Control your fields
Field settings are the building blocks of how data is captured, managed, and displayed in your application. By configuring these settings, you can shape the way users interact with your fields and ensure data is collected consistently. Here is a detailed overview of the common settings available for all field types in Engine Awesome:
Field Label: This is the display name of the field that users will see in the layout. Use a clear and descriptive label to make it easy for users to understand the purpose of the field.
Field Slug: The field slug is a unique identifier for internal use. It should be lowercase, contain no spaces, and must remain unique across all fields. This helps the system identify and manage your fields behind the scenes.
Semantics: Choosing an appropriate semantic type for your field helps give more context to the data, improving accessibility and enhancing searchability. For example, marking a field as an “email” or “phone number” tells the system and users more about what data is expected.
Default Value: This setting allows you to set a predefined value that automatically appears when no data is entered by the user. Default values can help streamline data entry by providing suggested or common responses.
Is Required: Toggle this option to make the field mandatory. This can also be configured conditionally, meaning it becomes required based on the value of another field. This ensures all necessary data is collected while providing flexibility depending on user input.
Edit Locking: Edit Locking prevents users from changing the field’s value after it has been set. You can also configure conditions to control when the field should be locked. This is useful for maintaining data integrity in fields that shouldn’t change after initial input, such as order numbers or timestamps.
Conditional Fields: This powerful setting allows fields to be editable or required based on the value of another field. For example, you might require an “Explanation” field to appear when a “Requires Explanation” checkbox is selected. This makes the form more dynamic and responsive to the user’s choices.
Additional Settings
By understanding and effectively using these settings, you can create a more efficient and user-friendly experience for everyone interacting with your Engine Awesome application.