12.1.1. Form Properties

In the Form Properties window, users can create a new form for the application.

1. Name: This is a text field that allows users to input the name of the form. It is a mandatory field.
   • There are the following rules determining the validity of names:
     • A valid name can contain letters, numbers, and the underscore symbol. It cannot, however, contain spaces or other special characters. It also cannot begin with a number.
     • A form must have a unique name. It cannot have the same name as another form in the application.
2. Form Entity: This is a text field that allows users to input the entity of the form.
   • The system will automatically generate a form entity based on the name entered by the user, but it can be modified if necessary.
     • To generate form entities, the system adheres to the [Application Name][Form Name][DS] format.
       
   • If this field is left blank, the system will assign a default name of “NewFormModel (NewFormTableMeta)” to the form entity.

*Users are restricted from adding spaces to the form entity.

3. Entity: This is a single-select dropdown field that retrieves the list of entities (from the Entity Designer section of the Entities module). It allows users to select the entity associated with the form.
   • Users can choose to leave this field empty in either of the following scenarios:
     • They want to use the Quick Forms feature, which automatically generates entities, attributes, and form behaviors, streamlining the form development process.
       • For more information on the Quick Forms feature, click here.
     • They want to create a form with a minimalistic design, which includes only a grid for displaying information from another form and a search panel.
       • For more information on grids and search panels, click here.
   • Otherwise, however, to store and retrieve form information in a database, users are required to select an entity associated with the form.
4. Apply: This button allows users to save their changes.
   • If selected, the Name and Entity fields will be disabled and the form entity will be updated to its final format.
     
     • To select a different form entity within the application, click on the dropdown menu and select from the available options.
     • To edit the selected form entity, click on the button.
       • It will display the Form Entity Properties form.
5. OK: This button allows users to save their changes and exit the window.
   • As with the Apply button, selecting OK will disable the Name and Entity fields and update the form entity to its final format.
   • When closing the window, a prompt will appear asking users if they want to design the form.
     
     • If Yes is selected, a follow-up question will be presented, giving users the option to create a draft of the form.
       
       • If Yes is selected, the form will open in the Form Designer with all associated entity attributes linked to the corresponding control.
       • If No is selected, the form will open in the Form Designer without any of attributes included.
     • If No is selected, the window will close and users will be returned to the List of Forms tab, where they will find the newly created form displayed in the table.

!When dealing with numerous attributes, designing a form may become confusing. In such instances, we suggest designing the form without including the attributes and instead linking them to the relevant controls during the process.

6. Cancel This button allows users to cancel their changes and exit the Form Properties window.

*Once users have created the form, they can design it using the Form Designer.