What Is Dynamic Interface Construction?

Using Cincom Smalltalk to build an Application interface programmatically and dynamically

Long-time readers of the Cincom Smalltalk Digest are well aware of the Hidden Gems screencast series. Those who are just reskilling with Smalltalk or Cincom Smalltalk may not know what this series is and how it can be helpful to their developer path. Arden Thomas, the Cincom Smalltalk Product Manager, started the Hidden Gems screencast series to share shortcuts, tips and techniques that might make it easier for others to use or jumpstart their Cincom Smalltalk usage.

In these screencasts, Arden shares how he uses various components of Cincom Smalltalk, as well as features that he uses for his own productivity that he considers “hidden gems.” This screencast series is a growing list of valuable nuggets that Arden has compiled over several years.

In this month’s new screencast, Arden will demonstrate how to build an Application interface programmatically and dynamically. It reproduces an interface found on Twitter at #LPLChartOfTheDay, which shows S&P 500 returns, on average, for every day of the year. The ability to construct interfaces programmatically and dynamically gives the developer incredible power and flexibility. As always with Smalltalk, it is not hard once you know how.

This screencast is part of the Technique Series of Hidden Gems, which shows various techniques of how to accomplish or solve different tasks, from automating image build to creating a custom parser.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for future Hidden Gems, please email the Cincom Smalltalk Product Team at CSSTARTeam@cincom.com.