FAQ

BWEB is a component for 4D that allows you to transform any application running in project mode into a full-web application.

An automatic installer allows you to set up all the necessary components such as Node.js, Tailwind, etc.

Once the 4D HTTP server is activated, you can start developing by entering the web server URL followed by /bweb/ in a browser.

A complete set of parameters allows you to define your domain, language, tree structure, generic headers and footers, etc.

On the right side of the screen, the Dev Panel will allow you to fill each page with various static or dynamic objects linked to 4D, while managing their behavior according to screen sizes, from mobile to extra-large.

On the left side of the window (Rendering pane), you will see the results of the Dev panel manipulations in real time.

Windows users will have an advantage because they can use multiple screens to display both panes at the same time! Mac users will be more comfortable with a large screen.

End users will access the same pages and see exactly the same rendering as the developer thanks to the more limited rights of their role.

One of the main features of 4D for over 40 years has been its “self-sufficiency.” The monolithic aspect that is sometimes criticized is actually a huge competitive advantage in terms of stability, performance, and profitability: 4D contains everything needed to develop a complete application on Mac and Windows, allowing 4D experts to focus on the business logic of the application and understanding user needs, without investing a large part of their time in technology watch, learning other languages, etc., or having to collaborate with experts in other languages.

Today, we are seeing that more and more end customers would like to use their favorite 4D application on the web, for a variety of reasons: for use on tablets and smartphones, to free themselves from the constraints or performance issues of VPNs or remote teleworking sessions, to switch to the cloud and no longer have to manage a server farm, to modernize their interface with standards they use every day in their environment, etc.

BWEB is one proposal (among others) to simplify this development process. It is aimed at 4D developers who are not web specialists and who want to extend their existing applications with web functionality with as little learning as possible, as well as develop new web projects to meet their customers' demands, using only their 4D expertise.

Developers who already have experience with the web will quickly feel at home with BWEB and will appreciate being able to access all their 4D data and functions natively, maintain only one technology in their deployments, and freely manipulate custom.css and custom.js files to customize their interfaces, add advanced widgets, and more.

• Using 4D version 20R6 or higher
• Working in project mode
• 4D single-user in development mode
• 4D Server + 4D Web Expansion for 4D Server in deployment mode

• Development with BWEB is free. You use the Web license included in 4D Developer to develop your entire BWEB interface.

• When you are ready to deploy your project with 4D Server and its 4D Web Server Expansion license, you must purchase a BWEB serial number for each instance of 4D Server.

• Each BWEB license costs €690 excluding tax. It is permanently linked to a 4D Server instance.

• In France, 20% VAT applies.
• In the European Economic Community, VAT applies to individuals or companies that do not have an intra-community VAT number. Companies that have an intra-community number are exempt from VAT.
• Outside the EU, sales are tax-free.

Up to 4D v20 R6 with the GET SERIAL INFORMATION command

Starting with 4D v20R7 using the License Info command (« Key » property)

By providing us with your server key, you will receive a unique BWEB serial number.

This number will be valid for all sub-versions of 4D, including R versions. For example, if you purchase a license for 4D v21, it will be valid for all v21.x versions as well as all v21R.x versions.

We will not offer a rate for upgrading from one version to another.

To upgrade from version 21 to version 22 of 4D, for example, you will need to purchase a new version of BWEB for each 4D Server deployed.

To use BWEB, you must be proficient in ORDA and 4D project mode.

No in-depth knowledge of the web is required. Some concepts are necessary to understand the hierarchy and placement of objects on a web page, but these concepts are explained in the BWEB documentation.

Getting started with BWEB will require some time to adapt, but this should be quick: our tutorials, demos, documentation, and of course our technical support are there to help you.

If you already have a good grasp of web development and the Tailwind framework, and/or JavaScript, you can edit the custom.css and custom.js files directly to customize your project's interface as you wish.

You can use our support form to ask us questions about using BWEB.

You can also contact us if you would like personalized support (training, advanced development, etc.).