Next Form Processing

After a form has performed an event, it might be necessary to transfer control to another form. This is called next form processing. You can define next form processing for form action events that update a file. Next form processing is the last step performed in the event.

For example, the data needed for an Employee file record does not fit on a single form. After the first Employee Master form performs its Add event, the program transfers to the next form (the second Employee Master form) and prompts the user to continue typing data.

Next form processing uses the key numbers assigned to input fields during field definition. Therefore, when defining next form processing, it is important that the key numbers for key fields on the current form match the key numbers for key fields on the next form. For more information, see the Key Numbers field description in Online Field Attributes.

The Event Next Form Transfers window lets you pass control to another form following the execution of an event. In the Form Action Definition window, NxtScr appears on the line beneath the Form Action Events heading when you select a form action event that transfers to another form.

  1. In the Form Action Definition window, select the form action event from which the transfer takes place, press Define (F6), and choose Next Form.
  2. In the Event Next Form Transfers window, press Select (F4).
  3. In the Select Next Form To Transfer To window, choose the form to which you want to transfer.

    The selected form ID appears in the upper left corner of the Event Next Form Transfers window.

    In this field Type or Select (F4)
    FC The action you want to appear on the form to which you are transferring.
    Message The message you want to appear on the form to which you are transferring.
  4. Press Enter.

    The system displays the word NxtScr in dim highlight under the Form Action Events heading.

  5. Press Enter twice.

    The system makes the changes and returns to the Format form.