Datasheet

When you modify InfoPath forms, by setting values in design mode or by editing values in the form files

with a text editor, you are customizing the form declaratively. When you alter a form programmatically,

you are writing code using JScript or VBScript following the InfoPath Object Model.

As we’ve mentioned already, there are often two or three ways to achieve the results that you want.

Declarative Development

Declarative development involves modifying one or more XML files, including:

❑ XML Schema that defines the structure of the form

❑ XSLT files that define the views on a form

❑ XML form definition file or manifest that specifies the overall structure of a form

Why might you want to use the declarative approach? Well, one reason might be that you prefer it to

programmatic development in certain cases, but there are times when InfoPath leaves you few options.

Here are just some occasions when declarative programming is either recommended or necessary:

❑ Custom form merging

❑ New menus and toolbars

❑ Schema and other upgrade modifications

❑ Custom transform templates

❑ Adding processing instructions to XML data files

❑ Exporting form data to custom Excel schemas

❑ Creating custom task panes and their associated files

Programmatic Development

You can customize a form programmatically by writing scripting code to perform a variety of functions.

The main components that involve programmatic interaction are listed in the following table.

Component Description

Object model Type library composed of collections, objects, properties, methods, and events

that give you programmatic control of the environment.

Data validation XML schemas, expressions, and scripting code used to validate and constrain

the data that users are allowed to enter in a form.

Event handling Event handlers that respond to form loading, changes to content, view switch-

ing, and implement custom form submission.

User interface Customizable interface components including menus and toolbars with

related buttons, command bars, and a task pane.

Editing controls Controls that include collections, optional items, text lists, and fields.

About InfoPath

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