Modernize your 4D interfaces with Fluent UI
Behind the scenes, a significant engineering effort has been carried out to bring native Fluent UI integration into 4D. This means that 4D forms can now be displayed using Microsoft’s Fluent UI design system, the same modern visual style that defines Windows, Office, and Teams. 4D is one of the first development environments to offer native WinUI integration, allowing developers to bring the authentic Fluent UI experience to their desktop applications. On the client side, the transition couldn’t be simpler. All it takes is enabling Fluent UI rendering in your project settings and making a few minor layout adjustments in your forms to enjoy the new, modern look.
Define a different icon for each window
We are excited to announce a new feature that will enhance the user experience in multi-window applications in 4D 20 R7. With the introduction of the SET WINDOW DOCUMENT ICON command, you now have the ability to define an icon for each type of window, making it easier for users to identify and navigate through different windows.
Qodly Studio for 4D: Dynamic User Interfaces with Page States
With 4D 20 R6, Qodly Studio for 4D introduced an exciting new feature: Page States. Perhaps you’ve already come across our previous post, but let’s explore what makes this feature so valuable for dynamic UIs.
Imagine UIs that adapt instantly to different user steps or contexts.
Here are some common use cases where Page States shine:
- Enable or disable components based on user actions (e.g., activate the “Save” button only when all mandatory fields are filled).
- Switch between light and dark modes with a simple toggle.
- Restrict access to actions (read, update, etc.) based on user privileges.
UX: Enhanced Scrolling Behavior in Subforms
User forms are all about making things easy for users. But what happens when scrolling becomes a battle between subforms and their contents? You’ve probably experienced this before: you try to scroll through a list box in a subform, but the entire subform moves instead. Or, worse, you try to scroll the subform itself, but the list box stubbornly stays put!
This has been improved with 4D 20 R6, making the action more natural.
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!
Customize App Appearance with New Windows Types
With 4D 20 R5, unlocking new possibilities in application customization, two additional window types now offer flexible modal or non-modal windows without title bars. This means complete freedom to tailor your application’s appearance to your exact specifications. Imagine redesigning the title bar to match your desired aesthetics, integrating features like a customized search box or other elements seamlessly.
But that’s not all! We’ve also introduced several new commands designed to streamline your development process:
- Reduce a window in the title bar on Windows or the dock on macOS,
- Know if the window is reduced in the title bar on Windows or the dock on macOS,
- Know if the window if the window is maximized.
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!
A class for easy handling of your sub-forms
On the forum, several requests, tips, or questions have been asked about displaying a message, an hourglass, or some interface elements in the foreground of a form while blurring out the rest. You can create this type of interface with sub-forms and call forms. The code can get complicated if you’re working with a multi-page form.
To simplify your work, Vincent De Lachaux has prepared a class to simplify the management of sub-forms displayed in a multi-page form. It handles loading the sub-form on the fly, controlling it from a worker, and repositioning it if the main form is resized. You can focus on your dialogues without worrying about the mechanics.
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.
Data Explorer Embedded in 4D
Data Explorer allows you to view the data in your database. You can choose which fields to display, organize, filter, and sort the data.
With 4D v20, the Data Explorer can be opened in 4D instead of an external browser. Users can access the Data Explorer directly from the toolbar with just one click, saving time and improving productivity.
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