Field data source definition

Data source definitions is part of the field (ADK_Field) definition. Data sources are not part of the control definition. The field combines the control definition with a data source, which allows using the same control for displaying data for any number of data sources with similar type. Data sources are also referenced in order to define data sources for multiple data source controls as lists with several columns or trees with region and columns.

Since (complex) controls are class methods of a complex data type, fields of a complex control typically refer to properties of the complex data type. Usually, data sources are initialized completely when adding a property to a control. Then, the control type will be detected and data source properties will be set properly.

While designing a control in the Designer, current data source settings might be viewed or updated by using the designer property window. In the property window, there is a Data tab in the top section describing field properties. On this tab a subset of most relevant data source properties will be displayed and might be updated.

There are still some properties, which cannot be seen or updated in this place. In order to get all field definition properties, one may press the field button above the table and a field property dialog pops up.

Data source definitions might be defined in a similar form by activating the Properties tab below the work area andselecting the field in the Designer's class tree below the control to be designed. Here, filter conditions and data formatting can be defined in addition. The data source definition form consists of two parts:

• Data source definition (A)
• Data format options (B)

More details about data source properties you will find in Data source definition.