JavaScript
This page provides general notes on using JavaScript in the platform.
About JavaScript
JavaScript is an object-oriented language that allows for functional programming. It is the language that drives much of the world wide web.
Learn more:
- JavaScript: The Good Parts (highly recommended)
Accessing Record Variables
You access record data using the Document Object Model (DOM). In the Sample Order Processing System, you might access a field in an OrderItem record like this:
var val = document.getElementById("item_quantity").valu;
Or, using Template:JQuery functions to shorten the syntax:
var val = $('input[name=item_quantity]').val();
Accessing Variables in Lookup Records
Records in an object commonly have a Lookup to records in another object. For example, in the Sample Order Processing System, OrderItem records have a lookup to the Order they are part of, as well as lookup to the ProductInventory object, which holds details about the item the customer wants to order.
To access a field in the lookup target record, you use "dot notation", following this pattern:
{current_record_lookup_field}.{target_record_field}
For example, In an OrderItem record, then, you might get the quantity on hand like this:
var val = document.getElementById("related_to_productInventory.quantity_on_hand").valu;
Or, using Template:JQuery functions to shorten the syntax:
var val = $('input[name=related_to_productInventory.quantity_on_hand]').val();
Using JavaScript in the Platform
JavaScript can be used in a variety of ways
- Field Scripting - Add JavaScript code to take actions on a Field (On Change or On Focus)
- Form Scripting - Add JavaScript code to a Form (On Load or On Save)
- Post Selection JavaScript - Perform validations on Lookup Fields using JavaScript
- Action buttons - Add action buttons when displaying a record
- Manage Related Information sections - Add action buttons to sections that display Related Records
- In a JSP/HTML Page - Make things happen on the client side to reduce the load on the server.