Box on the left side, a field in the adjoining cell on the right side, and fields in the rows below.

    
                                Panel Layout with Smart List Box

To demonstrate the effect of the Span Multiple Lines option, two screen shots are provided, showing this NOMADS panel in Preview mode.

For this first screen shot, the Span Multiple Lines option is On. Notice that the field in the adjoining cell beside the List Box remains in place, and the fields below the List Box are pushed down to accommodate it.

     
                               Smart List Box - Span Multiple Lines (On)

For this second screen shot, the Span Multiple Lines option is Off. Notice that the field in the adjoining cell and the fields on the right side remain in place. The fields on the left side below the List Box are not pushed down. In this case, the List Box is overlapping the fields below it.

     
                               Smart List Box - Span Multiple Lines (Off)

(The ability to add/edit a Smart List Box was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Smart Chart

Launches the Add a Smart Chart window for adding (and editing) a Smart Chart on the file maintenance panel. See Webster+ [chart] short code.

Many of these options are also available when defining a Smart Chart control in the NOMADS Panel Designer (see Defining Smart Controls), except for these differences:

(The ability to add/edit a Smart Chart was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Image

Launches the Add an Image window for adding (and editing) an Image control on the file maintenance panel. See Webster+ [image] short code.

Note:
To properly view images on HTML pages, Webster+ Security must be enabled.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit an Image was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Button

Launches the Add a Button window for adding (and editing) a Button control on the file maintenance panel. See Webster+ [button …] short code.

This window is divided into two tabbed folder panels, NOMADS and Webster+, for defining Button properties, depending on whether a NOMADS panel, a Webster+ HTML page, or both are being generated.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit a Button was added in PxPlus 2021 Update 1.)

Input Field

Launches the Add an Input Field window for adding (and editing) an Input Field on the file maintenance panel.

This window is divided into tabbed folder panels for defining Input Field properties, depending on whether a NOMADS panel and/or a Webster+ HTML page are being generated.

Many of these properties are also available when defining a Multi-line control (see Multi-line Properties) in the NOMADS Panel Designer, except for these differences:

(The ability to add/edit an Input Field was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Text

Launches the Add Text window for adding (and editing) a Text field on the file maintenance panel.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit a Text field was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Grid

(Available when HTML Page check box is selected for Form Type)

Launches the Add a Grid window for adding (and editing) a Grid on a file maintenance HTML page only (not available for file maintenance NOMADS panels).

The data entered in the Column Definitions grid is used to define the Webster+ [grid] and [col] short codes, which are needed to render a Grid on the generated HTML page. See Using Grids in Webster+.

For an example of a Grid definition, see Grid Example.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit a Grid was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Button Bar

Launches the Add Button Bar window for adding (and editing) Button controls horizontally (in a button bar) on the file maintenance panel. Up to 10 buttons can be added to a button bar, and more than one button bar can be added to a file maintenance panel.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit a Button Bar was added in PxPlus 2023.)

Embedded Panel or HTML Short Codes

Launches the Embed a Panel/Short Codes window (except when the current cell is on a Key field) for specifying the panel and/or HTML short code(s) to embed. See Webster+ HTML Merge/Bind Object.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit an Embedded Panel or HTML Short Codes was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Hyperlink Prompt

Launches the Add a Hyperlink Prompt window for adding a hyperlink to a data dictionary field prompt only if the field is not the last Key segment. For example, a hyperlink can be added to the "SalesRepCode" prompt to launch Sales Representatives Maintenance. When a hyperlink prompt is added, the cell contents are underlined.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit a Hyperlink Prompt was added in PxPlus 2021.)

HTML Event

(Available when HTML Page check box is selected for Form Type)

Launches the Add an HTML Event window for adding an HTML Event to a cell that contains either a data dictionary field or fonted text.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit an HTML Event was added in PxPlus 2022.)

HTML Calculation

(Available when HTML Page check box is selected for Form Type)

Launches the Add an HTML Calculation window for adding an HTML calculation to a cell that contains a data dictionary field.

This window consists of the following:

(The ability to add/edit an HTML Calculation was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Right-Click Menu Options

Two-Column Grid or SmartPhone Layout

HTML Section Size

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

Sets the width of an HTML section. A section is a block of data elements or controls that occupies a specified portion of the page width. Multiple sections can be placed across the page until the available space is occupied at which point further sections will start below. For example, you can have 2 half sections, 3 third sections, 4 quarter sections or 1 half and 2 quarter sections.

Possible values are:

The current setting is indicated with a check mark.

HTML Sections

When an HTML page is resized, the controls in a section stay together. If the HTML page is resized smaller, a section on the Right side of the Layout Grid will eventually move below a section on the Left side of the Layout Grid.

Some section breaks are inserted into the HTML page automatically when it is generated (i.e. when a full line or a line containing two blank cells is encountered). However, at certain times, it may be desirable to control exactly when section breaks occur, especially when using section sizes that result in more than 2 sections across the page. This can be accomplished by using the right click menu within the Layout Grid to insert either an HTML Section Break or a Full HTML Section Break.

Right-Click Menu Options

Two-Column Grid Layout

SmartPhone Layout

Clear Current Cell

Clears the contents of the currently selected cell. This option is not available when the current cell contains a Key field.

If the cell contains a data dictionary field, the cleared field will be returned to the Fields list box.

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Clear All Cells

Clears the contents of all cells (except Key fields) on the currently selected panel or folder tab. Prior to clearing all cells, a message will display.

(The Clear All Cells option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Insert Cell Above

Inserts a blank cell above the currently selected cell.

If on a half-row cell, all half-row cells below in the same column will be moved down one row until a full-row cell is encountered. When a full-row cell is encountered, if the cell being pushed down is empty, it will be discarded and the insertion ends. If the cell being pushed down into the full row is not empty, a new row with the contents of the cell being pushed down will be inserted before the full row, and the last row of the grid will then be deleted.

If on a full-row cell, a new row will be inserted above the current row, and the last row of the grid will be deleted. This will push all subsequent rows down.

(The Insert Row Above option was changed to Insert Cell Above in PxPlus 2022 Update 1.)

Inserts a new cell above the currently selected cell, and the last cell of the grid will be deleted. This will push all subsequent cells down.

Delete Cell

Deletes the currently selected cell.

If on a half-row cell, all half-row cells below in the same column will be moved up one row until a full-row cell is encountered. When a full-row cell is encountered, if the row above the full-row cell is empty (that is, nothing in either column), the row above will be deleted, which effectively moves everything below up one row. A new empty row will be added to the end of the grid.

If on a full-row cell, the current row will be deleted, and an empty row will be added to the end of the grid. This will move all subsequent rows up.

This option is not available if the current cell contains a Key field.

(The Delete Row option was changed to Delete Cell in PxPlus 2022 Update 1.)

Deletes the currently selected cell, and an empty cell will be added to the end of the grid. This will move all subsequent rows up.

This option is not available if the current cell contains a Key field.

Cut Cell
Paste Cell(s)

Cuts the contents of a single cell and then pastes the contents into a destination cell.

If multiple cells are to be cut and pasted, first cut each cell one at a time in the order in which they are to be pasted and then use the Paste Cell(s) option to paste them all at once into the destination location. To ensure that all cut cells are successfully pasted, it is recommended to remain in the Step 6: Fields panel until the cut/paste process has been completed.

Cells can be cut and pasted within the same panel or between different panels, such as from the Main panel to a folder panel and vice versa.

The Cut Cell option is not available if the cell contains a Key field, Horizontal Line, Section Break or Full Section Break.

The Paste Cell(s) option is available only when one or more cells have been previously cut.

(The Cut Cell and Paste Cell(s) options were added in PxPlus 2021.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Full Row

Changes the selected half row (in one column) to a full row (across both columns) except when a Key field is in the adjoining cell. In that case, a message displays, and the half row is not changed.

Note:
If the adjoining cell contains a data dictionary field (other than a Key field), the field will be cleared from the grid and returned to the Fields list box.

If the adjoining cell contains fonted text, the fonted text will be removed.

(The checking for Key fields was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Not Applicable

Half Row

Changes the selected full row (across both columns) to a half row in each column. The half row in the Right Side column will be blank.

Not Applicable

Lock/Unlock

Locks or unlocks a data dictionary field.

This option is applicable only for data dictionary fields (except for Key fields or fields set as Read Only or Required).

When a field is locked, "Locked" displays at the end of the Info Line for that field. When a field with a Query button is locked, the Query button does not display.

(The Lock/Unlock option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

HTML Section Size

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

Sets the width of an HTML section. Possible values are Half, Third, Quarter and Flex. See HTML Section Size.

(The HTML Section Size option was added in PxPlus 2022.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Add HTML Section Break

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

Adds an HTML section break in the current column only. See Webster+ [section xxx] short code.

This option is not available when the current row contains a Key field.

A section is a block of data elements or controls that occupies a specified portion of the page width. Sections are placed across the page until the available space is occupied at which point further sections will start below.

An HTML section break indicates the end of one section and the beginning of the next section, which becomes apparent when the panel is resized. See HTML Sections.

(The Add HTML Section Break option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Add Full HTML Section Break

(Applicable for HTML Pages Only)

Adds a full HTML section break across both columns. See Webster+ [section xxx] short code.

This option is not available when the current row contains a Key field.

A section is a block of data elements or controls that occupies a specified portion of the page width. Sections are placed across the page until the available space is occupied at which point further sections will start below.

An HTML section break indicates the end of one section and the beginning of the next section, which becomes apparent when the panel is resized. See HTML Sections.

Note:
Adding a full section break before a row(s) may be necessary to align subsequent rows vertically in the HTML output.

(The Add Full HTML Section Break option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Add Half Horizontal Line

Adds a half horizontal line. The Layout Grid displays the text * Horizontal Line *.

This option is not available when the current row contains a Key field.

(The Add Half Horizontal Line option was added in PxPlus 2022.)

Add Full Horizontal Line

Adds a full horizontal line (across both columns). The Layout Grid displays the text * Horizontal Line *.

This option is not available when the current row contains a Key field.

Note:
If the adjoining half row contains a Key field, a message will display, and the horizontal line will not be added.

(The checking for Key fields was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Adds a full horizontal line. The Layout Grid displays the text * Horizontal Line *. This option is not available when the current row contains a Key field.

Add Object

Displays a list for selecting an object to add or edit:

(The Add Object option was added in PxPlus 2021 Update 1.)

(Same as for Two-Column Grid Layout)

Preview NOMADS Panel

(Available when NOMADS Panel check box is selected for Form Type)

Displays a preview of the layout of the NOMADS panel; however, the controls will not actually function.

Preview HTML Page

(Available when HTML Page check box is selected for Form Type)

Displays a preview of the layout of the HTML page; however, the controls will not actually function.

If the Webster Preview URL has not been defined, a message will display.

Webster Preview URL

Launches a separate window for entering a valid URL, which is required to preview an HTML page created by the File Maintenance Generator.

A Web server must be running and pointing to an installation of Webster+. The URL should specify the server and the Port number, separated by a : (colon).

Example:

localhost:8088/ (indicates that the Web server is running on your local machine on Port 8088)

Save Template

Button that launches the File Maintenance Template Save Settings window for saving File Maintenance template settings to a file name.

Saving them to a file name allows the same settings to be used again when defining new panels by selecting the desired Template in Step 1: Definition. Using File Maintenance templates makes it easier to maintain a consistent look and feel to panels that are generated.

This window consists of the following:

Confirm file and panels updated on completion

When this option is checked (Default), a confirmation message will display after clicking the Finish button. This message shows the names of panels that have been generated, including folders, and the pathname of the HTML page that was created if the HTML Page option was selected in Step 1: Definition.

If this option is unchecked, the confirmation message will not display, and this option will remain unchecked for panels and HTML pages that are subsequently generated in the current screen library.

(The Confirm file and panels updated on completion option was added in PxPlus 2021.)

Launch the Screen Designer to edit 'xxxxxx' after completion

Select this check box to open the generated main panel in the NOMADS Panel Designer after clicking the Finish button.

If this check box is not selected, the NOMADS Panel Designer will not launch. Instead, Library Object Selection will open with the file maintenance panel(s) added to the Object Name list.

Finish

This button is enabled in Step 7: Finish, at which time, it is also enabled on all panels in the File Maintenance Generator. It is used to complete the File Maintenance Generator and generate the file maintenance panel(s). If required fields are missing in Step 6: Fields, a message will display.

The main panel will be generated using the object name specified. Any additional folders will be created with the name object_name.nwhere n is a sequence number beginning with 1.

Example:

Client_mnt (Main Panel)
Client_mnt.1 (Folder Panel 1)
Client_mnt.2 (Folder Panel 2)