This manual provides a basic introduction to developing rapid applications using the Bright Software products namely, BrightBuilder, BrightForms and BrightServer. It will present how the program works and what it can do. Furthermore, it orients the new users to Bright Software concepts and provides a detailed tutorial on creating a real mobile application.
This document assumes that the users are familiar with basic programming concepts and constructs, and graphical user interface (GUI) i.e. using a mouse, dragging and sizing objects. The user should also have a working knowledge of the principles in database and database designs.
We have provided topics on every aspect of the software suite, designed to help the user to understand exactly what the program can do. The first topic provides a conceptual view of the four basic modules of Bright Software Mobility Suite. The rest of the document is divided into BrightBuilder, BrightForms, and BrightServer sections, describing each of these features in detail. Where applicable, further information on certain topics may be found in the appendix section.
A number of tutorials with finished products for BrightBuilder and BrightServer are also available for various platforms in the Tutorials section. They offer a more practical base to facilitate learning of the BrightXpress Mobility Suite, and is suggested to use to supplement the technical data in the user guide.
Finally, an Objects Manual is provided for general reference, detailing the complexity Bright Applications offers to developers.
We recommend that you read through and search the user manual to get a good understanding of the BrightXpress Mobility Suite concepts and go through some tutorials to get hands-on experience in creating mobile solutions. Once you have mastered the concepts, you can use this document as a reference when creating your own mobile solution.
In some areas of this document, particularly images, BrightServer may be referred to as BrightXpress. While this refers to the previous version of what is currently known as BrightServer, for all intents and purposes, the terms are interchangeable. Please be aware of this when looking up related topics.