The link between Actinic Variables and the Backend

[mikejdavies]

OK, I'm just getting to grips with all of this and I am trying to understand the relationship between Actinic Designer and the backend Access database.

So, for example, I am looking in Access and can see a field call "Last update" within the products table. How is this field made available in Actinic? Is this programmed into Actinic, and if so, would I find these variables in the Design Library? Are all database fields made available in the Design Library?

If they aren't made available in the Design Library, am I able to create these myself in anyway?

A good answer to this thread will gain yourself a virtual beer on me

[pinbrook]

The vast majority of stuff in the GUI is held in the database. There are a few variables (but not many) still tucked away in the underlying code thus not accessible.

Best thing is to familiarise yourself with the Library.

You can create variables and use them (but you also would have to populate the variable).

But if it isn't in the Library it isn't accessible.

[mikejdavies]

Thanks for the quick reply. No problem. That was kind of what I suspected. Do the variable names have any direct relevance to the field names held in the database?

[pinbrook]

T Do the variable names have any direct relevance to the field names held in the database?

Only in the mind of an actinic developer

[AndyBorrett]

If you search for 'Fields In The Order Export' in the main help it may help you a little.