This feature is still in conception and may be implemented in the final non-provisional patent application.
This tool will present the user with a "Schema Builder" for a user to be able to build their own schema instead of obtaining schema from an existing data structure such as a database table or excel spreadsheet. The schema builder will be a typical database designer similar to those seen in other database UI tools.
The UI would look similar to this:
[Input:EntityName]: MyDataStructure
| Sort | Name | Data Type | Is Key Field | Is Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| = | Id | Integer | Yes | Yes | The unique identifier key field |
| = | Name | Text | No | Yes | A short descriptive name |
| = | Description | Text | No | No | A long-form description |
| = | Date | Date | No | Yes | The date associated with my entity row |
[Button: Add - Would add a blank row to the table above]
| Column Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Sort | A draggable UI sort handle |
| Name | The name of the field |
| Data Type | String, Integer, Decimal, Money, Date, DateTime, Boolean, QuickLookup* |
| Is Key Field | Yes / No field indicating whether this field is the primary key. |
| Is Required | Yes / No field indicating whether this field is required for data entry. |
| Description | A description of the field for UI hints. |
* QuickLookup indicates that a string value will be stored, but the UI will be in the form of an autocomplete with the ability to specify a custom value. FUTURE: Other special data types will be supported to indicate special UI function.
Once the schema has been defined, the schema tool can be used to preview the code and the remainder of the experience would match that of the Generated Mode of the Scaffold Feature Tool after pressing a "Preview Code" button.