Introduction

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4D v16

Self-training

Introduction

Video script

Today, we're going to take a look at how 4D works.

Double-click on the 4D executable to start your 4D application.

Automatically, the Welcome wizard offers to help you:

You can connect to a server
Open a local application
Or create a new application, which is where we're going to start.

Later, when you've gotten the hang of things, you can check the "Do not show this at 4D launch" option and this dialog will no longer be displayed.

We're going to create an application so as to discover the 4D architecture and interface. We'll save this 1st database on the desktop: "My first 4D database".

4D starts by opening the Explorer that you will nearly always use to modify tables and fields (in other words, your "structure"), as well as forms or methods.

Here we recognize the classic MVC model (Model - View - Controller). These are:

the Model concept: the tables, fields and relations that represent the data model
the View concept: called "forms" in 4D
the Controller concept: called "methods".

In addition, 4D consists of two stacked "layers":

a layer dedicated to development
and a layer for use.

We find these two concepts in the organization of the toolbar and menus as well.

Here we see that the first menus, from File to Design, concern the development layer and are intended specifically for the developer. The following Records and Tools menus are designed for use.

The toolbar is divided into two parts:
On the left (from "New" to the "Find in Design" area) are functionalities designed for the developer.
The right-hand part (from "Tables" to "Execute") concerns use.

The MSC and database settings concern both development and use, but are more for use on the administrator side.

4D also has complementary tools for managing the security aspects of your databases with advanced and programmable management of users, groups and passwords, as well as menus, pictures, styles, and so on.

Now, let's see how easy it is to create an application and enter a few records with just a few clicks. Later on, we'll create a specific application for which we are going to set up the outline and we will see, step by step, the different elements that can be implemented to produce a professional application that is available in client/server mode, through the Web, with the integration of modern technology such as XLIFF, SVG and many other tools as well.