Using global fields

The fields you create using the Field Definition window are called global fields, meaning they can be displayed in windows or stored in tables. In contrast, local fields can be used only in windows. Local fields are discussed in Windows.

Window fields

When you add global fields to a window layout, window fields are created. Window fields using data types with push button, button drop list, check box, radio button or visual switch control types can act as window controls. Window fields using data types with string, integer, currency, list box or other similar control types can display information and are the method by which your application’s users can enter new information or select predefined options.

Table fields

Global fields you create and use in tables are called table fields. These fields are used to store the pieces of information that make up a table. After you create fields using the Field Definition window, each can be added to a table definition so you’ll be able to store the contents of the field in a table.

For example the following table lists fields that would be used to store seller records in a Seller_Data table. Each field has a data type, and some use the same data type.

This field	Stores this data	Using this data type
Seller ID	String of 6 characters	Seller ID
Seller Name	String of 30 characters	STR30
Address	String of 30 characters	STR30
City	String of 20 characters	STR20
State	String of 2 characters	STR2
ZIP Code	String of 9 characters	STR9_ZIP With formatting for a ZIP code
Phone Number	String of 10 characters	STR10_Phone With formatting for a phone number

In addition, note:

The same global field can be used as a window field and a table field. For instance, in the previous example the same global fields are used as window fields and as table fields.
All global fields can be used as window fields, but fields using data types with push button, button drop list and radio button control types can’t be used as table fields.

Global variables

With the Resource Explorer, you can create global variables from global fields. Global variables are special variables available to any script in the application dictionary at any time. Refer to Global Variables for more information.