Generating and saving a DataWindow object
Once you have finished interacting with the wizard for the
presentation style you are using, PowerBuilder generates the DataWindow object and
takes you to the DataWindow painter.
When generating the DataWindow object, PowerBuilder may use information from
a facility called the extended attribute system tables.
If this information is available, PowerBuilder uses it.
About the extended attribute system tables and DataWindow objects
The extended attribute system tables is a set of tables maintained
by the Database painter. It contains information about database
tables and columns. Extended attribute information extends database
definitions by recording information that is relevant to using database
data in screens and reports.
For example, labels and headings you defined for columns in
the Database painter are used in the generated DataWindow object. Similarly,
if you associated an edit style with a column in the Database painter,
that edit style is automatically used for the column in the DataWindow object.
When generating a DataWindow object, PowerBuilder uses the following information
from the extended attribute system tables:
| For | PowerBuilder uses |
|---|---|
| Tables | Fonts specified for labels, headings, and data |
| Columns | Text specified for labels and headings Display formats Validation rules Edit styles |
If there is no extended attribute information for the database
tables and columns you are using, you can set the text for headings
and labels, the fonts, and the display formats in the DataWindow painter.
The difference is that you have to do this individually for every DataWindow object that
you create using the data.
If you want to change something that came from the extended
attribute system tables, you can change it in the DataWindow painter.
The changes you make in the DataWindow painter apply only to the DataWindow object you
are working on.
The advantage of using the extended attribute system tables
is that it saves time and ensures consistency. You only have to
specify the information once, in the database. Since PowerBuilder uses
the information whenever anyone creates a new DataWindow object with the
data, it’s more likely that the appearance and labels of
data items will be consistent.
For more information about the extended attribute
system tables, see Chapter 13, “Managing the Database”,
and Appendix A, “The Extended
Attribute System Tables”.
Saving the DataWindow object
When you have created a DataWindow object, you should save it. The
first time you save it you will give it a name. As you work, you
should save your DataWindow object frequently so that you don’t
lose changes.
To save the DataWindow object:
-
Select File>Save from the menu
bar.If you have previously saved the DataWindow object, PowerBuilder saves the
new version in the same library and returns you to the DataWindow painter.If you have not previously saved the DataWindow object, PowerBuilder displays
the Save DataWindow dialog box. -
(Optional) Enter comments in the Comments box
to describe the DataWindow object. -
Enter a name for the DataWindow object in the DataWindows
box. -
Specify the library in which the DataWindow object is
to be saved. Click OK.
Naming the DataWindow object
The DataWindow object name can be any valid PowerBuilder identifier
up to 40 contiguous characters.
For information about PowerBuilder identifiers,
see PowerScript Reference
.