Visible key

The visible key of an instance is the text value of a reserved property @baseclass.pxInsName. This property is defined in the ultimate base class and so is available in every class. The value of this property is sometimes called the instance name or informally "insname".

The system forms the visible key for an object by concatenating values of the properties identified on the  Keys  tab of the class rule. On most rule and data forms, you supply these values as key parts as you complete the New instance form and the Save As form. Two rules with identical visible keys that are both available to you are known as siblings.

The total length of a visible key cannot exceed 128 bytes.

For most rule types, the standard property .pyRuleName contains the exact case of the Name or Purpose key part; this is useful in reporting on rules or presenting a selection list of rules. In contrast, the visible keys present this key part in uppercase.

Don't confuse the visible key with the handle or internal key. The handle includes the class name and a creation date and time for the instance.

	family name, handle, instance, internal key, sibling rules, ultimate base class
	Choosing good rule and data instance names
	Atlas — Standard properties in @baseclass

Definitions