You can create your own templates based on a database that you have designed or modified. Creating a template is a relatively simple process that involves making a copy of the design elements of a database minus the data and then modifying the copy's database properties to mark it as a template and name it. Here are the steps to take:
Figure 2.25. When creating a template, change the extension to .ntf.
CAUTION
When you are creating a database template, it should always be placed in the default data directory so that it can be chosen from the list of available template databases in the new database dialog box. If the template is placed in a subdirectory, it will not be available in this list.
You have created a design copy of the database, but it is not yet a full-fledged template. To make it a template, you have to change the database properties to give the template a name:
Figure 2.26. The Design tab of the Database properties box specifies whether the database is a template or inherits from a template.
NOTE
Templates do not actually have to be saved with an .ntf extension, but it is good practice to do so. You can turn a database file with an .nsf extension into a template by changing the database properties using the previous steps. However, the file will not be listed in the template listing when creating a new database unless it has the .ntf extension.
New databases can now be created from this template and can inherit design changes if the database and template both reside on a server because refreshing the design is accomplished through the server task. If a database and its template reside on a workstation, the design can be refreshed manually by choosing File, Database, Refresh Design from the menu.
When a new database is created, the default entry in the Access Control List is set to Designer and you are set as the Manager. You can set a default ACL that is stored in the template by placing square brackets around the entries that you want to inherit to the new database. If you choose to do this, make sure that you are listed as the Manager or Designer. Using the ACL of a template, you can change the default entry and add users, servers, or groups to the ACL. To do this, create another default entry with brackets, [-Default-] , in the ACL and set the access to No Access. Follow that with whatever additional groups, servers, and users you want to add, in brackets.
Part I. Introduction to Release 6
Whats New in Release 6?
The Release 6 Object Store
The Integrated Development Environment
Part II. Foundations of Application Design
Forms Design
Advanced Form Design
Designing Views
Using Shared Resources in Domino Applications
Using the Page Designer
Creating Outlines
Adding Framesets to Domino Applications
Automating Your Application with Agents
Part III. Programming Domino Applications
Using the Formula Language
Real-World Examples Using the Formula Language
Writing LotusScript for Domino Applications
Real-World LotusScript Examples
Writing JavaScript for Domino Applications
Real-World JavaScript Examples
Writing Java for Domino Applications
Real-World Java Examples
Enhancing Domino Applications for the Web
Part IV. Advanced Design Topics
Accessing Data with XML
Accessing Data with DECS and DCRs
Security and Domino Applications
Creating Workflow Applications
Analyzing Domino Applications
Part V. Appendices
Appendix A. HTML Reference
Appendix B. Domino URL Reference