Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Development:
ADM and SmartObjects

SmartObject application benefits

SmartObjects offer a dimension of object integration and flexibility of use that you cannot achieve with basic objects (Progress 4GL widgets). Unlike basic objects, which are built into the 4GL, each SmartObject is represented by an entire 4GL procedure file.

The benefits of using SmartObjects in Progress 4GL applications are summarized below:

Application assembly — Each SmartObject master is a predefined application component that can encapsulate more complex functionality than an individual basic object, so you can assemble more sophisticated applications in less time.
Object interoperability — Because the ADM gives SmartObjects standardized ways of interacting with each other, it is easier to integrate individual object instances into applications.
Code reusability — Because a single object can have multiple run-time instances, you can create code that can be used repeatedly.
Maintainability — Your development process is organized so as to make complex applications easy to maintain. SmartObject code is easily maintainable because changes to a single SmartObject master are reflected in all instances of that SmartObject.
Standard look — Different applications can instantiate the same SmartObject master, so you can establish a consistent look and feel across multiple applications.
Module independence — You can write each object without specific knowledge of other objects, thus reducing large-scale problems into application components that you can work on independently.