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How to store a business objects in database tables Turn on/off line numbers in source code. Switch to Orginial background IDE or DSP color Comment or reply to this aritlce/tip for discussion. Bookmark this article to my favorite article(s). Print this article
09-Jun-03
Category
ADO/OLE-DB
Language
Delphi 2.x
Views
187
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Publisher:
DSP, Administrator
Reference URL:
DKB
			Author: Mike Shkolnik 

How to store a business objects in database tables?

Answer:

The devlopment of large projects is hard work. Especially when our clients are 
remote/mobil users.Also in our life exists the task which are not stay on one place 
and which algorithm changes in time. In these situations we must to develop the 
multi-tier application and store the business logic in server-app level. But for 
some tasks this way is very expensive. So I prefers the some "2 1/2"-tier level 
when part of business logic we can store in database. I'll try to describe this my 
opinion. 

On server database I have a few own "system" tables with descriptions of project: 

CLASS table is a list of all available user queries with short description, 
select/update/insert/delete statements 
DESCRIPTION table stores the descriptions of fields for each record in CLASS 
A few additional tables with security (user, groups, privileges, access modes etc) 
PS: I do not describe them, as for the basic description they are not so important 

In application I have a main datamodule, which contains the one TDatabase component 
(linked to my BDE alias or ADO connection). Also I have a some TDataModule 
component which are the parent for each other. On this component I dropped the 
TQuery (linked to main TDatabase), and TUpdateSQL and TDataSource, which are linked 
to TQuery. 

Also in this parent datamodule I included the some additional properties and 
procedures/functions: 

to get a descriptions from server by class name 
to fill a update/delete/insert properties of TUpdateSQL 
to change a filter (via where clause), a data order (via order by) etc (any clause 
in sql - I use a some macros in own sqls) 
post/cancel changes in server database, refresh data 
to get the new ID (for autoincremental fields) 
to read a user privileges 
to open class 
to get a "lookup" class. I not use a delphi lookup fields. Instead it I store in 
class descriptions for some fields the additional info (which class I must open for 
edit/view of data, which fields are linked in "lookup" class etc and more) 
and more additional features 

Each datamodule are successor of this parent DM with "personal" extension in 
business logic. For example, in the class for details of orders I defined the 
specific calculations (some subtotals and sums) or procedures (check of outputing 
qnt). The full logic I included in these DMs only (in visual forms 
I use a calls only!). 

Also I have a basic visual TForm with grid, navigator, filter panel etc. 
This form have a "linked" DataModule. Also this form known how:
 
to fill the info from DM (a columns list for dbgrid (from description in DM), form 
caption and more) 
to call a form for edit/append of record (those form not uses the any 
DB-components!!) 
to generate report (I use a SMReport) 
to export data (I use a SMExport) 
to find a record by some criteria 
to select a records (the some forms I use for selecting of some recors) PS: for 
example, in orders mode my users can select a records from product class and append 
the wished 
to open a "lookup" class. PS: for example, in grid with customer list my users can 
open a class of customer types (instead standard delphi lookup field) or "drill" in 
orders list for this customer 
to setup the visualization of data (fonts, colors, order etc, filter, sort and 
grouping) 
and more additional features 

All the rest forms inherits from this parent and are different one from other in 
needed possibilities only. For example, if my users want to calculate a sum of some 
order for specific product type only, of course, I add a calc function in linked DM 
and drop a button on form for calling of this function in DM 

PS: in visual forms (when I need to calc or to do a something) I call the 
"assigned" method in "assigned" DM. 

Also I have a two list - opened DMs and created forms. So if I need open a "lookup" 
class, I search it in list of DM and create only if I not found. And with forms I 
work similar. 

Using this schema I can devide the project from my "2 1/2"-tier level on multi-tier 
in few simple operations (because the all business logic I store in database on 
db-server and mine DM-classes. The visual forms not contains the logic - only 
visualization). 

PS: this technology I uses in tens projects (current and finished), in small app 
and in big projects. I described the customers-orders-products schema for 
availability of understanding only. Of course, sometimes (more often in the 
beginning of development of small app) the perspective of the extension of 
functionality up to large client-server 
system (and especially multi-tier) is not visible and it's possible to go on easy 
way - drop on form the ttables (or even to allocate them in separate datamodule), 
linked it with grids, use a master-detail link and lookup fields etc 
But when you decide to expand possibilities of the app and transfer it from local 
DB (Paradox/DBase/Access etc) on normal DB server and maybe use a 3-tier you will 
understand, that is necessary to change the approach to DB programming for rise of 
productivity, easy support and extension of project. 

Of course, it's my opinion only, but I have come to such technology by many cuts 
and tries during 10 years on different DBs and tools of development. Though I still 
do not have also thirty years I have a  large number of successful developments in 
other departs and if I can to someone reduce this long way, it will be well. 

I do not apply for indisputable true and I know many weak places in the described technology, but they not impasses - it is simply not up to the end are realized (and it's good:))) I'll read criticism of other with pleasure too. 

			
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