Starsite Functions

Managing Data with StarSite

Addressing Multi-Value data
StarSite-XML offers more than 30 unique data handling functions and dozens of API's that simplify database connectivity and add functionality to your applications.

It is possible to use the SAME rule-set definitions in your web development, as those established for managing data on the host system in conventional character based or GUI screens using Nucleus, and StarSite-XML.

The business rules defined within Nucleus are based on Data Dictionaries. HTML document templates (dynamically processed on the host) incorporate Nucleus field names derived from DATA DICTS, to specify, display, link or input objects to be embedded during interaction with the client.

Dictionary definitions become "coupled linked objects" that point to the data. The Nucleus engine manages the interaction between the database and the "rules" defined within Nucleus screens. BASIC routines can be part of the rule-set defined within StarSite and Nucleus.

Layout independence
Complete independence in the look of browser based screens is assured with StarSite. The full range of functionality offered with HTML tags and Java Script enables innovative design of screens and forms. Tables, images (BMP, JPG, GIF, etc), Sound (WAV), hypertext links, colors, and more can be easily incorporated as part of a StarSite application.

Limitations imposed by 80 x 24 "green-screen" applications do not apply. StarSite applications fully support Very wide and very deep.

Forms or reports can be created with StarSite that may exceed 256 characters wide by 1500 rows deep without fear. The only practical limitations are those which are imposed by the browser.

Multi-value formatting and display is automatically handled, and the resulting display sets are easily managed. Browser based display screens are not in any way dependent on the layout of "green-screens", although the rule-sets or logic may have initially used that format.

The following examples show a few of the many StarSite functions.

Setup
Addressing Multi-Value from a browser-based application via the Web or Intranet is accomplished by designating the rule-set to be used within the DBSETUP object, and replacing INPUT tokens in HTML templates with appropriate StarSite objects (or expandable functions).

Add this function to connect the logic or "rule-set" to your template.

{DBSETUP(Subname(Type(SpecialSub))}

Subname is the name of the Nucleus rule-set defining the data interface through StarSite.

Type can be either Input or Output

SpecialSub can designate the 'style' of a unique data key schema (record ID)

Replace the form data fields

The original HTML:
<INPUT NAME="First Name" TYPE="Text" SIZE=35 MAXLENGTH="35">
In StarSite:

{input(Name)}

In the example above, the field width of "Name" is controlled by the Data Dictionary on the host.

Replacing combo selection boxes

Originally <SELECT NAME "Our Need"></br> <OPTION VALUE="immed" selected>Immediate</br> <OPTION VALUE="1MONTH">Within 1 month</br> <OPTION VALUE="6MONTH">Within 6 months</br> <OPTION VALUE="1YEAR">Within 1 year</br> </SELECT>
StarSite

{input(OurNeed(Select,Option))}

Option can be:
Size=n where n is the depth of the combo box

To incorporate radio buttons:
  {input(membeof(radio,option))}

To incorporate checkboxes:
  {input(memberof(checkbox,option))}

Option can be:
cols=n where n is the number of checkboxes or radio buttons per row

Field widths and justifications are controlled by "dictionary" definitions on the host. Selection options are drawn from the host database, following application logic and user permissions.

Validations
Validations are based on properties assigned within the Nucleus application that is the foundation of your web application. Validations can be as simple as a T-correlative or f-correlative, or complex logic embedded within a BASIC subroutine or program.

Standard validations include

ALPHA NUMERIC ALPHANUMERIC CURRENCY FINANCIAL PERCENT DATE

TIME PHONE ZIPCODE STATE COUNTRY SSN EMAIL

These validation types are automatically deployed as Java Script validations by StarSite.