The majority of the data entry fields that appear on each form are defined as attributes. The attributes mechanism allows the database to be easily customised for particular users, and provides a method for future-proofing the design in an environment where standards are still evolving.
The selection of attributes that will appear in each form is determined by a file that is stored in the database itself. This definition can be easily modified, allowing both the addition of new project-specific attributes and the removal of those which are unsuitable for the task at hand. In addition, the file can refer to other, remotely-stored, files allowing updates that are made in a central place to be automatically distributed to individual users.
The attribute definitions are specifed in XML using the attribute XML syntax.
To get an overview of the attribute definitions for the database that maxdLoad2 is currently connected to:
A similar overview in the form of an Excel® spreadsheet can also be created from the options page.