Parent topic: Adding custom code
Business Application Modeling (BAM) / Adding custom code

Finding the right place to customize

To determine where to add code to make your customization, use Code Link or Code File properties or consider these questions.

Direct access with Code Links

The most common places to customize the generated code are accessible from Code Link properties. Code Link properties provide direct access to the POINT in the appropriate generated file. For example, the Compute Fields property on a Form record opens the correct generated 4gl file to the POINT location logically used for computing fields.
{<POINT Name="fct.recExample_computeFields.user">} {</POINT>}

You will find Code Link properties available on:

Meta-schema - Select the background of the Meta-schema diagram.

  • table
    • Constraints
    • Key Uniqueness
    • Key Exists
    • Select
    • Insert (before)
    • Insert (after)
    • Update
    • Delete
    • Delete (Concurrent)
    • Cascade Delete
    • Optimistic Locking
    • Defaults
  • column
    • Constraints (Column)

Form

  • Records tab
    • ManagedForm - Select the background of the Form Records tab.
      • Open Window
      • UI Automaton
      • Display Mode Events
      • Input Mode Events
      • Search Mode Events
      • Empty Mode Events
      • Action State
    • Record
      • Select rows
      • Select row
      • Computed fields
      • Insert
      • Update
      • Delete
      • Delete (Concurrent)
      • Lookups (Descending)
      • Combobox initializer (Data)
      • Defaults (Dialog)
      • DISPLAY attributes
      • DISPLAY events
      • INPUT events
      • CONSTRUCT events
      • Action state
      • Field Activation
    • Record field
      • Field Activation
  • Form tab
    • Combobox widget
      • Combobox initializer (Data)
      • Combobox initializer (UI)

Direct access with Code Files

Code Files properties are available for direct access to the appropriate generated code file.

You will find Code Files properties available on:

Meta-schema - Select the background of the Meta-schema diagram. Form - Select the background of the Form Records tab.

Manually finding the right location

If a Code Link is not available to help guide you to a location for your custom code, these questions can help you determine where to customize.

Can the modification be done in a model?
For example, can you make a change to a property on an entity in the BA diagram to get the desired effect? This is the best first choice because the models drive the code generation. When you rebuild, the generated code reflects your changes. See Modeling the application.
Can the modification be done in an external resource file?
For example, you can modify the default Toolbar file that is loaded by the program. Modifying an external resource file does not affect the code generation if you use the default naming convention (dbapp.4tb, for example). When you rebuild, the modified resource file is loaded instead of the default one. See Modify action defaults (dbapp.4ad), Modify styles (dbapp.4st), Modify the Topmenu (dbapp.4tm), Modify the Toolbar (dbapp.4tb).
Is the modification database related?
Look at the functions in the Schema_dbxdata.4gl and Schema_dbxconstraints.4gl files. Look for a POINT in the function to place your custom logic. If a POINT is not available, modify the BLOCK of code. See Using POINTs and BLOCKs.
Is the modification for when the program begins or ends?
Look at the MAIN function in the Program.4gl file. Look for a POINT in the function to place your custom logic. If a POINT is not available, modify the BLOCK of code. See Using POINTs and BLOCKs.
Is the modification related to the interaction with the user?
Look at the functions in the Form_ui.4gl, Form_uidialog.4gl, Form_uidialogdata.4gl, and Form_uidata.4gl. Look for a POINT in the function to place your custom logic. If a POINT is not available, modify the BLOCK of code. See Using POINTs and BLOCKs.
Is the modification related to reporting?
Look at the functions in the _report.4gl and _reportdata.4gl files. Look for a POINT in the function to place your custom logic. If a POINT is not available, modify the BLOCK of code. See Using POINTs and BLOCKs.
Is the modification related to web services?
Look at the functions in the _service.4gl and _server.4gl, and _uidata.4gl files. Look for a POINT in the function to place your custom logic. If a POINT is not available, modify the BLOCK of code. See Using POINTs and BLOCKs.
Is the modification repeating many times?
Consider modifying the template files. See BAM Template Developer Guide.
Parent topic: Adding custom code