Using object fields to launch JavaServer Pages and external URLs

You can customize the OpenPages® application to launch JavaServer Pages (JSPs) or external URLs from object fields. You can pass arguments to the JSP or external URL in a URL configuration string that is defined on the object field.

The launchers use simple string fields with a URL display type to show a labeled hyperlink in the application. The URL parameters for the hyperlink can contain system-generated elements, such as the ID of the target object and the current reporting period. The availability of the hyperlink can be controlled by a set of conditions. For example, the link is active when the current user is the Process Owner and they select the current Reporting Period.

The attributes for the launchers are specified by using a URL configuration string that is defined as the default value for the object field, called a URL launcher field in this context. The application processes the configuration string when a view that contains the URL launcher field is rendered. You can add launchers to Creation Views and Task Views. You define the hyperlink's label using application text. You can make the label meaningful for your users. For external URLs, you can make the label a short name that users know rather than a long URL.

To set up a URL launcher field:

  1. Define the URL configuration string. Learn about the attributes in the string and study the examples. For information, see Attributes in the URL configuration string and URL configuration string examples.
  2. Define the URL launcher field and add the URL configuration string to it. For information, see Adding a URL launcher field .
  3. Define the label for the URL launcher field in application text. For information, see Configuring application text.
  4. Add the URL launcher field to profiles and views. For information, see Adding a URL launcher field to profiles and views.