Basic Function in the Interactive Window

[MichaelCarroll]

I have never been able to call a function from the interactive window. Even though I can get functions to work in the code that I am using with an AJAX call back. I see the cool stuff in the video's but it just never worked for me, so I just figured out an other way to do it.

But now I want it to work!!! Can someone enlighten me as to what I need to do for it to work? :)


Ok here is an example.

In a UX control, in the xbasic window, I create a function. Here is one that I am working on now:

function exteriorPricing as n (xWidth as c, xDrop as n, xGroup as n, xItem as c)


cn.open("::Name::shade")
dim sqlCommand as c
sqlCommand = "SELECT * FROM pricingExterior WHERE Hdrop = :xD  AND  priceGroup = :xPG  AND item :xIt"


dim args as sql::arguments
args.add("xD",xDrop)
args.add("xPG",xGroup)
args.add("xIt",xItem)


cn.execute(sqlCommand,args)
dim rs as sql::ResultSet
rs = cn.ResultSet
return = rs.data(xWidth)


end function

It saves - no errors.

Go to the Interactive Windows and this is what I get -- even if it is just hello world....

?exteriorPricing("w72",72,1,"patriot")
ERROR: Function: 'exteriorPricing' was not recognized

Thanks so much.

Michael Carroll

[Al Buchholz]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Michael

Does the function work in the IA window after restarting and re-opening the workspace?

[MichaelCarroll]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

No -- Still get:

?exteriorPricing()
ERROR: Function: 'exteriorPricing' was not recognized

[Al Buchholz]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

You need to dim the connection variable...

dim cn as SQL::Connection
cn.open("::Name::shade")

or are you using a global? - cuz you don't close the connection either...

[coleresources]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Michael,

I think the issue is that you're trying to call a function that is embedded in the ux. Try creating the function by going to "Control Panel" and click on the code tab. Recreate your function there and then try calling it from the interactive window. I bet it will work.

I am unsure as to how to use the interactive window to call functions embedded in a UX, maybe there is a way to get a pointer to the ux and then use the pointer to run the embedded function?

[MichaelCarroll]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Josh,

If I am using a UX then would it not be prudent to use and xbasic module? I tried it as a basic module and I get the same result. I am in the process of creating it in the control panel as I type this.

[MichaelCarroll]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Ok the interactive window works if the function is created in the control panel.

So why not in a UX or XBasic Module?

[coleresources]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

You can call "Global" functions which I believe is the proper way to describe the functions that are created in the Control Panel>Code area in your UX. I know of no other way to call functions from the interactive window then to place the functions there.

[MichaelCarroll]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Josh -- thanks

[Al Buchholz]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

good call Josh.

[RichCPT]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Michael,
If your xbasic function is declared in the UX under the "Code / xbasic functions" property then you can run the function from the xbasic debugger without having to explicitly call it from your code! You can call it from the "Watch Variables" list in the xbasic debugger! Typically there is very little need to play around in the Interactive window. Usually the Interactive window is just used to see what Alpha built-in functions will do. It is rarely helpful for working with your own functions.

Just go to your component's "Server-Side" "onDialogInitialize" event (or onDialogExecute, or dialogValidate or what ever makes sense) and put in a debug(1) as the first line of code in the event. Run the component in Working Preview by clicking the "Working Preview" tab. If your "Debug(1)" was not placed into the "onDialogInitialize" event then perform the actions necessary to trigger the appropriate event. When the debugger comes up, go to the "watched variables" section at the bottom of the debugger. In the "Expression" column for a blank row, type in the code to call your function, along with the parameters and press Enter. Example:

With this declared in the xbasic section:

function someFunc as C( a1 as C)
    someFunc = "Hello " + a1
end function

Type this into an expression column in the watch variable section of the xbasic debugger and press ENTER:

someFunc("Michael")

[MichaelCarroll]

Re: Basic Function in the Interactive Window

Rich, Thank you.