Course One - CA Plex First Principles

Overview of CA Plex

The 3 day course begins with a brief history of CA Plex and describes the main features of the tool.  Application development in the CA Plex workgroup environment is outlined and the delegates are instructed in the creation of local models.

Navigation within CA Plex

This section introduces delegates to the ‘Object Browser’, the hub of plex development.  The different methods of identifying and navigating between objects are demonstrated.

Creation of Fields, Entities and Views

At this point the concepts of ‘Triples’ and ‘Inheritance’ are introduced.  The delegate is instructed step by step through the process of creating the objects listed via the ‘Model Editor’.  This section also introduces the generate and build window and describes the setting of options appropriate to the application deployment environment.

Working with the Panel Designer

How to achieve the desired screen layout is demonstrated using the ‘Panel Palette’ and ‘Panel Properties’ tools.  The setting of control defaults is explained and some best practices for panel design are outlined.

Working with the Action Diagram

This section introduces the concept of multiple function inheritance and it’s achievement through ‘FunctionShell’.  The various uses of the ‘Variable’ and ‘Action Diagram’ palettes are explained and modification to action diagram functionality via ‘collection’ points is demonstrated.  A number of action diagram statements present in the Foundation pattern library are introduced and explained.

Constructing customized functions

The process of creating a customized function utilising inheritance and replacement functionality available in CA Plex is explained.

Implementing an application

In this section the various ways an application can be deployed are discussed.

Useful tips for debugging on both the client and the server

When things go wrong developers need to find ways of identifying the problem.  We outline some of the common methods of debugging applications.

Pitfalls and common errors encountered

There are certain things to look out for when you are new to using CA Plex.  Benefit from the experience of our consultants and be prepared for the common mistakes which will be made.

Course Two - Moving Forward with CA Plex

Duration

4 Days.

Advanced Data Modelling Techniques

Using additional triples on Fields, Entities, Views and Functions to create a more advanced and flexible application.

Using Supplied Pattern Libraries

Here we examine the Entities provided in the Foundation pattern library,  explaining the purpose and the steps required to implement them.

Using Replacement in CA Plex

The powerful ability to inherit from supplied objects and only replace those attributes necessary is demonstrated.

Using API’s in CA Plex including the implementation of ActiveX controls

The use of ActiveX controls can hugely enhance the look and feel of an application without incurring a huge increase in development time. In this section we demonstrate how ActiveX controls are implemented in CA Plex.

Getting to Grips with Arrays

Arrays are a common feature when retrieving records, here we provide a step by step guide to using them.

Introduction to Meta-code and Meta-functions

Meta-code is a very powerful and complex way of programming your Action Diagram in CA Plex and allows you to interrogate objects and their associated triples in a model as well as working with fields in variables both in the Action Diagram and the Panel.  It is used mainly for building template functions but we also explain ways in which it can be implemented to reduce both development time and bugs and in addition provide some element of protection against future changes.

Using Panel Frames Technology

‘Panel Frames’ allow developers to create ‘Tabbed’ and ‘Wizard’ style functions that are commonly seen in many windows applications.

Course Three - Advanced Meta-code in CA Plex

This course is designed primarily for developers that are confident with using the tool to produce basic functions.  Perhaps they would like to carry out developments using more generic techniques to both speed up the development and reduce the number of mundane tasks which are required.  Our experienced consultants will demonstrate the appropriate situations to use meta-code, providing examples of some of the best practices to follow when implementing the solutions.

CA Plex for Project Managers and Analysts

Whilst working with many of our clients we have identified a need for a CA Plex course suitable for both Project Managers and Analysts to give them a basic understanding of the tool.  An incite into the power of inheritance can assist in producing more appropriate project plans and design documents.  Delegates are given induction in navigation of a CA Plex model to allow them to find out basic information without the assistance of a developer.  Our aim is to reduce the gap between a developer and a non-developers knowledge of the power of CA Plex.