Creating a New Application

Gadgets > Rogue Wave Views Application Framework > Using the Application Framework Editor > Creating a New Application

To develop an application with Application Framework, follow these basic steps:

1. Launch the Application Framework Editor and edit all the application options. Edit the different menus and toolbars that will appear in the application, describe all the document types that the application will be able to open, and so on. These items are saved in an options file that is read by the generated application, when initializing.

2. Generate the application code, using the Application Framework Editor.

3. Complete the generated code:

To manage the data (the document):

- serialize the data,

- add accessors.

To display and edit the data (the view):

- initialize the view according to the data (an example of this is filling a tree gadget),

- manage commands generated by the user events on views.


Note: You can modify the application options described in Step 1 at any time during the development of the application. You are not required to regenerate the code when you modify these options.

The remainder of this chapter describes the general navigation and operational features of the Application Framework Editor. For step-by-step instructions refer to the tutorial sample for Application Framework.

Selecting a Document Type

The first step in creating a new application is to select the document type. When you begin a New application, the Select a document type dialog box appears:

Figure 20.3 Select a Document Type

Several predefined types of documents are made available. Each type of document defines convenient methods for manipulating its data and is preassociated with a specific view.

The document types are described further in Table 20.2.

Selection of Document Type
Document Type	Use To:	Description
	Create a generic application	The Generic document type does not make any assumptions about the typeof document. This is the choice for most applications.
	Create a manager application	The Manager document type deals with IlvGraphic objects inserted in an IlvManager object.
	Create a grapher application	The Grapher document type deals with IlvGraphic objects inserted in an IlvGrapher as nodes or links.
	Create a project application	The Project document type is an organization of files in folders and subfolders.
	Create a text application	The Text document type is any text document.

After you select a document type, the Application Framework Editor main window appears. See Application Framework Editor Main Window.

Creating and Configuring an Options File (.odv file)

Application Framework stores all parameters that describe an application in an options file (.odv extension).

The Application Framework Editor opens a new .odv file whenever you create a new application (New from the File menu, toolbar, or initial wizard) and select a document type.

Version 5.8