Export structure file
Export structure file ( folderPath {; options} ) : Object
| Parameter | Type | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| folderPath | Text | → | Path of the destination folder for project files |
| options | Object | → | Export options |
| Function result | Object | ← | Validation status and messages (if any) |
This command is not thread-safe, it cannot be used in preemptive code.
Description
The Export structure file command breaks down the current 4D database structure into a set of text-based files or native picture files and stores them in the specified folderPath. By default, the entirety of the database structure (methods, forms, catalog, etc.) is exported. You can filter the contents to export using the options parameter (see below).
This command allows you to store database structure files in a source control repository (i.e., Git, Perforce, etc.). Successive changes or changes from several sources can then be compared using standard source control tools.
This command can be used in the following contexts only:
- 4D in local mode or 4D Server (an error is returned if it is called from 4D in remote mode),
- Interpreted database (the command does nothing if it is called from a .4DC database)
Note also that when it is called from a component, the command always exports the host database structure.
In folderPath, pass the system path of the folder where the export files must be saved.
The options parameter allows you to customize the conversion process. The options object can contain the following properties:
| Property name | Value type | Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| withLog | boolean or string |
| |||
| makeProject | boolean | true to generate a .4DProject file in the "Project" folder | |||
| filter | object | Contents to export. If omitted (default), everything is exported | |||
| projectMethods | boolean | true to export project methods | |||
| databaseMethods | boolean | true to export database methods | |||
| triggerMethods | boolean | true to export trigger methods | |||
| forms | boolean | true to export forms | |||
| pageFormat | boolean | true to include the forms page format as "pageFormat" property of each form json file | |||
| catalog | boolean | true to export table and field definitions | |||
| folders | boolean | true to export Explorer folders definitions | |||
| settings | boolean | true to export structure settings | |||
| menus | boolean | true to export menus | |||
| tips | boolean | true to export tips | |||
| lists | boolean | true to export lists | |||
| filters | boolean | true to export filters | |||
| pictures | boolean | true to export pictures from picture library | |||
| resources | boolean | true to export Resources folder | |||
| trash | boolean | true to export trashed methods and forms (*) | |||
| windowPositions | boolean | true to export window positions | |||
| methodPreferences | boolean | true to export method editor preferences | |||
| buildSettings | boolean | true to export the buildApp.xml file | |||
| dataPath | boolean | true to copy the last open data file path into the project user preferences file | |||
| directory | boolean | true to export 4D users and groups | |||
| styleSheets | boolean | true to export style sheets as CSS | |||
| documentation | boolean | true to export Explorer comments as markdown files |
(*) The "trash" filter is useful only if "projectMethods" or "forms" filters are also selected.
Warning: When the options parameter is passed and the "filter" object is used, you must explicitly declare each property to export with the true value. When this object is passed, 4D assumes all properties are set to false by default.
Result
The command returns an object providing the final status of the export as well as information on encountered issues or errors, if any. The following properties are returned:
| Property name | Value type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| success | boolean | True if export operation was successful, false otherwise. |
| messages | collection | Collection of objects describing issues encountered during the export operation |
| [ ].severity | text | Level of issue. Possible values: "info", "error". Only "error" level sets the "success" property to false. |
| [ ].message | text | Description of the issue or error, for example "Unsupported for object type" |
| [ ].errors | collection | Error stack (if any) |
Note: Issue objects can include additional properties depending on the context.
Possible errors include:
- duplicated elements
- file management errors (file already exists, file locked, disk full, etc.)
- unsupported form object or property (see also ).
Example 1
You want to export the database structure file in an "Export" folder with the default settings:
var $result : Object
$result:=Export structure file("Export")
If($result.success=True)
ALERT("Export successful")
Else
ALERT("Error during export")
End if
Example 2
You want to export only project and database methods, and a log file:
var $option;$result : Object
$option:=New object("filter";New object)
$option.filter.projectMethods:=True
$option.filter.databaseMethods:=True
$option.withLog:="always"
$result:=Export structure file("exportWithLog";$option)