I'm happy to release B4A v3.80 BETA. This version includes several major new features that make it easier to develop real-world solutions and reuse code between different projects.
#AdditionalJar attribute - Allows adding jar files to the compilation. Together with JavaObject library it is now possible to use 3rd party libraries without a wrapper (not in all cases).
Project meta file - This file stores "dynamic" project state: modules visibility and order, collapsed nodes, bookmarks and breakpoints. This file should be excluded from source controls.
Bit.InputStreamToBytes - Reads all the data from an input stream and returns an array of bytes with the data. The input stream is closed automatically.
JSON generator supports arrays as well as lists.
CreateMap keyword - A shorthand method for creating and filling Maps. For example:
B4X:
Dim m1 As Map = CreateMap("Key1": 10, "Key2": 20)
Array keyword - The type can be omitted. In that case the array type will be Object. The Array keyword now supports creating empty arrays.
Spinner.DropDownBackgroundColor property
Debugger can optionally show hexadecimal values.
Auto complete for layouts and assets files:
Libraries filter box:
Add existing modules supports multiple selection.
New configurable color: ToolTipDefaultText (color of non-code tool tips text)
Other minor improvements and bug fixes.
All users who are eligible for a free upgrade should receive an email with the link to the beta version. Please allow 12 hours for this mail to arrive.
Note that this is a beta version. You should backup your projects before loading them with the new version.
Projects saved in v3.80 cannot be opened with older versions of B4A (due to the new meta files).
There is no simple solution for this, however it should be possible:
- Create two folders: files1 and files2.
- Use #CustomBuildAction to delete the files in the Files folder and copy the files from files1 or files2 to the files folder.
If it is not clear then please start a new thread for this question.
It's alwasy been like that , Plus that's why it's Beta version , maybe you can do backups because you really should try this version it has amazing features
#AdditionalJar attribute - Allows adding jar files to the compilation. Together with JavaObject library it is now possible to use 3rd party libraries without a wrapper (not in all cases).
Hi Erel,
Superb... pls review my proposal regarding Internet of Things in the wish lists for the next version. Android devices can be made as command panel linking all electronics via cloud.
Well done!
Sam
Thank you for this great update, I got the email yesterday. I'd love to try the new version but I'm not really a fan of 'Beta' stuff. Will wait for the official version to come. Cheers!
Two minor things (don't want to start a new thread for this)
The "Project/Package Name" menu is obsolete and should be removed. I think it is still in to not confuse old users but now we have two menu items which do exactly the same thing. This is more confusing to new users.
If I type
#end if
it is not case corrected automatically as the other keywords.
Edit:
Another thing: The current build configuration should be visible somewhere in the IDE. Perhaps at the status bar or in the window title.
The "Project/Package Name" menu is obsolete and should be removed. I think it is still in to not confuse old users but now we have two menu items which do exactly the same thing. This is more confusing to new users.