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Key Features

If you are using a previous version of Chameleon, you already have a good understanding of the benefits. This section outlines some of the key features you will have access to when you upgrade to Chameleon 4.0:

Message Grammar Window

• The Table Grammar and Segment Grammar windows have been merged into one window, called the Message Grammar window. Although functionality virtually remains the same for each feature, usability improves since there is a one-to-one ratio between the two grammars. The segment grammar represents the external format of the message, while the table grammar represents the internal table/application view of the message. The Message Grammar window is divided into two panels, called the Segment Grammar panel and the Table Grammar panel.

Error/Warning Message Display

• The new Table Grammar panel (as a part of the Message Grammar window) provides warning and error message information in the Error/Warning Message Display. This makes it easier to troubleshoot mapping problems. By default, errors are always displayed; warnings can be toggled on/off. The types of errors that will be displayed include: Grammar root not set, invalid grammar roots, datatype mismatches, invalid composite fields and invalid fields.

Global Python Overview

• The Global Python Overview window provides a textual summary of all Python functions (global, messages, tables and segments) for a specific configuration. This is useful for locating the various Python scripts stored throughout your VMD file.

Tab Control

• Tab Control has been added to the Chameleon 4.0 user interface, allowing the simple management of all open windows in the Working Area.

Updated User Interface

• Chameleon 4.0 now features an improved, modern user interface with new or redesigned icons for every window.

Strict Grammar Checking Functionality

• The Strict Grammar Checking feature has been completely redesigned so that more descriptive error messages are displayed. When this option is turned on, error messages provide detailed context whenever a complete parse is performed.

Improved Networking Components Documentation

• Documentation for the new networking components has been significantly improved. For more information, see Chameleon Networking Components.
• Language API documentation for each supported language has also been added to the manual and is described in chapter 11.

Enhanced Character Set Logic For Handling Strings

• The character set string handling logic in Chameleon 4.0 has been completely redesigned. Strings in Java, C# (.NET), C++, Delphi and XML are now correctly converted when messages are received or sent.

Faster Serialization

• Major changes were made to the internal structure of VMD files in Chameleon 4.0. All VMD files are now saved in an earlier format, resulting in faster serialization. For more information, please see Message Definition File Structure Changes.

Proxy Support

• Proxy support has been added to Chameleon's registration library. If you are using a proxy for external internet access, this allows you to perform an automated Chameleon 4.0 registration.

Improved Client Projects

• More descriptive and useful sample messages are now generated for each client project in Java, C++, C#, Delphi, VB.NET and VB 6.0.