Building a DataWindow object
You use the DataWindow painter to work with DataWindow objects.
Connecting to a database
To use the DataWindow painter, you must be connected to the database
whose data you will be accessing.
When you open the DataWindow painter, PowerBuilder connects you to the DBMS
and database you used last. If you need to connect to a different database,
do so before working with a DataWindow object.
For information about changing your database
connection, see Connecting to Your Database.
Modifying an existing DataWindow object
To modify an existing DataWindow object:
-
Select File>Open from the menu
bar.The Open dialog displays
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Select the object type and the library.
PowerBuilder lists the DataWindow objects in the current library.
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Select the object you want.
PowerBuilder opens the DataWindow painter and displays the DataWindow object.
To learn how you can modify an existing DataWindow object,
see Chapter 15, “Enhancing DataWindow Objects “.
Creating a new DataWindow object
To create a new DataWindow object:
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Select File>New from the menu
bar.The New dialog box displays.
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Select the DataWindow tab.
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Choose a presentation style–how you want
the data to be arranged–for the DataWindow object.See “Choosing a presentation
style “.When you choose the presentation style, the appropriate DataWindow object wizard
starts up. - Choose a data source for the DataWindow object.
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If you want to immediately preview (run) the basic DataWindow object after
defining the presentation style and data source, select the Retrieve
on Preview checkbox. - Define the data source.
- Choose options for the DataWindow object and click Next.
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Review your specifications and click Finish
The DataWindow object displays in the Design view. Although you can now save
it to use in a window, you may want to enhance it first. -
(Optional) Enhance your DataWindow object.
You can customize the display of column data and add controls
such as text, bitmaps, computed fields, and graphs. - Save the DataWindow object in a library.