Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

[UODTech]

I'm having trouble setting the default value of a textbox in a UX. How do set the session variable for the current logged in user?

[Sarah Mitchell]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

I'm having trouble setting the default value of a textbox in a UX. How do set the session variable for the current logged in user?

The Default value property for the text box can be set to a session variable using the following format:

=session.varname

"varname" is the name of your session variable.

Context.Security.CurrentUser contains the current user - if they're logged in. You must check the value of Context.Security.CallResult.Success before using the value. EG:

dim userName as C = Context.Security.CurrentUser 
if .not. Context.Security.CallResult.Success then 
   error_generate(Context.Security.CallResult.Text) 
end if 
if alltrim(userName) = "" then 
   'Set to "no user is logged in" 
   session.username = "no user is logged in"
else 
   'Set to user name 
   session.username = userName
end if

[UODTech]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

Thanks - I tried, but I get an error 'invalid expression' displayed in the textbox instead of the user name.

[UODTech]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

Okay, maybe I'm going about this wrong. How do I assign the user name to a session variable?

[Sarah Mitchell]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

Okay, maybe I'm going about this wrong. How do I assign the user name to a session variable?

The second block of code in my earlier post can be used to set the username in a session variable. You can put it in the onDialogInitialize event, but it would be best to put this in the Xbasic that handles the user login:

dim userName as C = Context.Security.CurrentUser

if .not. Context.Security.CallResult.Success then 
   error_generate(Context.Security.CallResult.Text) 
end if 

if alltrim(userName) = "" then 
   'Set to "no user is logged in" 
   session.username = "no user is logged in"
else 
   'Set to user name 
   session.username = userName
end if

[UODTech]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

Got it! Thanks. Just needed to move the code to the embedded UX instead of the parent UX.

[Sarah Mitchell]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

Got it! Thanks. Just needed to move the code to the embedded UX instead of the parent UX.

Session variables persist for the length of the session. As long as they're created before you need them, you should be good to go.

Here's more info on sessions: https://documentation.alphasoftware....on%20variables

[Davidk]

Re: Setting default value of textbox to current logged in user name

I'm having trouble setting the default value of a textbox in a UX. How do set the session variable for the current logged in user?

Lou, using session variables, as you've discovered, means they may not be available when you want them, even if you've set them before you need them. There's a very odd timing issue always at play with Alpha.

Using the Default property of a TextBox control means that the Default value is processed before the login occurs. Even when you assign that session variable, the very first time you run this code on a freshly booted server, you will always end up with an "invalid expression" error.

You posted that you're using an embedded component in a parent component. The session var code now works only because there's now enough of a delay between setting that session var and actually using it. You may have set up the properties of your embedded component in such a way that session vars will always be around when needed... e.g. Delay render properties.

There are areas within Alpha where you have no choice but to use a session var. Everywhere else I would recommend caution when using them... since they can't always be trusted to be there when you need them. State variables are much more reliable. Also, I usually set a Textbox control in the parent with the current user name upon login. Then, whenever, or wherever I need it, I reach into the parent to get it.

Also, session variables time out, which makes them difficult for mobile applications.