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Version: 20 R10 BETA

Creating Methods and classes

The 4D code used across your project is written in methods and classes.

The 4D IDE provides you with various features to create, edit, export, or delete your code. You will usually use the included 4D code editor to work with your code. You can also use other editors such as VS Code, for which the 4D-Analyzer extension is available.

Creating methods​

A method in 4D is stored in a .4dm file located in the appropriate folder of the /Project/Sources/ folder.

You can create several types of methods:

  • All types of methods can be created or opened from the Explorer window (except Object methods which are managed from the Form editor).
  • Project methods can also be created or opened from the File menu or toolbar (New/Method... or Open/Method...) or using shortcuts in the Code editor window.
  • Triggers can also be created or opened from the Structure editor.
  • Form methods can also be created or opened from the Form editor.

Creating classes​

A user class in 4D is defined by a specific method file (.4dm), stored in the /Project/Sources/Classes/ folder. The name of the file is the class name.

You can create a class file from the File menu or toolbar (New/Class...) or in the Methods page of the Explorer window.

For more information, please refer to the Classes section.

Deleting methods or classes​

To delete an existing method or class, you can:

  • on your disk, remove the .4dm file from the "Sources" folder,
  • in the 4D Explorer, select the method or class and click or choose Move to Trash from the contextual menu.

To delete an object method, choose Clear Object Method from the Form editor (Object menu or context menu).