Application Framework Files and Classes Example
This topic describes the various files and classes used by the application framework to create a hypothetical application. You can skip this topic if you do not plan to modify any of these classes. However, this topic provides details of how your application works.
The following table lists files created and/or used by the Application Wizard for an application named Wines that tracks a wine collection. The Application Wizard creates files using a naming convention that incorporates the name of the application, as shown below in the table.
| Application file | Description |
|---|---|
| Wines.app | This is your application created from the Build dialog box. |
| Wines.pjx (pjt) | This is your project file. |
| Wines_app.dbf (fpt, cdx) | This is the meta-table that stores form and report information entered into the Application Builder. |
| Wines_app.h | This include file contains a number of settings controlling the application framework, each of which you can set. |
| Wines_app.log | This is a log file you can use to record changes during application development. |
| Appuser.dbf (fpt, cdx) | If you choose to include User Login dialog boxes, this file is created to store password and user preferences (option settings and favorites). |
| Config.fpw | Contains runtime startup settings including the ability to hide the Visual FoxPro desktop if the Top-Level form option is selected. |
| Libs\Wines_app.vcx (vct) | These are the classes used by your application. They are subclassed from the _framewk library enabling you to modify these at will. Avoid editing the classes in _FRAMEWK if possible. |
| Menus\Wines _main.mnx (mnt) | This menu is used when you set the application type to Normal. |
| Menus\Wines _go.mnx (mnt) | This is the navigation menu used by forms when the navigation menu option is checked in the Forms tab of the Application Builder. |
| Menus\Wines _top.mnx (mnt) | This menu is used when you set the application type to Top-Level. |
| Menus\Wines _append.mnx (mnt) | This menu is used when you set the application type to Module. |
| Progs\Wines_app.prg | This is the main program, the point from which an application starts. It performs the following functions: displays Splash screen, creates the application object, sets the application paths and settings, and starts the application. |
| \Wizards\_Framewk.vcx (vct) | The framework contains the core set of classes used by the application framework. These include common classes such as: splash and aboutbox dialog boxes, application object, userlogin, and standardtoolbar to name a few. Most of these classes are subclassed in the Wines_app.vcx library. If you make changes at all, change classes in Wines_app and not in _framewk. |
| \Ffc\_app.vcx (vct) | This foundation class library contains classes used to manage an application environment. |
| \Ffc\_base.vcx (vct) | This is the class library containing base classes that all foundation classes are subclassed from. |
| \Ffc\setobjrf.prg | This file is used internally by the classes in _base. |
| \Ffc\_reports.vcx (vct) | This foundation class library contains classes used to handle reporting and output. |
| \Ffc\_table.vcx (vct) | This foundation class library contains classes used to perform all data querying and navigation. |
| \FFC\_UI.VCX (VCT) | This foundation class library contains classes used to manage various user interface routines such as Windows management. |
In this example, the class library in which you would most likely want to modify the application framework is Wines_app.vcx. Here is a list of the classes.
| Application-specific class | Description |
|---|---|
| App_aboutbox | Provides an About dialog box. |
| App_application | Manages all operations and events in the application |
| App_changepassword | Provides a Password dialog box |
| App_errorlogviewer | Provides an Error Log dialog box |
| App_favoritepicker | Provides a Favorites menu and item picker |
| App_navtoolbar | Provides data Navigation toolbar functionality |
| App_newopen | Provides New and Open dialog box functionality |
| App_options | Provides an Options dialog box |
| App_reportpicker | Displays a dialog box to select reports for printing |
| App_splash | Provides an application Splash screen |
| App_standardtoolbar | Provides Standard toolbar functionality |
| App_topform | Provides a form frame object with menus for Top-Level applications |
| App_userlogin | Provides a User Login dialog box |
These classes enable you to create or access supporting forms and dialog boxes in your application.
Because the Application Wizard adds Visual FoxPro Foundation Classes to your application project, you can also change the basis of the form and reports that comprise your application.
You can use wizards to create new databases, tables, forms and reports for the project from which you create your application. You can use the Class Browser to subclass the classes from which your forms and other application objects and functionality are generated.
See Also
Application Builder | Application Functionality and the Application Framework | Application Builder | Managing Documents with Application Builder | Application Planning with the Application Framework