Part 4

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• Create Advanced Data Definitions

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Create Advanced Data Definitions

When capturing information from forms, it is often necessary to validate data against a specific type of desired input (e.g. email address) and to provide input fields for items like drop downs, radio buttons, checkboxes, and list boxes. The data definition technology provides a mechanism for each of these items. We want to create an advanced form with these different items.

A. Create an Advanced Data Definition

To create an advanced data definition:

1. Go to the Administration area, and select Data Definitions in the left navigation bar.
2. Click on New Data Definition.
3. For the Name field, type registration.
4. For the XML field, type:
   <system-data-structure> <text identifier="preference" label="Preference" type="checkbox"> <checkbox-item value="Car"/> <checkbox-item checked="true" value="Truck"/> <checkbox-item value="SUV"/> </text> <text default="Blue" identifier="Color" label="Color" type="dropdown"> <dropdown-item value="Blue"/> <dropdown-item value="Red"/> <dropdown-item value="Black"/> </text> <text default="Female" identifier="gender" label="Gender" type="radiobutton"> <radio-item value="Male"/> <radio-item value="Female"/> </text> <text default="name@company.com" identifier="email" input-data-format="name@company.com" label="Email" multiple="false" regular-expression="/^([a-zA-Z0-9_\.\-])+\@(([a- zA-Z0-9\-])+\.)+([a-zA-Z0-9]{2,4})+$/" required="true"/> </system-data-structure>
   
5. Click Submit to save the new data definition.
6. Your new Data Definition is ready to be attached to a page.

Data definitions are a powerful technology that allow for capturing structured information from users. Common examples of data definitions include:

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Calendar of events
• Job posting
• Survey creator
• Form creator
• Press release
• Real estate listing
• Faculty profile
• Blog entry
• Menu creator
• Slide show 

 

These common data definitions are included with the software.

Thanks for going through Part 4 of the Technical Introduction. Part 5 is available online:

Videos

• Cascade Server Technical Intro - Part 4

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