Code Completion

Starting with dBASE Plus 9 a new code editing process called dComplete.

dComplete is a productivity enhancer where the command is completed while typing.

Some examples of how code completion works...

1 - completing the object instantiation

With Code Completion turned on (see Editor Properties Editor Page) In either the command window or the source editor an object list will be used to help you complete an object instantiation. For example: start typing 'd = new d'

As soon as the second d is typed you will see a list of objects beginning with d...

then as you continue to type the list will be narrowed down...

You can use the arrow keys to navigate to any item in the list or just keep typing.

In order to use the object that is highlighted just hit Enter.

2 - completing a command

Just Like with the completion of an object instantiation as you start to type a command the same type of list will appear. For example: start typing 'do..'. You will see a list of commands that start with do ...

3 - completing properties, events and methods

Currently you can get the properties, events and methods for an object through it's 'this.' setting.
For example start a class definition in the in the Source Editor then do 'this.' as soon as you type the period you will start to see a list of properties, methods and events associated with that class. This will get narrowed down as you type...

4 - Completing a list of properties, events and methods for a variable.

Currently you can get the properties, events and methods for an object through it's '<variable>.' setting.
For example start a class definition in the in the Source Editor then do '<variable>.' as soon as you type the period you will start to see a list of properties, methods and events associated with that class. This will get narrowed down as you type...

NOTE: currently variables that are defined outside of the current file (for example an object that is defined in a file that is included with SET PROCEDURE TO or using #Include).

5 - completing a list of databases and tables

Another really powerful completion implementation is the listing of databases and/or tables as you code to use them. For example: start typing 'open' ... you will see the 'OPEN DATABASE' command option come up. Hit enter to complete it. Then as soon as you add a space you will see a list of the databases you have available..

NOTE: the same thing applies to the SET command

This also works with tables. Type 'use' and as soon as you add a space after ... you will see a list of tables for the open database or in the current directory (if no database is in use)