Getting Started with 4th Dimension

By Ruffin Scott, ACI Technical Support

Technical Note 98-33

Technical Notes for Technical Notes for 98-11-November 1998

This technical note provides an overview of how 4th Dimension products work and interact. It was written to bridge the documentation gap between opening the 4D product box and using the 4D manuals.

This technical note includes information on the following:

Basic 4th Dimension products

Installation

Network components

Documentation

4th Dimension resources

What is 4th Dimension (4D)? The term "4th Dimension" refers to either the 4th Dimension family of products or the 4th Dimension single user version. 4D products make up a group of rapid application development (RAD) tools that aid in the construction of relational databases. 4D products allow for quick and easy solutions to common business and personal data management problems. The basic 4D products can be grouped into two categories: applications and plug-ins.

At the heart of the 4D product line is 4th Dimension, a single-user database application. Combining an intuitive, flexible interface and industrial-strength programming language, 4th Dimension is an ideal development environment for all type of users and for companies of all sizes.

4D Server provides access to a database from the accompanying 4D client application. 4D Server can also serve data to applications communicating with it via the 4D Open API, via ODBC (using a suitable ODBC plug-in) and via Web browsers. 4D Server is cross-platform; a Macintosh or Windows-based 4D Server can be accessed by any combination of Mac and Windows clients.

4D Client connects one or more users to a 4D Server database. 4D Client can connect to a 4D Server from Macintosh or Windows platforms. Once connected, 4D Client allows you to design and manipulate data in a manner similar to the 4D single user version.

4D Chart is a full featured graphical charting interface. In previous versions, 4D Chart was a plug-in that enabled users to create charts from data within a 4D database. With version 6, 4D Chart has been integrated into 4D Server and 4D single user versions.

4D Runtime allows end users to run a non-compiled database without requiring the full 4th Dimension application. This product only opens existing uncompiled 4D databases and can be freely distributed. It does not allow the user to create or modify a 4D database.

4D Runtime Classic is similar to 4D Runtime, except it can also open compiled databases. It is a licensed product and may not be freely distributed without a valid license.

4D Tools is a utility program that examines a 4D database for possible corruption and attempts to fix any such problems.

Plug-ins are applications that enhance the functionality of 4th Dimension. They add commands to 4D's list of commands. These commands are available in the method editor, giving the developer or user added features. Plug-ins are developed by both ACI and third party vendors.

Note: For instructions on how to install plug-ins, refer to the installation section of this technical note.

4D Draw is a drawing plug-in that lets users create their own objects and diagrams. Objects and diagrams in 4D Draw can be created manually or programatically.

4D Calc is a spreadsheet plug-in. Much like Microsoft Excel, 4D Calc gives users access to a fully functioning spreadsheet within a database. Through integration with a 4th Dimension database, 4D Calc references components, enabling it to build entire spreadsheets with information from within the database.

4D Write is a powerful word processing and document management plug-in. It allows users to create documents programatically or manually. 4D Write has file translation and mail merge capabilities.

Connectivity plug-ins enable communication between 4D and other applications or data sources. These plug-ins include:

4D SQL Server

4D for Oracle

4D ODBC

4D ODBC Driver for 4D Server

For information on 4D's basic products, visit the Web site at http://www.acius.com.

Installation of 4D products can take place in several ways. The first and most common way is to use the installer on the product CD. This is a simple and straightforward way of installing all necessary files for 4D products. The second and less intuitive way to install 4D products is without an automatic installer. This type of installation requires you to place the 4D files in designated locations on your computer.

Installation from the product CD results in the installer placing the required files on the computer. If the installer installs everything automatically, what files does it install and where?

On both Windows and Macintosh platforms, the installer puts the files in two different ACI folders. The following is a description of the ACI folders and their contents for each platform.

On Windows 95/NT:

C:\Windows(Winnt)\ACI - contains 4D preferences and miscellaneous files

C:\Windows(Winnt)\ACI\Network - contains Network Components

C:\ACI\Programs - contains 4D products

On Macintosh:

HD:ACI:Programs - contains 4D products

HD:System Folder:Preferences:ACI - contains 4D preferences

The installer from the ACI Product Line CD installs the plug-in folder as follows:

On Windows 95/NT:

C:\Window(Winnt)\ACI\Programs\plug-ins

On Macintosh:

HD:\ACI\Programs\plug-ins

Plug-ins need to be put in a Mac4DX or Win4DX folder, depending on your platform. The Mac4DX and Win4DX folders must be placed at the same level as the structure file of your 4D database. If you are using 4D Server with multiple platform 4D Clients, both the Mac4DX and the Win4DX folders must be placed with the structure file.

Note: On a Windows 4D Server with Mac clients connected, the Mac4DX plug-ins must be run through 4D Transporter before being placed on the server.

4th Dimension network components enable 4D products to transfer data over a network. Network components support TCP/IP, IPX, and ADSP (AppleTalk) network protocols. 4D also provides a network component that allows 4D Server and 4D Client to operate on the same computer, though this setup is not advised.

Network Protocol			Macintosh			Windows
ADSP			ADSP Installer		4dncadsp.dll
TCP/IP			TCP Installer		4dnctcp.dll
IPX/SPX			IPX Installer		4dncspx.dll
Serv/Client			Local Installer		4dncmem.dll

The location of the network components should be:

Platform		Path
Windows NT		WinNT\ACI\Network
Windows 95/98		Windows\ACI\Network
Macintosh		Installed in the 4D Application

On the Windows platform, the network components are placed in the Network folder. On Macintosh systems, the installer puts the network components directly into the 4D application. Network components should be installed on both the 4D Server and the 4D Client computers. It is also recommended that all the 4D Clients and 4D Server have the same version of the network components.

To understand how the 4th Dimension documentation is structured, its important to know how 4D itself is structured. The 4D application can be broken down into three basic parts: the Design environment, the User environment, and the Custom Menus environment.

The Design environment is where all programming and database design takes place. In this Environment you can:

Build a database structure

Create input and output forms

Enter methods to enhance your database

The User environment is where data is manipulated:

Import and export data

Add, modify and delete records

Query (search) and Order By (sort)

Access Plugins

Access Reports

Access Labels

Documentation for all 4th Dimension products is supplied in both PDF and HTML formats on the ACI 4D Product line CD.

Discover 4D is a simple tutorial that walks a new user through creating a new database. This quick start tutorial should be completed by new users of 4D before moving on to more complicated tasks.

The Design Reference describes how to work in the Design environment. It details how to build database structures, create input and output forms, and enter methods. For users who plan to build databases, we recommend that they thoroughly examine the Design Reference after completing the Discover 4D tutorial. The Design Reference may be skipped by users who will only be manipulating data within the User environment; such users should concentrate their efforts on the User Reference.

The User Reference covers the functions of the User environment. It describes how to import

and export records, enter and manipulate data, use plug-ins, and create reports and labels. This reference is critical for efficient use of the User environment.

The Language Reference outlines all of the commands in the 4D programming language. This reference manual will be the mainstay of anyone that plans on adding custom code to their database. We suggest that users throughly examine this reference if planning to add custom features to their database by implementing 4D commands.

The Network Components Reference is a short but very informative document that describes in detail how the network components should be installed, removed, and configured. Users should read this reference before setting up a 4D Client/Server database.

There are many resources that can help a new or experienced user learn more about 4D. This section lists some of the more popular resources within the 4D community. These resources also give you access to other resources that may better fit your needs.

ACI's Web site is host to a large amount of information including product descriptions, ACI news and events, developer referrals, product downloads, and a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section. Of particular interest to new users is the FAQ section, which is continually updated with helpful information on subjects that can be confusing for them.

You can access the ACI Web site at: http://www.acius.com

The 4D NUG is a mailing list that features input from many developers within the 4D community. This is an invaluable resource for new users. Questions posted on the NUG usually receive a prompt and valid reply.

You can subscribe to the list at: http://www.foresight.com

Monkeywerks is a database that parses messages that have been posted to the 4D NUG. You can search for messages in many ways. The ability to search past messages often prevents a user from having to post a live message to the 4D NUG.

Access to Monkeywerks is free and available at: http://www.pdm-inc.com

Throughout the US, 4D user groups provide inexperienced users with access to the knowledge of long time 4D developers. These user groups can be a great resource for new and experienced users. Everyone is welcome at the user group meetings and new users are encouraged to attend. To find a 4D user group in your area, refer to the 4D User Group section of the ACI Web site.

ACI offers training classes throughout the United States. Class content ranges from "Introduction to 4th Dimension" to specialized custom courses. The ACI Web site has a full description of the classes and class schedules.

This technical note provides an overview of how 4th Dimension products work and interact.