dbExpress Smart Objects

Smart Objects are an easy way to start with databases without much complexity.
It is based on a predefined Database Structure with all the tools for editing data quickly (Add, Update, Delete, Batch Index, Import Media or Text files…)

Data Hierarchy

Thorium Builder Smart Objects use a hierarchical database structure. A hierarchical database is a database in which the data is organized into a tree-like structure. You can envision this structure as you might a tree of family members. First, you have the parents. Then, you have the children. Then, you have the children’s children and so on.

An example of a hierarchal database can be seen below in a Travel Blog: the first level (the parent) could be “North America". The second level (the child), could be the “The countries of North America”. The third level (the child’s children) could be “cities” visited in North America (parent). See the included illustration below:

The Data Hierarchy selector defines the depth of the level of records that you want to display.
There are three settings:

• 1. All Hierarchy (default) : all the records for the selected category are displayed.

• 2. Root Records Only: Only the records at the first level of the database category will be displayed.

  In our Travel Blog example, this selection would display the “parent” record of North America.

• 3. Show Only Current record Child:

  Again, in the Travel Blog example, this selection would show only the “child" of the of the selected “parent". In this case, it would show Canada as the child of North America.

  Use the Database Displayer Widgets on a Thorium Builder web page to display the data in a database.

Custom Fields

Custom Fields give you the flexibility of adding more fields to the database. The process is simple, but does require a little explanation. Just follow the steps as outlined in this document.

When this selector is initially opened from the “Custom Fields” button on the toolbar, it appears empty.

Use the + and - buttons to add or delete the custom fields.

Select/click on the plus ( + ) button at the bottom of the Custom Field Window , another screen will open. Here you can add your new Custom Field .

After entering the custom fields, you will then see the new fields displayed in a list in the Custom Fields Window.
When you are done entering the custom fields, close the Custom Fields Window using the Close Button.

You will now be back at the Data Manager Window.

Choose the category and the item where you want to add your custom field(s). 

Select the Custom Fields Tab.

This is where you enter the information for your custom fields. When you are done entering the information, select/click the Close Button to be taken back to the main Data Manager Window.

The Custom Fields Window

Displaying the Custom Field Data

Custom Fields can be displayed in either the Database Repeater Widget or in the Database Displayer Widget.

If you haven’t already done so, add either widget to your website or WebApp page.

Open the Database Displayer or Database Repeater Window by double clicking on the area.

Click either the First Field, Second Field, or Third Field dropdown selector. You will see your custom field. Select it.

Your Custom Field(s) will now be displayed in the widget that you’ve chosen.

The following example shows a “Collection” with a custom field displayed below the apple.