BDL 1.10 new features

Features added in 1.10 releases of the Genero Business Development Language.

Important: This page covers only those new features introduced with the Genero BDL version specified in the page title. Check prior new features pages if you migrate from an earlier version. Make sure to also read the upgrade guide corresponding to this Genero version.

Corresponding upgrade guide: BDL 1.10 upgrade guide.

Table 1. Core language
Overview Reference
The language supports now built-in classes, a new object-oriented way to program in BDL. See OOP support.
CONSTANT keyword to define constants in your programs. See Constants.
The language now supports dynamic arrays with automatic memory allocation. See Dynamic arrays.
A set of XML Utilities are provided in the runtime library as built-in classes. See The om package.
The STRING data type can be used to manipulate character strings without a length limit as with CHAR/VARCHAR. See STRING.
Table 2. User interface
Overview Reference
The Dynamic User Interface is the major new concept in Genero. It is the basement for the new graphical user interface. See User interface basics.
Compared to classic IBM Informix 4gl, interactive instructions such as INPUT, DISPLAY ARRAY, have been extended with new control blocks and control instructions. See Dialog instructions.
Form specification files (.per) support now extended layout definition with the LAYOUT section. See Form definitions.
Defining Window Containers (a.k.a. MDI) is a simple way to group programs. See Window containers (WCI).
Table 3. SQL databases
Overview Reference
The new SCHEMA instruction allows you to specific a database schema, without having an implicit connection, when the program executes. See Database schema.