Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

[parkjammer]

Simple goal:

1. define "application global variable"
2. use the global variable (e.g. "vg_objlst_flag_ownerlimit") in grid button
3. use an "argument" within the GRID to bring in the global variable
4. then use the global variable within the GRID (in a button, filter, or otherwise)

Problem:

• The "arguments" section does NOT have a GLOBAL option (only PAGE, SESSION, or COOKIE)
• I've also tried using the global variable directly (presuming it is actually "global") but this doesn't work
• the result is an undefined variable that throws an error
• and yes, I've read a LOT of posts (all interesting) but I haven't yet figured this out

Alternate solution if available:

• If there is a place to define SESSION variables in a fashion similar to "Application Global Variables" so the variable exists for the entire web-app, that would be just as good
• A little later I'll make all these variable read/write from a table but I want to get this very basic/simple thing working first

I've read a lot about scope, global/session/admin and other variables. And there are lots of complicated solutions that mix events and Xbasic, but I would like to master "simple" before I move to "complex". On the whole it just seems odd that a "global variable" is in fact not "global" and immediately accessible from within a grid component.

This is likely simple, but I'm at the point where help/direction would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Define "Application Global Variable"
20130402_A5v11_global_variable_question_01.png

Define "argument" in GRID... no "GLOBAL" option available
20130402_A5v11_global_variable_question_02.png

[parkjammer]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Argh. I've spent days reading posts and watching videos.

My conclusion is that:

• A5v11 variable scoping is both less-than-obvious and generally awful
  
• the best and only solution is to store and retrieve values from a table
  
• ... which is covered both in A5v11 training videos and elswhere in this forum.
  
• If I spend another evening @#$@ing around with global, session, and local variables I will need to go do something cathartic and positive for humanity like using my laptop to bash a politician over the head. Argh.

[agillbb]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Yes, some little frustrations that Alpha throws your way.
I guess because Grids came out before dialogs, I find that arguments in Grids aren't overly useful. I generally would recommend not using them for grids in your case.
But as you have indicated, you have options. Here are a few:
1) Set session var (publish in your grid so it is available client-side)
2) Define a global javascript variable for use throughout your app. This can be passed back server-side as needed (e.g. via state vars)
3) In server-side initialization events, define state variables.

I use session vars for some things, and I include a core.js file in all my components which defines application-like variables and contains all my custom js library functions.

But you are right, it really should be easier for such basic things as application variables.

[parkjammer]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Andy... In transitioning other coding skills to A5v11 for a specific project I am doing the typical drink-from-the-firehose information input. Every little bit helps. Thanks for the tips!

[DaveF]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Andy,

The variables you mentioned must be loaded and initialized at the beginning of every new session. What about a more permanent app server global variable that remains in memory and accessible throughout the lifetime of the App Server process? I do not want to load certain configuration settings from a local config file or from the SQL database every time a new session is started or a request is made to the web server. These are system-wide variable types and are in a different class than session or page variables.

From what I can tell, these are the App Server global variable types that remain in the App Server's memory:

1. App Server configuration file – These are defined in the ApplicationServerconfig.xml file. They are accessible throughout the system within the global namespace using the same name as defined in the config file.

2. Application Global Variables – These are defined in Web Project Properties and are project-specific. They are accessible throughout the system by adding the “AppVar” namespace in front of the variable names.

3. Application Variables – These are defined in Profile Settings and are profile-specific. They are accessible throughout the system within the global namespace using the same name as defined in the Profile Settings..

Can any of the global variable types above be initialized to a certain value and then changed to a new value and retain the new value for as long as the app server continues running? I understand how to use the session variables, state variables, and global javascript variables, but I'm a little confused as to the purpose of the different global variable types above.

Thanks

[parkjammer]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Dave... I gave up. I work entirely from table-based variables at this point. The exception is the need to pick up security-related session variables from time to time. I use a function (javascript, ajax-callback, xbasic) to GET or PUT variables from my own table. It works every time, all the time. Granted, it would be slow if you had hundreds of them and lots of sessions I'm nowhere near that yet. Just trying to get my app fully realized in the mobile space and the back-end is so slow anyway that the hit from table-variable lookups is not even registering. Make first; tune later.

[agillbb]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Alpha's global app variables are typically set from the control panel, and it is retarded that you can't overwrite these via xbasic code.
But just mimic this by setting a session variable at login.
I make use of the "repository" and its functions at times when setting some application-like session vars or other variables.
It's not really a big problem in the scheme of things as you can easily work around app vars. However, it would be nice if you could simply set an app variable from anywhere and have it persist indefinately.

[DaveF]

Re: Can NOT see or use GLOBAL VARIABLE in GRID via ARGUMENTS

Thanks for your recommendations. I use the repository to store miscellaneous "stuff" that I need from time to time. I will experiment more with all of these variable types and see where it leads me. I might just put all of my system variables in the repository for now and take Allan's advice about optimizing later.