How to modify a function

[mumfie]

We have amended the source code in existing functions . We save the changes, compile the code and execute a test script. However it is the original code that is executed not the updated code.
To force the updated code to execute it appears we have to close the database then reopen it.
Is there a setting/method we need to change that controls this ?

[Stan Mathews]

Re: How to modify a function

Are you compiling into an aex? If so I think you do have to close Alpha and restart for the aex to be opened again, loading the new version of the function.

[mumfie]

Re: How to modify a function

Are you compiling into an aex?

No. Not compiling to aex. When i mention compiling it is the option from the Code dropdown menu Check syntax.

[G Gabriel]

Re: How to modify a function

Re: How to modify a function

If you mean a function that you have written previously and used it somewhere, then clearly you should never modify it, start over with a new function.

On the other hand, if you mean a function that you have just written, you could try the refresh button in the CP.

[csda1]

Re: How to modify a function

We have amended the source code in existing functions . We save the changes, compile the code and execute a test script. However it is the original code that is executed not the updated code.
To force the updated code to execute it appears we have to close the database then reopen it.
Is there a setting/method we need to change that controls this ?

If you are talking about a global UDF (User Defined Function) and do a save (which also does a compile), then that code will execute in the next usage with 2 caveats.

1st, there must be no errors in the new version. Otherwise, you will run the last good compiled version of the code.

2nd, you must close the debugger if open for the new code to take effect in the debugger.

[MikeC]

Re: How to modify a function

Ira,

1st, there must be no errors in the new version. Otherwise, you will run the last good compiled version of the code.

Nice to learn of this!!!

If you are talking about a global UDF (User Defined Function) and do a save (which also does a compile), then that code will execute in the next usage with 2 caveats.

I have to disagree with this, at least in my limited use of functions. The only way I can get a change to become part of any function that I run, the database itself must be closed and reopened....even say as a test to add a messagebox inside the function---do this and then run the function...the messagebox will not appear. Close the database and reopen, then run the function--the messagebox appears.

Also, as part of this, I have noticed when I add the 'description: bubblehelp to a function or add more "functionality" to the function such as with the addin.function_argument_help() function, Alpha, itself, has to be completely closed and then reopened before they will work.

Ira, if I am doing something to cause this headache (or more likely, NOT doing something!), please let me know as it certainly does take a bit of time having to do this closing and reopening when developing a complex function.

[csda1]

Re: How to modify a function

Hi Mike,

I have to disagree with this, at least in my limited use of functions. The only way I can get a change to become part of any function that I run, the database itself must be closed and reopened....even say as a test to add a messagebox inside the function---do this and then run the function...the messagebox will not appear. Close the database and reopen, then run the function--the messagebox appears.

I can't think of a better reason to purchase my CSDA Code Utility, which closes A5, and reopens it with all the same windows restored.

But honestly, for normal coding, other than that below, there is no reason to have to close and reopen A5, or even just the database. There must be something else happening. So while you may have an issue, it's not normal operation.

Also, as part of this, I have noticed when I add the 'description: bubblehelp to a function or add more "functionality" to the function such as with the addin.function_argument_help() function, Alpha, itself, has to be completely closed and then reopened before they will work.

Both of these are initialized at startup, or when 1st used. Thus any changes are ignored until restarting A5. Declarestruct is another thing that requires restarting A5 when you make changes. These are valid reasons to purchase my CSDA Code Utility. In fact, it was developed because of Declarestruct requiring many restarts in my development cycle.

Ira, if I am doing something to cause this headache (or more likely, NOT doing something!), please let me know as it certainly does take a bit of time having to do this closing and reopening when developing a complex function.

I have no idea what the issue would be, but I'll suggest that you place the code in the standard ADB file for the database. Don't have the same function in an installed AEX (although the ADB should override the AEX), and make sure you do a Save, not a compile (F4) which does not save the code. Also, can you show me a typical Global UDF that you have problems with?

If code is on forms in design mode, save the code, then save the form. This solves some problems encountered there.

[MikeC]

Re: How to modify a function

Figured it out Ira, all.

Saving works just as Ira said UNLESS you add functionality to a function with the addin.function_argument_help() function. When this is used ahead of a function then the database has to be closed and then reopened...a good reason to possibly place the addin function to the Addins folder--think I will and then just have it commented out in the function itself...unless I am working on the Addin function itself.....Time for Ira's utility next time I pull this function out I guess!!

This probably doesn't address Colin's problem though.

[mumfie]

Re: How to modify a function

Thanks for the responses although none of the solutions work for us using the latest alpha5 build. I have found if we export the modified function then reimport it does execute the modified version.

[mumfie]

Re: How to modify a function

Based upon above I created a simple script which appears to resolve the problem. After making the change save it then run the script below.
Make sure you have a backup before attempting to test it.

'update scripts and udfs
export_scripts_and_udfs("c:\myfunctions.txt")
import_scripts_udfs("c:\myfunctions.txt",.t.,.t.)

[csda1]

Re: How to modify a function

Hi Colin,

Based upon above I created a simple script which appears to resolve the problem. After making the change save it then run the script below.
Make sure you have a backup before attempting to test it.

'update scripts and udfs
export_scripts_and_udfs("c:\myfunctions.txt")
import_scripts_udfs("c:\myfunctions.txt",.t.,.t.)

While you have a workaround that solves the problem, I'll reiterate that you don't need to do this. There is something else you are probably not doing. You should try to find out what that is.

You can probably skip the above export/import if you execute the following line

load_external_udfs(file.filename_parse(a5.Get_Name(),"DPN")+".alb","Application")

It doesn't solve your problem, but will at least make it less painful.

[G Gabriel]

Re: How to modify a function

That seems hardly necessary.
I suggest you post a sample of your UDF before and after the modification.

[mumfie]

Re: How to modify a function

I suggest you post a sample of your UDF before and after the modification.

I enclose a simplified example to hopefully demo problem.


steps to reproduce

run the script ChanRF_DAO_Test
view trace window and note text output

amend function ChanRF_List_InsertDAO
simply amend text being output to trace and save

run the script ChanRF_DAO_Test again
view trace window and note text output
the text displayed is that before the amendment

Now close and reopen the database.
run the script ChanRF_DAO_Test
view trace window and note text output
The amended text is displayed

[G Gabriel]

Re: How to modify a function

OK Colin.. If I am reading this correctly and without all the fluff:
Your 1st function calls the second function
And the second function calls the first one!
Am I in the ballpark?
I am reading this in a bit of a rush, but I think that's it in a nutshell.
In addition:
Your 1st function uses a logical variable OK. This function calls the second one and the second one has a variable also called OK that outputs the message.
Keep in mind that these variables as you have them are LOCAL, i.e. only visible to the function itself and not to any other function.

[csda1]

Re: How to modify a function

Hi Colin,

I enclose a simplified example to hopefully demo problem.

Unfortunately, you are connecting to an SQL table that we don't have.

Nevertheless, eliminating the parameters of the function, it works just fine after each save. I use pointers all the time in parameters, so it is not the parameters either.

I suspect that you have some issue with calling pointers that causes the function never to be executed (or a function error occurs that is trapped)

Does that help?