How do I put a GUI front end on my 4GL app?

Lycia incorporates a graphical Form Designer which allows developers to create a GUI for 4GL applications. A user interface can be created via forms editor by utilizing a set of graphical form elements or by the XML code manipulation. Build up your form and Form Designer will generate simple & clear XML file.

Lycia supports the round-trip editing of design and code view always keeping them in sync. The form preview in the design area updates in real time, even when changes are made manually to the XML. You can easily style an interface of your applications by using CSS or applying themes.

To open the Form Designer right click on your program and select New → New Window Builder file → New Window Builder graphical form. Once the new form is created click on the Design tab:

Design view includes Form Editor, Palette, Structure and Properties areas:

1. Form Editor view displays the graphical form itself, including all its visible elements and widgets, the way they will look when the application is run.
2. Palette view contains the set of the graphical elements that can be added to the form.
3. Structure view represents the hierarchical structure of the form.
4. Properties view gives the user the full control over the graphical and behavioural properties of the form objects.