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The Expression Editor is a dynamic dialog box displayed in a wide range of configuration tasks in order to enable you to define a formula for a specific dynamic behavior.

 

The expressions defined through the Expression Editor are evaluated at runtime, according to the actual values returned in the runtime workflow. Expressions can be written for all element attributes of the "formula" or "expression" type. This includes field initialization, calculation, validation and text formatting, as well as display visibility and event guard conditions. The expression syntax was designed for ease-of-use by non-programmers, being very similar to that used to write spreadsheet formulas.

The dialog box is displayed when you:

  • Click a Formula or Condition button

  • Choose Enter formula from a drop-down list (which includes the fx symbol)

For full instructions about how to use the Expression Editor, see “How to . . .” Define a Dynamic Expression in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure

The Expression Editor dialog box is named differently according to the attributes being defined. For example:

  • When defining a Visibility condition in the Configure Element task panel, it is called the Hiding Condition dialog box.

  • When defining properties in the Control Properties dialog box, it is called, among other names:

    • Computed Value dialog box (when defining a formula in the Expression field of the General tab)

    • Dynamic Label dialog box (when defining a formula in the Label field of the Display tab)

  • When defining actions in the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box, the Expression Editor is called, among other names:

    • Search Formula dialog box (when defining a system-action expression in the Search formula field)

    • Prompt Message dialog box (when defining a system-action expression in the Prompt message field)

In all cases, the structure of the Expression Editor is the same and contains the following sections:

  • The Expression pane at the left, in which you construct the dynamic expression.

  • The Assistant pane at the right, listing the available basic formulas, which you select (and enter into the Expression pane) by double-clicking.

    The Data Fields node at the top contains all of the fields available in the different model components, for use in your formula.

    The Operators node at the bottom lists all the operators available for use in the formula.

  • The Help pane at the bottom right, activated when you click on a formula or drag it into the Expression pane. The Help pane displays an explanation of the function along with an example.

  • The Check button at the bottom right is important for checking the validity of your formula before you enter it into the field. (Only after validating your formula should you click OK to close the Expression Editor.)

  • The Message corner at the bottom left displays the responses when you click Check.