Method Editor

The 4D Method Editor lets you create methods and scripts that control behavior for 4D applications. It gives you total control over the behavior of each element in your application as well as server-side requests and database searches.

Simple, intuitive, and complete

Concentrate on your code

Only relevant information is displayed in the window. You have the most space possible to view your code. Separators allow you to display and compare two (or more) sections of code inside one method.

Even more tools

The toolbar provides information on the syntax of each piece of your code while creating methods.
The launch button: Immediately test and (if necessary) debug your code from inside the editor.
A dedicated search area allows you to perform a search within a specific method.
The multi-clipboard lets you save up to 10 different snippets of code that you use frequently for easy recall.
Display lists let you directly access tables, fields, or form names and use them in your code using drag-and-drop.

Use macros or create your own

Use pre-defined macros or create your own to automate code entry. For example, you can insert pre-formatted comments at the start of your method, or even add variable declaration structures.

Automation and formatting

4D language keywords can be automatically highlighted for better visibility within your code. You can also set highlighting commands for variables or other comments.

Using auto-complete for language and constants lets you write your code quickly while minimizing the chance of errors creeping in.

Native SQL

The Method Editor now handles SQL code too! By using the new START SQL and END SQL tags, you can add SQL code directly to a 4D method for even tighter code integration and faster processing. The 4D code and SQL code interact natively, without needing a gateway. It's the best of both worlds in one editor.

Continuous syntax support

The Quick Reports bar tells you on the fly about any errors in the 4D command you've entered.

Keep control

You have complete control over who is authorized to do what in each method to insure maximum application security, both for developers and for end-users. Not only can you set read/write access, but you can also limit access to Web services, components, Web and SQL requests.

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