LZMA: The new compression algorithm
Whenever we exchange files, we always go through the ritual of compressing the files before sending them. Since 4D v18, two commands are available, allowing you to create and read a ZIP archive using the standard zip compression algorithm.
With 4D V19 R3, the Zip Create Archive command supports a new compression algorithm: LZMA. The advantage of this algorithm is that it creates smaller archives than the standard zip compression algorithm. Let’s find out more!
Simplified cross-platform client/server application building on Windows
The release of Silicon Macs had a great impact on the way 4D compiles applications. Before v19, 4D was compiling only for Intel architecture, using the same code on Mac and Windows. But Silicon Macs use a new architecture, and as such 4D needs to compile specifically for Silicon. It affects cross-platform client/server application building.
As long as you build your server on Mac, it’s not much of an issue, as you can compile for both Intel and Silicon platforms. But on Windows, it’s not possible to compile for Silicon Macs. Our current recommendation is to compile the project on Mac for both architectures, and then copy it on a Windows machine before building the server. Unfortunately, for big projects with a lot of data, the copy can take some time.
Need a magic wand? Here are computed class properties!
A magic show awaits you with ORDA’s computed attributes!
It is often helpful or even essential that databases be adapted in a flexible and evolving way to users and their businesses in the computer world. The control of accessible data is also a recurrent and sensitive subject. From this point of view, developers use methods and formulas that are sometimes complex to give or restrict access to information, depending on the context or the access rights of the users.
Let’s take a simple example. In your application, you sometimes need to display a list of people. One of the columns displays their full names, but in your database, you have a first name field and a last name field. Currently, you write a formula in the list box column, and you have to manage the sorting on the column yourself. Wouldn’t it be great to have a computed field where you can define its calculation formula and sorting method, and have all the business logic inside the class and not in each interface?
Well, starting with 4D v19 R3, 4D provides a solution to this, with computed attributes.
Webcam support in Web Areas
With COVID-19, the remote office has become a new standard, and video conferencing is becoming commonplace for professionals. As a result, more and more professionals have started weaving video conferencing features into their applications. To allow you to display video conferencing from different sources like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others, we now support audio and video streams in web areas!
4D for iOS: Custom Input Controls
Until now, custom formatters allowed you to match text or images to the contents of a field, such as replacing true/false with an image or 1, 2 with text labels. 4D v19 R3 allows you to create action input controls available from actions forms, such as creating a choice list with predefined text. And even better, this list can be dynamically filled using a datasource such as a list of employers. Let’s delve into the details!
4D Write Pro – Continuous Section Breaks
Starting with 4D v19 R3, 4D Write Pro supports continuous section breaks.
A continuous section break creates a section in its own right but without causing a page break.
This allows, among other things, to have different numbers of columns on the same page!
Stop press! Accessing parameters not being passed is … possible
A method or function can have optional parameters. Sometimes the function is called with two parameters, and other times with three parameters. We’ve all dreamed of accessing the parameters without counting the parameters, checking if the parameter has been passed, or simply not having to check if the variable associated with the parameter has been initialized. This could make the code much simpler, and much more readable, without all the “If” or “Count parameters” lines.
Well, dream no more, and switch to 4D v19 R3! Managing method and function parameters has never been easier.
Full support of BLOB in ORDA
Many of you have already taken the leap and started using ORDA. To ease your coding experience, we are glad to announce that Blobs are now fully supported in ORDA, like any other type. After the first step in 4D v19 R2, with the support of the Blobs in objects, 4D v19 R3 brings the support of Blobs in ORDA.
Secure your app’s resources with a new algorithm
When generating .4dz files, 4D uses a standard zip format by default. If you are a software publisher, you’ll be happy to know that 4D v19 R2 added a feature that allows preventing users of your application from seeing the content of the 4DZ, and therefore from being able to modify it.
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