Beginning REALbasic - From Novice to Professional

learning how to track down and fix one or more syntax errors at a time, as well as how to track program flow to ensure things are happening in the order you expect. You also learned how to track the status of variables, properties, and objects, in addition to learning how to set and remove breakpoints. On top of all this, this chapter taught you how to trap exceptions to be able to recover from run-time errors or to present users with friendly and meaningful error messages. Ford634X.book Page 343 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM Ford634X.book Page 344 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM 357 Index ■Symbols #If … #EndIf block, 164, 171–172 & (ampersand) character, 123 + (plus) button, 287 + (plus) character, 158 < operator, 173 <= operator, 173 operator, 173 = (equals) operator, 173 > operator, 173 >= operator, 173 ■A About window, Help menu, 235 accelerator keys, menus, 105, 118, 121, 123 AcctStatus column, 289 Action event handler, 268, 271, 298, 309, 320, 341 Action events, 29–30, 32, 50, 63, 101, 184 ActionButton, 217 ActionButtonCaptain property, 248 ActiveX controls (Microsoft), 95–96 Add Bookmark menu, Main toolbar, 38 Add Constant button, 235, 263 Add Menu Event Handler button, 157 Add Menu Handler button, 132, 185, 204, 220, 237, 320 Add Method button, 235, 340 Add Module button, 221 Add Property button, 137, 263, 319 Add Window button, 68, 225, 234 Add Window icon, 47 adding new controls, 95 AddRow method, ListBox control, 188, 190 Advanced button, 288, 296 aligning controls, 96–97 alignment tools, 96–97 Alt key, 123 AlternateActionButton, 217 Alternate-MenuModifier property, 121 ampersand (&) character, 123 Analysis, EditField control, 183 And operator, 175 App class object, 263 App item, 22, 75, 177, 293 Append method, 149, 196 AppendToTextFile method, 252 Apple menu, 37, 128 Apple QuickTime, 86, 203 Apple WebKit, 58 AppleMenuItem value, 128 Apples XCode vs. REALbasic, 16 application data overview, 135 application development cycle, 19 Application menu, Mac OS X, 128 application windows, 78 ArrayName, 147 arrays, 146 changing size, 148–149 defined, 138 dimensions, 147 loading data, 147 multidimensional, 147 retrieving data, 148 audio NotePlayer control, 301, 305–309 Sound class, 301–304 634X INDEX.fm Page 357 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 358 ■I N D E X audio (continued) sound effects, 301 speak method, 301, 304–305 AutoEnable property, 126 ■B Back button, Windows Editor toolbar, 98 BackColor property, 310 BackDrop property, 313 Backward button, Windows Editor toolbar, 98 Backward menu, Main toolbar, 38 BASIC programming language, 3–4 bbBold PushButton control, 271 bbFontSize control, 270 beep method (sound effect), 301–302 BevelButton control, 79, 260, 268–272 bitmap file, 232 blnExitApp variables, 165 Bold property, 27 book database application, 292 Bookmarks menu, 37 Boolean constants, 171 Boolean expression, 198 Boolean value, 140, 228 Break keyword, 330 breakpoints, 329–330 Browse button, 283 Browser pane, 220 Browser windows, 219 bugs, 323 Build icon, 32 Build menu, Main toolbar, 38 Build Process icon, 325–326 Build Settings option, 32 built-in constants, 151 built-in database support, REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 11 built-in source code, 211 ■C calculator application, 154, 156–161 Cancel button, Open dialog window, 251 CancelButton, MessageDialog, 217 CancelButton, MessageDialogButton, 217 CancelButtonCaption property, 248 Canvas control, 80, 84, 301, 310, 313, 317, 349 cAppName constant, 153 Caption property, 28, 62, 140–142, 269 Case Else statement, 170 Case statement, 169 Catch blocks, 337 CDbl data type conversion, 145 CDbl function, 145 changing properties, 61 CheckBox control, 78, 80, 320 Checked property, 204, 206 Child method, FolderItem class, 246 Clear button, 158 Clear method, 151 Clone method, Sound class, 302 CloseButton control, 100 CMY color model, 312 code blocks, 143, 164–165 Code Editor, 11, 29–30, 42, 49, 101, 136, 157, 181, 203, 219–220, 226, 235, 293, 327 Code Editor pane, 330 Code Editor toolbar, 220 Code view, 131 Color Picker window, 310 Column List field, 286 Column method, DatabaseRecord class, 283 ColumnCount property, 289 ComboBox control, 81, 191, 199 Comment Command button, 136 comments, 135–136, 138 Commit method, Database class, 283 common prefix characters, 143 634X INDEX.fm Page 358 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 359■I N D E X Find it faster at Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS), 10 comparison operators, 173 compiling applications, 4, 32–33 conditional logic, 163, 348 #If … #EndIf block, 171–172 If … Then … Else block, 166, 168 If … Then … ElseIf block, 168–169 If … Then statement, 164–165 multiple line If … Then blocks, 165 OS specific conditions, 171–172 overview, 163–164 Select … Case block, 169, 171 single line If … Then statement, 165 types of conditional statements, 163 Config.txt, 246 Connect method, REALSQLDatabase class, 277 console application, 13, 44, 292 CONST keyword, 152 Const statement, 152 Constant Name field, 235 constants, 138, 153 locally defined, 152 modules, 224 windows, 226, 233, 235 Container control, 80 contextual menu, Code Editor, 198 ContextualMenu control, 81 control objects, 209 control subclasses, 212 controlling statement execution, 332 controls, 23 adding, 78, 95 alignment, 96–97 BevelButton, 79 built-in, 47 Canvas, 80 CheckBox, 80 ComboBox, 81 Container, 80 ContextualMenu, 81 DatabaseQuery, 81 DataControl, 82 deleting, 79 DisclosureTriangle, 82 EditField, 82 ExcelApplication, 83 Favorite controls, 47 GroupBox, 83 HTMLViewer, 84 ImageWell, 84 Line, 85 ListBox, 85 lost controls, 78 MoviePlayer, 86 NotePlayer, 86 OLEContainer, 86 Oval, 87 PagePanel, 87 Placard, 88 Plug-in controls, 47 PopupArrow, 88 PopupMenu, 88 PowerPointApplication, 89 ProgressBar, 89 ProgressWheel, 89 Project controls, 47 properties, 78 PushButton, 90 RadioButton, 90 Rb3Dspace, 90 RbScript, 90 Rectangle, 90 RoundRectangle, 91 ScrollBar, 91 Separator, 91 Find it faster at 634X INDEX.fm Page 359 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 360 ■I N D E X controls (continued) Serial, 92 ServerSocket, 92 Slider, 92 SpotlightQuery, 92 SpriteSurface, 92 StandardToolbarItem, 93 StaticText, 93 tab order, 97 TabPanel, 93 TabSocket, 93 Thread, 94 Timer, 94, 99 ToolbarItem, 94 UDPSocket, 94 UpDownArrows, 94 WordApplication, 94 Controls pane, 47, 77 Conversion Utility for Visual Basic projects, 349–350 coordinate system, graphics, 310 Count property, 150, 247 Counter variable, 193 CreateDatabaseFile method, 276, 281–283 CreateTextFile method, 252 cross-platform remote debugging, 13 cryptic errors, 333 CStr data type conversion, 145 CStr function, 145 cTitlebarMsg constant, 263 CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System), 10 custom control classes, 212, 215 custom project templates, 44 custom properties and methods, 339, 341 Customize Main Toolbar dialog, 38–39 ■D data, 138 arrays, 146–149 constants, 151–153 data type conversion, 144 dictionaries, 149–150 key-value pairs (dictionaries), 149–150 REALbasic data types, 139–140 scope of variables, 144 storing and retrieving overview, 138 string manipulation, 145–146 variables, 142 data type conversion, 144 data types, 139–140, 348 Database Editor, 283, 285, 287–288 Database property, REALSQLDatabase class, 277, 291 DatabaseFile property, REALSQLDatabase class, 276 DatabaseQuery control, 81, 289–291 DatabaseRecord class, 283 databases Add Database (REALbasic IDE), 275 adding tables, columns and indexes (REALbasic IDE), 278–279 changing data (IDE), 288 Connect method, 277 connecting to a database (REALbasic IDE), 276 CreateDatabaseFile method, 276, 281–283 creating REAL SQL databases, 275 Database Editor, 283, 285, 287–288 DatabaseQuery control, 289–290 DataControl control, 291–292 defined, 273 front-end programs, 289 indexes, 280–281 opening REAL SQL databases, 275 plug-ins, 274 queries, 283, 285, 287 schemas, 277 SELECT keyword, 287–288 SQLExecute method, 281–283 634X INDEX.fm Page 360 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 361■I N D E X Find it faster at Structured Query Language (SQL), 274, 287–288 DataControl control, 82, 289, 291–292 DataField property, 291–292, 350 DataSource property, 291–292, 350 DataType keyword, 193–194 Date class, 215 DebugBuild constant, 151, 171 DebugBuild OS specific condition, 171 debugger operation, 328 debugger toolbar, 333 debugging, 8 breakpoints, 329 controlling statement execution, 332 debugger operation, 328 error categories, 323 error handler code, 333–337 error prevention, 324 exception blocks, 334–337 listing syntax errors, 326 logical errors, 328 run-time errors, 327–328, 334 Stack list, 330 stepping program execution, 333 syntax errors, 324–325 toolbar, 333 tracking values, 330, 332 trapping errors, 333–337 Try - Catch blocks, 337 Variables pane, 330, 332 DecimalButton control, 158 Decrypt window, 77 default window, 47, 75 Delete method, FolderItem class, 250 deleting files or folders, 250 windows, 76 deleting controls, 79 demo application, 293 demo REALbasic version, 12 design conventions, menus, 122 desktop calculator, 154 desktop clock application, 98–101 development platform, 8 dictionaries, 138, 149–150 Dim keyword, 147, 150 Dim statement, 142–143 dimensions, 147 dimensions of arrays, 147 disabling menu items, 126 DisclosureTriangle control, 82 Display Name, 245 DisplayMsg subroutine, 229 DLL "hell" and REALbasic, 15 Do … Loop, 188–189 Do … Until Loop, 189–191 Document window, 69, 87 documentation, 52–53, 56 Do ... Loop loop, 188 dot notation, 140 downloading REALbasic, 13 DownTo keyword, 194 DrawBlock method, 258, 266–267 Drawer Window, 75 DrawLine method, 316 DrawStopIcon method, 315 DrawString method, 257–258, 314–315 dynamic arrays, 148–149 ■E edfTextArea control, 265, 270 Edit Bookmarks dialog, 40 Edit menu, 37, 107–108, 179, 233 Edit Value window, 27 EditField control, 24, 27, 60, 63, 81–82, 99, 130, 143, 158, 177, 183, 185, 192, 196, 252, 258, 260, 269–270, 287, 296, 298–299 Editor Only menu item, 42 634X INDEX.fm Page 361 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 362 ■I N D E X Editor toolbar, 42, 45 editors, 42 Element variable, 195 elements, 146 Else statement, 166 embedding comments, 135 EnableMenuItems event handler, edfTextArea control, 265 Encrypt window dialog, 76 encrypting and decrypting windows, 76–77 endless loops, 199 EndOfLine class, 215 EndOfLine object, 193, 216 enhanced database support, REALbasic 2006 professional edition, 12 equals (=) operator, 173 error categories, 323 error handler code, 333–337 ErrorParameter parameter, 334 ErrorType parameter, 334 event code, 62–63 event handlers, 219–220 Event Handlers entry, 293 event programming, 29–30 event-driven programming, 218–220 events, 50 ExcelApplication control, 83 exception blocks, 334–337 execution platform, 8, 10 Exists method, 249 Exit option, 119 Exit statement, 189 Explanation, MessageDialog, 217 Export option, 212 exporting control classes, 212 extensibility, REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 12 extension file identifier, 244–245 Extensions property, 204, 245 ■F file and folder processing Child method, 246 Count property, 247 deleting files or folders, 250 FolderItems, 245 GetOpenFolderItem, 245, 247–248 location, 246 OpenDialog class, 247–248 overview, 243 special folders, 247 verifying file or folder existence, 249 File menu, 37, 107, 262 file system access, 348 file type, 243 File Type Set, 244–245, 262 File Type Set Editor, 245, 262 FileClear menu, 131 FileOpen menu, 204 FileOpen menu handler, 264 FileOpen menu item, 237 FileOpenMP3File menu item, 320 FilePlay menu, 205 FilePrint menu handler, 266 FileQuit menu handler, 267 FileQuit menu item, 131 FileSave menu handler, 264 FileStop menu item, 206 FileType class, 204 FillRect method, Graphics class, 316 Filter property, 248 Floating Window, 70 focus, controls, 97 FolderItem class, 205, 247, 252, 303, 310 FolderItem objects, 276 FolderItem reference, 246, 250 FolderItems, 245 folders. See file and folder processing font changes, styled text, 252–253 634X INDEX.fm Page 362 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 363■I N D E X Find it faster at Font section, 27 For … Each loop, 188, 195, 197 For … Next loop, 148, 188, 193–195 ForeColor property, Graphics class, 314 Forward button, Windows Editor toolbar, 98 Forward menu, Main toolbar, 38 Frame property, 68, 225 Front button, Windows Editor toolbar, 98 front-end database programs, 289 functions, 227–228, 348 ■G GetFolderItem method, 246, 277, 303 GetNetworkInfo method, 340–341 GetNetworkInterface method, 338 GetOpenFolderItem function, 205, 245, 247–248, 251, 264, 304 GetRandomNumber function, 230 GetSaveFolderItem function, 254–255, 264 global bookmark, 39 Global Floating Window, 73 Global level, 222 global module scope, 222 graphic file types supported, 231 graphical integrated development environment (IDE), 4 graphics Canvas control, 313 CMY color model, 312 coordinate system, 310 Graphics class, 313–316 HSV color model, 312 icons, 314–315 lines, drawing, 315 Paint event, 313 Pixel property, 313 RGB color model, 312 shapes, drawing, 316 Windows backgrounds, 310, 313 Graphics class, 301, 310, 313–316 Graphics object, 256–258 GroupBox control, 83, 90, 166–167, 177 GUI programming, 22–23 ■H hardware requirements Linux, 10 Macintosh, 8 Windows, 9 HasBackColor property, 310 Hello World first application, 19–20, 23, 26 Help menu, 37, 52–53, 56, 157 help system, REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 11 HelpAbout menu item, 132, 206 HelpOnlineSupport menu item, 237 higher-level scope, 180 History menu, 37 horizontal alignment indicators, 96–97 HSV color model, 312 HTMLViewer component, 57–59, 61–64 HTMLViewer control, 59, 84 HTMLViewer1 control, 62 ■I icon file association, 245 Icon property, 177, 201 icons, drawing with Graphics class, 314–315 IDE (Integrated Development Environment), 4–5, 7, 20, 35–36, 67, 103, 273, 325 If … Then … Else block, 166, 168, 276 If … Then … ElseIf block, 168–169 If … Then statement, 164–165 ImageWell control, 84, 232 importing control classes, 212 Visual Basic projects, 349 indexes, 147, 280–281 infinite loops, 199 InitialDirectory property, 248 InRange method, Random class, 182 634X INDEX.fm Page 363 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 364 ■I N D E X Insert method, arrays, 149 instance, controls, 24 instantiation, 209 InStr string manipulation function, 145 Instrument property, 306 intCounter variable, 188, 190, 197, 199 IntegerColumn method, DatabaseRecord class, 283 integers, 140 Integrated Development Environment (IDE), 5, 7, 20, 35–36, 67, 103, 273, 325 Intel Macintosh, 9 Interface Assistant displays, 96 interface scrolling, 94 InterfaceID property, 340 internet development features REALbasic 2006 professional edition, 12 REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 11 Interrupt parameter, 304 intResult variable, 159 intSecretNumber property, 182, 185 IsPlaying method, Sound class, 302 iterative processing overview, 187–188 ■K Key property, 120–121 keyboard equivalents, 118 keywords, 348 ■L language reference, 54 lbxInterfaceIDs ListBox control, 341 Left property, 248 Len string manipulation function, 145 Line control, 85, 261 Line Separator bars, 262 line-by-line control, 330 lines, drawing with Graphics class, 315–316 Linux, 10 hardware requirements, 10 OS compatibility, 10 user interface design, 68 ListBox control, 85, 212, 289 listing syntax errors, 326 Load caption, 63 LoadURL method, 62 local bookmark, 39 Location area, 56 Location menu, Main toolbar, 38 log file, 163 logical errors, 328 logical operators, 169, 175 LongTime property, Data object, 101 loops, 148, 348 For … Each loop, 195, 197 For … Next loop, 193–195 Do … Loop, 188–189 Do … Until Loop, 189–191 endless, 199 overview, 187–188 shortcuts for creating, 197–198 While … Wend loop, 192–193 lost controls, 78 Lowercase string manipulation function, 145 Ltrim string manipulation function, 145 ■M MacControlKey property, 121 MacCreator file type, 245 Macintosh, 10 applications, 119 hardware requirements, 8 user interface design, 68 Macintosh Classic, 128 Macintosh menu customizing, 128 Macintosh-only modifier keys, 121 MacOptionKey property, 121 MacType, 245 MacType file type, 245 main toolbar Add Bookmark, 38 634X INDEX.fm Page 364 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 365■I N D E X Find it faster at Backward, 38 Build, 38 configuration, 38–39 Forward, 38 Location, 38 Run, 38 Search, 38 Mandatory key, 279 mathematical operators, 173–174 MaximizeButton, 61 MediaPlayer, Windows, 86, 203 Menu Editor, 42, 47, 49, 103, 117 Menu Event Handler button, 131 menu handlers, 124, 220, 233 menu headings, 122 menu items, 103, 105 menu system, 103, 179 MenuBar control, 99 MenuBar Editor, 130–131, 157, 179, 202, 233 MenuBar items, 104 MenuBar1 item, 22 MenuHandlerName placeholder, 126 MenuItem Name drop-down list, 204, 237 MenuItem Name field, 132, 157, 263 MenuModifier property, 120–121 menus, 105 accelerator keys, 118, 121, 123 adding a new menu bar, 108–109 Apple and Macintosh menu customizing, 128 autoenable, 126 Bookmarks menu, 37 converting menu items to menus, 127 disabling menu items, 126 Edit menu, 37 example word processor application, 263–268 File menu, 37 Help menu, 37 History menu, 37 keyboard equivalents, 118 menu components, 105–106 menu items, 112, 114 Menubar default, 106–107 overview, 103–104 previewing menus, 117 Project menu, 37 reconfiguring menu organization, 126–127 removing menu and menu items, 128 separator bars, 119 shortcuts, 118, 120–121 submenus, 37, 109, 112, 115–116 triggering commands, 123, 125 View menu, 37 Window menu, 37 Message, MessageDialog, 217 MessageDialog class, 76, 216–218, 231, 263, 267–268 MessageDialog object, 217 MessageDialogButton class, 217 Metal window, 74 Method Name field, 235 methods modules, 222–223 parameters, 227–228 windows, 226, 228, 230, 235 Microsoft ActiveX controls, 95–96 Microsoft Office, 83, 89, 94 Mid function, 145 Mid string manipulation function, 145 MIDI, 305 migrating from Visual Basic Conversion Utility, 349–350 differences, 348–349 importing Visual Basic projects, 349 overview, 347 preparation, 349 Mile, 95 MinimizeButton control, 100 634X INDEX.fm Page 365 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 366 ■I N D E X Modal Window, 70 module scope, 222 modules, 220–222 Monkeybread plug-in controls, 95 Mouse Move drag event, 184 MouseMove event handler, 228 Movable Modal Window, 69–70 movie player application, 200, 202–204, 206–207 MoviePlayer control, 86, 200–201, 205, 301 Mozilla browser, 58 MP3 Player application, 317, 319–321 MPEG video files, 200, 202–204, 206–207 MsgBox function, 76, 133, 157, 165, 197, 216 multidimensional arrays, 147 multiline input, 82 Multiline property, EditField control, 253, 304 multiplatform application creation, REALbasic 2006 professional edition, 12 multiple line If … Then blocks, 165 multiple operating systems (OSs), 117 MyTestDB database, 291 ■N Name property, 156, 204, 221, 225 Network Connection Checker, 338 network connection checker application, 338–343 NetworkInterface object, 338–339 NetworkInterfaceCount property, 338 New keyword, 150, 182 New Project dialog, 43 NewChanges property, 265 NextPage method, Graphic class, 257 Not operator, 175 NotePlayer class, 307 NotePlayer control, 86, 301, 305–309 notes, 136 null array, 148 number guessing application, 176, 178–179, 181, 183–184, 186 numeric data types, 140 ■O object binding, 289 Object class, 210 ObjectName, 140 object-oriented programming (OOP), 6, 209 advantages, 210 classes, 209, 215–216 control objects, 209, 211–212 events, 218–220 instantiation, 209, 211, 215–216 menu handlers, 220, 233 modules, 220–222 noncontrol classes, 209–210 overview, 209 REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 11 windows, 225–226 OLEContainer control, 86 Online Support web page, 234 OOP. See object-oriented programming Open dialog, 177, 205 Open dialog window, 245, 247–248, 264 Open event, 181, 203 Open event handler, 237, 269–270, 313, 335 Open file dialog window, 245 Open menu item, 218 Open subroutine, 227 OpenAsSound method, 303 OpenAsTextFile method, 251 OpenDialog class, 247–248, 254 OpenImage method, 236 OpenPrinter function, 258 OpenPrinterDialog function, 256, 267 OpenStyledEditField method, 253, 264 OpenStyledEditField method, FolderItem class, 253 operator precedence, 174 634X INDEX.fm Page 366 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 367■I N D E X Find it faster at operators, 348 Optional keyword, 231 Options menu item, 325–326 Options window, 325 OptionsMediaPlayer menu item, 206 OptionsQuickTime menu item, 204, 206 Or operator, 175 OS compatibility, Linux, 10 OS specific conditions, 171–172 OutOfBoundsException error, 336, 341 OutOfMemoryException run-time error, 327 Oval control, 87 ■P Page Setup dialog, 255–258, 267 Page Setup settings, 263 PagePanel control, 87 Paint event, 313 Pan method, Sound class, 302 parameter line, 227 parameters default values, 230 methods, 227–228 Parameters field, 230 Parent property, FolderItem class, 246 Pause button, Debugger toolbar, 333 pbnAdd PushButton, 299 pbnMute control, 320 pbnPlay control, 320 pbnStop control, 320 PCAltKey property, 121 PersonalBookDB database, 292 PersonalBookDB item, 299 picture viewer application, 231, 233–238 pitch integer, 307 pixel, 85 Pixel property, 313 Placard control, 88 Plain Box Window, 71 platform-specific application creation, REALbasic 2006 standard edition, 12 Play method MoviePlayer control, 206 Sound class, 302–303, 320 PlayerType property, MoviePlayer control, 206 PlayLooping method, Sound class, 302, 320 PlayNote method, 307 plug-ins, 95, 274 plus (+) button, 287 plus (+) character, 158 PopupArrow control, 88 PopupMenu control, 81, 88, 191 porting, 9 PowerPointApplication control, 89 prebuilt program code, 209 predefined constants, 226 predefined properties, 226 Preferred player, 203 PrefsMenuItem value, 128 preventing programming errors, 324 Primary key, 279 Print dialog, 255–258 PrinterSetup object, 266–267 printing files, 255–258 styled text, 258 PrintSettings object, 267 Professional version features, 12–13 Professional versus Standard REALbasic, 10 program code, 29, 187 ProgressBar control, 89, 194, 209 ProgressWheel control, 89 Project Controls option, 214 Project Editor, 42–45, 76, 201, 212, 221, 232, 244, 277, 283 Project menu, 37 Project screen, 221, 225, 234, 275 Project tab, 32, 64 634X INDEX.fm Page 367 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 368 ■I N D E X Project Templates folder, 44 projects, 5 Projects screen, 99 PromptText property, 248 properties, 61, 140 assigning values, 140–141 controls, 26–28, 78 Me keyword, 141 modules, 222 overview, 140 retrieving values, 141–142 Self keyword, 141 windows, 226 Properties pane, 26, 46, 61, 78, 221, 225 property comments, 137 Property Sheet, 214 PropertyName, 140, 142 Protected level, 222 protected module scope, 222 prototyping, 6 Public level, 222 public module scope, 222 public-level scope, 180 PushButton control, 6, 23, 28–29, 50, 60, 62–63, 87, 90, 99–100, 112, 141, 154, 157–158, , 163, 166, 177, 184, 196, 210, 218–219, 225, 261, 268, 309, 318 ■Q queries, 283, 285, 287 Query button, 284, 296 QuickTime, 86, 203–204, 305 Quit option, 119 ■R RAD (rapid application development), 6 RadioButton control, 78, 83, 90, 166–167 Random class, 176 random numbers, 230 Random object, 182, 185 rapid application development (RAD), 6 rapid release online distribution model, 8 RB Book Database application, 292 RB Movie Player application, 200, 202–204, 206–207, 301 RB MP3 Player application, 317, 319–321 RB Number Guess application, 176, 178–179, 181, 183–184, 186 RB Picture Viewer application, 231, 233–238 RB Word Processor, 258, 262 RB Word Processor application, 172, 259–260, 262–272, 294–296, 298–299 Rb3Dspace control, 90 RBBookFinder Browser application, 57–59, 61–64 RBCalculator application, 140, 154, 156–161 RBClock application, 98–101 RBClock desktop clock application, 98 RBQuickNote application, 129–133 RbScript control, 90 RBVersion constant, 151, 171 ReadAll method, TextInputStream method, 251 reading text files, 250–251 ReadLine method,TextInputStream, 250–251 ReadOnly property, 27, 100 REAL Software website, 18 REALbasic advantages, 5 versus Apples XCode, 16 compiling, 32–33 cross-platform compatibility, 6 data types, 139–140 defined, 3 demo version, 12 development/execution platform, 8 documentation, 52–53, 56 download distribution, 13 executable files, 32–33 Intel Macintosh, 9 language reference, 54 634X INDEX.fm Page 368 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 369■I N D E X Find it faster at Linux, 10 Macintosh, 8 major components, 4 migrating from Visual Basic, 347 multiple projects, 7 operators, 173–175 Professional version features, 12–13 purchasing, 13 REALbasic, 7 remote debugging, 8 reserved keywords, 154 software keys, 14 SQLite database, 8 stand-alone applications, 4 Standard version features, 11–12 Standard versus Professional version, 10 support services, 17, 19 testing an application, 30 timeline, 5 upgrade schedule, 8 vs. Visual Basic, 9, 14–15, 348–349 Windows, 9 REALbasic Feedback, 53 REALbasic plug-ins folder, 95 REALbasic Plugins Web ring, 95 REALbasic project, 212 REALSQLDatabase class, 275 REALSQLDatabase object, 276 Rectangle control, 90 RectControl class, 209 Redim statement, arrays, 148 reduced code maintenance, 211 RefreshDisplay( ) method, 340–341 REM keyword, 135 remote debugging, 8 Remove method, arrays, 149 removing menu and menu items, 128 Replace string manipulation function, 145–146 Resizable property, 61 Resume button, Debugger toolbar, 333 RGB color model, 312 Rounded Window, 72 RoundRectangle control, 91 royalty-free deployment, 12 Rtrim function, 145 Rtrim string manipulation function, 145 Run Event Handler, 294 Run icon, 26, 60, 63 Run menu, Main toolbar, 38 Run screen, 330 RunQuery method, DatabaseQuery control, 289 run-time errors, 327–328, 334 ■S SampleReport.doc, 244 sampling, 348 SaveAsDialog class, 254–255 SaveStyledEditField method, 253, 264 schemas, 277 scope of variables, 143–144 screen area components, 41 screens, 42 ScrollBar control, 91 Search menu, Main toolbar, 38 securing source code, 76–77 SelChange event handler, EditField control, 269 Select … Case block, 169, 171 SELECT keyword, 287–288 Select … Case statement, 164 SelectFolder function, 249 SelectFolderDialog class, 249, 254 Self keyword, 141 SelTextFont property, EditField control, 253 SelTextSize property, EditField control, 253 separator bars, 105, 118–119 Separator control, 91 634X INDEX.fm Page 369 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 370 ■I N D E X Serial control, 92 ServerSocket control, 92–93 Shadowed Box Window, 72 Sheet Window, 73 shortcuts for creating loops, 197–198 menus, 118, 120–121 Show Control Order button, Windows Editor toolbar, 98 Show method, windows, 226 ShowModal, MessageDialog, 218 ShowModalWithin, MessageDialog, 218 SimpleText application, 243 single dimensional array, 147 single line If … Then statement, 165 single-line input, 82 Slider control, 92, 176–177, 182–184, 318 smaller applications, 211 software keys for REALbasic development system, 14 Sort Data window, 286 Sort Order field, 286 Sound class, 301–304, 319 sound effects, 301 SoundFile object, 320 source code, 238 Speak method, 301, 304 speak method, audio, 301, 304–305 special folders, 247 SpecialFolder object, 247 SpotlightQuery control, 92 sprite, 92 SpriteSurface control, 92 SQL (Structured Query Language), 274, 287–288 SQLExecute method, 281–283 SQLite database, 8 SQLQuery property, 289 Stack list, debugging, 330 stand-alone applications, 4 Standard version features, 11–12 Standard versus Professional REALbasic, 10 StandardToolbarItem control, 93 starting REALbasic, 35 statement parameters, 324 statements, 164, 188 StatesListBox class, 214 StaticText control, 24, 27, 62, 77, 93, 177, 296, 298, 308, 318 Step button, Debugger toolbar, 333 Step In button, Debugger toolbar, 333 Step keyword, 195 Step Out button, Debugger toolbar, 333 Step value, 194 stepping program execution, 333 stickypad application, 129–133 Stop button, Debugger toolbar, 333 Stop method MoviePlayer control, 206 Sound class, 302 Str data type conversion, 145 Str function, 145 strCustomerArray array, 335 strCustomerName variables, 170 string comparisons, 173 string manipulation, 145–146 strMessage variable, 197 strNamesDictionary object, 150 strPrintSettings variable, 256 strSampleMsg variable name, 146 Structured Query Language (SQL), 274, 287–288 strUserName, 165 strWishListArray property, 196 Styled property, EditField control, 252–253 styled text, 243, 252–253, 258 StyledTextPrinter class, 258, 266 subcategories, 55 634X INDEX.fm Page 370 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 371■I N D E X Find it faster at subclasses, 210 submenus, 105, 109, 112, 115–116 subroutine, 183, 227 subroutines, 227–228 Super Class, 211, 220 Super property, 128 support for REALbasic, 17, 19 Support page, REAL Software website, 18 SupportWindow, 225 syntax errors, 324–326 System object, 338 ■T tab order for controls, 97 TableName property, 291 TabPanel control, 93 Tabs bar, 41 TabSocket control, 93 TargetBigEndian OS specific condition, 171 TargetCarbon OS specific condition, 172 TargetFile, 246 TargetHasGUI OS specific condition, 171 TargetLinux OS specific condition, 172 TargetLittleEndian OS specific condition, 172 TargetMachO OS specific condition, 172 TargetMacOS OS specific condition, 172 TargetMacOSClassic OS specific condition, 172 TargetWin32 OS specific condition, 172 TCPSocket control, 77 Terminal window, 296 text file processing file type set, 244–245 GetSaveFolderItem function, 254–255 Graphics object, 256–258 OpenStyledEditField method, 253 overview, 243 printing files, 255–258 printing styled text, 258 reading files, 250–251 SaveAsDialog class, 254–255 SaveStyledEditField method, 253 styled text, 252–253, 258 writing files, 252 Text properties, 157 Text property, 27, 123 TextAlign property, 28 TextColor property, 27 TextFont property, 269 TextInputStream, 250–251 TextOutputStream object, 252 TextPhrase placeholder, 304 TextSize property, 100, 269 TextTypes variable, 204 TextWindow variable, 264 Then keyword, 165 Thread control, 94 Timer control, 77, 94, 99 Tips bar, 51–52 Title, MessageDialog, 217 Title property, 26, 233, 248, 308 ToolbarItem control, 94 toolbars, 38–39 Top property, 248 trapping errors, 333–337 trigger command, 114 triggering commands with menus, 123, 125 Trim function, 145 Trim string manipulation function, 145 Try - Catch blocks, 337 Try block, 337 Try keyword, 337 TypeMismatchException run-time error, 327 ■U Ubound function, 148 UDPSocket control, 94 Until keyword, 189 Update Database records window, 288 634X INDEX.fm Page 371 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM 372 ■I N D E X UpDownArrows control, 94 Uppercase function, 145–146 URLSite window, 237 user interface design, 59–60, 67–70, 72, 75–76 windows, 67–70, 72, 75–76 ■V Val data type conversion, 145 Val function, 145 Value keyword, 193 Value property, 194 ValueChanged event handler, 321 Van Hoek Software, 95 Varchar data type, 282 variable declaration, 348 variables, 180 defined, 138 naming, 143, 348 syntax rules, 142 Variables pane, debugging, 330, 332 velocity integer, 307 verifying file or folder existence, 249 vertical alignment indicators, 96–97 View As drop-down list, 39 View menu, 37 visible and invisible controls, 77 Visual Basic background, 80 Visual Basic Project Conversion utility, 349 Visual Basic vs. REALbasic, 9, 14–15 Volume function, 246 Volume method, Sound class, 302 Volume property, 321 ■W web browser application, 57–59, 61–64 web server development enhancements, 12 While … Wend loop, 188, 192–193 Window Code editor, 319 Window Editor, 11, 45, 47, 59, 157 Window Layout view, 181 Window menu, 37 windows, 10 adding, 68, 225 backgrounds, 310, 313 constants, 226, 233, 235 displaying, 225 methods, 226, 228, 230, 235 overview, 225 properties, 226 REALbasic choices, 68 user interface design, 68 Windows Editor, 42, 97, 99, 181 Windows Layout view, 203 Windows Media Player, 86, 203–204 Windows operating system, hardware requirements, 9 Windows property, EndOfLine class, 216 Windows1 item, 22 WindowsAppName property, 64 word processor application, 259–260, 262–272, 294–296, 298–299 WordApplication control, 94 WriteLine method, TextOutputStream object, 252 writing text files, 252 ■Y Year property, 216 634X INDEX.fm Page 372 Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:52 PM ■ ■ ■ P A R T 4 Appendixes Ford634X.book Page 345 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM Ford634X.book Page 346 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM 347 ■ ■ ■ A P P E N D I X A Migrating Visual Basic Projects to REALbasic If you are a Visual Basic programmer looking to make the jump to REALbasic, you probably have Visual Basic applications you want to migrate over as well. REALbasic and Visual Basic share a great many similarities. As such, there is no reason why you cannot convert most of your applications over to REALbasic. This way, not only can you run them on Windows, but you also can port them over to Macintosh and Linux. Specifically, you learn • How to prepare your Visual Basic code for migration • How to import Visual Basic projects into REALbasic projects • How to use the REALbasic Project Converter Porting Visual Basic Projects to REALbasic Depending on the size and complexity of your Visual Basic projects, the challenge of convert- ing your applications may seem daunting. However, you can do a number of things to make the process go smoother and to save yourself considerable time and effort. You should be able to reuse most of your Visual Basic code in your new REALbasic appli- cations. However, many little differences exist between the two programming languages. This should not be surprising given Microsoft’s Windows centric approach to programming language implementation. REALbasic, on the other hand, has been implemented using a cross-platform approach that stresses code portability. Ford634X.book Page 347 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM 348 A P P E N D I X A ■ M I G R A T I N G V I S U A L B A S I C P R O J E C T S T O R E A L B A S I C A sampling of differences between Visual Basic and REALbasic include the following: • Differences in supported data types. For example, Visual Basic supports the Long data type and REALbasic does not. Instead, you should use REALbasic Integer data type. Visual Basic also supports the Currency data type, for which REALbasic has no equivalent. • Differences in classes and data types. For example, in REALbasic the Date is handled as a class, whereas in Visual Basic, the Date is made available as a built-in data type. • Differences in variable declaration. REALbasic forces you to declare all variables using the Dim keyword. Visual Basic enables you to dynamically create variables, making Option Explicit an optional statement. • Differences in variable naming rules. In REALbasic, variable names must begin with a letter and are made up of alphanumeric characters. However, Visual Basic variable names can also contain special characters (%, @, &, $, and so forth) leading to potential conflicts. • Differences in keywords. A valid variable in one language may result in a keyword con- flict in the other language. • Differences in operators. For example, in Visual Basic, concatenation is performed using the ampersand (&) character, whereas REALbasic uses the plus (+) character. • Differences in the way some keywords are implemented. For example, in Visual Basic, the Mid function can be used to return a substring or to perform a substring replace- ment. In REALbasic, the Mid function can only be used to return a substring. • Differences in the naming of the same functions. For example, REALbasic has LowerCase and UpperCase functions, whereas Visual Basic has LCase and UCase functions. • Differences in the application of conditional logic. Unlike Visual Basic, REALbasic does not support single line Case statements. • Differences in the formation of loops. REALbasic does not support the setup of a loop index on the Next statement in a For…Next loop the way Visual Basic does. Visual Basic supports the creation of loops that iterate negatively, using the To and Step keywords. REALbasic replaces these keywords with the DownTo keyword. • Differences in how functions operate. Visual Basic allows functions to return a result by setting a value equal to the name of the function. REALbasic requires you to use the Return statement. • Differences in how parameters are supported. Instead of supporting optional parame- ters, REALbasic provides the capability to set up default values for parameters. • Differences in file system access. Visual Basic using a Windows-specific approach to accessing the file system, whereas REALbasic uses an operating system independent- access approach. Ford634X.book Page 348 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM A P P E N D I X A ■ M I G R A T I N G V I S U A L B A S IC P R O JE C T S T O R E A LB A S I C 349 As you can see from this brief sampling, the differences between Visual Basic and REAL- basic are far too numerous to outline in this appendix. Instead, this appendix is designed to provide you with an overview of your options for converting Visual Basic projects to REALbasic projects and to outline the basic steps involved. Doing a Little Prep Work You can take a number of simple steps prior to converting your program code that can signifi- cantly simplify the migration process. For starters, review your Visual Basic code and, if necessary, change it so all variables are formally declared. Also, ensure that all variable names conform to REALbasic’s rules. You should spend a little time checking on the data types being used, as well, and change them if necessary. And, while you’re at it, keep an eye on variable names, as well as subroutine and function names to make sure they are not in conflict with any REALbasic keywords. Importing Visual Basic Projects REALbasic provides you with the capability to import any Visual Basic 2 or later form, along with all associated code into REALbasic projects. In doing so, REALbasic automatically re-creates Visual Basic forms as REALbasic windows. In addition, REALbasic creates event handlers and methods to store any program code imported along with the Visual Basic forms. The following procedure outlines the steps involved in importing a Visual Basic form into a REALbasic project: 1. Locate the Visual Basic form you want to import. 2. Create a new REALbasic project or open the REALbasic project into which you want to import a Visual Basic form. 3. Drag-and-drop the Visual Basic form into the REALbasic Project Editor screen. Depending on the complexity of the program code imported along with a Visual Basic form, you may not need to do anything else to get your project to compile under REALbasic. In most cases, though, you’ll have some code statements that REALbasic was unable to convert. To find out, try to compile your new REALbasic application and, if necessary, fix any reported errors. REALbasic’s Project Converter Utility In addition to importing your Visual Basic forms directly into REALbasic projects, you can use the Visual Basic Project Conversion Utility to assist in the conversion of entire Visual Basic projects to REALbasic projects. This utility is available free: simply download it from the REALbasic web- site (www.realbasic.com/downloads/). According to its documentation, the Visual Basic Conversion Utility is designed to assist in converting Visual Basic 4.x to 6.x projects to REALbasic projects. This utility is not intended as a tool for converting Visual Basic .NET applications. You install the Visual Basic Project Conversion Utility by downloading and decompressing it in the desired location on your computer. Once installed, you can use it to convert Visual Basic projects by dragging-and-dropping the Visual Basic projects on to the utility. The utility Ford634X.book Page 349 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM 350 A P P E N D I X A ■ M I G R A T I N G V I S U A L B A S I C P R O J E C T S T O R E A L B A S I C then analyzes all the Visual Basic project’s files. The Visual Basic Project Converter Utility auto- matically converts Visual Basic projects, forms, classes, modules, and program code into equivalent REALbasic projects, windows, classes, modules, and program code. Although, this utility can completely convert simple Visual Basic projects to REALbasic projects, it cannot convert most projects without a little help on your part. For example, you will probably have to rewrite certain portions of program code. In addition, any controls found in Visual Basic applications for which corresponding controls do not exist in REALbasic need to be converted to Canvas controls, leaving it up to you to create your own replacement con- trols or equivalent functionality. The Visual Basic Project Converter Utility’s database support is limited. Any database connections found in a Visual Basic project will not be re-created within REALbasic projects. Neither will a database be added to your REALbasic project. Instead, you must go back and reestablish the database connection, and then reset the DataField and DataSource properties for all controls bound to the database. Ford634X.book Page 350 Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:20 PM 351 ■ ■ ■ A P P E N D I X B What’s on the CD-ROM? When it comes to being a good REALbasic programmer, no substitute exists for hands-on experience in creating and testing REALbasic applications. It helps to have a collection of application source code from which you can learn and experiment. By studying and copying code examples from other REALbasic projects, you can also save time when creating new applications. This book’s companion CD-ROM provides access to all the sample applications presented in this book. This book’s companion CD-ROM also provides you with convenient access to copies of REALbasic 2006 for Macintosh, Windows, and Linux. REALbasic Program Source Code This book was written with the intention that you create and experiment with each of the sam- ple applications presented in the chapters as you make your way through the book. However, in the event that you may not have had the time to create and test every application presented, you can find copies of each sample application on this book’s companion CD-ROM. Table B-1 provides you with a quick review of each of the sample applications you will find. Table B-1. REALbasic Projects Available on This Book’s Companion CD-ROM Chapter Application/Project Description Chapter 1 Hello World.rbp A Hello World! Application Chapter 2 RBBookFinder.rbp The RBBookFinder Browser Chapter 3 RBClock.rbp A Desktop Clock Application Chapter 4 RBQuickNote.rbp The RBQuickNote StickyPad Application Chapter 5 RBCalculator.rbp A Desktop Calculator Chapter 6 RB NumberGuess.rbp The RB Number Guess Game Chapter 7 RB Movie Player.rbp The RB Movie Player Chapter 8 Picture Viewer.rbp The RB Picture Viewer StatesListbox.rbo A custom ListBox Control of State Names Chapter 9 RB Word Processor.rbp The RB Word Processor Continued Ford634X.book Page 351 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM 352 A P P E N D I X B ■ W H A T ’ S O N T H E C D - R O M ? Table B-1. Continued Chapter Application/Project Description Chapter 10 DBBuilder.rbp The RB Book Database Setup Application DBAdd.rbp The RB Book Database Add New Books Front End Chapter 11 RB Painter.rbp The RB Draw Application RB MP3 Player.rbp The RB MP3 Player RB Speech.rbp A Speech Synthesizer Application RB Piano Player.rbp A Minivirtual Piano Chapter 12 Network Interface Checker.rbp The Network Connection Checker Ford634X.book Page 352 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM 353 ■ ■ ■ A P P E N D I X C What’s Next? Congratulations on completing Beginning REALbasic. Learning a new programming language is a significant achievement and represents a major effort. But, don’t look at the completion of this book as the end of your REALbasic education. You have plenty more to learn! To help keep your momentum going, this appendix provides you with information about different resources you may want to consider pursuing to further develop your REALbasic programming skills. Locating REALbasic Resources Online Many websites are dedicated to REALbasic, and some are better than others. The following sec- tions outline a number of good sites. Along with the name and web address of each site, you’ll find a brief description of what you can expect to find. REALbasic University The REALbasic University website, located at www.applelinks.com/rbu/, provides access to a weekly online column dedicated to Macintosh software development using REALbasic. This website is a great source for learning new programming techniques and getting tips on how to do things differently. RBDocs The RBDocs website, located at www.rbdocs.com, is an online community where you can find a collaborative collection of REALbasic documentation. This website’s goal is to provide more detailed documentation than is provided in the REALbasic Reference. RBGarage The RBGarage website, located at www.rbgarage.com, provides access to over 1,000 different links to REALbasic resources, including links to plug-ins, modules, sample code, and tutorials. Ford634X.book Page 353 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM 354 A P P E N D I X C ■ W H A T ’ S N E X T ? VBZone The VB Zone RB website, located at rb.thevbzone.com/, provides access to sample REALbasic projects and tons of sample code. You’ll also find a good collection of programming lessons and links to other REALbasic resources. REALbasic Gazette The REALbasic Gazette website, located at rbgazette.com/, is a web log where you can go to find REALbasic news. This website also provides a huge supply REALbasic programming tips and program code. Really Basic REALbasic The Really Basic REALbasic website, located at www.ttpsoftware.com/ReallyBasicRB/, is devoted to providing beginner REALbasic programmers with sample projects, code snippets, and tutorials, as well as other useful resources for those just getting started. REALOPEN The REALOPEN website, located at realopen.org/, is a public open-source repository for REALbasic code. The REALOPEN website’s main function is to provide a collaborative environ- ment in which REALbasic software developers can organize and share access to projects. But, this is also a great place to find plenty of REALbasic news. Realgurus.com The Realgurus.com website, located at realgurus.com/board/, provides access to forums where you can access thousands of online discussions about REALbasic programming. REALbasic Developer Magazine Another excellent source for cutting-edge information and REALbasic is the REALbasic Developer magazine, which you can subscribe to by visiting www.rbdeveloper.com, as shown in Figure C-1. REALbasic Developer magazine provides access to an assortment of articles of interest to both beginner and professional programmers, and it provides an essential resource for serious REAL- basic programmers. Ford634X.book Page 354 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM A P P E N D I X C ■ W H A T ’ S N E X T ? 355 Figure C-1. REALbasic Developer magazine provides access to REALbasic articles and advertisements sponsored by third-party developers. Ford634X.book Page 355 Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:24 PM 356 A P P E N D I X C ■ W H A T ’ S N E X T ? Joining REALbasic Mailing Lists You can find a Mailing Lists link to REALbasic mailing lists located on the support page at the REALbasic website (www.realbasic.com/support/). Go to this URL and you’ll be given the opportunity to sign up with any of the following mailing lists. • Getting Started. A mailing list dedicated to the needs of beginning REALbasic programmers. • REALbasic NUG. A mailing list where experienced REALbasic programmers post ques- tions and share answers. • REAL News. A mailing list where you can sign up to receive REALbasic announcements. • Tips. A mailing list that provides access to useful information and tips provided by Geoff Perlman, CEO of REAL Software. • REALbasic Games. A mailing list dedicated to discussions and questions related to game development using REALbasic. • Plugins. A mailing list where you can get information about REALbasic plug-ins. To sign up with one or more of these mailing lists, all you need to do is provide your e-mail address, and then specify whether you want to receive individual mailing-list postings or mes- sages in digest format before you click the Submit Request button. 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