How to implement client-side validations in OutSystems using built-in validation patterns?

Implementing Client-Side Validations in OutSystems Using Built-in Validation Patterns

Implementing client-side validations in OutSystems is essential to enhance user experience and ensure data integrity before it reaches the server. OutSystems offers built-in validation patterns that can be seamlessly integrated into your web or mobile applications. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step approach to implementing client-side validations in OutSystems.

Prerequisites

• An OutSystems account with the necessary permissions to create and modify applications.
• Basic knowledge of OutSystems, including creating screens, forms, and entities.
• Understanding of data types and properties in OutSystems.
• Familiarity with OutSystems Service Studio, where the development will take place.

Understanding Client-Side Validation in OutSystems

• Client-side validation occurs within the browser before form data is sent to the server.
• It helps users quickly identify and correct errors, improving user experience.
• OutSystems provides several built-in validation patterns that can be configured with minimal coding.

Setting Up an OutSystems Application

• Log in to your OutSystems environment and open the Service Studio.
• Create a new reactive or traditional web application, depending on your requirements.
• Add a new screen where you want to implement client-side validations.
• Drag and drop necessary widgets (e.g., inputs, buttons, forms) onto your screen.

Using Built-in Validation Patterns in OutSystems

• Each input widget in OutSystems has a "Validation" property that can be configured using expressions.
• Configure the "Validation" property by setting expressions or conditions that must be met.
• Example: For a required email input, set the "Validation" property to use built-in expressions like "EmailAddress" or your custom logic.
• Add a validation message that will be displayed if the input does not meet the criteria. Set this in the "Validation Message" property.

Defining Custom Validation Logic

• In cases where built-in patterns are insufficient, you can create custom validations using expressions.
• Use the "Expression Editor" to define complex validation logic. This offers a way to incorporate multiple conditions.
• For example, create an expression for a password field to include length criteria and special character checks.

Implementing Client-Side Logic Using Events

• Leverage JavaScript client actions in OutSystems to enhance validation logic.
• Create a JavaScript client action that runs custom validation scripts on specific user events such as on change or on submit.
• Set up feedback messages on the screen that respond to JavaScript actions, thus enhancing user interaction.

Testing Client-Side Validations

• Use the "1-Click Publish" feature in OutSystems Service Studio to deploy your app in a test environment.
• Test various inputs on your forms for different validation scenarios to ensure everything works as expected.
• Check performance to ensure client-side scripting does not degrade the user experience.
• Use browser development tools to debug any JavaScript or validation issues during testing.

Deploying Your Validated Application

• Once testing is complete and all validations are working correctly, prepare your application for deployment.
• Ensure configurations are updated for production, focusing on data protection and user security.
• Deploy the application through OutSystems LifeTime, ensuring all user's client devices experience smooth transactions.

By leveraging the built-in validation patterns along with custom logic in OutSystems, you can create robust, client-side validation mechanisms. This not only provides seamless user interactions but also significantly reduces the data validation burden on server-side resources.