Is there a forms builder for Cocoa?

Question

As I have a complex domain model (DDD) where I need to create a few hundred forms in the user interface, I'm looking for a generator, preferably embedding the apple layout rules, and data binding. This is crucial to get a uniform application appearance.

I would prefer the generating to be of run-time instances (introspection), not static source code.

I do not want to build from a data model, as that doesn't have enough information to create something useable. I have information on grouping, validation, roles and rights, navigation, filtering, actions, workflow so I should be able to do much better layouts.

Even better would be the ability to also generate forms for the iPhone/iPad, using the default navigation.

[Results] Sensible TableViews looks like the right kind of solution for iPhone. The descriptions are not yet sophisticated enough but provide a good starting point.

Answer 1

Interface Builder will do this for Core Data models if you option-drag parts of (or all of) your data model from the Data Modeler into a window or view in Interface Builder.

When you drop the managed object(s) you dragged, you're given an option to create a Single Item View, a Master/Detail View (with search and detail fields and add/remove buttons), or a Collection View (with box + search field).

I don't know of any third-party solutions to do this from "just any model." It'd be a great tool, but would likely require using an object model to define the entities (like Core Data's Managed Object Model).

Answer 2

Maybe Echasoft Reports would work for your problem? (Plugin for Interface Builder that gives you easier reporting capabilities). I saw this demoed at NSConference, and it looks pretty awesome. Commercial, yes, but for 100+ forms it might be worth the money...

Answer 3

Sensible Tableviews Might be able to help you. I haven't used them myself but it looks solid. It also supports generating forms from core data entities.