9 replies to this topic

[Rory]

Hi

Does anyone know of a function that would output file defs into an XML/HTML format for e.g. presentation in Microsoft Help format...?

Thanks
Rory

[DARREN]

Hi Rory.

What development tool are you using e.g. Native, Dev Studio, Developer (VIP)

[Rory]

Hi Darren

We are using Native with V5.5

Thanks
Rory

[DARREN]

I would highly recommend that you upgrade to Version 7 and Developer as the productivity that is gained over native is considerable. Anyway, the global dictionary data is stored in a file called FVARDEF on version 5.5. Write a simple PROIV report that lists the contents of this file and then set the spooler to output the report as XML. I use @RPTOPT and this would go in the entry logic of the primary cycle as follows @RPTOPT = '5,CRT:OUTFMT=X'. This would output the report to the screen, but you can also send it to a file if you wish.

See http://support.proiv...cumentation.htm and in the search enter the topic id's 730060 and 730085 as these provide more info on @OPTOPT.

If you were on version 6/7 then you could use the XML transforms feature (to generate the report in pdf or as a spreadsheet). See topic 500310 in the on-line help.

[DARREN]

my bad. You said file defs. The file header info is stored in FILEHDR and he file detail info is stored in FILEDEF.

Developer in version 6/7 has a feature that auto-generates a file definition in pdf format. I have attached an example.

Attached Files

•  Documentation_of_FileDefinition_FUNCTDEF.pdf   46.41KB   90 downloads

[Rory]

Thanks for the suggestions Darren. We did a report to extract the filehdr & filedef data and it's a good start.

Re version 6/7 - alas our client is migrating to another system .. they won't know what they've got till it's gone of course...

[DARREN]

Is the decision to migrate set in stone. If not you should definitely take a close look at Aurora. It is free with version 7 (although you do need open client licenses if you are going to render any PROIV screens). It could actually just be used as a dashboard product that brought together disparate systems.

[Rory]

They are negotiating with the supplier of the new system. Not unusual for these things to drag on or be less than successful of course....

I have heard some good things about Aurora. Our client tends not to take our advice though...

[DARREN]

Interesting. Have you thought about downloading version 7 and getting some temporary keys (they can be obtained from the PROIV website) and playing around with Aurora and your clients app. If you know anything at all about CSS then you can achieve a lot in a short space of time. Either that or show them some of the screen shots from ResourceLink on the PROIV Aurora web page. As mentioned, Aurora can be used to bring together disparate systems so you could have a single sign on to multiple apps that are exposed via the dashboard.

[Rory]

That's a good suggestion, might try it out. We are busy making revenue from other sources at the moment. Our client has been taken over so our voice doesn't carry much weight... plus ca change!