Conference ilbbak::ibi_focus

55.0. "How to get user friendly interface?" by VICTOR::BARNES () Fri Apr 08 1988 10:37

I'm having some problems with the screen handling features of Focus
which make it difficult to present a user-friendly interface for data
input by users.
Specifically for Focus screen entry (this is for a modify file and
uses CRTFORM):-

	- left justification of data input.This is OK for character 
	  fields ,but causes problems when changing numeric fields 
		ie; if the field is not full you need to move the 
		    cursor to the correct position in the field for 
		    the first digit

	- there does not appear to be a key set up for the user to
	  clear a data field such as the LF key commonly used for
	  data entry applications

	- the user is able to tab from the last field on the screen 
	  back to the first field on the screen.In this particular
	  case the first line is the key entry and is part of a
	  previous CRTFORM and MATCH statement.

	- autotab is the default so the user is sometimes placed in
	  the next field on the form (field full) ,or needs to hit
	  tab to reach the next field


Any answers ,suggestions or workrounds for the above gratefully received,

			Pauline Tabrett

    I have a few suggestions you might try to help solve some of your
    problems.
    
    1. TO CLEAR A DATA FIELD:  	Either prior to running your modify
       focexec or as a command line in your focexec you can issue the
       command 'SET KEYPAD=APPLICATION'.  This enable the numeric keypad
       to be used for special keys.  The number 3 on the keypad will
       delete all characters in field to the right of the cursor.  Page
       7-9 in the user manual volume 2 shows the keypad function keys.
    
    2. TO PROTECT THE KEY ENTRY WHEN THE USER TABS TO THE TOP AGAIN:
       On your second crtform use the specific line command and redisplay
       the key field as a "display only" field.  Example:
    
    		CRTFORM LINE 1
    		"ENTER KEY FIELD:<KEY_FIELD"
    		MATCH KEY_FIELD
    		ON NOMATCH REJECT
    		ON MATCH CRTFORM LINE 1 
    		"KEY FIELD:<D.KEY_FIELD"
    		"FIELD 2:<FIELD_2"
    		...
    		DATA
    
       Using the "D." attribute will make 'KEY_FIELD' a protected field.
    
    Perhaps some of that information can be of help.
    
    Mike Cusack