Adding a value list to a text field

In a nonproduction environment, you can add a lookup icon to a text box control and configure a list of values that users can select from when they click the icon.

Before you begin

You can use an existing lookup value list or you can configure a new one.

To create a value list, in a nonproduction environment, configure a domain that contains the values, associate the domain with an attribute, and update the presentation XML for the application to include the value list. After you complete your changes, you can export the domain, attribute, and updated presentation XML to a local file and then import your changes into a production environment. Be sure to back up your existing production domain, attribute, and application presentation files before you import updated files.

To use an existing lookup value list, export the system XML and locate the relevant Lookup ID in the lookups.xml file.

When you assign lookups for a field that has a table domain, you use a lookup from the application that the field is in. You cannot use the VALUELIST lookup with table domains.

Procedure

  1. In the Domains application, click Add New Domain > Add New ALN Domain.
  2. In the ALN Domain window, specify values in the required fields.
    You must use precisely the same values when you configure the associated attribute in the Database Information application. The data type determines whether options in the list are displayed as uppercase, lowercase, or either. The length determines the width of the list. A length of 10 is adequate for most purposes.
  3. Click New Row, specify a value, and click OK.
    This value becomes an item in the value list.
  4. Repeat Step 3 for each additional value.
  5. Click Save.
  6. After you complete your changes, from the More Actions menu, select Application Export to export the file with your updates.
  7. In the Database Information application, open the application to which you intend to add the value list.
  8. In the Attributes tab, click New Row and configure the attribute by using the precise values you specified for the domain.
  9. Save your changes.
  10. From the More Actions menu, select Apply Changes to apply changes to the database.
    You are not required to make your users log out by using the Manage Admin Mode feature when applying changes. However, if you choose not to use Admin Mode, in some cases the database changes might fail, especially if a large number of users is logged in.
  11. After you complete your changes, from the Common Actions menu, select Application Export to export the file with your updates.
  12. In the Application Designer, open the application that you want to change and drag a text box control from the Control Palette to a section in the workspace.
    An Invalid binding message is displayed in the text box. When you associate the control with an attribute, the message no longer displays.
  13. Select the text box control and click Control Properties.
  14. In the Textbox Properties window, specify values in the following fields:
    Option Description
    Label Label to display for the field.
    Attribute Attribute for this field. Specify the same name for the attribute as the name you configured in the database.
    Lookup Valuelist
    A lookup icon is displayed next to the text box control and the Invalid message is no longer displayed.
  15. Click Save.
  16. After you complete and save your changes, select Export Application Definition on the toolbar to export the updated presentation XML.
  17. To import your changes into your production environment, sign in to the production environment and import your updates. Be sure to import files in the following sequence:
    1. In the Domains application, select Application Import to import the JSON file with your updated domains.
    2. In the Database Information application, select Application Import to import the JSON file with your updated attributes.
      You are not required to make your users log out by using the Manage Admin Mode feature when applying changes. However, if you choose not to use Admin Mode, in some cases the database changes might fail, especially if a large number of users is logged in.
    3. In Application Designer, to import the updated application presentation, select the Import Application Definition option on the toolbar and import the XML file.