Cy Think Survey

Programmer's Guide to CMS Action Menus

Action Menus are presented when a user is logged in. Most users only see a limited number of action buttons. Typically, the complete set of action buttons is available only to the programmer. The action buttons are shown based on user access type. A programmer will see the Programmer's Action Menu, an administrator will see the Administrator's Action Menu, etc.

This document is intended to help the programmer make changes to these Action Menus. This is a programming task since it may involve changes to the program code in the JshGUI.pm module.

The menuctrl.txt file controls where on the menu each particular button will appear. This includes both the row and the position in the row. This file also controls what group or groups of users will see or not see the particular action button.

A new button requires an entry in this file. When creating new functionality, add an entry to this file on the selected development website. If needed, consult JshGUI.pm to be sure your chosen button code is unique.

Here are the steps you need to take when adding an action button.

1. Decide if the button needs to be on a new line.
2. Decide on the line and the position in the line where you want the button to appear.
3. Decide what group or groups of users need to see the button and access the function.
4. Decide on the button code for button.
5. Logon with administrator's privileges.
   
6. Click "Content".
7. Select "Configuration Files" and click "Continue".
   
8. Select the menu control file, usually "menuctrl.txt" and click "Edit the File".
   
9. Add a line to the table for the new button in the appropriate position.
10. Make a note of the button code for use in a later step.
11. Be sure to adjust the line numbers if needed.
12. Be sure to make note of whether the button is on a new line.
13. Make any other needed changes and click "Save Changes".
    
    
14. Open JshGUI.pm.
15. If the button(s) are to be on a new line, increase the number of loops in gui_action_menu to handle the additional line.
    
16. Add code for the new button to expand_mybtn. The button codes are arranged alphabetically.
17. You need to specify the .pl filename and function associated with the button code.
18. Save and upload JshGUI.pm to make the change effective.
19. View the Action Menu to confirm that you have achieved the desired effect.
    
20. Make additional changes, as needed.
    

This procedure is abbreviated and high level. Programmers should apply their knowledge and experience to supply any missing details.