Understanding what gets generated

4gl files are generated for each diagram entity.

When a generated program is built, the generated 4gl files are compiled and linked with the other program files to create the executable application. The compiled binary versions are stored in the project's /bin directory.

The generated 4gl and XML files for each diagram entity are shown in the Intermediate Files folders in the project. This figure shows two generated files for the Program entity, Account.4prg.
Note: The XML file listed in the Intermediate Files folder are temporary files that consolidate all data from diagrams and are used to generate the 4gl code. They are not places to customize code, but can be useful to a template developer as these XML files are used as input to the code that is generated. See How code is generated.

Figure: Intermediate Files


Screenshot of Intermediate Files in a project.

The default template set is designed to generate organized and functional code for a data-driven business application. See The default template features.

Each generated 4gl file has many functions. Each function has specific places called POINTs and BLOCKs where you can add your own code. Code Files and Code Link Properties can be used to directly access generated files and specific POINTs.

Figure: Generated files for the default template


Generated files map.
Table 1. Generated files for the program (4prg)
File Description
Program.4gl This file contains the MAIN function. It defines global variables, connects to the data source with the CONNECT TO statement, loads styles and action defaults files, and performs some initialization tasks for the application.
Table 2. Generated files for the database (4dbx)
File Description
Schema_dbxdata.4gl This file manages the database SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements.
Schema_dbxconstraints.4gl This file manages table and column constraints.
Table 3. Generated files for form entities (4fdm, 4fdz)
File Description
Form_ui.4gl This file contains functions called from MAIN. It opens the form based on the open mode, loads the Toolbar and Topmenu, launches functions to manage application states, calls MENU or DIALOG statements for the various states and calls functions in the Form_uidialog.4gl to retrieve and manage subdialogs.
Form_uidialog.4gl This file defines the subdialogs and modular variables. It manages the states of actions, fields and subdialog and calls functions in the Form_uidialogdata.4gl.
Form_uidialogdata.4gl This file defines the modular variables, manages UI data (clear, fetch, set default values), and calls functions in the Form_uidata.4gl.
Form_uidata.4gl This file includes functions to retrieve and manage the database data. It defines the records for the database columns and tables, creates and fills a dynamic row of data, creates and fills a dynamic row of record keys,contains the SQL statements to SELECT, UPDATE, and DELETE rows in the database, and handles the SQL transactions.
Important: Reports and Web Services are not supported on mobile platforms.
Table 4. Generated files for the reports
File Description
Report_report.4gl This file contains the report driver for the report.
Report_reportdata.4gl This file contains the SQL and BDL statements to fetch the report data.
reportdata_report.rdd This file is a data file is generated for use when the developer creates the report definition file (4rp).
Table 5. Generated files for the web services
File Description
WebService_service.4gl This file handles business record type definition (only take public fields), defines the module variables (input and output variable for service's CRUD operations), and sets up the service and publishes the CRUD operations.
WebService_serviceclient.4gl This file is the Client API of a JSON Web Service. It contains a set of function wrappers which allow communication with a JSON Web Server.

See Create a Genero BDL client for a JSON Web service for more information on using this file to create a JSON client.
WebService_uidata.4gl This file handles business record type definition, contains operations to insert / update / delete rows in the database, contains ascending lookup management.
WebServiceServer_server.4gl This file contains the MAIN function, sets up the web service engine, contains the CONNECT TO BDL statement, registers services, and listens for incoming requests.
WebService.xml The XML file contains the information about the web service needed to generate the logic in the 4gl files.
WebServiceServer.xml This file contains the information about the Webservice Server needed to generate the logic in the 4gl files.
Table 6. Library files used by a generated app
File Description
libdbappCore.4gl This file includes common functions for managing errors and strings.
libdbappExt.4gl This file includes common functions for managing the interaction with mobile device peripherals. See Add mobile device features (Photo, Gallery, Phone, Mail, SMS, Contact, Maps, Barcode)
libdbappFormUI.4gl This file includes common functions related to form transitions and states.
libdbappSQL.4gl This file includes common functions related to SQL transactions, errors, and database statements.
libdbappUI.4gl This file includes common functions related to the user interface such as Topmenus, Toolbars, and front end type.