Is it possible to access elements of a view in implementation class?

Question

Hi,
        In the BSP component workbench, is it possible to manipulate elements of a view (listbox, inputfields etc., hardcoded using htmlb tags) in the methods of view implementation class. For example, I have a inputfield which is initially invisible. I want to make it visible when a particular event is triggered. I wish to code this directly in the event handler method. Can anybody provide some pointers?

Answer 1

Arun,
As the UI elements (tags) do only exist during rendering phase a direct access from the view controller is not possible - especially not in the forward-oriented way from within an event handler as  indicated from you in the posting.
However, it is of course possible to hard-code view layouts; for this approach you can use the BSP view corresponding to the view and code there whatever you like. BSP views can also contain code snippets to achieve dynamic effects. In your example it doesn't look like that you need code at all - you need to preserve the status (visible/ invisible) in a value attribute of a context node and use this value to bind visibility of the input field on the layout.
In CRM 2007, there are two main tag libraries (aka BSP extensions) being used:
- THTMLB (single tags, like input field, button, table, ...)
- CHTMLB (configuration tags; these are available for forms, tables and trees)
You should always use these tag libraries in the first place to assure common look and feel and avoid rendering issues.
Best regards
Peter