Understanding the importance of the getOutputs method

Since we looked at the getOutputs method briefly in the previous section, we will look at why it is important. This method is invoked when the component has modified the bound properties. The values for such properties should be communicated back to the host.

Using the same example library we used previously, observe that we are returning an updated textbox value back to the host via fieldProp, which is a bound property in the getOutputs method. This can also be validated by using the Data Output section of the test harness. If any updated value is returned to its host, then you should see such values under this section. When you initiate a test of the example library and change the value in the text box provided by the component, you can observe the changed value in the Data Outputs section, as shown in the following screenshot:

Figure 10.7 – Observing the Data Outputs section in test harness

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