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Array structure maintenance functions

When using functions, such as copy, move, delete, and insert in the More Actions menu, these functions act against the entire array structure element, not against a single field within the structure.

The array structure editor reopens the field in question in an expanded, dynamic array field. The form that opens when starting the function is the same form that opens during execution. The routines that perform these functions are available collectively and individually to any RAD routine or Format Control Additional Options definition.

The following general rules apply to array structure maintenance:

  • None of the routines perform update functions to the database. To save the changes, you must select the applicable update function within the application that called the maintenance functions.
  • The applications are cursor dependent. For example, the insert function inserts a blank element at the cursor position within the array structure. If the cursor is placed in any field within an element of the array structure, the function is performed against that entire element.
  • If the functions are executed against a non-array structure field, the procedure normally fails and either issues an invalid data-type message or produces unpredictable results.

The array structure maintenance RAD applications add buttons to the form that enable users to perform tasks, such as moving, copying, deleting or sorting lines in array structures.
They include:

  • as.copy
  • as.delete
  • as.get.name
  • as.insert
  • as.move
  • as.options
  • as.sort

You can call the array structure maintenance RAD applications from the Additional Options Format Control process. You will need a thorough knowledge of Forms Designer and the use of subforms in the creation of array structures.

For more information on each application, a detailed explanation of how to define Additional Options, and how to pass data to these subroutines, see the related topics.

Note: RAD users should follow normal subroutine call procedures to execute these applications.

Related topics

Format Control processes
Common routines called from Format Control
Array maintenance

Add array structure maintenance options to a format control record
Test the array structure maintenance options I added

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