Better Lookups

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The PD Lookup Toolkits provide consistent, dynamic string lookup techniques for Clarion for Windows. The offer you the following benefits:

  • Easy Creation of Complex Entries with Lookups.  Populate the lookup control, make a few template entries handles and all the coding necessary for handling system id's, doing multiple lookups into a file without aliasing, intelligent filling of entries, creation of lookups for fields that do not require matching records in the lookup file, resetting of windows, and more will be handled as needed for you.  With this tool, you can provide intelligent fill as you type data entry for large data files without the need for page or full file loading.
  • User Appreciation. Your users will like the easy entering data, especially where heavy data entry is involved. 

Two kits are available, a PD Browse Button Lookup and PD Drop Lookups. Features common to these kits are:

  • The library fills in the entry fields with the closest matching record as the user types.
  • If you use SysID fields, they are easily saved.
  • The entry field may be scrolled with the up and down arrows.
  • The look up lists are displayed with the AltDown key or by clicking a button.

The lookups are available individually.  If you're getting only one, we recommend PD Lookup Browse Button Lookup:

  • A Better Lookup Bundle (PD Lookup and PD Drops)
  • A Better Lookup and PD Date Tools Bundle

PD Browse Button Lookup


 

 A double mouse click, or clicking a look up button, or pressing the AltDown key pops up a selection browse. While the field is selected, the up and down arrows enter the next or previous record.  The button is skipped when moving to the next field, avoiding an unnecessary stop in data entry. You may optionally pop up the browse as soon as the user presses a key without a matching record.  The lookups utilize views which may use ranges and filters. Related fields may be populated from lookups; assignments can be disabled when a record is being edited.  Multiple lookups may be done using the same lookup file without aliasing.  Lookups without requiring a matching record in the lookup file. Some additional features of this library are:
  • All source code class library
  • Works with ABC and Clarion (Legacy) applications.
  • Generates very few lines of code.
  • A Translation File (.trn) allows you to control the size, text, and icon of the lookup button at run time.
  • Record filtering and record validation.
  • Resetting of the window for refreshing browses or other related filtered lookups.
  • Optional Disabling of related field assignments when records are being changed.
  • A large number of virtual methods.
  • SQL Support
  • Clarionet Support

PD Browse Button Template
Using local data allows multiple lookups into the same file.  The lookup browse does not have to be in th procedure tree and can take parameters.  The view can be hand coded if desired.  The window can be reset upon acceptance or new selection to handle filters on other lookups and browses.  Lookups can also be disabled when editing a record.
Update of individual related fields can also be disabled when updating a record. 
The disabled-on-edit property may be overridden if the field to assign is blank when the window opens.
The disable-on-edit property may also be overridden if the entry field is blank.
From normalized databases, the button handles all the code for getting and displaying the lookup record and saving ID values.

PD Drops

wpe8.jpg (30843 bytes) As of the release of Clarion 6, the PD Drops will provide a collection of drop list libraries:

File Drop and Drop Combo

  • Lookup control templates and libraries.
  • AltDown button activates the drop list.
  • Scroll the list in the field with the Up or CtrlUp and Down or CtrlDown keys. The Drop Combo fills out the entry field with the closest matching record as the user types. Related hot fields may be displayed with each record change.
  • Allows not in file entries.
  • Allows add, change, or delete ith a popup menu or hot keys.
  • Variable message caption and text in an update message.

Drop From Class Library (Source Code)

  • Adds fixed values to items in a C5 or C55 drop list using a string FROM attribute.  Like a Radio Buttons in an Option control, values returned by the drop may differ from what is displayed.  When applications are internationalized, it extends the value element now available in C55.  

  • Benefits Include:

    Screen Space.  A drop use less screen space than an OPTION with RADIO buttons with VALUEs.   

    Numeric and Abbreviated Values.  Drops can have abbreviated string or numeric values different from their what is displayed.

    Retain String Dependent Code.  You can retain string dependent code even if drops are translated.          

    Limit Translation to Display String Only.  Translation can be limited to the display string without including the value in the translation file.  This both safer and requires fewer translations.

"Universal" Drop Edit Library (Source Code)

See: PD Universal Drop Edit Class This is not included with PD Drops.

 
   

Sample comments:

Frm: Gregory C. Bailey (Not the only Team TopSpeed user)
PDLookups is so indispensable that I don't think of it as an add-on anymore!

Fm: James Fortune
...Get the PDLookup template from ProDomus. It's a knockout - and will do all you want and more ....

Fm: Robert Sorrells
BTW, your templates made the difference in my getting a big consulting job. When my client say the "Quicken-like" lookup in my application, they said "You're hired." They were very impressed, and so am I.

Fm: Don W. Reynolds
Thanks for making the changes. This is a great tool. Help documentation very good.

Fm: John B. McElhatton
BTW the product is great. You have addressed what I feel is a long-standing deficiency in a very effective way. Keep it up!!

Fm: Susan Pichotta 
Exactly what I've been wishing for... bless your heart.

Fm: Bob Krause
Thanks for your help and a indispensable template.

Fm: Bob Diver, RF Diver & Associates
 PDLookups is the ONLY 3rd party product that I include in EVERY Clarion application I create. It does position to the closest match in your lookup
browse (if, of course, the browse is sorted on the data you're looking for and is selectable). I know you won't be disappointed.