APPX was designed to allow site-wide standardization and, at the same time, provide designers and users with the flexibility to create a customized environment to work in. This balance is accomplished by a method of default levels that are incorporated into the system. As you describe the components of your system configuration (including printers, forms, terminals, etc.), you begin at a system-wide level. You initially provide default values that are referenced or applied at run time if no further information is provided on subsequent screens. For example, you designate a default printer name at the installation-wide level and, optionally, at a database level, a combined database/application level, and an individual user level. This sequence allows you to provide a site standard, and yet customize the default printer name down to an individual level if so desired.
Two default hierarchies are provided within APPX, one that is in effect during application design and one during run time.
Application Design Default Hierarchy
The following is the default hierarchy for application design:
1) APPX first refers to and uses the values from the User screens. If a value is not entered for a particular component (such as a printer name), then...
2) APPX refers to and uses the values from the Application screens. If a value is not entered here, then...
3) APPX refers to and uses the values from the System Parameters screens. If a value is not entered here, then...
4) APPX provides a value.
Run Time Default Hierarchy
The following is the default hierarchy for run time:
1) APPX first refers to and uses the values from the User screens. If a value is not entered for a particular component (such as a printer name), then...
2) APPX refers to and uses the values from the Database/Application screens. If a value is not entered here, then...
3) APPX refers to and uses the values from the Database screens. If a value is not entered here, then...
4) APPX refers to and uses the values from the System Parameters screens. If a value is not entered here, then...
5) APPX provides a value.