A frame script is essentially a segment of code or instructions associated with a specific graphical or functional "frame" within a software application or development environment. It defines the behavior of the frame and its interactive elements in response to various user actions or system events.
Based on the provided reference, a key characteristic of a frame script is its structure:
A frame script can include one or more event blocks. These blocks can contain frame events or events for any field or menu item defined for the frame.
This means a frame script is organized around events that occur within the frame's context.
Structure and Components
The internal organization of a frame script relies heavily on event-driven programming concepts. It's not just a linear sequence of commands but rather a collection of reactions tied to specific triggers.
- Event Blocks: The fundamental building blocks of a frame script. As stated, a frame script can include one or more event blocks. These blocks group code related to particular events.
- Frame Events: These are events that relate to the frame itself. Examples might include events triggered when the frame is opened, closed, resized, or becomes active.
- Field or Menu Item Events: Within the event blocks, you can also define code that responds to events specifically happening to individual controls (like text fields, buttons, checkboxes, etc.) or menu items that are part of that frame. Common events for these elements include clicking, typing, selecting, hovering, etc.
This structure allows developers to manage the logic associated with a frame in a modular way, separating the code for different interactions or states into dedicated blocks.
How Frame Scripts Function
When a user interacts with a frame, or when a relevant system event occurs, the application checks the frame script for a corresponding event block. If a block exists for that specific event (e.g., clicking a button named "Save", opening the frame), the code within that block is executed. This execution performs the actions defined by the script, such as validating data, updating the display, communicating with a database, or navigating to another part of the application.
| Component | Description | Included In Script |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Script | Contains the entire set of logic for a frame. | Yes |
| Event Blocks | Organizational units within a script, containing code for specific events. | Yes |
| Frame Events | Triggers related to the frame itself (open, close, etc.). | Yes (within blocks) |
| Field/Menu Events | Triggers related to controls or menu items within the frame (click, type). | Yes (within blocks) |
In summary, a frame script is a script specifically attached to a frame, designed to control its dynamic behavior by executing code segments organized into event blocks, triggered by events occurring either to the frame itself or its constituent fields and menu items.
