Logic sheets specify the processing, logic and calculation in Logic Architect. They are worksheets of a predefined format; when development is complete they will normally be hidden from the users of the workbook. There are four types of logic sheet:
- The Dialog sheet is used to manage the Logic Architect worksheet facilities.
- The Sort sheet is used to handle file processing.
- The Edit sheet combines file processing with logic and calculation.
- The Report sheet is used to create reports.
Dialog sheets
The Dialog sheet is used to specify the display and updating of database files in worksheets, to create dropdown lists, and to manage events.
- The specification of a worksheet database file (referred to as a frame) covers whether it will be displayed as a table or form, whether updates are allowed and the record selections and sequence. It also covers which fields are displayed and their formats (including validation, defaults and use of dropdown lists).
- The specification of a dropdown list covers the database file and fields on which it is based, record selections and any field to be used for conversion of displayed values.
- Events are used to control the running of the system, and can be set up to respond to buttons and selections from the Run menu (which is created automatically) or to a number of worksheet-related actions. They can be used to run other logic sheets or macros, manage windows, change cell values and formats, display help topics or control the running of Logic Architect.
Sort sheets
The Sort sheet is a flexible way to handle file processing:
- Data can be transferred between worksheets, external CSV or text files, database files and external databases.
- Multiple input files can be combined (* and ? can be used in the file names for groups of files). Fields may differ between files, and default values can be supplied for any missing fields. Input files can be joined to database files (left join) and the joins chained together.
- Records with the same key values can be sorted together, separated into different files or summarized.
- Selection is possible, based on values taken from other worksheets.
- Values can be converted between dropdown list key values and displayed values on input, output or selection.
- It is also possible to produce a cross-tabulation as an output, or to take a cross-tabulation as an input and convert it to flat file format.
Edit sheets
The Edit sheet combines file processing with logic and calculation, and can be used in the place of complex macros. It brings together records from all the necessary files one record at a time so that the processing can be applied and the results written to the required output, before moving on to the next record. There are three file handling sections (though not all need to be used):
- The input section reads one or more sequential inputs (worksheet data, external CSV or text files, database files and external database queries), optionally merging records on keys or summarizing data.
- The database section provides full control over database file navigation and linking. It allows selection, sorting, summarization and updating of database files.
- The output section calculates and writes one or more sequential outputs, optionally summarizing data.
It is also possible to use decision tables to specify application logic or generate arrays which can be used in functions where they are required as arguments (such as statistical, engineering or financial functions).
Report sheets
The Report sheet is used to create reports.
- It is used to specify the fields, their source, and how they will appear on the reports where they are used.
- For each each worksheet in the report, it specifies which of these fields are to be used, whether they are selectable, their sequence, subtotalling and any cross-tabs required.
- Charts are specified either as one of the standard chart types or by creating a custom chart type and referring to it by name - the chart will be automatically based on the data on the report.
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