Simplifying Component Management in 4D
In the context of 4D development, managing components typically involves a substantial amount of work. However, introducing the Component Manager feature in the 4D environment represents a significant advancement in component management.
No longer confined to placing components in a designated Components folder, this feature relies on two key elements: dependencies.json and environment4d.json. Since 4D 20 R5, these files offer developers better visibility into application dependencies and the flexibility to customize component paths.
Explore GitHub Codespaces Possibilities with 4D
GitHub offers powerful tools for developers. One of them is Codepaces, which lets you develop code stored in a GitHub repo online from anywhere using an integrated instance of Visual Studio Code.
This is also the case with 4D projects!
Let’s discover this powerful tool and see a new way of coding!
Deprecation of the Legacy Network Layer
To handle the communication between 4D Client and 4D Server, 4D proposes 3 different network layers:
- Legacy,
- ServerNet,
- and QUIC.
The Legacy network layer was introduced 30 years ago in 4D v3. It was originally developed for AppleTalk, enhanced for ISDN, and then added IPX and finally TCP/IP.
It was created for a very different Client/Server usage than 4D works today: it is single-threaded, optimized for slow networks with no encryption, and available for many different network protocols. As such, it is not optimized at all for modern network communications and supports a very limited number of features.
That’s why, with 4D 20 R5, we have decided to make the Legacy network layer obsolete and plan to remove it soon. We encourage you to move to ServerNet now if you are still using it. Let me explain what benefits you will get from the switch.
4D Netkit: OAuth2.0 authentication using a certificate
Several OAuth 2.0 servers, like the Microsoft Identity Platform, provide an authentication option utilizing certificates instead of client secrets. This approach enhances security and authentication mechanisms within the protocol. Starting from version 4D 20 R5, Netkit incorporates OAuth 2.0 certificate-based connection management.
4D View Pro: Enhancement of Custom Functions
4D Netkit: Append an email with Gmail
There may be times when you find it necessary to keep an email as a template inside a designated label in your mailbox. With the release of 4D 20 R5, we have introduced a feature that allows you to add an email to a mailbox without sending it.
Class property declarations and assignments on a single line
4D NetKit: PKCE for OAuth 2.0
OAuth 2.0 is a cornerstone of modern authentication. Enter PKCE, a pivotal enhancement fortifying OAuth 2.0 against interception and replay attacks. With the introduction of the 4D 20 R5, we now offer seamless integration of PKCE into OAuth 2.0 authentication processes.
Workspace Syntax Checking in VS Code editor
4D 20 R5 brings a new capability to the Visual Studio Code editor through the 4D-Analyzer extension: Say hello to Workspace Syntax Checking, designed to significantly reduce developer errors and streamline coding precision.
4D Write Pro. New Section Options Available in the Interface
As you know, 4D Write Pro manages two types of sections, continuous or with page breaks.
Whether you prefer distinct right-sided pages from the left or want the initial page to stand apart from the rest, these possibilities were once confined to programming or the context menu. However, there’s a positive shift on the horizon – the interface is evolving!
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