# Operations Dialog Box

The term "operation" refers to specialized callbacks that you can define using the GUI builder Operations dialog box. Callbacks are typically implemented by adding custom code to the Group file (project`.java`). However, for simple callbacks, it is often more convenient to use a GUI builder operation than to add custom code to the group class. In many cases a GUI builder operation can automate all of the code generation for a callback. You may find that you can use the Operations dialog box for all or most of your callbacks.

## Editing Operations Using GUI Builder

The Operations dialog box has Insert and Delete buttons:

- Use the Insert button to create a new operation and add it to the list of operations.
- Use the Delete button to remove operations from the list.

If you accidentally delete operations, you can click Reset to return the list to its state after the last Apply operation. There is no undo operation, so you cannot reverse changes you have applied.

Each time you click Insert, an operation is added to the list. GUI builder automatically assigns a unique name for each operation you create. You can edit that name in the Op Name field. Note that operations names must be unique within a group.

To create an operation:

1. Click Insert to create the operation
2. Click on the Filter button to modify the filter associated with the operations. Filters are described in Filter Editor.
3. Click on the Action button to modify the operation's action. Actions are described in Action Editor.

As you add most filters and actions you can test them "live" in the layout window. For example, if you specify an operation that changes the foreground color of a label when a specific button is clicked, the label will change color in the layout window when the button is clicked.

Custom actions added in the Action dialog box are available only when running the application and are not available live in the layout panel.

See also:

  Adding Operations to Components
  What Is a Component Operation?
  GUI Builder Runtime Classes
  Creating Menus
  What Are Groups and Shadows?
  More On Groups and Shadows

  Visual Java GUI Builder API Documentation
    Visual Java GUI Builder Runtime Packages
    Class Hierarchy
    Index of All Fields and Methods