Custom colors for items in the tree

[cadmen]

In "Learning XDialog" under "What's New in V8," there is a sample code to "Populate dynamically from a table," which works great.

And under "What's New in V11" for Tree-Control, there is an example code to set "Custom colors for items in the tree," which works fine in the example given.

Now trying to set custom colors in the first example '-Populate dynamically from a table' but the tree breaks.

my questions:

Is this a bug?

Or is there another way to color the above "dynamically populated tree example"?


Thank you in advance for any help.

Ninus

[Ted Giles]

What build of V11 are you using?

[cadmen]

Hi Ted,

I am testing on build 3623.

But I don't think it is a build issue. It does not work on v12 as well.

[Ted Giles]

Aaah!
OK, what are you hoping to achieve?
Are you able to describe -fairly accurately- what you need to happen?
I have read your initial post but would appreciate clarification as there are lots of ways to work within Alpha.

[cadmen]

Ted,

Simply, I want to change the colors of each level in a dynamically generated tree list.

Like in the example given in 'learn xdialog'

+ State_region '(this to be in blue color)
+ State '(this to be in red color)
+ City '(this to be in green color)

/I have tried the...

dim treecolors as c = <<%str%
blue
red
green
%str%


tablename = "customer"
contentExpn = "'{S=1}'+alltrim(bill_state_region)+'|{EXPAND=Expanding tree...}!expandState('+'{S=1}'+quote(alltrim(bill_state_region))+')'"
filterExpn = "bill_state_region<> '' .and.unique_key_value()"
orderExpn = "bill_state_region"

and so on....\

I do get the colors to change, but the tree fails when clicking to expand a tree level.


I hope that I have explained the problem.

[johnkoh]

Hello,

I have created the TreeView list with "for each" loop function.
I also applied the {S=<number>} directive to pick an entry in the list of passed in colors.

The sample of list is....

{S=9}AZ.{S=2}Phoenix.{S=4}Joe Smith
{S=9}AZ.{S=2}Phoenix.{S=4}Linda Dodds
{S=9}AZ.{S=2}Tucson.{S=4}Dillan Macabe
{S=9}AZ.{S=2}Tucson.{S=4}Larry Eagle
{S=9}AZ.{S=2}Tucson.{S=4}Michael Johnson
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Los Angeles.{S=4}Joan McAndrews
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Los Angeles.{S=4}Leonard Burtonski
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Los Angeles.{S=4}Peter Harrison
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Los Angeles.{S=4}Willy Winka
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Los Angeles.{S=4}Yvonne Harrington
{S=9}CA.{S=2}Rancho Palos Verdes.{S=4}James Mahoney​

I can see the color_tree view with this box

ui_dlg_box("Tree Control - Custom Colors",<<%dlg%
{XdialogTitleSection=100,5pHeading};
{lf};
[%S=BLR;C=@treecolors%.100,40item^<tree]
%dlg%)

[cadmen]

Hi John and thanks for the reply,


So you also confirm that {S=<number>} directive does not work with 'table.external_record_content_get()' method?

Damn, that means I have to update a tonne of codes and hope that, unlike the above method, the "for each" loop function will work as expected.

[cadmen]

Damn it, it's too much work, I'm not going to do it.

We have no choice but to use the Red Phone to call the 'MR. CODE' himself.

Alpha Team,... call Selwyn to the rescue. This is something that only the man himself can resolve.


Dear Selwyn,

Could you please out of the corner of your eye sneak a peek at this code and explain why this tree isn't working properly? ..please!

'Date Created: 28-Jun-2006 09:07:04 AM
'Last Updated: 18-Jan-2023 11:57:23 AM
'Created By : Selwyn
'Updated By : Ninus

dim treecolors as c = <<%str%
Blue
Red
Dark Green
%str%


dim filterExpn as c
dim orderExpn as c
dim contentExpn as c
dim tablename as c

tablename = "customer"
contentExpn = "'{S=1}'+alltrim(bill_state_region)+'|{EXPAND=Expanding tree...}!expandState('+quote('{S=1}'+alltrim(bill_state_region))+')'"
filterExpn = "bill_state_region<> '' .and.unique_key_value()"
orderExpn = "bill_state_region"

dim treeList as c
treeList = table.external_record_content_get(tablename,contentExpn,orderExpn,filterExpn)
dim selected as c = ""

'The enable expression for the OK button looks to see if the 'selected' variable starts with 'ID:'
'If so, then we know we are at an endpoint in the tree.

dim flagOK as l = .f.

ui_dlg_box("Select Customer",<<%dlg%
[%X;S=BLR;D="|";C=@treecolors%.50,20selected^<treelist];
[.50selected];
{justify=right}
<10&OK!ok?left(selected,3)="ID:"> <Cancel>;
%dlg%,<<%code%
if a_dlg_button ="ok" then
flagOK = .t.
end if
%code%)


if flagOK = .t. then
ui_msg_box("","You selected customer number: " + substr(selected,4))

end if


function expandState as c (state as c )
ui_yield()
dim filterExpn as c
dim orderExpn as c
dim contentExpn as c
dim tablename as c
tablename = "customer"
contentExpn = "'{S=2}'+alltrim(bill_city)+'|{EXPAND=Expanding tree...}!expandCity('+quote('{S=2}'+alltrim(bill_city))+')'"
filterExpn = "unique_key_value() .and. '{S=1}'+bill_state_region=" + quote(state)
orderExpn = "bill_city"

expandState = table.external_record_content_get(tablename,contentExpn,orderExpn,filterExpn)

if expandState = "" then
expandState = "<None>"
end if

end function



function expandCity as c (city as c )
ui_yield()

dim filterExpn as c
dim orderExpn as c
dim contentExpn as c
dim tablename as c
tablename = "customer"
contentExpn = "'{DATA=ID:'+customer_id+'}'+'{S=3}'+alltrim(lastname)+', ' + alltrim(firstname)"
filterExpn = "unique_key_value() .and. '{S=2}'+bill_city=" + quote(city)
orderExpn = "lastname"

expandCity = table.external_record_content_get(tablename,contentExpn,orderExpn,filterExpn)

if expandCity = "" then
expandCity = "<None>"
end if

end function

I wish you good health and thank you in advance for your time and kindness.

Ninus Daniels

[johnkoh]

Hello,

I applied the {S=<number>} directive at here only. It will show the Colors but the tree view( display ) will be loose from "Parent tree".

contentExpn = " '{S=1}'+alltrim(bill_state_region)+'|{EXPAND=Expanding tree...}!expandState('+quote(alltrim(bill_state_region))+')'"

contentExpn = " '{S=2}'+alltrim(bill_city)+'|{EXPAND=Expanding tree...}!expandCity('+quote(alltrim(bill_city))+')'"


contentExpn = "'{DATA=ID:'+customer_id+'}'+ '{S=3}'+alltrim(lastname)+', ' + alltrim(firstname)"

[cadmen]

Hi John,

You have to also add a directive after the expand function ie.. !expandState('+quote('{S=2}'+alltrim(bill_state_region))+')'

I think it must have something to do with how Alpha handles a function call. I'm not really sure, and don't know how to resolve it.

That is why I'll wait to see if any guru here can figure this one out.

[johnkoh]

Hello,

 You have to also add a directive after the expand function ie.. !expandState('+quote('{S=2}'+alltrim(bill_state_region))+')'

It is not required to have the directive at that location. it( quote( alltrim(bill_state_region) ) ) is referred for filtering records and nothing to do with "Color".

If you can, create the Tree_list without "{Expand}" function and insert the {S=<number>} directive into your Tree_List.

[Ted Giles]

Do you mind if we rewind this?
Ninus do you HAVE to do this, WANT to do this or trying to push the boundaries of Alpha?
I'm not trying to be judgemental, but needs and wants and dallying are different issues.

I hate having to code to do simple stuff which meets a user brief. In this case, multi level Browses or, dare I say it Multi Level Tabs could work just as well.
I'm over "fighting myself out of corners" now, so future maintenance is paramount, hence my suggestions.

So I won't be investing.
If you want to get Selwyns attention, [email protected]
He tends to not haunt the Forum.

[cadmen]

John,

You have to have that directive in that location or it won't work at all. Try it.


Ted,

I seriously don't understand what you are trying to say.

My question was about a specific functions of Alpha Five program called 'Tree Control' and {S=<number>} directive, and how they don't work together.

I never asked anyone to invest their time to code for me since I am very capable of doing that myself. I see that you have a "Certified" tag under your name; I sincerely hope you are not here officially representing Alpha Software.
You see, it is usually more polite to say "I don't know" or remain silent when you are unsure of the answer to a question.

That being said, I hope one of the forum 'Members' has a solution.

[Ted Giles]

Apps don't always need academic examination. They work and are usually succinct and informative.
John is coming up with creative suggestions suggest you build on them.
If you are into academia, go for it.
Personally I dont see different colours making diddy squat of difference, but not my train set.
Lots of ways to satisfy users.
I do know the answer but not going to share it as it is irrelevant.
If you wish to persist with this line of enquiry, i wish you well.
Please post your solution to assist others.

[cadmen]

Mr. Giles,

This is not about apps academic examination.. It's about the Alpha Five's program functionality.
I produce different apps for my customers and always use the table.external_record_content_get() method.
The use of colors in a tree list control improves clarity and user friendliness, which benefits the end user (called custome care).

I certainly appreciate what John and you tried to do, But I believe that you both completely misunderstood my main question.

"Is this a bug?" was my initial question. I didn't request an alternative way of achieving the same result.

I do know the answer but not going to share it as it is irrelevant.
Please post your solution to assist others.

It is not nice at all to ask someone to do what yourself are not willing to do. However, for now, the conclusion is that there is a flaw in tree list control and, I will definitely share my findings if it is otherwise.