Introduction to Appeon PowerBuilder

This course introduces students to the Appeon PowerBuilder development environment. Each component of the PowerBuilder Classic IDE is covered in the context of using PowerBuilder to develop GUI-based client/server business applications.

Overview

This course introduces students to the Appeon PowerBuilder development environment. Each component of the PowerBuilder Classic IDE is covered in the context of using PowerBuilder to develop GUI-based client/server business applications. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Use the System Tree to create workspaces and targets.
• Use the Application Painter to create application objects.
• Use the Window Painter to create windows.
• Use the PowerScript language to write scripts to perform required processing.
• Create user functions and user events.
• Use the DataWindow Painter to create Data Windows and select appropriate presentation styles and data sources.
• Use the Query Painter to interactively construct and edit SQL statements.
• Use the Database Painter to define extended attributes and manage database tables.
• Use the Menu Painter to create traditional and contemporary menus.
• Debug PowerBuilder applications.
• Package a PowerBuilder application for distribution.
• Discuss the alternative deployment types, including pcode and machine code.

A series of written and lab exercises will be used to reinforce the classroom education

Audience

Developers responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of client/server applications using Appeon PowerBuilder

Prerequisites
• Basic knowledge of the Windows operating system.
• Introduction to SQL, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a programming language, such as COBOL, Visual Basic, C++, or Java.

Length

5 days

Outline

Course Agenda
Introduction to PowerBuilder
• Role of PowerBuilder in Application Development
• PowerBuilder Application Architectures
• Platforms and Databases Supported by PowerBuilder
• PowerBuilder Concepts and Terminology

The PowerBuilder Classic Environment
• Painter Structure
• Customizing Toolbars
• The System Tree
• The Clip Window
• Managing Painter Views and Panes
• Object Browser

Creating an Application
• Creating Workspaces
• Creating Targets
• Creating Application Objects
• Application Object Properties

Creating Windows
• Types of Windows and Controls
• Building Windows
• Window Inheritance

PowerBuilder Scripts
• Language Syntax
• Using the PowerScript Painter
• Control Structures
• PowerScript Functions
• Structures
• Script Inheritance

User Defined Function and Events
• Global Functions versus Object Functions
• Creating User Functions
• Defining User Events
• Invoking User Events

Creating DataWindows
• Presentation Styles
• Data Sources
• DataWindow SQL Options
• Customizing the DataWindow Design

Implementing DataWindows
• Associating DataWindow Objects with DataWindow Controls
• Transaction Objects
• DataWindow Functions

DataWindow Updates
• Controlling Updates
• Data Validation Process
• Transaction Management

Creating Menus
• Menus Styles
• Creating Menu Bars and MenuItems
• Menu Events and Scripts
• Popup Menus
• Menu Inheritance

MDI Applications
• MDI Window Types
• MDI Related PowerScript Functions
• MDI Menus
• Toolbars

Distributing the Application
• Creating an Application Executable
• PowerBuilder Resource Files
• PowerBuilder Dynamic Libraries
• Creating a Machine Code Executable

Supplemental Topics (as time permits)
• The PowerBuilder Classic Debugger
• Managing Database Tables
• The Library Painter