I always roll my own for html files, but I've decided to take a step into the HTML "Composer" in Dev Studio to see what it can do in 7.7. Customers ask and I need to be able to speak to its capabilities.

As best I can tell it can't do anything. Everything is grayed out so I can't build a form. I've clicked all around but as best I can tell the entire tool is turned off. The only thing I can do is toggle the grid dots.

This is one INCREDIBLY stupid question, but here goes -- how do I create a text field in my form in Composer??

J.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kerry,

I usually write my fex before I create the parameter page for it.
1. Draw a frame.
2. Right click the frame. Frame Properties. Execute External Procedure.
3. Popup for parameters. Control Type will be Text box. I usually pick "Do not create a form" but its up to you. Everyone does it differently.

Also you can create the Text Box before you link your frame to fex. But then it is not bound to a Parameter. You then have to click on the Parameters tab and bind it to the appropriate parameter.
I try to save multiple versions of the HTML files. It is hard to roll back once you have messed up something. Too many orphaned requests and HTML controls in the HTML.

Yeah, your last comment was one of the primary reasons I create my own from scratch.

So without a fex attached the tool is essentially turned off. Thanks for the tip.

J.

Two months later, I've come to the conclusion I'm the stupidest programmer on the planet, because I can't get any of my widgets to turn on. It doesn't matter whether I have a report in it or not.

Thank God I know how to write my own html and call WebFOCUS reports into it, because as best I can tell Dev Studio is bricked on my machine.

J.

I am the second-stupidest programmer on the planet, because Dev Studio is not bricked on my machine, but I cannot enjoy working with HTML Composer. I've had my knuckles rapped for comments made, I've been asked to read the manual, I've received personalized Tech Support assistance, but none of this is making my use of HTML Composer any more pleasant.

NOT "the stupidest programmer on the planet"... Just have yet to get the hang of the GUI Composer. I do something similar to what Mighty Max does, slightly different.

1) Write the fex, with all the variables which I want to see on my launch page (html file) -DEFAULTed.
2) Make sure it works. That is: it should use the WebFOCUS Autoprompting of the -DEFAULTed variables.
3) Create a new htm file using the HTML COMPOSER (or what ever it's called in your version).
4) Insert and iFrame (iframe1)
5) Add a button to that page.
6) Create a hyperlink to the fex mentioned in the 1st step, to iframe1, at which time the GUI prompts me (in a pop-up) for all the -DEFAULTed variables and I select the control type which I desire for each variable.
* NOTE: I do not use "New multiple Layer form" OR "New single layer form", I use "Do not create a form" (I wish that was the default option).
7) run the new form... And modify it till my heart's content, or...

Let me know how it works out for you.

BTW: I would much rather use that GUI then writing that code myself (and I used to be a Web Master).

.



How do I complete step 4 (insert an iframe) if all of my buttons are grayed-out?



.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: John_Edwards,

quote:

modify it till my heart's content

I wouldn't dare. Return to a HTML Composer built page a few months after initial development, make changes, and you can get messed up pretty quick. Suddenly, because you re-bound your HTML Composer designed page to the fex it runs, you get unbound parameters, you get painstakingly pointed-and-clicked select list box values reset to the DEFAULT....

I am very happy coding much more sophisticated web pages than what HTML Composer can do, using freely available libraries like jQuery - you don't need RIA...

This is what I get when Composer (7.7) starts up. All the widgets along the top of the screen are switched off, and I can't find a way to get them to switch on.

The first thing to do is turn off the template thing. That's probably what's stopping you from accessing the controls. I don't see the template setting any more because I tuned it off, but there should be something about templates when you create a new HTML page...

When you are in the HTML Composer window, click on Tools > Settings. Un-click the Show 'Template Selector" dialog.



Then close the HTML Composer window. From the Explorer right-click the HTML page and select Edit in Composer. You should be able to click on the icons of the controls and add double-select list boxes, multi-select tree controls, etc and have fun to your heart's content.

Mr. Mariani, I owe you a beer. The frikkin' templates screen was turning everything off. When I checked "don't show this again" the tool magically started working.

How did THAT clear formal test?

J.

Yup, just verified this and if you have Show 'Template Selector' checked, you cannot make changes to the HTML Composer page. I hopoe someone pipes in to tell us why.

I've never found any use for the template selector and have never used it.

I'm ready for that frikkin' beer...

I version 8 just click on "No Thanks" when the initial Composer selector screen comes up. In prior versions click on Cancel to avoid the template.

John,

The documentation states that when templates are used, all the controls are added via the addition of a report or chart. The toolbar is disabled on purpose.

When did the "Template Selector" show up? I don't see it in Tools > Settings...

Thank you Francis! You're Awesome!
Finally I can turn off that annoying template selection page. No more clicking cancel every time. Beer awaits you in Michigan.

I'm not sure how these templates are useful. As far as I know, you can't add a template that's based on your company's design...

I'm up to two beers in two cities...

I'll recommend cashing mine in at Camden Yards. Buy a ticket in section 1 so we can get beer and ribs on Eutaw St between innings.

J.

Baltimore and Kalamazoo, here I come!

Anytime

Doug,

The Template Selector was introduced in release 7702. They were created for the user who does not want to design a web page and just wants to connect their reports to existing containers.