Creating Rule Definitions

To define a new rule definition within the Editor, the Rule Wizard and Rule Editor are used. The Rule Wizard is displayed to capture the attributes for the new rule definition, including the name and group. The Rule Editor is displayed next to allow for the definition of the rule’s structure. This procedure uses an initial value rule for a transaction property as an example. The same process is followed to define a rule regardless of where it is to be used within the application.

Start the Add Rule Wizard by selecting the Add Rule menu item in the menu displayed for the attribute to reference the rule definition. This is normally an ellipses button to the right of the attribute field.

The first screen of the wizard is displayed with a default name and group, based on the definition referencing the new rule definition:
Set the Name and Group attributes as desired for the new rule definition. The Description field may also be edited. The default text display is based on how the rule is to be used. The Returns field is read-only and specifies the data type of the value to be returned by the rule when it is evaluated. Click the [Next >] button to advance to the Rule Editor.

The second screen of the Rule Editor is displayed with the Rule Entry Point selected:
To begin defining the rule structure, begin by selecting the field Rule Entry Point. This is the first term for the new rule definition. Selecting this field will allow for the addition of a rule term, either a function or a data term. This term’s return value will be the value returned by the rule at run time.
To add a term to the entry point in the rule, select an item from the list of terms on the left. By default the list displays the available rule functions. In most cases this is a rule function. Other options include an action, global, property, screen set, or sub rule. To change the list of terms to select from, select one of the available tabs above the list.
If any term is selected other than a function, the rule’s definition is complete, as no other terms can be added below a data term within the rule’s Structure. If a function is selected from the list, the editor will display that function in the center of the screen, with fields listing the function’s parameters. The function name followed by its short description is shown at the top-center of the screen. Clicking the name of the function, or the arrows to its right will display the function’s long description.
When a parameter field is selected in the Rule Editor the description of that parameter is displayed. Selecting a field will display the list of terms on the left. Any term that supports the return type for the parameter may be selected:
To add a constant value as a parameter to the function simply type that value in the parameter field.
To add any other term type, select it in one of the lists on the left side by double-clicking it. If a function is added as a parameter to the current function, that function will then be displayed in the middle portion of the screen, along with its short description and list of parameter fields.
At this point the process is repeated until the structure of the rule has been defined.

Note the structure view to the right of the rule editor. As functions are added, their position within the overall rule structure is represented. This structure view can be used in the definition of the rule as well. Right-clicking on any function in the rule structure displays a popup menu allowing for the addition of parameters to this functions. The menu also provides options to replace terms and delete them. Additionally, terms may be dragged and dropped to different locations within the structure if it is desired to modify the rule in this manner.

Next

Once the rule has been defined it can be tested within the Rule Editor. This can be done before finishing the Rule Editor, or the developer can return to the definition later and perform any testing.