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