The Dynamic Duo - The Dynamic Layer Object API [Initialization]

Initialization of DynLayers

The DynLayer can be applied to any layer using this general format:


objectName = new DynLayer(id,nestref)

objectName - the name of the object (how you will reference the DynLayer object)
id - the ID of the layer to which this DynLayer is being applied to (cannot be the same as the objectName)
nestref - the nested reference to that layer (only needed when the layer is nested within other layer)

Simple Layer Example:

Let's say you have a very simple layer with this structure:


<STYLE>

#mylayerDiv {position:absolute; left:30; top:50;}

</STYLE>



<DIV ID="mylayerDiv"></DIV>

To initialize 'mylayerDiv', your javascript will be:


mylayer = new DynLayer('mylayerDiv')

Notice how I append the 'Div' extension on the ID of the layer. I do this is because the name of the object cannot be the same as the ID of the layer. It's just a nice way to keep your variables separate.

Nested Layer Example:


<DIV ID="myparentDiv">

	<DIV ID="mylayerDiv"></DIV>

</DIV>

To initialize 'mylayerDiv':


mylayer = new DynLayer('mylayerDiv','myparentDiv')

Notice the name of the parent layer is passed for the nestref argument.

Multiple Nesting:


<DIV ID="myparent1Div">

	<DIV ID="myparent2Div">

		<DIV ID="mylayerDiv"></DIV>

	</DIV>

</DIV>

If the layer is nested multiple times you must pass the names of all layers in that hierarchy separated by '.document.':


mylayer = new DynLayer('mylayer','myparent1Div.document.myparent2')

Initialization Demo:

View dynlayer-initialization1.html for an example showing various initializations.

Also Read: DynLayerInit() Function which you can call to automatically define DynLayers.

The Dynamic Layer Object API

Extending the DynLayer

Wipe Methods
Glide Methods
Load Method (External Source Files Lesson)
SetBGColor Method (Changing Styles Lesson)
ChangeImage Method (Changing Images Lesson)
Write Method (Layer Writing Lesson)
Geometric Objects
Path Object
Drag Object