Active Field Instance

Field instance associated to the active group instance.

Active Group Instance

Group instance whose current line identifies the active line. There is only one active group instance for each card group of a card.

Active Line

Current line of an active group instance. The active line contains the active field instances, which are linked to the controls of the group. In other words, the active line contains the field values that can be edited by the user. There is only one active line for each group.

ASP.NET Cache

Block of memory located on the server, used to store relatively static data for rapid access, and to share the data between different users of a ASP.NET Web application. In particular, the selection buffer data, which is relatively static, is stored in a ASP.NET Cache object.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

ASP.NET Session

Block of memory located on the server, used to store a user’s data and all related information when running a ASP.NET Web application. In particular, the navigation stack is stored in a ASP.NET Session object.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Atom

REP++ component consisting of a string of characters. There are two types of atoms: messages and SQL commands.

Back-end validation

See Server-side validation.

BLOB

REP++ component used to contain images or other multimedia objects of various formats. BLOB is an acronym for Binary Large OBject.

Browser-side validation

See Client-side validation.

Cache and commit mode

Data update mode that saves data to the data source every time an editor page is posted back.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Cache and delay mode

Data update mode that saves data to the data source only when a transaction is completed or when the user explicitly saves the transaction.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Card

REP++ component consisting of a hierarchy of card groups that allows the developer to manipulate the set as one object. A card is a logical representation of a transaction and specifies the data that is included.

Card Group

Group associated to a card. There are two kinds of card groups: horizontal (can contain between 0 and N lines) and vertical (contains one and only one line). A card group has additional attributes with respect to a group.

Card Instance

Object created from the card and used to contain the set of group instances that constitute the card.

Child Card Group

Card group that has a father card group.

Child editor page

Any page editor that handles a non-root card group of a transaction card.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Choice List

List from which a user can choose one or several elements. Choice lists are generally represented by a field or a control such as a list box, drop-down list, drop-down combo box, check boxes or option buttons.

Client-side validation

Validation of input performed on the client end of a Web or client-server application.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Code-behind

Model associated with ASP.NET Web Forms where events are handled using code located in a separate file, as opposed to inline code.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Column

REP++ component containing data of a particular type. A column can be imported from a data source or created directly in REP++studio.

Component

Reusable object of a complex system, designed to work seamlessly with various applications.

Concrete Object

Object that can only represent one kind of entity. A concrete object does not have the ability to adapt according to the metadata, as opposed to a meta-object.

Connection

Object that allows the programmer to establish a direct link to a data source.

Control

Graphical object with properties, methods and events, used in a form as an interface between a user and an application for data processing (read, input, modify, validate, etc.) A control is essentially a visual component.

Current Group Instance

Group instance identified by the current line of its father group instance.

Current Line

Line selected in a horizontal group instance. Each group instance has only one current line.

Data Source

Structured set of data used in information systems. A data source can be a database, an XML file, a flat file, etc.

Database (DB)

Structured collection of data organized for easy access, update and management. The most common type of database is the relational database, which consists of a structured set of tables.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Application that manages user requests and handles data transactions, wherever the users or the database are located. A DBMS ensures the integrity and security of the data.

Delay Reading

Option of a card group used to postpone the reading from the database until the information is needed. Delay reading reduces the amount of information transiting between the data source and the program.

Dirty state

State of a transaction indicating if its data has been modified. A transaction whose data was modified remains in a Dirty state until the user saves it.

Editor page

Web page that contains the “editable” view of the application and that is capable of receiving, parsing and executing commands. An editor page is associated to a card group of a transaction.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Event delegate

Object that forwards an event from a class to the appropriate handler.

Event handler

Method that executes some code following a particular event.

Fat Client

Application running autonomously or connected to a network and that performs most of the processing on the client station.

Father Card Group

Card group that has one or more child card group.

Field

REP++ component that represents the basic element used to manipulate data. A field is characterized by a type and is assigned several attributes, properties, and constraints. A field temporarily stores the data coming from or going to the data source. For the end-user, a field is used to display and manipulate data.

Field Instance

Object created from a field and used to contain the values and states of a field for a given group instance.

Foreign Key

In a table, column corresponding to the key of another table.

Framework

Software infrastructure that takes care of general functions such as overall presentation, data validation, data updates, navigation between data, and other general purpose functions, for one type of application. A framework defines the behaviour of a program and separates the generic aspects from the specific aspects. A framework is specific to one particular platform and architecture.

Front-end validation

See Client-side validation.

Global Module

Module defined at the section level and included in all programs of the section.

Grid smart component

Graphical component represented by a REP++DataGrid or REP++DataList Web control, generally used as a selection buffer, and that has access to the metadata of the REP++repository.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Group

REP++ component consisting of a set of fields connected through a relation. A group usually represents a logical view of a table and is equivalent to a record.

Group Instance

Object created from a group and used to store in memory one (vertical) or several (horizontal) records. A group instance contains, for each record (or line), the value and state of all the fields contained in the group.

HTML File

REP++ component representing a Web form whose content, in addition to the regular HTML tags, includes additional tags that link the Web controls to the fields of the group they represent.

Input Mask

Type of filter made up of a string of characters that validates, character-by-character, the strings entered into fields by the users.

Line

Set of field instances (i.e. their values and states) of all the fields of a group instance.

Message

Type of atom containing information for the end-user. A message can be defined in several languages. There are two types of messages: general messages and error messages.

Metadata

Generic information that describes the nature of data and how to use them appropriately.

Meta-object

Object that can represent different kinds of entities. Meta-objects adapt themselves at execution time according to the metadata using their reflection capability. A meta-object is thus generic, as opposed to a concrete object, which is specific.

Micro-repository

Portion of the repository associated with a program and located on a user station. When an application is launched, the modification date of the micro-repository is compared to that of the main repository and, if needed, the micro-repository is updated automatically.

Module

REP++ component containing a set of reusable elements such as groups, cards, SQL commands and atoms. A module can be included in one or several programs. There are four types of modules: Private, Public, Global and System.

Navigation stack

Stack that maintains the list of editor pages that have been previously called. Each entry of the stack contains the URL of the page and the list of data objects attached to the page.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Output Mask

Type of filter made up of a string of characters that specifies the display format of numerical fields.

Persistence

Temporary storage of a component’s data, particularly its state and properties, so they can be retrieved for later use.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Postback to same page

Operation consisting of submitting a Web page’s data from the client back to the same object page on the server for processing.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Primary Key

In a table, subset of columns used to uniquely identify a row.

Private Module

Module available in a single program and that cannot be shared. It can however contain Public modules.

Program

Autonomous REP++ component that contains all the elements necessary for your application, such as groups, cards and atoms. A program is the link between REP++ and the executable program that you create.

Public Module

Module that can be included in one or more programs.

Record

Equivalent to a line, in a group instance. See Line.

Reflection

Approach where the attributes, interface, methods and parameters of an object can be examined at execution time. Using reflection, a component can be interrogated on its capabilities and functions, and reused in various contexts. Reflection also enables communication with a component using standard protocols.

In REP++, reflection also includes access to the metadata of the repository, i.e. to the data structure of the objects. The data structure includes elements related to the presentation, validation or conversion of the data.

REP++ Component

Element of REP++ with which applications are built (field, group, table, column, atom, section, module program, card, etc.)

REP++DataGrid Web control, REP++DataList Web control

Graphical components used to represent data in a grid or in a list format for the Web. The controls are linked to the repository and use the metadata to adapt accordingly their appearance and behaviour; they automatically use the correct column labels, sizes, types, etc., as defined in the repository. The Web controls extend the functionality of their ASP.NET counterparts.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

REP++ Field Web control

REP++ Web control used in an editor page for editing the value of a field.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

REP++repository

Set of tables, stored in a database, that describes the logical model of an information system, i.e. the business rules. These elements are defined and stored along with the attributes, properties, constraints, validation, messages and many other parameters from which the data structures can be created. The repository contains metadata.

REP++studio

ARAD (Architected Rapid Development Environment) development tool that complements your current development environment and helps you develop multi-language Web, client/server, or n-tier applications. REP++studio helps you define a platform independent, logical model of your applications, with all their functionality and behaviour specifications. The logical model can then be adapted to a particular platform and architecture using toolboxes and/or frameworks.

RepPPField Control

REP++ control used for editing the value of a field.

RepPPInfo Component

REP++ component inserted in a form to connect the application with the REP++repository.

RepPPStat Control

REP++ control used to display a static string of characters from an atom or a field (label).

Resource Dispenser

Optional REP++ module, generally used with Web or stateless applications, that manages a pool of pre-initialized REP++ objects in order to reduce access time.

Reusability

Ability of a business rule, a component, a data structure or any type of information, to be used repeatedly without any duplication or modification.

Root Card Group

Card group at the top of the card hierarchy. A root card group has no father.

Root editor page

Editor page that handles the root card group of a transaction.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Section

REP++ component used to subdivide a system and to group a set of elements defining one or several programs. A section can be in turn divided in subsections.

Selection buffer

Grid smart component used to list transaction items and navigate among them, allowing the end user to execute a number of standard editor commands on the items. A selection buffer is often represented by a REP++DataGrid Web control whose IsSelectionBuffer property is set to true.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Selection buffer cache mode

Data caching mode associated to a selection buffer that indicates whether the selection buffer data will be cached or generated on every request.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Server-side validation

Validation of input performed on the server end of a Web application each time a page is sent to the server (through a postback).

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

SQL command

Type of atom containing a SQL command and used in a program to query or update a database.

State of a Field

Property of a field that indicates if its content if is valid, null or modified.

State of a Line

In a group instance, property that indicates if the information contained in a line has been modified or not. There are four different states for a line: untouched, changed, new and deleted.

System

Highest-level REP++ component (the first to be created) that defines the structure of an information system. A system contains one or more programs and can be divided into sections.

System Module

Module that belongs to REP++ and inherited by all programs in all systems.

Table

REP++ component consisting of a set of columns linked together through a relationship. A table can be imported from a data source or created directly with REP++studio.

Template global file

File provided with the REP++ ASP.NET Web Application wizard that describes all the other template files of the wizard using XML attributes.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Thin Client

Client portion of a client/server application where the quantity of processing is minimal, most processing being done on the server.

Toolbox

Set of reusable classes that provide general use functions in a specific development environment.

Transaction

Set of data modifications that are executed as a unit, following principles that ensure the validity of the operation and the coherence of the data source (ACID : atomicity, consistency, isolation, durability).

Transfer, page transfer

Operation consisting of passing the control from the current editor page to a target editor page capable of executing the requested command. When a page transfer occurs, the data of the current editor must be stored temporarily on the navigation stack.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Typed Instance

Wrapper object that encapsulates a meta-object, transforming it into a concrete object. A typed instance contains the values of the object but delegates all the work to the meta-object.

User-defined page

Page added to the list of editors handling a transaction to perform a user-defined task that is not part of the transaction processing. The task is not associated to a group and hence does not allow the data presented to be edited.

This concept applies to REP++framework for ASP.NET.

Validation (of a field)

Operation used to ensure that the value of a field corresponds to the correct type and other attributes associated to the field, according to the definition of the field.

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