TABLE OF CONTENTS User interaction can be helpful when modifying files and elements in VBA. When our programs are designed well, they are powerful and flexible.
When we are working with MicroStation in any capacity, three distinct areas at the bottom of the MicroStation window give us information and feedback.
These areas are called the command, prompt, and status areas.
When we begin the "Place SmartLine" command, we see the command and the first prompt associated with this command. We are prompted to "Enter first vertex". After we click the first vertex, we are prompted to "Enter next vertex or reset to complete". The Status area gives us general feedback on the results of selections and other commands.
Let's see how we can work with these areas to give our users similar feedback and information as they use our programs.
Sub <b class="bold">TestShowCommand</b>() ShowCommand "Draw a Line" ShowPrompt "Select First Point:" ShowStatus "Draw Line by selecting two points."End Sub
Three methods are used to show the text we want to display in the command, prompt, and status areas of MicroStation. Even though the user can change the size of the command/prompt area, make sure that commands and prompts are visible without requiring users to stretch the area wider. Commands and prompts are not meant to provide comprehensive instructions, but rather, general guidelines.
Sub <b class="bold">TestShowTempMessage</b>() ShowTempMessage msdStatusBarAreaLeft, "Message Left." ShowTempMessage msdStatusBarAreaMiddle, "Message Middle."End...
