Introduction to PowerBuilder Programming v6.5-12.5

This 5 day class introduces students to the PowerBuilder development environment.  Each component of the PowerBuilder IDE is covered in the context of using PowerBuilder to develop GUI-based client/server business applications.  Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  •  Use the System Tree to create workspaces and targets.
  • Use the Application Painter to create application objects.
  • Use the Window Painter to create windows.
  • Use the PowerScript language to write scripts to perform required
    processing.
  • Create user functions and user events.
  • Use the DataWindow Painter to create Data Windows and select
    appropriate presentation styles and data sources.
  • Use the Query Painter to interactively construct and edit SQL
    statements.
  • Use the Database Painter to define extended attributes and manage
    database tables.
  • Use the Menu Painter to create traditional and contemporary menus.
  • Debug PowerBuilder applications.
  • Package a PowerBuilder application for distribution.
  • Discuss the alternative deployment types, including pcode, machine
    code, and .NET WinForm applications (where available).

A series of written and lab exercises will be used to reinforce the classroom education.

The course uses materials customized to the requested version of PowerBuilder (6.5 – 12.5).

Audience

This intensive hands-on course is designed for application programmers responsible for the design and implementation of client/server applications using PowerBuilder.

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of the Windows operating system.
  • Introduction to SQL, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in a programming language, such as COBOL, Visual Basic, C++,
    or Java.

Course Agenda

Introduction to PowerBuilder

  • Role of PowerBuilder in Application Development
  • PowerBuilder Application Architectures
  • Platforms and Databases Supported by PowerBuilder
  • PowerBuilder Concepts and Terminology

 The PowerBuilder Classic Environment

  • Painter Structure
  • Customizing Toolbars
  • The System Tree   (8 – 12.5)
  • The Clip Window  (8 – 12.5)
  • Managing Painter Views and Panes (7 – 12.5)
  • Object Browser

Creating an Application

  • Creating Workspaces  (8 – 12.5)
  • Creating Targets   (8 – 12.5)
  • Creating Application Objects
  • Application Object Properties

Creating Windows

  • Types of Windows and Controls
  • Building Windows
  • Window Inheritance

PowerBuilder Scripts

  • Language Syntax
  • Using the PowerScript Painter
  • Control Structures
  • PowerScript Functions
  • Structures
  • Script Inheritance

User‑Defined Function and Events

  • Global Functions versus Object Functions
  • Creating User Functions
  • Defining User Events
  • Invoking User Events

Creating DataWindows

  • Presentation Styles
  • Data Sources
  • DataWindow SQL Options
  • Customizing the DataWindow Design

Implementing DataWindows

  • Associating DataWindow Objects with DataWindow Controls
  • Transaction Objects
  • DataWindow Functions

DataWindow Updates

  • Controlling Updates
  • Data Validation Process
  • Transaction Management

Creating Menus

  • Menus Styles
  • Creating Menu Bars and MenuItems
  • Menu Events and Scripts
  • Popup Menus
  • Menu Inheritance

MDI Applications

  • MDI Window Types
  • MDI‑Related PowerScript Functions
  • MDI Menus
  • Toolbars

Distributing the Application

  • Creating an Application Executable
  • PowerBuilder Resource Files
  • PowerBuilder Dynamic Libraries
  • Creating a Machine Code Executable
  • Creating a .NET WinForm Application
    (11 – 12.5)

Supplemental Topics (as time permits)

  • The PowerBuilder Classic Debugger
  • Managing Database Tables
  • The Library Painter

To Hire the Course Author, PowerBuilder Subject Matter Expert and Instructor who also teaches this class, call us today at 800-798-3901!

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