Concepts - PC SOFT WINDEVpcsoft-windev-webdev.com/usconcepts/windev/Concepts.pdf · 2020-02-04 · WinDev 9 is a powerful Windows application development tool. It provides all the

Concepts

Dessin.book Page 1 Jeudi, 25. août 2005 11:55 11

WinDev - ConceptsVersion 9 US - (1) 09-05

Visit the download center at www.windev.com to check for updates.

This documentation is not contractually binding. Modifications may have been made tothe software the since this guide was published. Please consult the online help.

All product names or other trademarks mentioned in this publication are registered trademarks of their respective owners. © PC SOFT 2005: This publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole in any form without the express permission of PC SOFT.


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In what order should the guides be read?

WinDev 9 is a powerful Windows application development tool. It provides all the toolsneeded to design and create applications.

To learn quickly and efficiently how to use WinDev 9, we advise you to work in thefollowing order:

1 Read the "Concepts". This guide presents the main concepts needed to create a high-powered WinDevapplication.

2 "Tutorial" (book + exercises)The Tutorial provides a first "hands-on" approach to WinDev, to familiarize yourselfwith the main WinDev editors.

3 Test the examplesTest the examples delivered with WinDev in the fields you are interested in(commercial management, scheduling, and so on.)

The online help lets you find the syntax of a W-Language function quickly, obtain help onthe interface, and so on.

Note: If there is a difference between the guide and the online help, follow the instructionsin the online help.

We hope you enjoy getting started with WINDEV.


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Table of contentsPart 1: Developing an applicationDevelopment environment 9Project and analysis 10Custom folders: Organizing your project 11MDI / non-MDI application 12Choosing a type of control according to the information to be displayed 13RAD 14Component 15Multi-product components 16Report 17UMC: User Macro-Code 18Multilanguage application 19Creating a Java application with WinDev 20

Part 2: DatabaseTypes of files that can be accessed 23Linking a control to its heading 24Classic Hyper File 25Client/Server Hyper File 26Queries 27Embedded queries 28

Part 3: CommunicationEmail management 31File transfer by FTP 32Socket management 34Stream management (videoconferencing) 36Telephony 37Web services 38

Part 4: Test and setupTests available 41Debugger 42Optimizing an application 43Application setup modes 44

Part 5: AppendixExamples supplied with WinDev 51


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Part 1 Developing an application



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Development environment

WinDev is a development environment for developing Windows applications on PC.

Windows PC

Client Computer

Using the WinDevapplication

SETUP

GORunning theapplicationtest

Creating the executable

Installing WinDev

Developing theapplication

Creating the setupprogram


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Project and analysis

A WinDev project is a set of windows, controls, classes, components, etc. for creating aWindows application.

A WinDev analysis contains the data file descriptions.

A project is usually associated with an analysis. An analysis can be associated with one or more projects.

To create the application "ihavelovelyeyes", create the project "ihavelovelyeyes".

Project 1

Project N

Project 2

Analysis

ClassesClasses

Classes

Stylesheet Style

sheet

Stylesheet

Pages andcontrols Pages and

controls

Pages andcontrols


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Custom folders: Organizing your projectThe WinDev project editor enables you to map the entire project. With large projects, browsing the representation produced by the project editor can bedelicate. The creation of "custom folders" makes browsing easier.

A "custom folder" contains the elements you put in it, part of the application, for example:customer management, supplier management, ...Elements can be common to several "custom folders". This makes it easier to work on part of the application.

Content of the developer custom folder

Content of the order custom folder

Windows, reports, queries relating to orders

Windows, reports, queries relating to developers


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MDI / non-MDI application

Two types of applications can be created in Windows: - MDI applications- non-MDI applications

MDI applicationsAll the windows of an MDI application are displayed in the same main window. Thewindows of MDI applications can therefore be of two types:

Non-MDI applicationsThe windows of a non-MDI application are displayed one after another in a stack. You canhandle only the last window displayed. The previous windows are not accessible.

MDI parent window: All the other windowsof the application are displayed in it. Thisis where you handle the main name of theapplication.

MDI child window: Window of theapplication displayed in the parentwindow. These is where you can enterinformation.


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Choosing a type of control according to the information to displayWinDev offers a number of different controls:

If you want ... The type of control touse is:

To display text, a title, etc. Static

To select a value from a list (country, city, etc.) Radio button, Combo box, List box

To select several values from a list (message recipients,etc.)

Check box, List box

To display a graphic image (photo, statistics chart, linechart, etc.)

Image

Display an animation (animated Gif) Image

Display the content of a file in a table (customer list, orderdetails, etc.)

Browsing table, memory table

Display a regularly refreshed image Web camera

Enter information Edit control

Display ranked information (directory content, etc.) TreeView


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RADRAD (Rapid Application Development) can be used to create windows: - from the analysis linked to the project- from standard RAD patterns- from custom RAD patterns- from templates.

Analysis TemplateRAD pattern

RADFull application RAD

Window RAD

Example of window generated by RAD


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ComponentA component is a set of WinDev elements: windows, reports, analysis, etc. that performsa specific feature, for example:

- Send faxes- Send emails

...A WinDev component can be distributed to other WinDev developers (free of charge ornot). They can then simply include the features offered by the component in theirapplication. The component will be included in the application and distributed with it.

WinDev Project

WinDev project

.WDK file

Componentdevelopment

Import the component into WinDev projects

Use the component

Component generation

WinDev project

Use the component


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Multi-product componentsWith WinDev, WebDev and WinDev Mobile, you can create multi-product components.These can contain windows, pages, etc. and be used in WinDev, WebDev or WinDevMobile projects.

This is how they work:

The projects linked to the WinDev project are defined in the "Multi-product" tab of the"Project .. Project description" option.

Component creation- Selection of elements- Choice of target products(WinDev, WebDev, etc.)

WebDevproject

Project linked to the master WinDev project

WinDev Mobile project

Project linked tothe master WinDevproject

WinDevprojectMaster project

HTML pages to include into the component

Window to include into the component

WDK and WDI filesUsable in the projects of thetarget products


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ReportA report gives a custom view of information: data entered in the database, data in a textfile, data from a table control, etc.

A report can be displayed on screen, saved to an HTML file, printed directly, etc.

A report can be used to summarize and synthesize data. You can:- group data. - sort data on a criterion. - perform calculations, produce averages, statistics or even charts.

The diagram below shows a simplified definition of a report:- data to print comes from a data source (file described in an analysis, Hyper File view,

query, memory zone or text file). - the report groups, sorts and formats data.- the report can be displayed on screen, saved in an HTM or RTF file, or printed.

Txt

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Txt

XLS

Table

Memoryzone

Query

Text file

Data

HTML, XML files

XLS, PDF files

Text files

Report

Printout on printer P

rint m

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UMC: User Macro-Code

UMC mode allows the end-user to enter W-Language code and include it into an existingapplication.

Let’s look at the following case: An edit window of a customer form requires the presence of an email address but doesnot check its format. You want to check at least the presence of the "@" character in theaddress.

To activate this feature, when creating the executable simply indicate that it accepts UMCmanagement.

An icon at the top of the window lets youcustomize the processes.

The UMC configuration window appears. Youcan add a new action for this window. In thiscase, you add email address checking.

You enter the W-Language code. To access theW-Language help, press F1.


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Multilingual applicationA multilingual application is an application that can be distributed in several languages.WinDev takes into account the different languages of the application at all stages ofapplication development.

The main steps in developing a multilingual application are:

Choice of languages- Project- Analysis

Translation- Window- Code- Report

Direct translation in the interface

Extraction of messages for translation (WDMSG, WDINT)

Programming

- Choice of language for the application (Nation function)- Choice of charset, if necessary (ChangeCharset function)- Choice of keyboard language (ChangeKeyboard function)

Data files- Choice of charset, if necessary (ChangeCharset function)- Use of charset during file creation (HCreation, HCreationIfNotFound)- Use of charset during reindexing (HIndex)

ExecutableSelection of languages to include in the library

Setup programSelection of languages to include in the library

Translation of setupprogram, if necessary


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Creating a Java application with WinDevThe steps in creating a Java application with WinDev are:

Java

Java

Analysis

JAVA RAD

Windows

W-LanguageCompatible functions only

- Creation of the Java files - Automatic compile (Sun SDK, version 1.4.2 or later if necessary)

Redistributable Java application(.JAR file)

Creation of Java archive

Sets of procedures


Part 2 Database



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Types of files that can be accessedWinDev, WebDev and WinDev Mobile offer simple access to the most common databases.

UDC: Universal Data Connector (HReadSeek, HExecuteQuery, File, Item, Automatic filelink, SQLExec, ...)

Progress

AS/400

XML

MySQL

Sybase

Informix

DB2SQL Server

Oracle

Classic

Mobile

ODBCOLE DB

Windows

Linux

Client / Server

NativeHyper File

UDC

Native access


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Linking a control to its itemTo display information from a database in a window, you have to link the window controlsto the database items. It is very easy to display and retrieve information: - You define the link between a control and an item in the Window Editor when you

describe the control ("File" tab). - The ScreenToFile function is used to update the record with the data displayed on

screen. - The FileToScreen function is used to update the data displayed on screen with the

information saved in the file.

FileToScreen

ScreenToFile

Database


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Hyper File ClassicA WinDev Hyper File application can operate in multiuser or client/server mode.

The characteristics of multiuser mode are: - A multiuser Hyper File application is run on different user workstations. - The data files are located in a directory accessible to user workstations. Each user

workstation physically accesses the data files. - The processes (query, read/add operations in file, ...) are performed on each user

workstation.

User 3

WinDevApplication

MultiuserHyper File databases

(shared directory)

User n

WinDevApplication

User 1

WinDevApplication

User 2

WinDevApplication


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Hyper File Client/ServerA WinDev Hyper File application can operate in multiuser or in client/server mode.

The characteristics of client/server mode are: - A client/server Hyper File application is run on different user workstations (called client

computers). - The data files are located on a server. Only the server physically accesses the data

files. - All processes (query, read/add operations in file, etc.) are performed on the server.

Client Computer 1

WinDevApplication

Client Computer 2

WinDevApplication

Client Computer n

WinDevApplication

Windows or LinuxHyper File server

Manta Server

Client/ServerHyper FileDatabases

Connection type: Network,USB, Wi-Fi,Internet...

TCP/IP Protocol


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QueriesQueries are used to interrogate a database to view, insert, modify or delete data. Thestructure of the query defines the data used.A query can interrogate one or more files.Queries can be created very simply with the Query Editor, without programming.

The query result is used in the sameway as a file

Data from one or more files(Hyper File, Oracle, etc.)

Window and controls of a window ("Content" tab)

Reports

Programming (used in W-Language functions)

Queries

Query


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Embedded queriesWindow controls can be linked to a data file, an existing query, etc. They can also be linkedto a query created when the control is designed.

In this case, the query is embedded in the window and is in the appropriate WDW file. Ifthe WDW file is transmitted, the embedded queries used by the window are also supplied.

Embedded query: MyWindow_2$Query

Embedded query: MyWindow_1$Query


Part 3 Communication



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Email managementWinDev uses two methods for managing emails:- the POP3 / SMTP protocols (most common) which are email management protocols

supported by all Internet Service Providers. They enable you to dialog directly with theserver your ISP makes available.

- Simple Mail API (also called SMAPI or Simple MAPI): this email management methodis used by most Microsoft applications, especially Microsoft Exchange.

Email Server(Host)

POP3 Service SMTP Service

Local computer (User)

POP3 ProtocolReceiving emails

SMTP ProtocolSending emails

RemoteAccess

WinDevApplication

Emails Server(Host)

User Profile

Local Computer (User)

Simple MAPIWinDev

Application POP3 Service SMTP Service


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File transfer by FTPThe FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for transferring files between sites via TCP/IP or the internet.

How it worksTo use files from a WinDev application on an FTP server:

1. Connect to an FTP server (FTPConnect function).

2. Send and retrieve files (depending on the connection mode used). In case of passiveconnection, the WinDev application must request authorization from the FTP serverwhenever it needs to use files on the server. You can also: - obtain the characteristics of files on an FTP server: attributes, size, etc.- handle files on an FTP server: create, delete, etc.- list the files in a directory on an FTP server by executing a procedure that runs a

process for each file found.

3. Close the connection to the server (FTPDisconnect function).


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FTP Server

FTP Server

FTP Server

1 Connection

FTP Account

Anonymous

FTP ServerUser Workstation

ConnectionWinDev application

3 Disconnection

User Workstation

WinDev application

Disconnection

2 Communication

User WorkstationAuthorization request

WinDev application

Validation

Action

Passive Connection (necessary with a FireWall on the FTP Server)A

User Workstation

WinDev application

Action

Active ConnectionB

1

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Socket managementWinDev provides advanced socket management functions. A socket is a communication resource used by applications to communicate betweencomputers without worrying about the type of network. It can be used, for example, to communicate between workstations connected by theInternet.

The optionsWinDev applications can handle sockets in different modes:

- WinDev Client application: the application connects to any type of server andexchanges data via a socket.

- WinDev "Simplified Server" application: the WinDev application is a server thatexchanges information via a socket with a single client workstation (WinDev socketadvisable but not mandatory on the client workstation)

- WinDev "Standard Server" application: the WinDev application is a server thatexchanges information via sockets with several client workstations of any type.

Client applicationA client application of a socket server connects to any type of server to exchangeinformation via a socket.

Example: A WinDev client application can connect to a standard Internet news server.

Step 1: Connection to the serverTo connect to a server socket, use SocketConnect. This function is used to requestconnection to the server. The socket is identified by its port and its address.

Step 2: Data exchangeOnce both workstations have connected their socket, a communication flow is establishedbetween them and they can read and write character strings via the socket. To read and write via the server socket, the WinDev client application must use theSocketRead and SocketWrite functions.

Step 3: Stopping the communicationTo stop the communication, close the socket on the client workstation with theSocketClose function. The steps can be represented as follows:


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Client workstation

Client workstation

Server

Server

SocketRead

SocketWrite

Connection

Client workstation

SocketConnect

Read, Write

Server

SocketClose

Disconnection


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Stream management (videoconferencing)To handle communication streams, WinDev provides:- the Conference control- W-Language STREAM functions.

This enables two users to communicate with one another. The image and voice of eachuser are transmitted in real time on both connected workstations.

Examples of applications using streams:- videoconferencing,- direct retransmission of a press conference,- and so on.

Please note:

- The current workstation and the connected workstation(s) must be equipped with aweb camera and/or microphone. If one of the workstations does not have a webcamera or a microphone, the corresponding image or voice will not be transmitted.

- You can only view the video sequences currently transmitted by the web camerasinstalled on the connected workstations. You cannot view video files.

- You can only listen to the sounds currently transmitted by the microphones installedon the connected workstations. You cannot to listen to sound files.

WinDev application with one or more

conferencing controls

Microphone

Web camera

Sound and video transmission

Client Workstation

Client Workstation


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TelephonyThe W-Language telephony functions in WinDev make incoming and outgoing phone callssimple to handle. They include functions to handle a voice mailbox, an answeringmachine, etc. directly in a WinDev application.

Configuration required: To use the telephony features, you need: - a modem.

To save and play back recordings, the modem must support vocals. To identify the caller, the modem must support Caller ID.

- the Tapi 2.0 protocol. This technology can be used on all systems, but you need: - at least Service Pack 4 installed if the OS is Windows NT4 - to update your system if it is Windows 95 (update available from ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/tapi/tapi2195.zip). Address valid at the time of publication.

Client workstationwith modem

WinDev application

- Call detection- Identification of the calling number

Automatic dialing


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Web servicesWinDev has two ways to manage Web Services: - Use of existing Web Services- Generation of a Web Service

Using a WEB ServiceYour WinDev application can use an existing Web Service. You just need to know itsaddress and import its description into the application.

Generating a WEB ServiceA WinDev application can be a Web Service itself. In this case, the WinDev applicationrepresents a set of procedures. This Web service can be used by any type of application.You just need to install it on a server.

WEB server

Web Service

Importing the service description

Development workstation

WinDev executable

Using the Web Service

WEB server

Web Service


Generating the Web Service and installing iton server

- WinDev Framework- DLLs specific to the WEB server used

Standard application Using of the Web

Service


Part 4 Test and setup



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Available testsWinDev has several ways to test an application. The table below presents the differentmodes.

Type of test Description

Test of entire project Simulates the running of the application by theexecutable. Allows you to test the entire application,even if its development is not complete. As soon as a problem appears when running theproject, you can start the debugger to identify andsolve it.

Test of current element To test the operation of the element as soon as itsdevelopment is complete. The debugger can be run immediately when aproblem occurs in reports or windows.

Step-by-step project test To run the debugger when the application starts.Enables you to monitor the application flow in detail.

Regression test To test the regression of an element betweendifferent versions of an application. Just select (or create) a test scenario to run.


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DebuggerA debugger is supplied with the standard WinDev package to allow you to debug yourcode. The debugger lets you run your applications step by step and view executed W-Languagecode, variable contents, and so on.

To run the debugger, use:

- either a breakpoint set directly in the code editor: the debugger will be automaticallyrun when the line with the breakpoint in front of it is executed. To set a breakpoint, click beside the code line: a red bullet appears.

- or the W-Language server keyword Stop in your W-Language code: the debugger willbe automatically run when the code line is executed.

- or the "Project .. Test Mode .. Trace Project" option: the debugger will be run at thesame time as the test of the dynamic site.


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Optimizing an applicationWinDev has two ways to optimize applications: - Aided application development: code or interface improvements are suggested during

the development of the application.- The profiler: lets you rapidly view the most time-consuming processes. You then simply

optimize the required process.

Application development

Application test

Optimize your queries, improve anchoring in your windows, etc. Such suggestions are made regularly as you develop your applications.

Profiler output on the application during a test, view of the longest processes to optimize code immediately.

To run the profiler, use the "Project .. Profiler" option.


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Application setup modes

Traditional setupThis involves creating a setup program that will be installed on each client workstation bya setup medium.


Client workstation


Creating the setup program Setup medium

(CD-ROM, USB key, etc.)

Setup

Using the application

Client workstation N

Setup


Setup medium (CD-ROM,USB key, etc.)


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Multiuser setupThis involves creating a setup program that will be installed on a server workstation. Allclient workstations wishing to install the application will run the setup program via thenetwork.

If an update is available on the application server, you will be asked whether you want toupdate the application on your computer.


User workstation


Creating the setup program


User Workstation N


Application server

Setup medium

Setup

Setup via network

Setup via network


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Install IP

This involves creating a setup program that will be installed on a Web Server. All client workstations wishing to install the application will run the setup program via anIP address, HTML page, etc.

If an update is available on the WEB server, you will be asked whether you want to updatethe application on your computer.


User workstation


Creating the setup program


User workstation N


WEB server

Setup medium

Setup

Setup via internet

Setup via internet


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FrameworkThe WinDev Framework is the set of libraries (.DLL files) required for a WinDev applicationto operate. When you create the executable, you can choose to use either the Framework specific toyour application or the common Framework.

Directory of common WinDev Framework

Setup directory of an application using the common WinDev Framework. Only theexecutable is installed in this directory (and, if necessary, the files for uninstalling theapplication).

Setup directory of an application using the custom Framework. The PC SOFT DLLs areinstalled in the application directory.


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Part 5 Appendix



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Examples supplied with WinDevThe examples supplied with WinDev describe the different features of WinDev in didactic form.Their source code is commented in detailsThey are located in the "Examples" subdirectory of the WinDev setup directory and can be openeddirectly from the Kouglof ("Wizard Catalog" tab, "Examples" button).

Different types of examples are supplied with WinDev:•Complete examples: these correspond to complete applications and can be used without

adaptation. •Teaching examples: these illustrate a specific feature.

Below are the features of a few examples supplied with WinDev.

Complete examples

Teaching examples

WD Live Messenging Presents the functions of socket management inWinDev.

WD POP3 To send and receive emails (with or withoutattachments, etc.).

WD Search on Internet To run internet search engines (Yahoo, Alta Vista, Voilà,Lycos, Excite, Nomade, Google, Euroseek, etc.).The search result is displayed using an ActiveX.

WD File Synchronization To synchronize two file directories. After synchronization, the destination directory isidentical to the source directory. The comparison isbased on the presence and date of the files.

WD FTP File Transfer To transfer files:- from an FTP server to the local workstation,- from the local workstation an FTP server.

WD Alarm Displays an alarm message in the title bar of the activewindow (regardless of the application). The messagecan be accompanied by an audible alarm.

WD Dynamic Compilation Presents:- Dynamic compiling of W-Language code- Running dynamically compiled code- Processing of run-time errors


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WD Input Check Checks the data entered by the user (name, company,zip code, city, email address, etc.) in a form window.

WD Draw Shows parts of a scanned document or annotatesimages, using the W-Language draw functions.

WD Drag and Drop Windows Offers an image catalog. Images can be added by dragand drop from Windows Explorer.

WD Advanced Reports Presents different types of reports.Illustrates:- internal reports - the chart control - printing to a RTF, HTML or PDF file

WD HTML Export Manages external files. Also presents the use of HTMLfiles.

WD Text Files Manages external files (creation, deletion andmodification of file contents).

WD HTML Page Import Saves an HTML page from a website. The page isanalyzed and all its dependencies (images, applets,etc.) are also imported.Remark: This is not an offline browser. The pages canonly be downloaded one at a time.The principle used in the example can also be used toretrieve information from pages whose format isknown (for example, daily retrieval of stock exchangequotations).

WD Number in Words To convert a numeric value into letters.The conversion is then displayed in a "Check-letter"report.

WD Excel Control To control Excel via OLE Automation. All Excelfunctions are available.

WD Search on CompositeKeys

Presents the use of filters and composite keys tooptimize search times for Hyper File data files.

WD Grouping Task List To group together all the tasks of several projects.

WD Queries To perform calculations, pass parameters or print theresult of a SQL query in a Hyper File data file.


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Further examples will be available from our website (www.windev.com).

WD Tables and Combo Boxes To select a product in a combo box and display theinformation about it in a table. The description of each product is in RTF format and isillustrated with an image.

WD TreeView Presents the use and management of TreeViewcontrols.

WD Using Aliases To handle the same physical data file through severalaliases.

WD Using Sockets Presents the use of sockets in client/server mode.Each socket is handled via a thread.

WD Clickable Area Manages click areas on non-rectangular shapes. When the map is clicked, the selected area isdisplayed at the bottom of the screen.


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Concepts - PC SOFT WINDEVpcsoft-windev-webdev.com/usconcepts/windev/Concepts.pdf · 2020-02-04 · WinDev 9 is a powerful Windows application development tool. It provides all the