aecc

Forms in aecc.

A form allows a user to enter structured data. In addedValues this is one way to set the values of addedValue variables. There are 2 types of addedValues forms, update forms and search forms. An update form is a way to create or modify values of some or all values of variables of one entity (message, gem, shortcut or member). An indexed search form defines a search by specifying some values of one or more variables and asking what entities have those values.

A special but common case of an update form, is to create or modify messages in the discussion group of a website. There are 2 implied variables that must be handled as Manila expects, subject and text (body). If you want to use a form that 'Applies To' messages for editing addedValues variables in Manilas' Edit this Page and new message pages, then you must set Usage to "manila ETP" . See below for more on configuring this feature.

User transaction forms define the user interface to a transaction controlled by a script , a postprocessor , which determines if the transaction continues with another form or a terminates with a report. Access to Postprocessors is controlled by the server administrator, the ones currently available to you are here. Special macros allow you to initiate a user transacation in various ways (addedValueMacros.beginUserTransaction, addedValueMacros.beginUserTransactionLink, beginUserTransactionLinkPopup and beginUserTransactionURL).

Another way to use forms is to call the macro, addedValueMacros.customInputForm, from your pages.

Javascript validation constructs forms with javascript onchange and onsubmit handlers to validate user entered values at the web browser.

Configure Messages Custom Input Forms

Forms that 'Applies To' messages can be used to extend the Manila standard forms which create and edit stories, pictures, topics and news items. Eligible forms are those defined with usage manilaETP. Values allowed are

• Standard Manila - use a Manila standard form, or a WYSISYG subsititute
• Default All Variables - a default form which allows editing all addedValue variables
• Custom formname - use the named form
• Custom Value of variablename - decide which form to use from the value of a variable from each message

Configure Gems Custom Input Forms

Forms that 'Applies To' gems can be used to extend the Manila standard forms which create gems. To be eligible to create gems a form must have usage manilaETP; but although Manila does not edit gems, you may edit addedValues variable values of gems with an update form. Values allowed are

• Standard Manila - this operation is unchanged
• Default All Variables - a default form which allows editing all addedValue gems variables
• Custom formname - use the named form
• Custom Value of variablename - decide which form to use from the value of a variable in each gem