Alien (External Data)

Newt: My mommy always said there were no monsters - no real ones - but there are.
Ripley: Yes, there are, aren't there?
Newt: Why do they tell little kids that?
Ripley: Most of the time it's true.

Learn how to use external data in Efficy.

Sometimes in Efficy, you want to display data from another source. Data's coming from a mainframe, an excel sheet, an accounting database, an external supplier, ...

You have the choice between two solutions. Either import data (one shot or regularly), either take a look at them from Efficy without importing them.

The only question you have to ask yourself is: do I want to modify these data or only consult them.

If you want to modify them, then import the data in Efficy. You will take advantage of all the Efficy's features like security, historic, notifications, ...

If you only want to look at them (to check one's invoices status, ...), then you will take full advantage of the "ODBC connection" feature. This way, you have access to virtually unlimited sources and can display them in Efficy within minutes. Reference

Enjoy !

Cedric

The X Files (ActiveX)

Scully: Mulder, there something out there.
Mulder: I know. I've been saying that for years.

Efficy is a full web application (one of the few). Meaning that, not only we use the browser to present information and to let the user input information, but we also want to interact with the user's computer.

One way to interact is the Office Integration, enabling users to edit and upload transparently their documents from and to Efficy.

"Transparently" is the keyword. We want the users not having to worry about the integration between their Efficy and the rest of their applications. These can be web applications (Maporama, financial services, ...) or "traditional" applications installed on their computer.

For these transparent integrations, we sometimes need to save and read files from the user's temporary folder. Unfortunately, it's not an easy job. Indeed, we need to provide the user with the best experience while fighting against always growing security software and browser sandboxes.

One method to pass through the sandbox while enabling users (or administrators) to choose which application can bypass it, is the use of Microsoft's technology: ActiveX (wiki). These are basically "Desktop" applications that can be used from a web browser.

This works really well, but only on Microsoft browsers. Meaning that, for some advanced features, users must, until now, use IE browsers. We are actively looking for a universal solution.

Enjoy !

Au revoir, à bientot,

Cedric

Finding Nemo (Script Debugger)

Bruce: All right, anyone else? Hello, how 'bout you, mate? What's your problem?
Marlin: Me? I don't... I don't have a problem.
Bruce: Oh. Okay...
Anchor: Denial.

As web developers, we constantly need to activate the "Script Debugger" in order to make sure everything works fine and to prevent the browser from hiding errors.

Indeed, on average, 1 page on 5 does contain at least one JavaScript related error. You may not see them, but that's because the browser is kind enough to hide developers' mistakes...

Sometimes, it's not so important, but we can't let this kind of errors in a Web Application. It's fun to see that even web-only developpers like Google can leave such stupid mistakes. The most common error? The string constant that contains quotes...

Personally, sometimes, I feel like I'm doomed and sometimes I send those errors to the webmaster.

Track them! Spam their authors! It will lead to a better world ;-)

Enjoy !

Au revoir, à bientot,

Cedric