In this chapter, we will perform many of the tasks required while creating a user interface. This chapter continues from Chapter 2, Data Structures. As we discussed in that chapter, we usually create tables and forms as part of the same process. So, the recipes in this chapter will involve completing a few properties in the data model.
When creating forms, we must provide consistency to the users, and to aid with this, we will use form design patterns. The form design pattern is determined by the table group, as stated in Chapter 2, Data Structures. There are special cases when we can have variations but, for the main part, we should stick to the patterns suggested in this chapter.
The process of creating data structures, forms, and menu items has been split into discrete steps in order to make the recipes easier to read and digest. This also allows for more advanced concepts to be introduced as we progress. The actual workflow when creating a data entry form would be as follows:
- Create new items for the table, form, and menu items using copy and paste so that they all have the same name (such as ConVMSVehicleTable).
- Create a label and help text and object reference properties for the menu item.
- Populate the table labels, the form design caption property, and menu item labels.
- Complete the table as per the recipe in Chapter 2, Data Structures.
- Complete the form design as described in this chapter.
- Complete any business logic as described in Chapter 4, Working with Form Logic and Frameworks.
- Create security keys (at least privileges and duties) as per Chapter 10, Data Management, OData, and Office.
In this chapter, we will cover the following recipes:
- Creating the menu structure
- Creating a parameter form
- Creating menu items
- Creating setup forms
- Creating details master (main table) forms
- Creating a details transaction (order entry) form
- Creating form parts
- Create tiles with counters for the workspace
- Creating a workspace
- Adding a filter to a workspace