Purpose in Templates
When a template consists of more than one editable field, you have to specify
the cursor movement during data entry i.e. which is the first editable field
to be entered and what is the progression thereafter.
Purpose in Procedures
Procedures, in STEP FORWARD, are executable flowcharts. By connecting the executable
objects, we establish the order of execution.
Creating the connections
The connection from one field/object to another is achieved by connecting them
in sequential order with an arrowed line that exits the originating field/object
at a 90 degree angle. During this process, the originating field/object is
surrounded by a box:
When the mouse is in area 1 or 3, the connecting line has these shapes (i.e. horizontal from the center of the originating box to the X position of the mouse, then vertical from this point to the mouse):
When the mouse is in area 2 or 4, the connecting line has these shapes (i.e. vertical from the center of the originating box to the Y position of the mouse, then horizontal from this point to the mouse):
Once the mouse emerges from the box surrounding the field/object, the lines are fixed. To actually carry out the maneuver (we are using a template as the example):
remember to draw a straight horizontal connection, drag the line vertically (up or down) until it emerges from the black border surrounding the field; then pull left or right and swing to the horizontal axis of the original object as you head for the target. A similar approach applies to drawing a straight vertical connection: start out horizontally.
the Hub object is used as a non-functional connector that allows the connecting lines to be drawn around interfering objects in the template or to not encroach upon other fields (which would make it visually confusing during template construction - these connecting lines are not visible in the Input windows patterned after these templates).
Connect the remaining fields, with
the help of the Hub object, and
do the Check Syntax test
the Change field,
if used, is always the last editable field in the chain of connected fields.
Test your job. If you did well, you receive the No errors message.
If you get the Incomplete connections message, you will have missed connecting the field above which the message is positioned. Or, "Extra" exit point indicates that you have at least two groups of connected fields, each containing at least two fields. In the event that you have multiple errors, the Test will display one error at a time. Correct it and continue testing until you receive the No errors message.
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