Summary

VLF Windows Application Development

Summary

VFW030 – Create a Prototype

Important Observations

  • Due to time limitations, the prototyping section of these exercises is brief. When creating your own application prototype, this is a crucial step which may well determine whether your project gains acceptance or not.
  • A well thought out prototype will clearly communicate what the finished application will look like and what it will do.
  • A prototype should always be reviewed with the end user(s) in detail and signed off. With Visual LANSA Frameworks the prototype is completely re-used in the final application.
  • To create a new application prototype with the Visual LANSA Framework, you simply set the application properties. You do not have to write any code.
  • You can create application objects manually and you can create or extend an application using the Instant Prototyping Assistant.
  • Applications can contain many business objects. A business object is the thing an end user works with, within an application.
  • Filters enable end users to search for business objects.
  • Command Handlers enable the end user to carry out business processes on business objects.
  • A business object may have many command handlers.

Tips & Techniques

  • Enhance the appearance of your prototype filters and command handlers using the images palette.
  • The business object properties dialog enables the developer to refine the definition of the application, business object and its filters and command handlers.

What You Should Know

  • How to create a prototype using the Instant Prototyping Assistant.
  • How to refine the application design using the business object properties dialog.
  • How to tune the behavior of command handlers.
  • How to refine the appearance of prototype filters and command handlers, using text and images.