ONLINE HELP
 WINDEVWEBDEV AND WINDEV MOBILE

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Help / Environment
  • Overview
  • "User" tab
  • User details?
  • User dictionary
  • PC SOFT account
  • "General" tab
  • Language
  • Startup
  • Backup
  • Speeding up the environment
  • Source Code Manager (SCM)
  • Telemetry
  • Updates
  • "Editor" tab
  • Themes
  • Environment panes
  • Miscellaneous
  • Reset environment
  • "Web" tab
  • Browser
  • Web server
  • "Translation" tab
  • Configuring the translation options
  • Using the automatic translation
  • "Directories" tab
  • Directories of optional elements
  • Other paths
  • "Proxy" tab
  • "Help" tab
  • "Don't show again" tab
  • "AAD" tab
  • "Third-party APIs" tab
WINDEV
WindowsLinuxJavaReports and QueriesUser code (UMC)
WEBDEV
WindowsLinuxPHPWEBDEV - Browser code
WINDEV Mobile
AndroidAndroid Widget iPhone/iPadIOS WidgetApple WatchMac Catalyst
Others
Stored procedures
WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile general options
Overview
The general options are used to configure the working environment of the product used.
These options affect:
WINDEV To open the WINDEV options, go to the "Home" tab, "Environment" group, expand "Options" and select "WINDEV general options".
WEBDEV - Server code To open the WEBDEV options, go to the "Home" tab, "Environment" group, expand "Options" and select "WEBDEV general options".
WINDEV Mobile To open the WINDEV Mobile options, go to the "Home" tab, "Environment" group, expand "Options" and select "WINDEV Mobile general options".
"User" tab

User details?

The "User" tab allows you to manage the details of the current user.
You can find out who the current user is. The button opens the following options:
  • Edit personal details:
    The window containing the personal details saved in the Control Center is displayed. You can edit this information. For example, you can change the password used to log in to the Control Centers.
  • Control Center parameters (option not available in "SaaS" version):
    This allows you to view and change the current data file settings in the Control Centers. For more details, see Database of the Control Centers.
  • SaaS Exclusivity
    Connection settings (only available in "SaaS" version):
    In the login window, you can click the "Parameters" link to view and change the Control Center connection parameters. For more details, see Database of the Control Centers.
It is possible to:
  • Synchronize settings in the Control Centers: This option is used to save the environment in the Control Centers. In this case, the environment defined by the developer (position of panes, displayed panes, etc.) will be linked to the WINDEV, WEBDEV or WINDEV Mobile login account. The user will be able to access their custom environment from any computer linked to the Control Center database.
  • Request password at startup (not available in "SaaS" version): This option enables or disables the login window at product startup. This window allows users to enter their username and password.
  • Show name in the title of the editor: This option displays the username in the title bar of all the editors.

User dictionary

A specific dictionary can be defined for each user.
The elements found in this dictionary (controls, windows, etc.) can be accessed from the "Preset controls" pane.
SaaS Exclusivity

PC SOFT account

This section contains the details of the account used to access the WINDEV Suite SaaS subscription:
  • Email.
    You can access your account information by clicking "Manage account".
    The "Request login credentials next time" button is used to force user authentication next time the software is launched. The user will have to enter their login credentials again.. For example, this option can be used to "force" an online connection so that the user can extend the offline grace period.
  • Authorized products.
    WINDEV Suite SaaS lets you use up to 4 products: WINDEV, WEBDEV, WINDEV Mobile and WDMSG.
  • License details:
    This information concerns:
    • identifier.
    • subscription end date (before renewal).
    • end date (without logging in).
      The "Traveling / Limited Internet access" link allows you to extend the offline grace period, if available. This option can be used when you need to travel and are not sure you have access to a stable Internet connection at all times.
"General" tab

Language

The options in the "Language" section are as follows:
  • Language of the editor: This option allows you to choose the display language of the editor: English, Spanish or French.
  • Code language: This option lets you define the language used to write WLanguage code in the code editor: English or French.
  • New in version 2025
    Vocabulary: This option lets you choose the vocabulary used in the interface and in the product help. You can use:
    • the "history" vocabulary via the "#Team Data file" option: this vocabulary uses the terms "data files", "analysis", "skin template", etc. In the documentation site, to obtain help using this vocabulary, simply select "Français (historique)".
    • standard vocabulary via the "#Team Table" option: this vocabulary uses the terms "table", "database schema", "theme", etc. In the documentation site, to obtain help using this vocabulary, simply select "French (generic)".
    For more details, see Choose your vocabulary.

Startup

The following options appear in the "Startup" section:
  • Load the last project: This option automatically loads the last project opened.
  • Last projects used and Last documents used: These options allow you to set the number of projects and documents shown in the list of recent elements. Simply select the desired element or project to open it directly in the corresponding editor.
    The last documents and projects used are displayed at the end of the options used to open a project:
    • Open in the quick access buttons.
    • on the "Home" tab, in the "General" group, expand "Open". The last files used ("Recent files") and the last projects used ("Recent projects") are displayed:
      Last elements used
    Remarks:
    • The maximum number of projects that can be displayed in this list is set to 10.
    • The maximum number of elements that can be displayed is set to 10.
  • DPI management: Different DPI management modes for displaying the WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile editors:
    • Let Windows manage DPI: This option is recommended when the default mode does not display the font used for the editor options properly, especially in small screens with a high DPI (e.g., Macbook Retina). When using multiple monitors with different DPI settings, images and fonts may be blurred.
    • Use main screen DPI: If this option is selected, the WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile editors are displayed using to the resolution of the main screen. This option is recommended when using multiple screens with the same DPI settings as the main screen.
    • Independent DPI per screen (default): This option allows you to use the WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile editors on multiple screens with different DPI settings. The environments are clearly displayed, regardless of the screen. When switching between different screens (with different DPIs), editors and displayed items resize correctly.
Caution: This DPI setting only affects editors for development only. It has no effect on the developed applications. For applications, this setting can be modified in the window description ("UI" tab, "Display in large fonts: Enlarge the window and controls").

Backup

The backup options are as follows:
  • Propose to save the element as soon as it is created: This option is checked by default and opens a window to save any new element as soon as it is created. Among other features, this option enables automatic completion of control names, etc. If this option is unchecked, the save dialog box will be displayed when the window is closed or when the Ctrl + S key combination is used for the first time.
  • If the "Manage the automatic backup of project elements (.bk? and .tk?)" option is checked, two archive files will be generated for each element handled (window, report, class, etc.):
    • ".BK*" files (".BKW", ".BKE", ".BKR", etc.)
      The BK* file is created during the first backup of the object after opening the project. It corresponds to the version of the object when the project was opened.
      The BK* file is used to recover a project, window (or other) in the state it was in before the project was opened in the editor.
    • ".TK*" files (".TKW", ".TKE", ".TKR", etc.)
      The TK* file is created whenever the object is saved. It corresponds to the N-1 status of the object.
      The TK* file is used to restore a project, window (or other) to the state it was in before the last save in the editor.
    The ".BK*" and ".TK*" files are saved in the "Backup" directory of your project.
  • Force the flush: By default, all write operations performed by WINDEV, WEBDEV or WINDEV Mobile (save project elements, etc.) are not performed immediately on network disks.
    To force writing and avoid using "caches", check "Force the flush". This option may slow down some functionalities, such as project compilation. We recommend that you use this option for the projects shared between several developers.
    Note: This option has no effect on the execution of the WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile applications.
  • Allow the projects coming from an earlier version to be opened without backup: By default, opening a project from an earlier version creates a backup copy. This backup is made in the project directory. If this option is checked, a backup prompt will appear when opening the project in a later version.

Speeding up the environment

To speed up the environment, you can:
  • Choose the project compilation mode. The available compilation modes are:
    • Single-core: A single core is used to compile the project. The different elements of the project are compiled when the project is opened. It is also possible to explicitly request a recompilation of the project (in the "Project" pane, in the "Project" group, scroll down to "Recompile and synchronize" and select "Recompile project"). This recompilation can be performed before creating the executable for example.
    • Warning
      WINDEVWINDEV Mobile Background: This mode allows for a non-blocking project compilation. You can continue to use your software while the project is being compiled.
      Note: This option is kept for backward compatibility. It only appears if it was already selected.
    • Multi-core: All cores are used to compile the project. This translates into faster compilation, compared to the single-core mode. Starting with version 26 U2, this recompilation mode is selected by default. This recompilation is triggered in the following cases:
      • when the project is opened, if a complete project recompilation is necessary.
      • when specifically requested: on the "Project" tab, in the "Project" group, expand "Recompile and synchronize" and select "Recompile project" or "Repair project".
      • when changing a project configuration, only if this project configuration has not yet been enabled on the current computer.
      Note: By default, all the processor cores will be used if "Multi-core" compilation is selected. For more specific settings, you can choose the number of threads to use. This allows you to handle special cases and allow other processes to continue to run at a reasonable speed.
  • New in version 2025
    Graphics rendering optimization The graphic rendering of your environment can use one of the following options:
    • Default (recommended, without windows handle): Editor and description windows no longer use Windows handles. Smoother operation and faster display of description windows.
    • Disabled (compatible mode): Display not optimized. This option is compatible with versions prior to 2025.
    • Windows handle-free rendering: Editor and description windows no longer use Windows handles. Smoother operation and faster display of description windows.
  • Disable business rules: Loading the business rules from the Control Center database may slow down the display of elements in the editor or the loading of the description window. This option is recommended when using a slow network or during a development via the Cloud.
    Note: In this case, business rules are disabled.
  • Disable spelling checker. By default, the environment uses the Open Office spelling checker. This checker allows you to get real-time spell checking by using the Open Office dictionary. You have the ability to disable this checker. For more details on the spelling checker, see Check spelling.
  • Disable speech recognition. The environment responds to the voice commands (from Windows Vista). Speech recognition can be disabled. For more details, see Voice commands in the environment.

Source Code Manager (SCM)

The options of WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile allow you to configure the check-out mode for the elements of a project found in the SCM.
Two check-out modes are available for the project elements:
  • Standard mode: If you view an element from the SCM that has not been checked out, a message indicates that this element must be checked out in order to be modified.
  • Automatic mode: When you try to modify an element that has not been checked out, the SCM automatically prompts you to check it out. Note: This mode is not recommended when using the SCM with a slow Internet connection.
The "Check out elements on first modification" option switches from conventional mode (unchecked) to automation mode (checked).
For more details, see Checking out an element.

Telemetry

To help improve WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile, you can enable usage metrics by checking "I want to take part in the improvement of XXX".
By checking this option, you authorize PC SOFT to collect information about your use of WINDEV, WEBDEV or WINDEV Mobile. This optional and anonymous collect allows PC SOFT to improve the features of the product used. You will need to restart the product in order to apply this change.

Updates

To receive update notifications directly in the IDE, check "Notify me when a XXX update is available".
You will be able to choose to install or not the update.
"Editor" tab

Themes

This option is used to choose the theme of the editor. The light theme is used by default.
Other themes are available:
  • Light theme, Grey ribbon. In this mode, the menu bar (ribbon) is gray.
  • Gray theme. In this mode, the menu bar (ribbon) is gray and the different windows of the interface are displayed on a light grey background.
  • Dark theme. In this mode, the environment and the different interface windows are displayed on a black or dark gray background.
Note: The chosen theme will be applied next time the software is launched.
Tip: In some cases, it may be necessary to change the theme regularly depending on the current activity. For example, when on a video call, or when using a video projector, the light theme will be preferred, whereas in the development phase, the dark theme will be more appropriate. To start WINDEV in the desired theme without going through the options and restarting the software:
  • create a shortcut to the "WINDEV64.exe" file
  • in the command line, specify the "/THEME" parameter with the desired theme (DARK, LIGHT or GRAY).
For example:
C:\WINDEV 2024\Programs\WINDEV64.exe /THEME=DARK

Environment panes

This option allows you to choose the panes to display. You also have the ability to choose the panes to display:
  • via the ribbon: On the "Home" tab, in the "Environment" group, expand "Panes", select "Panes", and then select the panes you want to display.
  • via the context menu of the ribbon.
For more details, see Dockable panes.

Miscellaneous

The following options appear in the "Miscellaneous" section:
  • Expand left pane vertically: If this option is checked, the panes on the left will occupy all the vertical space in the environment.
  • Expand right pane vertically: If this option is checked, the panes on the right will occupy all the vertical space in the environment.
  • FishEye effect on charts: When enabled, this effect allows you to enlarge a section of project graphs as you hover over them. Its action is equivalent to the one of a magnifier. For more details, see "FishEye".
    The available FishEye modes are:
    • Never: FishEye mode will never be enabled.
    • When zoom is between 25% and 75%: FishEye mode will be enabled according to the zoom value.
    • When zoom is below 100%: FishEye mode will be enabled according to the zoom value.
    • When Ctrl and Shift are pressed: FishEye mode will be enabled when a key combination is used.

Reset environment

This option resets the environment next time the software is launched. The environment will use the same settings as when it was launched for the first time.
WEBDEV - Server code
"Web" tab

Browser

This option allows you to choose the browser that will be used by default for testing:
  • Default (system): Default browser installed in the current computer,
  • Internet Explorer,
  • Microsoft Edge,
  • Mozilla Firefox,
  • Opera,
  • Google Chrome,
  • Display a QR code to test from a phone,
  • Other: This option allows you to specify a path to the desired browser.
Tip: To select the browser used for testing a page, click the page test icon the quick access buttons. The arrow on the right expands a menu to choose the browser to be used for the test.
GO with browser choice

Web server

This option allows you to specify the Web server used by WEBDEV Development version. The "Modify" button allows you to change the default Web server used for tests performed from the WEBDEV editor.
"Translation" tab

Configuring the translation options

If your project is multilingual, the characteristics of an element (window title, control caption, etc.) must be entered in all the languages of your application.
You can:
  • Enable the automatic change of input regional settings: This option allows you to automatically enable the language used by the keyboard when the cursor is positioned in an input area of a language that uses a specific character set.
  • Translation engine: This option allows you to select a specific translation engine. The specified translation engine will be used to automatically translate text project elements without leaving the environment. You can use one of the following translation tools:
    • WDDIXIO,
    • a specific software.
      In this case, you have the ability to configure the mode for transferring the information to translate from WINDEV, WEBDEV or WINDEV Mobile to the software used as well as the mode for retrieving the translated information from the translation software.
    • an Internet site.
      In this case, when you click "Translate", the text is copied to the clipboard and the website opens automatically. There is no return or direct translation in this mode.
    • Google Translate. In this case, you must specify the API key expected by Google Translate. For more details, see Translating with Google Translate.
      Note: By using this option, you need to agree to Google's terms for using the translation service.
  • Select the supported languages (source and destination languages)
Remarks:
  • To configure the transfer mode properly, see the documentation supplied with your translation software.
  • WDDIXIO is a multilingual dictionary supplied with WDMSG. Contact PC SOFT Sales Department for more details about the conditions for using this program.

Using the automatic translation

To use the automatic translation that was configured beforehand:
  1. Select the text to translate (e.g. the caption in the control description window).
  2. Click the "Translate" button (available in the control description window, for example).
  3. Retrieve the translation according to the options chosen when configuring the automatic translation (paste into the translated area for example).
For more details, see Multilingual applications.
"Directories" tab

Directories of optional elements

This option allows you to configure the directories used by default by the optional elements of the environment:
  • Custom projects: Default directory for new projects.
  • Goodies: Directory containing buttons with preset styles.
  • Skin templates: Directory containing the styles that can be applied to your projects or windows.
  • Tutorials: Directory of examples used in tutorials.
  • Examples: Directory of examples provided as standard.
  • Videos: Directory of presentation videos.
  • Code snippets: Directory containing code snippets.
  • Messages: Directory containing the database of custom messages.
For each element, the [...] button allows you to customize each one of the directories (if the product is used in network for example).

Other paths

  • New in version 2025
    File explorer Allows you to enter the path of the executable corresponding to the file explorer to be used from WINDEV, WEBDEV and WINDEV Mobile. This means you can use "Total Commander" instead of Windows Explorer.
    Please note This option is only available from version 2025 Update 1.
  • WINDEVWEBDEV - Server code Python interpreter Enter the path of the Python interpreter to use. This interpreter is used for native Python calls. This interpreter will read the information contained in ".py" files. For more details, see Python: Native calls.
"Proxy" tab
The "Proxy" tab allows you to define the characteristics of the proxy that will be used by the environment to access Internet.
Note: In some cases, the environment may require access to the Internet:
  • Using web services,
  • Cloud platform,
  • Downloading Gradle,
  • Online help,
  • etc.
By checking "Use a proxy", you can specify the characteristics of the proxy to use:
  • Address,
  • Port,
  • User and password (optional).
The "Test" button is used to check the specified parameters.
"Help" tab
This tab is used to define the use mode of the online help.
Help pages are available:
  • locally: Help files are installed on the development computer. The help is displayed in a special help browser.
  • on the Internet: Help pages are accessible to any computer with an Internet connection, even if the development software is not installed. This help is updated on a regular basis.
To use:
  • the local help, simply select "Use the local help".
  • the online help, simply select "Use the online help".
This tab is also used to filter the displayed help. It is possible to:
  • Display help for all products (WINDEV, WEBDEV, WINDEV Mobile and Reports Queries): the help common to WINDEV, WEBDEV, WINDEV Mobile and Reports and Queries will be displayed. All the paragraphs specific to a product will be shown. All the index entries (even the ones specific to a given product) will be accessible.
  • Display help for current product only: only the help pages relevant to the current product will be accessible. Notes regarding other products will not be shown.
For more details, see How to access the help.
Note: If you use Reports and Queries, only the online help will be available.
"Don't show again" tab
This tab lists all the messages for which the "Don't show again" option has been enabled. The messages in this list no longer appear in the environment.
Simply uncheck a message to re-enable it.
"AAD" tab
This tab is used to configure the Assisted Application Development (AAD).
You can:
  • Specify the position of the AAD tooltip.
  • Request to be notified about new AAD tips.
  • Request a confirmation before running the selected AAD.
The list of disabled tips is displayed. To re-enable a tip, all you have to do is check the corresponding line.
"Third-party APIs" tab
This tab allows you to enter the keys required to use third-party APIs.
You can:
Minimum version required
  • Version 9
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Last update: 02/01/2025

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