Do Adhoc forms really load 20% quicker???

[Mattyau]

Hi

I stumbled across while trying to make some of my forms load faster. The forms in question were initially based on complex sets and taking approx 12-13 seconds to load (using the profile_begin() and profiler_end() commands positioned before and after the form_load() or its equivalent.)

I then went about creating simpler sets and using lookup calculated fields to produce an identical form layout. By doing this I have reduced the form loading to 3.5 seconds on average (the quickest being 3.47).

In these two scenarios the forms were created from the forms tab on the control panel (standard way of doing things so I won't elaborate)

While trying to learn about adhoc browse and possible benefits to whatever (not 100% sure of their relevance - still learning). I came across reference to Adhoc forms. So being the curious type I decided to duplicate the "3.5 sec" form using the Adhoc forms technique to see what the difference was. Without changing any table structures and keeping exactly the same calculated fields and variables on the form, the loading time came down to 2.7 seconds on average the slowest being 2.81. This equates to being approx 20% faster.

I thought this may have just been a chance memormy resource effect, so I went about recreating the more complex "12-13 secs" form using the Adhoc forms technique. To my surprise the adhoc form loaded in 8.5 secs on avg with the slowest being 9.11, fastest being 7.55.
The best result I achieved with the"12-13 secs" normal form was 11.94 This equates to approx 25-35% quicker.

Before i go about changing the design of my forms using the Adhoc technique. I was wondering if anyone has similar experience with adhoc forms and results with loading times. Are ther any negatives designing using adhoc forms.

I would hate to redesign all my forms and later find out that my experience was just some kind of coincidence.

Also, if it turns out the Adhoc forms do load quicker, is there some kind of logic or reasoning behind this method?

I've just summarised my observations, as this message was getting way too long. So if anyone needs more information as to what I actually did, ask questions as I am all for finding new ways to loading forms quicker.

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Do Adhoc forms really load 20% quicker???

This is news to me. Guess maybe my attention wandered. I thought ad hoc browses and forms had to be designed and re-designed each time you wanted to use one. If you have a technique for using this with existing or saved forms, how about posting an example for us?

-- tom

[Mattyau]

RE: Do Adhoc forms really load 20% quicker???

Hi Tom,

In the docs I came across reference that you can save your adhoc forms/browses, so its not necessary to design and redesign each time. Its a pretty straight forward technique and probably not necessary for me to post an example. However if you can not follow the steps below or get differing results, I will organise the relevant forms and tables to be posted.

The steps I used to use and save adhoc forms.
*On Tables tab in Control Panel, right click and select Adhoc browse from menu
*Dialog box appears, select which table/set your existing form was based on. Choose ONE field (don't think it really matters) and place in selected field. Choose layout type as Form Layout (press icon on bottom). Press OK.
*This displays the Adhoc form in View mode. Change to design mode.
* Open Existing NORMAL form and copy all calculated fields and any variables to you Adhoc form.
* Select all objects on existing form and copy them onto your Adhoc form. Change stylesheet to match normal form (not necessary).
Note:- When copying conditional objects and their contents do them separately from other obejcts as they tend to lose their positioning when you paste.
* Once you're happy with the adhoc form and it looks identical to the normal existing form. Select File, Save As from the top menu bar. Save form as any desire name. And that's it in terms of creating Adhoc form that you can reference as normal.

On your script/button that loads the form, both Adhoc and Normal, place the profiler_begin() just before your form_load() (or equivalent) and profiler_end() straight after the form_load().

Viewing the trace window will give you the results (look at how long it took to load the form_load() statement.)

If the above steps are not clear let me know, but to me the whole process was much simpler then typing it out. As mentioned I don't think its necessary for me to post a example, but I can do it if its too difficult to understand.

Matt