Patterns

This is mostly an internal document, but others may find it useful. 

Much of the code in Open Dental follows established patterns.  The patterns have been honed and tweaked over the course of many years to be highly reliable and to follow expected behaviors.  Some of the patterns are shown here.  Other patterns have only been documented in the code or are implied through repeated use.  One major goal of development is to better document patterns so that the code will be more reliable and easier to debug. The debugging process should always include identification of code that does not follow the established patterns. A new programmer will need to proceed more slowly at first in order to make sure the patterns are being followed.  Senior programmers check the code against existing patterns.

Following these patterns is NOT optional.  It's an absolute requirement.  If the pattern is inadequate for a new situation, then the senior programmer will revise the pattern to also fit the new situation.

Buttons

Database Table, New

Forms (Windows)

Graphics.MeasureString()

Grids

Plug-ins

Printing

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