4D Write Pro commands optimized again!
As each new version is released, we take into account the feedback we receive from our customers on the general use of 4D Write Pro and its commands. While remaining 100% compatible, some commands and language functions are evolving!
Some commands, whose syntax have been improved in 4D 20 R8, now allow the use of modern parameters such as objects or collections. Others are now functions, making them easier to use. Finally, a number of new functions have been created. All this will make your code simpler, more generic and easier to maintain!
4D Write Pro: Make Hidden Table Borders Visible (Temporarily)
Working on 4D Write Pro tables with hidden lines can be tricky! You can’t tell where each cell ends, especially with merged ones. But 4D 20 R7 is shipped with a cool feature to show you those hidden lines, even if they’re normally invisible.
This makes working with tables much easier! Let’s see how this new view property works.
4D Write Pro: Manage Empty Datasources!
Since the tables in 4D Write Pro can be populated by datasources, numerous functions have been added to personalize them as much as possible. These include formulas linked to datasources, break rows, bottom carry over rows, etc.
4D 20 R6 refines table behavior with a new attribute: wk empty datasource. This attribute allows you to define how tables render when their linked datasource is empty, providing greater control over document presentation.
4D Write Pro: Tables without limit!
Since the introduction of tables in 4D Write Pro, many new features have been put in place. Including Headers, footers, sort breaks and, of course, the possibility of associating a datasource with the tables to fill them in automatically!
This last option meant that the maximum number of rows per table (1000) could often be reached. We took this into account and as of 4D 20 R5, this limit is no longer fixed and controlled by 4D Write Pro but only limited by available memory!
4D Write Pro – A Wizard to Create Tables with Data
Over the last few versions of 4D Write Pro, many table-related features have been added. You can easily create tables based on database data using contexts, data sources, and formulas.
This is so easy that many of just want to let your end-users use the feature as it is. But we understand this can sometimes be challenging for users who lack training in formatting data sources or formulas for various table components. To address this, we have developed a solution shipped with 4D v20 R2: the brand-new table wizard.
The wizard is available to end-users; they can take advantage of templates adapted to their use and business provided by the developer. Configuring templates includes:
- define dataclass and dataclass attributes,
- translate dataclass, dataclass attributes, and formula names,
- prepare formulas adapted to the business,
- design graphic styles.
Continue reading to find out more, and don’t forget to check out the HDI and watch the bonus video that guides you through various possibilities.
4D Write Pro Tables: Introducing Cells Merge
Tables are among the most essential elements in 4D Write Pro documents. 4D v20 R2 brings a new improvement to help you better organise and present information within tables. Say hello to the possibility of merging cells!
Break Rows. A New Addition to 4D Write Pro Tables!
The 4D Write Pro document tables have greatly improved over the last few versions. In fact, we, the 4D team, are so invested in making 4D Write Pro a potent template-based documents generator —that we have already released advances such as headers, datasources, carry-over rows…a few powerful features off the top of my head.
Now, with 4D v20, it’s the turn of break rows to make their entry!
Ladies and gentlemen, drum roll, please!
4D Write Pro: Carry Over Rows are Available!
Using tables in 4D Write Pro documents is more frequent, especially since it is possible to associate a datasource to them, which automatically feeds their rows!
As the number of rows gets more prominent, it is common for these tables to be automatically split into several parts to allow for a page or column break. In this situation, it is sometimes convenient to insert (automatically!) a “subtotal” line at the bottom of each part of the respective tables. Yes, that’s right, this is possible in 4D v19 R7 ?
Use 4D Write Pro to Create & Print a Batch of Documents
Whatever your business, you must create listings, inventories, tracking sheets, product sheets, invoices, and many other documents. These documents are usually printed or saved in PDF for archiving.
4D Write Pro is the ideal tool to create all your documents. Here is a list of several features available in 4D Write Pro that can help you make beautiful documents for printing:
- page layout and margin management for printing,
- pdf export,
- document protection,
- table creation,
- table formatting with repeated headers,
- definition of a data context,
- inserting ORDA formulas in a table (new in 4D v19 R6).
Using these different features, here are some examples of documents produced.
4D Write Pro: Dynamically Fill Tables with Entity Selections & Collections
As developers, we often create complex and advanced 4D Write Pro documents. We may generate tables that need to be filled from a data source, and we may not be sure of the exact rows and columns. Manually filling the tables with data every time is a laborious task. We heard you, and here is where data context comes as an invaluable option, opening the world of ORDA and object-oriented development to 4D Write Pro documents.
It is now possible to define a “datasource” for the tables of 4D Write Pro. Whether it is an entity selection or a collection, this “datasource” will automatically feed the rows of these tables.
Let’s delve into the details!
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