.NET and the Expression Editor (Magic xpa 3.x)

DotNet Expression Prefix

You can directly type .NET code into the Expression Editor by using the DotNet expression prefix to directly refer to objects defined in the defined assemblies, without the need to define a variable for them, such as: DotNet.System.something.

Automatic Complete

In the Expression Editor, press Ctrl+Space to open a list of functions. In this list, you will find the DotNet expression prefix as shown in the image below.

Once you type a period (.) after a .NET object or the DotNet expression prefix, the Automatic Complete function is activated. You can manually reopen the selection list by pressing Ctrl+Space. The Automatic Complete list will show you all the relevant .NET objects, such as properties and methods.

Expressions or operations with a .NET variable or a phrase with the DotNet expression prefix, are considered to be client-side and are marked with a C.

Icons

In the Expression Editor, when you use the auto-complete function, you will come across various icons. Here is a list of some of the most frequently seen icons.

	Namespace
	Public property
	Public macro
	Public interface
	Public class
	Public enumeration
	Constant inside enumeration
	Public structure
	Public method
	Protected method
	Public event
	Public delegate

Using .NET in the Expression Editor

You can use the Expression Editor to:

• Initialize a .NET variable

• Get the property value or member value of a .NET variable – You can retrieve the value of a .NET variable by simply writing the variable followed by a dot and the property name. For example: A.Text (where A is a .NET variable). Note the following:

• Nested and static properties are supported. For example: A.Text.Length or DotNet.System.Drawing.Text.

• Brackets [ ] for arrays are supported. You can write another expression in the brackets.

• This reference will return the property value according to the property type.

• In case of an error, Null() will be returned.

• Set the property value or member value of a .NET variable using the DNSet function.

• Invoke a .NET variable method – Invoking a .NET variable method is done by simply typing the variable followed by a dot and the method name. For example: A.ToString() (where A is a .NET variable).

• Nested methods are supported.

• For Out parameters in the method signature, you must use the DNRef function.

• Brackets [ ] for arrays are supported. You can write another expression in the brackets.

• This reference will return the value returned from the method.

• In case of an error or a void value, Null() will be returned.

• Passing pointers to a method is not supported. Instead, you should send the variable by reference by sending DNRef(var)

• Use Enumerators (Enums) – Enums can be referenced directly as any other property/method by using the DotNet variable.
  
  For example: DotNet.System.Windows.Forms.AutoScaleMode.Dpi

Related Topics

How Do I Use .NET Enums?