4th Dimension Learning Basics

Data Fields We now come to the interesting part, creating data fields. An interesting, but annoying characteristic of 4D is once a data field is created, it cannot be deleted.

So what do you do if you make a mistake.? You can rename the field, use it later or hide it. With no data in the field, it will not significantly affect the size or operation of the program. To create the first data field double click on the Customers table in the data field area as indicated by the arrow in Figure 8.

Where you click is important. If you click in the table name area, you will get the Table Properties window again. Figure 8 - Clicking on the Data Field Area of the Table Clicking in the squares (data field area) under the table name will bring up the “Field Properties” window.

Figure 9 - The Field Properties Window Enter “First Name for the Field Name and select “Text” for the data Type. Text fields can have up to 32,000 characters. When done with the data field, click the “Apply” button and the Table will show the first data field.

Figure 10 - The Customers Table First Data Field Now select the next data field area in the Structure for Sample Database window and repeat by creating a data field type text called “Last Name” and then another field called “Address,” but make Address a type “Alpha” field. Note: Data type Alpha can have the maximum number of characters specified (field length).

The default is 20 and the maximum is 80 characters. If you use 20 characters as the maximum length, when you try to type more, the program will not let you. Alpha fields are the only fields to use for relationship keys.

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Now note below in Figure 11 at the left, there are only three data fields shown in the Customers Table. You are about to create a fourth called “City, ” but to see it, you must either drag the Table longer or use the Up and Down arrows at the top of the Table to show additional fields.

Note: If you just continue creating fields they will be added to the Table, but not seen. If you stop and then go back to creating data fields you must stretch the Table to the point where there is an empty data field row and click on it to continue creating data fields. Note: The arrows only appear when there are more fields than shown. Figure 11 - Showing More Data Fields in the Customers Table When stretching the Table longer, sometimes it’s hard.

You must grab the edge just right. With a little practice it becomes easy. Figure 12 - Data Field Names and Types The data field “Age” will later be calculated based on the Date and Date of Birth data fields.

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For now, it is just a data entry field. Making it a calculation must be done when creating or editing a form. When finished creating the data fields, close the Field Properties window by clicking the “Done” button.

Note: With no forms created, if you close the “Structure for Sample Database” window you will be asked if you want to create default forms (see Figure 14). If you select “No” the window will close and you will be taken to the “User” mode.

Since we are not ready to be in the User mode yet, just leave the “Structure for Sample Database” window open for now. Copyright

P.S. A few readers have asked which no-code database we actually reach for — it's Airtable; take a look here if you want the current details.