Type libraries or .NET assemblies (libraries) can contain classes. Class contains methods, properties and events that can be called by ATEasy or by the program code. The ATEasy internal library contains many classes. External library inserted to your module can also contains classes. To use a class an object which is an instance of the class must be created and assigned to a object variable. Object usually created using the CreateObject or the new operator. The internal library contains many objects (such as : System, Log, Program Test etc) that are created by ATEasy when the application is started.
A type library can contain many classes. For example, the Microsoft Excel object library lists dozens of classes, each of which describes a different Excel object. If you wanted to use Excel components in your ATEasy application, you would insert the Microsoft Excel object library below your application's Libraries sub-module so that you could reference these components at design time. Here are a few of the classes listed in the Excel object library:
Excel class |
Description |
Application |
The application class describes the Excel application. |
Assistant |
The Assistant class describes the Microsoft Office Assistant, which provides online help. |
Chart |
The Chart class describes the Excel chart object. |
Worksheet |
The Worksheet class describes the Excel worksheet object. |
A property is an attribute of an object. For example, the Microsoft Excel Worksheet class lists properties that could be attributes of specific worksheet objects. Some Excel worksheet properties are listed below:
Worksheet Class Property |
Description |
PageSetup |
Defines the page orientation, paper size, margins, and other attributes of the worksheet page. |
HPageBreaks |
Defines the horizontal page breaks on the worksheet. |
VPageBreaks |
Defines the vertical page breaks on the worksheet. |
DisplayPageBreaks |
A Boolean value. When true, page breaks on the worksheet are visible. |
A method is a function or action that an object can perform. For example, the Microsoft Excel Worksheet class lists methods that could be performed on specific worksheet objects. Some Excel worksheet methods are listed below:
Worksheet Class Method |
Description |
Activate |
Activates the worksheet. |
CheckSpelling |
Checks the spelling of words on the worksheet. |
Copy |
Copies the worksheet. |
Delete |
Deletes the worksheet. |
An event is a procedure that is called by the ATEasy run-time when some action occurs on the object. For example, when a user clicks on a button, the OnClick event procedure if defined in the form is called. The user can place code in the OnClick of the button to perform a specific operation. In ATEasy, several objects have events including AProgram, ASystem, ADriver, AForm and form controls such as the AButton.