Window elements

Each window in your application is composed of the window’s names, window type, scripts attached to the window, and the window layout. You will use the layout window and toolbox to create the window. You will use the Properties window to specify additional characteristics of the window.

Names

Two names are required for the window. The window name is used in scripts to refer to the window. Window names are easier to use in scripts when they have underscores (_) between parts of the name instead of spaces.

The window title appears in the title bar of the window when it’s displayed on the screen. This name can be the same as the window name, but typically should contain spaces rather than underscores.

When you create a window, the window name and title are set to default values. You will want to change these settings to names appropriate for the window you are creating. The following names are for a window containing customer information:

Window type

The type of window you create is specified by the WindowType property in the Properties window. Dexterity allows you to choose from seven window types: primary, modal dialog, modeless dialog, lookup, wizard, palette and toolbar. The following are the commonly used window types:

• Primary windows are the most common type of window and appear with all operating system controls, such as close boxes and minimize controls.
• Modal dialogs don’t contain any operating system controls and can’t be resized. These windows can be used when you require the user to complete an action in the window before closing the window.
• Palette windows can be used as a device for navigation throughout your application. Palette windows are similar to the tear-off menus found in other applications. Palettes are used to group windows or tasks that perform similar functions, such as windows you use to maintain inventory items.
• Toolbar windows are displayed across the top of the screen, expanding automatically to fit the size of the screen. Only one toolbar window can be open at a time. A toolbar window can’t be closed and always appears in front of other windows at runtime.

The following table lists the characteristics of the various types of windows:

Scripts

Each window can have several scripts associated with it. The window pre script and window post script run when the window opens and closes, respectively. Refer to Attaching Scripts for more information about window scripts.

The window layout

You will use the window layout to add fields, interactive controls, and static items such as text and pictures to the window. These are the items that make the window functional.

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