Why Does My PxPlus Look Different?

At our most recent DireXions⁺ conference in August 2014, many of the sessions focused on keeping software updated and modernized. Having our applications looking up-to-date and functioning intuitively for both existing and new users is a top priority, not only for your customers but also for YOU, our developers.

For our upcoming release of PxPlus, we addressed this priority by using the new features in PxPlus 2014 to update our own Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Aside from the new look and feel, there are a variety of advantages and improvements in our redesigned IDE that we’re confident you’ll appreciate.

Redesigning the PxPlus IDE

For some developers, an IDE is just a straightforward tool: a code editor, a compiler, a debugger, and a graphical user interface (GUI) builder. If it works, why change it?

In our new IDE, you’ll find improved accessibility to all PxPlus development tools, new features, and improved visibility of all features. We’ve also improved access to our online Help function and given the IDE a new, more intuitive modern interface. We included three primary components in the redesigned IDE:

• IDE Main Launcher — The IDE Main Launcher is where you can find all of the PxPlus project/non-project based application development tools arranged in a tree-style view. The IDE is project based and projects can be created, updated, copied, and deleted from the IDE Main Launcher, providing easy and convenient management of all your projects. Each project is assigned a working directory so that when you launch a task, it is launched in the appropriate environment. The IDE Main Launcher is robust and customizable so it can fit your unique individual or corporate needs. You can even launch multiple tasks!

• IDE Tasks Window — The IDE Tasks Window features both a History tab and a Project tab. The History tab contains all the screen libraries, panels (windows and dialogs), programs, menus, queries, data dictionary tables, and reports that have been recently accessed and/or created. You can use the History tab to add tasks to projects and flag tasks as a Favorite. Up to 25 tasks, including those flagged as Favorites, will be saved to history. The Project tab will list all tasks for the specified project in a tree view format that is grouped into categories such as screen libraries, programs, panels, and reports. You can launch any number of tasks from the IDE Tasks Window and each task is identified by a unique icon for easy identification. You can show or hide the Tasks Windows using the Display Tasks option.

• IDE Online Help Window — The IDE Online Help Window provides easy accessibility to online help that displays information for the current task. You can show or hide the Help window using the Display Help option.

These three components are free-floating windows and can be resized — you can size and move them anywhere that works for you. The location and size of each of these windows will persist as well.

Bonus: Introducing Nomads⁺

In PxPlus 2014, we’ll introduce Nomads⁺, an enhanced version of the classic Nomads control panel with increased usability.

Nomads⁺ features a redesigned toolbar and design panel providing major tasks and all controls in one handy dialog box. The toolbar and grid are in one place!

In addition, Nomads⁺ uses a folder-style configuration for defining control properties and functionality. The grid in Nomads⁺ provides all controls in a tab-order sequence. Within the grid, you can change selected control elements and customize the tab stop and tab sequence. Finally, sizing and movement have been combined into one convenient drop-down control.

These highlights provide only a brief preview of the exciting improvements you’ll find in PxPlus 2014’s redesigned IDE. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

[cta]Need help with Nomads today? For more information or answers to your Nomads questions, simply email us at theplus@pvxplus.com or call 888-975-PLUS![/cta]