Zoom form entity

A Zoom Form generates a form used to select a value from a list and return the value to the program. It is generally related to a CRUD form field to assist the user with completing the form data entry.

A Zoom form entity is represented as a 4fdz file which can be opened and edited in Form Designer.

When a Zoom form entity is implemented from the diagram, the 4fdz file is created as well as 4gl source files that contain the logic to allow a user to pick a value from a list that is displayed in a form in a popup window.

Any changes to the Zoom form entity properties in the BA diagram or in the 4fdz file are included in the subsequent re-generating of the program code.

The generated code can be customized.

Properties can be set specify how the form should behave during the various states (DISPLAY, SEARCH).

Right-click the Zoom Form entity in the diagram to display a context menu of options.

Table 1. Context Menu Options
Menu Option Description
Open Opens the selected form in Form Designer.
Implement Zoom Creates a new blank zoom form definition file (4fdz) to design from scratch.
Implement Zoom from Database Provides a wizard to create a zoom form definition file (4fdz), allowing you to pick the columns and general display of your form. This option is generally preferred. The form can be modified after it is created.
Convert to Converts entity from one type to another.
Add Relation To Add a relation starting from the selected item.
Locate in Project Locates and highlights the selected item in the project.
Hide Hide the selected item.
Show All Items Show all hidden items in diagram (menu is active if items are hidden)
Filter Items... Select items to show in the diagram by filtering. Allows you to select items or search for items by name in the Filter View dialog.
Cut (Ctrl+X) Cut the selected item.
Copy (Ctrl+C) Copy the selected item.
Paste (Ctrl+V) Paste an item from the clipboard.
Rename (F2) Rename the selected item.
Delete (Del) Delete the selected item.
Select Relation Select a relation by selecting from the menu list. The options for selection are:
  • By relation name in the diagram
  • By relation type (form, report, phone, etc) to/from the selected item
  • All listed relations to/from the selected item
  • All relations in the diagram
Select item Select an entity by selecting from the menu list. There is an option to select all items in the diagram.