Running a window

During development, you can test a window without running the whole application.

You can preview a window from the Window painter using the Preview button on the PainterBar or run the window by clicking the Preview button on the PowerBar. The PowerTip text for this button is Run/Preview Object. For information about previewing using the PainterBar button, see Previewing a window.

When you run the window using the PowerBar button, you must save the window first. You can also trigger events and open other windows because the window is functional.

To run a window:

  1. Click the Preview button in the PowerBar (not the PainterBar).

  2. In the Run/Preview dialog box, select Windows as the Objects of Type.

  3. Select the target that includes the window you want to run.

  4. Select the library that includes the window.

  5. Select the window you want to run and click OK.

    You must save your work before running a window. If you have not saved your work, PowerBuilder prompts you to do so.

    PowerBuilder runs the window.

You can trigger events, open other windows, connect to a database, and so on when running a window. The window is fully functional. It has access to global variables that you have defined for the application and to built-in global variables, such as SQLCA. The SystemError event is not triggered if there is an error, because SystemError is an Application object event.

To return to the Window painter:

  • Do one of the following:

    • If the Window has a control menu, select Close from the control menu or click the Close button in the upper right corner of the window.

    • If the window is not visible, click PowerBuilder on the task bar and then click the Terminate button.