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Edition: Futurama Website/Futurama Export/Futurama Webservice

Module: Futurama Editor

User: Developer

Prerequisites

- Working with objects

 

Description

In Futurama there are two ways for objects to obtain a value. The first way is by the developer when explicitly defining them in the Editor. The Fixed and DataTable are examples of these. The second way is by the user when using the application, for example when typing in a value in a TextBox on a website.  These objects are the UserVariable and the UserTable. When testing the application in the Futurama Editor objects like the Fixeds and DataTables as well as objects that depend on them can be evaluated without further ado. Testing objects whose value will be determined by the user when using the application can be done in the Futurama Editor using the special property TestValue.

Properties DefaultValue and TestValue

Unlike the Fixed for example, the UserVariable and UserTable do not have one predefined value. Both have two special properties instead:

  • the property DefaultValue defines the initial value of the object.
  • the property TestValue. This property is used to test what will happen when the user sets a certain value when using the application hereby 'simulating' the users actions. When evaluating an UserVariable or an UserTable the Results window will show the TestValue.

The property DefaultValue is used both in the Futurama Editor as well as when the application is used by the user. The property TestValue is used only in the Futurama Editor. When the application is run this value is disregarded completely.

Clear TestValues

It is possible to remove the TestValues of a whole set (or even all) of UserVariables/UserTables at once. To do this select an object of whose children the TestValues need to be removed. Next do a rightclick on this object in the Document Explorer or Design window and select the option 'Debug' and then 'Clear TestValues'. This will cause the TestValues of all UserVariables and UserTables to be cleared resulting in them returning to their DefaultValues.

Example

Description

This example shows how Testvalues are used. For this example a Futurama application is used which can be downloaded here.

Steps

  • Open the Futurama Editor.
  • Open the Futurama Document "MyFirstDocument".
  • Select the UserVariable 'A'. The DefaultValue of 'A' is 5 which is also shown in the Results window. The TestValue is empty.
  • Select the UserVariable 'B'. This UserVariable has DefaultValue 7 and, like 'A', no TestValue yet.
  • Verify that 'Sum' returns the value 5+7=12.
  • Close the lock in the Results window. This will make sure that the value of 'Sum' is shown even when another object is selected.
  • Select 'A' (note that the Results window continues to show 12) and select the property TestValue.
  • In the Defined Object screen click on 'New'.
  • Fill in a value e.g. 14. Click on OK.
  • In the Results window click on Evaluate. The result will be 21.
  • Similarly give 'B' the TestValue 10 and verify that 'Sum' now has value 17.

By simulating values for 'A' and 'B' the object 'Sum' has been proven to give the correct results.

  • Select the Node 'Calculations' and do a rightclick.
  • Select Debug | Clear TestValues.
  • A popup will appear asking if the testvalues in all subnodes have to be cleared. Confirm this.
  • Verify that the property TestValue of 'A' and 'B' are empty once again and that 'Sum' returns the value 12.

Related Topics

- Evaluating objects: Evaluating objects in the Futurama Editor.

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Updated: 2013-08-12