On 3/27/2014 4:56 PM, Sells, Fred wrote:
I'm trying to use python classes and members to define complex data entry forms
as a meta language
The idea is to use a nice clean syntax like Python to define form content, then
render it as HTML but only as a review tool for users, The actual rendering
would go into a database to let a vendor's tool generate the form in a totally
non-standard syntax that's really clunky.
I've run into a similar problem when building a framework for
programming by speech and web application development. Although, my
goals were different. I want to something you can create with speech
recognition without too much of a vocal load or requiring
extensive/specialized editor changes. One could say I was trying to make
it possible to develop web apps in Microsoft Word. :-)
The first attempt was a bracketed notation that was in effect a very
high level domain specific notation. The next attempt is trying to
eliminate the use of bracketing notation to specify scope and said use
indentation.
Like you, the environment consists of little bits of Python that takes
what you want in the form/user interface and generates the HTML and
JavaScript for presentation in action.
To use your example, my notation would look something like this
: Form
uses section_title; Enter Patient Vital Signs
uses number_question; 3, Enter pulse rate
: drop_down_list
uses title; Enter current status
uses choices; 1, alive and kicking
uses choices; 2, comatose
uses choices; 3, there's another dead Bishop on the landing
The: names refer to the methods that generate the code using the
arguments provided by the statements within the: name definition. as
refine what is your trying to do, you can make the: names more and more
meta-and less and less implementation details. For example, one of the
experiences that told me the bracketed notation was not going to fly was
when I created a storefront for telescope shop. I created notation that
expressed the work of the store not the display of the store
information. Obviously the output of the notation was the display data
but it operated in a way that the storekeeper understood and could take
care of himself which was impossible with ordinary HTML and completely
impossible if you added something like bootstrap.
And before somebody kicks up a fuss About the notation, let me say that
this was aimed at disabled developers who cannot type anymore or who
want to listen because they cannot see. What I have created is far more
productive and speakable than any of the other systems out there.
--- eric
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