What is a Skin?
A Genie skin is a collection of HTML, JavaScript and style sheet files which control how all 5250 screens are displayed. Each skin is comprised of:
- Header HTML file (header.html)
- Footer HTML file (footer.html)
- Style Sheet (<Skin Name>.css e.g. gradient.css)
These files are located on the IFS in <HTTP document root>/skins/<Skin Name>. In most installations, the Gradient Skin files are located in /genie/skins/gradient/
The header is a static HTML file that can be used to design the page header of all screens. This can include a company logo, text, and color schemes. Likewise, the footer can be used to add a common footer to all pages. This can include a “terms of use” link or a privacy policy.
The css file contains styling for all components on a page. This can include such things as color, size, location, alignment and font style plus much more. It also determines how each 5250 display attribute will be rendered by Genie.
Customizing a Skin
I most cases a new skin will be created by copying a default skin provided with Genie (see 3-5: Genie Skins), so you will start with a working skin from which you can modify. Changes to a skin will affect all screens running under that skin. Some knowledge of HTML and css is required for customization but this is the only time Genie requires knowledge of these languages. In most cases, minor changes to a skin copied from a default skin can be successfully completed by personnel with a basic understanding of these technologies. Profound Logic Software can provide these services if required.