Methods and Properties
Objects have attributes associated with them. The AutoTernaryPlot object, for example, has an attribute called zCol that represents the Z column used to create the plot. An object's attributes, also known as its properties, may be examined and changed by scripts. Some properties may be examined, but may not be changed. These are called read-only properties.
In addition to having properties, many automation objects perform services. A Document object, for example, performs the SaveAs service when a script instructs it to do so. The services that an object performs are called its methods. Methods often require parameters to control how their services are performed. The Document object's SaveAs method, for example, accepts two parameters: a file name and a file format code.
The way Grapher automation objects' properties and methods are accessed varies depending on the programming language you use. In the Golden Software Scripter language, properties and methods are accessed by typing the name of an object variable, followed by a period, and the name of the property or method:
Set x = CreateObject("Grapher.Application")
x.Visible = True
This sample creates an Application object and sets the Application object's Visible property to the special True value predefined by the Scripter language.
You can find all the properties and methods that are available for each of the automation objects, and a description of the objects, in the online help. To view the online help, select either the Help | Automation Help command in Grapher, or the Help | Grapher Automation Help command in Scripter. The ActiveX Automation Members dialog also shows you the available objects, properties, and methods. To view this dialog, select the Debug | Browse command in Scripter. See the Object Browser section of this chapter for information on this dialog.