InfoPath Dev

Hi, I am trying to get some clarity around the ramifications of editing the xsn form template after forms have been published to a form library on SharePoint. From what I understand, I can edit formatting without and ramifications, but if I do anything that impacts the XML schema it will cause problems. But what exactly are those problems? If I delete a field or change its name or datatype, that can lead to data loss? What if I add a field? Just trying to understand. If there are any good guidelines/documentation I would apprecaite it. Thanks

Hi -

I'm not sure what version of InfoPath you are using or if you are using browser or filler forms.

However, in all instances, moving, renaming, or deleting a form field will cause XML opened with the modified template to lose data if the template is set to upgrade existing XML. Mind you - the old XML generally won't open with the modified template unless you've set the template to upgrade existing XML. You can add custom upgrade code, if you like, to handle for this. In my opinion, it is better to simply refrain from moving, deleting or renaming nodes in a production template.

In IP 2010, I think the options for versioning are little more granular - at least where filler forms are concerned. The form template is cached on the user's machine, and in 2010, you have more options as to whether or not that cached template should be updated - these are under Form Options / Versioning.

This article on Office Online, while written for IP 2007, seems to be a good overview.

 

Thanks, Hilary. I am using IP2010 with browser enabled forms.

 If I <strong>add</strong> a field, will that field appear in the existing forms (with a null value) or will that addition also cause problems?

It should not cause problems, should just add the field as a blank (or whatever default you select) - but I suggest you add, then preview with an existing XML file for the data so you can see if there is any impact - here's a blog post on previewing with existing data - don't mind that it is for 2007, the steps are similar, you need to find the Form Options under the File backstage instead of the Tools menu is all.