WP Data Access 5.5.0 introduces the new App Builder. It offers a new way of building apps from your database tables.

After updating to version 5.5.0, you will notice a new button on the top toolbar called “Apps“. Click this button to access the new app builder interface.

Creating Apps

To create a new app, click on the “Create New App” icon to start the App Wizard.

The App Wizard will guide you through three steps. You can cancel the wizard by clicking on the X button in the upper right corner.

App Wizard

Step 1: App Info – This is where you enter basic information for your app

• App Name – The name of your app. It must be unique
• App Title – The title can be used to describe your app
• App Type – Choose between Data Table (Read Only) or Data Administration (Supports transactions)

Step 2: Data Source – Select your data source

• Database – Select which database your table is located
• Table Name – The main table source of your app. The table list is updated in real-time when choosing another database.
• Select Columns – After selecting a table, listed column names are updated in real-time. All columns are selected by default. De-select to exclude columns.

Step 3: Authorization

• Authorized access only – Only logged-in users with specified roles can view/access your app
• Anonymous Access – All users (both logged in and out) can access your app

Click on Finish to complete building your app.

Run & Build

After completing the app wizard, your new app will be added to the main app page. Hover over your app name and click on “Run & Build” to start customizing your app.

Customizations

The table builder is available from the toolbar and works just like the table builder in the new data explorer. When you view a row, you can also access the form builder from the toolbar. There are more options available in the builders accessed from the App Builder than the ones you see in the Data Explorer.

Many improvements have been added to the table and form builder since the release of 5.4.0. Feel free to explore and don’t hesitate to message us if you have questions!

Access

You can set up access to your app in the “Manage App > Access” toolbar.

For frontend access, you can turn on Feedback to show authorization and usage errors when users without authorization try to access your app. After toggling the option, copy the new shortcode and use it on your frontend page.

Notable New Features added in version 5.5.0

1. Shortcodes to access both the Data Explorer and App Builder in the frontend.

– Embed the Data Explorer on your frontend pages

– Embed the App Builder on your frontend pages. Working with the App Builder on the frontend allows you to see your changes in realtime while you build your apps.

2. Conditional Lookups

You can now update form field options based on another field.

Conditional lookups can be set up per column field in the form builder and in the table builder if you have inline editing enabled.

3. Grid Positioning in the Form Builder

You can now re-arrange your form fields using grid positioning. This option is available in the Form Builder > Grid.

4. Inline Editing, Dropdown Value Selection on Columns, Filter Modes on Column Search

More column options added in the Table Builder. Search and filter settings are now available per column. Filter modes are also available per column.

6. Computed Fields and Aggregation

You can now add a computed field based on calculations generated from other fields.

Aggregations are also now possible on numeric columns.