4th Dimension Learning Basics

Tools and Utilities Figure 13 4D Icons 4D Tools (Comes with the 4D Standard Edition) The primary function of 4D Tools is to help you analyze and repair a damaged database. Databases can become damaged when, for instance, there is a power failure while 4D is writing to cache, or when the disk containing the database becomes damaged.

4D Tools also provides features that enable you to optimize a database Using 4D Tools, you can: Repair databases (structure and/or data) Compact structure or data files Permanently sort data in a data file Transporter (Comes with the 4D Standard Edition) 4D Transporter is a 4D utility program that ships with 4D, 4D First and 4D Server version 6.0 or higher. Use 4D Transporter to move a database developed on one platform for use on the other platform. 4D Transporter performs the following functions: When transporting a database from Macintosh to Windows, it splits the data and resource forks of Macintosh 4D databases files, as well as other related files or documents so they can be used on Windows.

When transporting a database from Windows to Macintosh, it merges the data and resource files of Windows 4D databases, as well as other related files or documents so they can be used on Macintosh. When transporting from Macintosh to Windows, it optionally enforces the DOS conventions for filenames where the 8 by 3 character limit for the length of filenames applies. Customizer (Comes with the 4D Standard Edition) Customizer Plus Version 6.5 is an application that enables you to set general parameters of 4D Version 6.0.x applications and their environments, plug-ins, development tools, network components, tools, and database.

Customizer Plus runs on the same platforms and operating system versions as do 4D applications. The use of Customizer Plus is not mandatory. It provides solutions for developers who may want to manipulate specific aspects of their work environment.

From a developer standpoint, it is possible to optimize memory management, restrict the use of a data file to a specific structure file, adapt an application to the characteristics of the operating system on which it is executed, and localize 4D applications in order to run it on, for example, Arabic or Japanese operating systems. Developers can provide Customizer Plus to their customers, who will then be able to optimize the use of their database, whether it is compiled or interpreted, in relation to their software and hardware environment.

Users will appreciate the ability to customize interface elements such as window locations and dimensions, keyboard shortcuts, and the form appearance. WEDD Resource (Part of the 4D Cutomizer - Included with the 4D Standard Edition) Use the WEDD (Wedding) resource to lock a data file to a particular structure file, preventing the use of old or incompatible files. By default, there is no WEDD resource present in either a structure file or data file, and there is no locking. In general, it is a good idea to use the WEDD resource in the following situations: Old data: You are maintaining old data files for archival purposes and you do not want someone to access these files accidentally.

Related: Airtable — A spreadsheet-simple interface sitting on top of a real relational database, with automations, views, and shareable interfaces..

Old Structure: You have modified the structure of your database (added fields or files) and you want to prevent someone with an old structure file from accessing your data file. Multiple Databases: You are working with several different databases and want to ensure that you do not accidentally open a data file that does not belong to a particular structure.

The WEDD resource works by matching a user-supplied string or signature. If a data file contains a WEDD resource, it can only be opened by a structure file that contains a WEDD resource with the identical signature. 4D Backup (Included with the Advanced Kit/Developer Edition) 4D Backup provides this protection by allowing you to make backup copies of your databases. You can choose from several different backup methods, from creating a simple backup on disks to managing a mirror database that serves as a replica of your original database.

Insider (Included with the Advanced Kit/Developer Edition) 4D Insider allows you to cross-reference objects in your databases. You can select any database object &emdash table, form, method, menu, and so on &emdash and view its relationship to other objects in the database. You can also view the objects themselves as well as change their names.

If you are shopping: Zoho Creator — A low-code app builder that plugs into the wider Zoho suite and prices per user rather than per app..

You can also modify STR# resources, by replacing the names of objects and modifying STR# resources which are collections of text strings that are used for menus, button text, and static text on forms. In many cases, you will find that you use the same objects in more than one database. You can use 4D Insider to move objects from one database or library to another.

A library is a special file that you can create within 4D Insider to store elements commonly used in your databases. For new databases, you can accelerate the creation of new databases by reusing objects that you have created in other databases.

You can also modify the objects in one database and then update all the databases that use these objects. 4D Engine ($999 available only to members of the ACI US Partners Program) In 4D Compiler, you have an option that allows you to merge your compiled database with a 4D Engine and create a stand-alone, executable application. These applications can then be distributed royalty free to your clients (subject to Internet Extension License requirements). Sanity Check/Data Check http://www.committedsoftware.com SanityCheck and DataCheck are two complimentary products published by Committed Software.

One is used to check a 4D structure file for problems, the other is used to check a 4D data file. Although I haven’t used either, they are both highly recommended by long time 4D developers.

Sanity Check ($205 for each platform Mac/Win or $369 for both) Sanity Check is a program that will analyze your database structure and identify numerous things like: variables you have used but not declared variables you have declared but not used syntax errors in your code dead space that should be compacted/removed corruption in your structure It can also compare 2 structures and tell you what’s different give you stats on your structure (number of Tables, Fields, Methods, Lines of Code, etc. Running Sanity Check regularly can save you a lot of headaches when its time to compile.

Its a “must have” for serious 4D developers. DataCheck ($319 for each Platform Mac/Win or $ 579 for both) DataCheck analyzes your data file and can fix things like corrupted indexes and recover things better than 4D Tools can. Foundation (~$350) http://www.DataCraft-Inc.com/ Foundation is a shell for 4th Dimension that will get your application into the Custom Menus environment in just minutes.

Related: Knack — A no-code database builder aimed at portals, directories, and internal tools — with flat-rate pricing instead of per-user fees..

If you can create a database in 4D’s User environment, you’re ready for Foundation. Foundation gives your database the following features in the Custom Menus environment. No additional programming is required.

Multiple Process/Multiple Window Support Modify Records Apply Formula

P.S. A few readers have asked which relational database platform we actually reach for — it's Claris FileMaker Pro; take a look here if you want the current details.