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May 1993 Developing Gorporate Applications at the Desktop $3.e5 canada $4.es

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Ghoose the Right Database Manager
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DlHow-to Advice v FORUAI
for End Userc 'l
ASGII
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Xbase
BASIG
BtrieYe
DBF
for Deuelopers C/G++
IIB
PAL
SQLlables
rrA Recipe for s0r
Successful
Database Design
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Microsoft FiurPro 2.5?

,o Plenty For starters, the ing systems (and soon forthe Nlacintosh
new Microsoff FoxPro' 2.5 for and UNX) you can hare the most power-
J;h
#it6 Wurdows-has a richand pro- firl and most graphical Xbase applications
irum ductive environment with an
intuitive graphical interface.
across all major PC plaforms.
And if you are thinking about migrat-
So it's neverbeen easierforyouto tse and ing to Wlrdows in the fuhre, hare no fear.
develop powerfi.rl database applications. MicrosoftFoxPro
Els:o*ib
Plus there's avirhral hardware store forWmdcxnswill
of tools for both developers and mers. easilyrunallyour
For developers, there are profession- FoxPro 2.0 files.
al tools like Tiace and Debug windows,
Project Manager Menu Builde4, Screen
Builder, and ReportWriter. And each one
Butnomatter
which platform
you choosg you
ForPn 25
Hl
adDa"tase ofwindo''6 and
tahes
is designed to help you create the most can countonthe alla$ rou cnata darrJins a4batiots.
to

powerfirl applications possible. new MicrosoftFoxPro 2.5 to provideyou

For users, there are lots with the fustestPC-based database fluu1-
of handy tools that make it agement system available today
easy to do complex database For additional information, just zip
tasks without programming. on over to your nearest reselle6 or call us
Like Relational Query By Ex- at (800) 882'2000,Dept. JE6. We ll be
iltr#trk"" ample (RQBE),which allows more than happyto tellyouall theways
*#ffii,t? you to build and see queries Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 forWndows can
instantly Or the graphical Browse tool, get your adrenaline pumping.
an intuitive way to view data.
Andwith the arrilal of FoxPro2.5for
both theWrndows and MS-DOSoperat-
Mkxoslt
IMakingiteasier

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 DAIABASED
ADVISOR
ot{ THE COVEn
BUYER'S GUIDE
FEATURES

How to Ghoose Your BUYER'S GUIDE

Database Management For Develop€rs Only:
System How to Choose a Database
Management System
The question is not, "What's the best Program mability, data format,

I DBMS?" The question is, nvhat's the best

DBMS for the tash?" For an answer-as
well as more questions you should ask
youEelf-turn to page 58. Mike Leuis,
distribution... These arejust a few issues
developers must consider when choosing
a DBMS to meet mission-critical
requirements for the job at hand.
Kann Watterson, and Debbie Dichstein By Mihe l*wis 4l)
prwide sage advice for making sound
buyiog decisions. Included is a directory Database Design 101
and feature list of currently available Before you chome a DBMS, l.hink about
DBMS package6. how you'Il set up your data for maximum
use arld minimum headache.
Cover illu3tr.tion by CLudi. F.ull B! KaretWattersoft S
For End Users Only: How to Choose
a Dalabas€ Management System
FIat filer or relational DBMS? What t-o
look for in basic features, and why each
feature is important.
NEWS TEST DRIVES Br Debbie Dichstein 49
Directory of Database Management
AT PBESS TIME 6 NEW! Systems
Transporlal PRo-Access Now that you know what you need, you
PUBLISHER'S LETTER to Host Data need to know what's available.
By Witliam T. Otd, B! AnnMdtie Carcia, Assistont Edibr,
lPublisher A The Frustum Group gives t}e users what
President
they want-mainhame and with assistance frcn Torrence Dauis 58
miDicomputer data on the desktop.
EDITOR ON THE GO FIRST LOOK
By John L. Hawkinq B! Jim Brou)n fr
Editor-in-Chief lO Borland lntroduces a New,
NEW! Faster dBASE
DAIABASE COI{FIDEI{TIAL MapLinx-No Ph.D. Required Borland revamps dtsASE from the ground
By Buzz Hunter, Maplinr Corp. crGses the lines between up, and frnally releases the promised
InDestigatiue Reporter i94 geographic information systems, dBASE Compiler.
Windows, and ease ofuse. By DauidVeale a5
B! Karenwatterson I
SOFTWARE REVIEW
UPDATE! The Latest CA-Clipper: Newly
Path-VievF-A Different Path to Extended with HDDS
Code Generation RDDs now give CA-Clipper access to
ss'\*
x Need quick applicatio[s? Path6nder Data other file formats, and most of tie bugs
Systems can show you the way. have been thankfully squashed.
By John Muzller A By John Muzller, Technical Ed-itor 93
BOOK REVIEWS! INSIDE TRAGK: FOXPRO 2.5
Extra Help for C++ Programmers ls FoxPro for Windows a Reason to
I,ots ofhands-on C++ programming Switch to Windows?
packed into these five tomes. FoxPro for Windows may have a oice
By Jim Foye 32 interface, but other reasons should
compel you to switrh,like DDE and OLE.
81 Mohsen Moazami
ss and Inrry Kostmeyer l0l
es SOFTWARE REVIEW
Page 32 A Develop€r Evaluates Alpha Four
Is Alpha Four really relational, and
can you really develop major
applicatioN with it? One developer
explores the possibilities.
By Tod.d L. Go ld lO7

4 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 CONTENTS

Vol. I I, Ho. 5, llay 1993

A User Tries Alpha Four
How AJpha Four performs, even when the DEPABTMENTS
user testing it is under tfie gun to
increase productivity.
By Jim Mortld| I 15 FEEDBACK 14
FAX FEEDBACK t6
THE EXPEBTS SOFTWATCH 24
PnoDucr tlEws I
dBASE DEVELOPER DB CO I'lECTlOt{S
Coding for Speed Doing the Forum Shuffle
Just tweaking small sections ofyour code 81 Holly Couell, Sysop la3
can drastically impu,e the performance
ofyour applications. EXPBESS L/AIIE 147
By Malcolm C. Rubel,
ContributinE Ed.it$ 136 ADVENTISI G !]{DEX 193
CALEI{DAN OF EVEI'TS r93
HABDGORE CLIPPER
Build Subclasses to Simplity
Fillered Browses
Reusable browse code is easier to write if
you use a class creation tool like
SuperClass or Class(y). Pege 183
By Rick Spence, Conbibuting Editar 142
THE FOX FILES
FoxPro Tips & Tricks
Speed up FoxPro applications with these
commonly used but sometimes forgotten
tips and tricks.
By Yair Alan Griuer,
Contributing Editor l5O
CLIENT/SERVBR
PARADOX PBOGRAM]trER
Posting Records ADVISOR. :r--J
E
Ensure data-entry inteBrity through the
POSTRECORD event.
E I t:=l
By Brian J. Smith,
Contributing Ed,itor 156
n-EEiffi ---
C/C++ DEVELOPEB
Using FoxPro's Application
Programming lnterface: Adapting clieDt/server archtecture :_f,
Existing DOS Programs By Eri.c Rayl lt5 E,s{.1
How to use the API to put ordinary DOS
programs under FoxPro's conhol. CASE STUDY P.ge 121
Bl Michael L. Brachman 162 Forcst & Trees Gives GUI
Face to itainframe Data
Release 2.0 is put t}llough the beta ETIO TO ANAGEUEI{T
THE BASICS testing paces at a Fortune 500 firm. RDBMS Vendor Update:
By Linda L. Briggs 121 Who's Who?
The comp€titioD among RDBMS
CLIPPEB BASICS DATABASE REPORTING vendoB is heatiDg up agoin.
Developing Faster Clipper Apps Using Data Windows lor B! Jeannette Sill-Holeman 132
Consider these tips for general Reporling with PowerBuilder
CA-CIipper application development. We let you in o a litUe secret about SYSTEII INTEGBATIOII TIPS
BJ Dan D. Cutierrez, doing repolls through the TechEd News and windows NT
Contibuting Editor 16A DataWindow. Bl Mlchoal Horwith 127 Everyone is going over to Windows NI,
whether or not you like it.
PARADOX BASICS CLIENUSERVER DEVELOPER By Kelly Gillcspie,
Manipulate Your Data Build Set-Orienled List Boxes Client lSeruer Technical Editor 135
Foros plsy a huge role in Paradox data Worth 10,000 Words
mallipulation. You can build list boxes that seem to
By Tim Colling and. Rick Kligman 174 have a mountain ofdata in them.
B! Ddlid Menninger t3O

DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 5

 At Press Time
Borland Has
IDAPI Spec,
dBASE Gompiler
n orland {and IDAPI partners IBM,
l{ Novell, and WordFerfect Corp.)
I-.1deli.,ered a working clraft of t-he
long-awaited spec for the Integrated Da-
tabase Application Programming Inter-
face (IDAPI) to vendors and developers
in late February. The drafthas two main
components: the IDAPI API, which is an
implementation of the SQL Access
Group and VOpen's Call Level Interface
extended to include programming calls,
and the IDAPI technology, which in-
cludes what Borland's calling "intelli-
Bent integration services.' Combined,
these two elements will provide a stand-
ards-based interface for accessing SQL
and-/or navigational data sources and
services across databases and networke.
Ofcourse drivers will be needed to con-
nect these disparate data sources. For
its own product line, Borland is focusing
on the Windows and DOS drivers; IBM
is focusing on developing OS/2 and AIX
drivers. Borland says a preliminary
IDAPI developer's kit will be available
to partner companies in summer of1993,
with a commercial SDKto follow shortly.
The spec is in a comment period at this
writing, and will be re-released after re-
visions have been made. If you'd like a
copy of the IDAPI spec, call Borland at
800-344-4394 or (408) 431-5209.
While Borland is de-emphasizing the
comparison of IDAPI with Microsoft'g
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) in-
terface, Borland reps couldn't resist the
urge to say that ODBC is focused on the
Windows envirooment, while IDAPI ad-
dresses multiple operating environ-
ments. If the goal is to proyide a stand-
ard for database connectiyity, we non-
der why we need two standards?
While we're on the subject ofBorland,
think back...Are you a registered owner
of dBASE IV Developer's Edition? Re-
member the promise Borland made to
dBASE users to make good on A-T's
promise to provide users with a coE-
piler? Well, the compiler is just about
ready. (See the "First Look" on page 85
in this issue). Ifyou're eligible for a llee
compiler, call Borland at 800-233-2444.
Outside the U.S., contact the Borland
office in your country. Ifyou want to buy
the compiler, it'l[ set you back $495.
Ghannel
Gomputin gis
Acquired by
Trinzic
Tlinzic Corp., a Palo Alto, CA-based
maker of artificial intelligence software
will acquire Channel Computing, the
Portsmouth, NH company that markets
Forest & Tlees, a query and reporting
tool and InfoPump, a middleware prod-
uct in a stock swap said to be worth
about $9 million. A spokesperson for
Trinzic says the company wants to enter
the clienUserver market, and Channel's
tools provide a good inroad to this grow-
ing market. In addition to Forest &
Trees and InfoPump, Trinzic plans to
market other client/server tools de-
signed for accessing legacy databases
that are currently under development at
Tfinzic. And what about the 37 Channel
employees? It's looking pretty good for
them.While Trinzic is headquartered in
Palo Alto, it also has an office in
Waltham, Mass., and is said to be look-
ing for office space closer to Channel's
Portsmouth, New Hampshire office.
Powersoft to
Release
NetWare library
Flowersoft Corp., the Burlington,
PMass.-based maters of PoweiBui I-
I d"., the popular clienUsewer de-
velopment tool, will develop a Power-
Builder Library for NetWare and inter-
faces to access Novell's Btrieve record
management engine and NetWare SQL
databases through ODBC drivers. The
PowerBuilder Library, which will be
available in the third quarter of 1993,
will make Netware tools ard services
(including Netware's directory, print,
and communications services) more ac-
cessible to developers, the company
says. "The PowerBuilder Library for
NetWare will give application develop-
ers a highJevel interface to NetWare
services, which will make it easier for
them to develop applications," says Bill
Critch, Powersoft, director of business
and alliance programs. At this time, de-
velopers must understand C and the
Windows SDK to utilize NetWare serv-
ices, the company says. The Library will
be composed ofa set ofPowerScript func-
tions and custom user objects that are
bundled into a PBL file. At this writing,
Powersoft had not yet determined how
the product would be sold (stand-alone
or bundled with PowerBuilder), or how
much it would cost.
Powersoft will also develop an inter-
face to Btrieve and NetWare SQL using
ODBC. The interface could be ready as
early as the second quarter of 1993.
The agreement with Powersoft is the
result of a recent efort by Novell to
garner support from development tool
vendors. In addition to the agreement
with Powersoft, Novell plans similar
joint marketing eflorts with Watcom
(makers of Watcom SQL) and Symbi-
otics (makers of a C++ front end).
Heard on our forum: Powersoft will
announce a Mac version of PowerBuil-
der by the time you read this.
NLM of
lnterBase
Planned
Borland says it plans an NLM version
of its InterBase database server, but
they won't say when it will ship or how
much it will cost. 'IVe view the tlTical
Borland desktop user upsizing in a PC
I"AN environment, ald Novell owns the
lion's share of that market," says Mark
Tice, director ofmarketing for the Int€r-
Base business unit at Borland. Tice says
the NLM version will be'lust like a
normal InterBase server with full dis-
tributed capabilities." He adds that In-
terBase's multigenerational architec-
ture makes it well-suited for interactive
PC users (as opposed to the competition,
which he says is best for OLTP work).
Tice also touted InterBase's small foot-
print: It requires 5M of disk space as
opposed to the 20+M required by Sybase
and Oracle. InterBase is currently avail-
able for TINIX and VA)WMS.D
 COMPUTER DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE*
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Without lranually Creating Overlays '
Virlual Memory Managemenl Allows Object Memory (Character Strings, Arrays)i Up lo 9 MB (Main Memory, Expanded
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OPEN ABCTIT7EC7UBE: FBEEDON fO CBOW , SUPPL'ED DATABASE DR'VEB (DBF'

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Sources wilh Beplaceable Oatabase D vers and Funclion Libra €s (Available Digils, P€cision lJp lo 16 Signiiicant Digils " Supporl lor Logical Fields
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Language Fluency : Synlax lrcm Simple, Expressive Commands to String and and Hard Disk Bequired lor Development; Expanded Memory Requires LIM 4.0 or
File Primilives {or ]\rinimum Programming, Maximum Control - Promoles Higher;Works with All Netwo*s Compaiible with DOS 3.1 and Higher
Disciplined, Modular Programming Ior Easier Debugging, Simplilied Maintenanc€
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HlghVolum. Bld.lnvllod
 PUBLISHER'S LETTER
r By William T. Ota,
TTlB;:,-r::"'rt^li'.,".i'"m"7
! tbeir tiird
product-specific
! magazine, Clipper Aduisor.lt
* roared on the database scene
with an initial print run of52,000 copies.
this is a strong t€stimonial to the con-
tinuing need for product-specific cover-
age.
This follows the success ofAccessAdui-
sor magazine, which premiered in Feb-
ruary 1993 with an initial print run of
29,000 copies for a brand new product.
ForPro Advisor rrow closely follows with
20,000 copies. With completely new
product-specific editorial content, all
three magazines are tapping into a new
vertical audience of readers.
Publishiag is a reflection of what's go-
ing on around us. Change and complex
inter-relationships are now a fact oflife.
With information overload, more and
more people need good advice. This is
where our product-specific and industry-
specific magazines come into play.
They're the GUI equivalent of publish-
ing, providing a graphical user interface
that's Iiiendlier than newsletters, books
or disks. Even advertisers can tell their
story better il a four-color magazine for-
o.at. "lt,e med,ium is indeed part of the
me6sage.
But why is there a need for both an
indu.stry magazine artd product sp ecifi c
-
magazines? Because, when you think
about it, they complement each other. In
toda/s world, no man is an island. TWo
perspectives should be scrutinized-
your task at hand, and your task as part
of the competitive environment.
The product specific magazines show
yo.u hou tD do your task better. They
serve a focused audience interested in
how to better use a specific product. A
tight little island, of users and third-
party interests, is creat€d thnough this
common interest. But as I said, no man
is an island. There's a firadamenta.l sea
8 DATA BASED ADVISORiMAY 1993
Produat
Specifrc
us.
Ind,ustry
Specifia Needs
President/Publisher
change going on today, and our choice is
whether we will prosper, or be marooned
on our islands ofchoice.
However, the magazine that provides
an industry perspective, alnd reaches be-
yond the horizon ofan individual island,
is Data Based Aduisor. ln our island
amilog1 Data Based Ad,oisor covers all
the major islands ofchoice. Each island
has a unique development enyironment,
with diferent attractions and different
cultures. Thin} ofDBA as your database
travel guide. It provides insights on
where to go. . .how to get there. . .what
the natives are doing. . .and what, and
why, to buy when you get there.
In a similar way, professional develop-
ers need to know what s happening with
other products. They need to keep a fin-
ger on the pulse ofthe industry. By being
the industry-specific magazine on devel-
ophg database applicafions, Data Based
Aduisor provides a sense of how the mar-
het is mouing with its rich variety of
editorial pages and, yes, even with its
advertising pages. Every advertisement
by a primar5r vendor, or third-party prod-
uct, is further testimony that a vibrant,
changing market exists in our database
arena.
Data Based, Ad,visor provides a special
opportunity for both readers and adver-
tisers. The product-speciEc magazires
were launched to educate a known popu-
lation. Data Based, Advisor is here to
grow that population. It's the place to
reach people who aren't already commit-
t€d to a specific product. AJI ofour read-
ers in this rapidly changing enyironment
are potential customers for the many
new products being released in a highly
competitive database Earket.
That's why we've chosen Data Based
Adui,sor tp be at ind,ustry-specific maga-
zine. It will continue, stronger then ever,
with its regular horizontal coverage of
the database industry at the desktop. D
DATABASED
Vol. ll o.5, ay 1993
riitor-i&Chief John L. EawkiN
Mrn.r-g Ed or David I$d@
CUet Soivor Fditor Bdbea
Cu4frsorv6r T€chric!.l EditDr Kelly
Cote
Gillespie
-A.scirt Editor Michasl DoDing!
ToclDicd rditor John Mueller, CNE
Alri.iet Editor ADMsie cecia
Coltributils Editort
M&k Burg6s, GersE F. Goley, ry,
Y. Ale Oive., De D. Gu[ieftz, Buz Hutar,
M..lold C. Rubel, B.ia
Teh.ic.l Dtr€cto. Kllly ciuespie
CoEposen DBAFo.uESy.Op.
J. Smith, RicL Spene
EoUy Anne CoYeI, David C. Flier.
Bitl HoEe, John Mueller, CNE
Adituistitie€ A$i.aet MeliDd. MmE
Cftativ6 IrEto. Sh,mn M,,n
Productio! Muagd Tio L. B€m€tt
Gnphic Dodsnor J@i BDwn
Production Ardltant R.me Ledi
Advoniling IXEcto! BJ. Ghistione
Senior AccoDt Eetiv€ Julie Dubd
A.@ut E edtivs.
J@es B. By&, Par Edwsid!
Metoting CoordiEtor
-Ady.r!i!i!A Coordi@ta
Lisa Meie Oa.keE
M.ltusa Holdetr
EpI€.! Lae ad R.prid. Katie bgln
Circutatior Di@tor Becky git ho.k
FultrllEdt Ms g€r A]dene Yeo
Circohaio! C@rdinato. BEnt Greco.y
Peegy EeEon, Toftnce Davis,
JeMie Way, Lucy Test!
R€@ptioEiat ColleenPort€r
Colarclld Lra M. De Berr,
Netwdt Muegsr SieveD O'H@a, CNE
Cr€dtt lden got Jose S. Maftinez
Shippirg/Bleivilg Eileen Smith
Publl8hed by Dat Based Solutlon3, lnc.
Foude./CEO La.ry Eitel
Pm.idoruPubush€r Willi@ T Ota
V.P./Aeiet€ PubUBh€r wart€. Kosek
b Aac
AIJOITED
ye (12) i$ues U.S. i35, Clrda 155
SUBIiCRIPTIONS: r
rincludes Gs frrGs11 1274a4613, rtretn t?5 (U s DolbE,
U.S.!rnl!, CLeinahas or P6tsl Money Or&B). S6d
eb6.nD(im cdeB & D.ta Bed Advisr Suhscnpdd Dept.,
Bd 169013, E*ondidq CA 920,16 Phmc ords! onh: (3m)
BACX ISaUEg U.S t6, CrNda & Mdi.o i3, OaElu tro
(J.S. DoUu!, US BrnI!, ClerirghM€ dr Posrl Momy
Ord@) S6d b.cl t c o.dEE b lhk Ased Solltiru, Ir..,
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 EDTTOR ON THE GO
T'- to report that Tom Kemm
"ua
I "r"""a february 22, several
""'"v suffering a heart at-
I i'r""k aftei
tr tack- He was 63.
A freouent sDeaker at database confer-
.o""". to- *i" *"ll-known for his popu-
t"r topi", dut Uu". normalization' Tom's
iusiiaio. pubtic appearance was at the
Ir,Iicroso-ft ForPro Developer Conference
iast September in Phoenix. Ttraf,s lhe
last time I saw him. Over breaHast we
talked about the many ways he hoped to
imorove the database world.
Tim was alwaYs workiog to imprcve
thinss for us. As presideDt of the Inter-
natlinat a-BASU User Group (IDBUG)'
Tom was instrumental in having a la4e
Xbase conference added to the 1991
Og/E** i" San Francisco. I was al' the
receivins end of massive MCI Mail mes-
to- organized speakers and
Jr-"tt "iand sessio-ns to show the world
"u*L"
that Xbase was prospering and impor-
tant. Perhaps it workedi soon after, ma-
ior comoanies start€d buying up the pio
'o"er Sase 6r-s ard Products'
It's always tough to lose a colleague; it's
esoeciallv touqh when we lose someone
so'tlevoted to tbe public good. Tom Kemm
will be missed.
Pl necded
The Windows environment is 8ti11 wet
behind the ears. Just because you klow
*hat vou .teed doesn't mean you cal find
ii",it. O* example is PtMs (personal
iofo-rmatioo managers), t}lose dedicated
database products that Leep track ofc'n-
t to-do lists, and the
like. "o-irt^"ot",
"t".l\;hied Polaris PackRat, Act! for
windotra. Microsoft, Schedule+, Calen-
dar Creator for Windows, and Campbell
Services OnTime for Windows. These are
all 6r:e oroducts, buL none provide my
desired mix of features . I'm back to usirg
my pocket DaYtimer book and a giant
wall calendar.
PackRat does the mqst and has neL
work capability. It provides an amaz ing
10 DATA BASED AOVISOHA'AY 1993
InMemoriam
Tornl(emm
By John L. Hawkins, Editor-in-Chiet
ranee offunctionality But it's too klud5l
,rrdtt" t- many obvious bugs for a
version 4.1 Eoduct; it was gone froE xoy
hard ilrive within davs. Version 5 is a
i.*iit" tU"t Promiies all tYPes of
.Janceme"ts. itt be taking a close look
s(xrn.
- outement in a shared calendar systen'
A"t!'" fo"r" oo -"oaging contacts wit'h
.,ther oeoole makes ii too rigid. The only
*"" t" an activity is to do it !"[
soieone. "it""
Ifit's my one of my own chores,
i must do it with myself. This means that
the calendar view (my preferred perspec-
tivej, insteaa of sUowilg me what fos&s I
have scheduled, shows my r141u every-
where! I have to open up each "appoint'
-"of -itt -vtetfto see what I'm really
doirre. This design llaw, coupled wittr
Act!Tor Windows' lack of multi-ueer ca-
it unacceptable for my
pability, makes
situatioa.
Microsoft, Schedule+ is clearly a version
It allows DriJcting of schedules in three
1-
sizes. but fails to dowDsize the print font,
resul'tiog i! smaller calendars with un-
i"t*^.tion. It prints overlap
"""a"Ut"-
ping appointments i-uconsi.8tetrtly, mak-
i"e-it ii"-.v for events within events,
suih as five days ofComdex plus various
events during those days. It shareB a
*i*-ttk" of not showing the
"o--oo
name of a multi-day event at tlle top of
each dav.
Schedule+ is multi-user, and lets you
who can view and
""t"bli"h """i"tuot"
schedule. This is a great
maintain vour
*rv to share schedules with associates,
I t6oueht. Not so. We all ne€d to krow
,*,rt domdex and the many other indus-
irv events we attend, yet we are forced to
every event on eocft of our calen-
"iter
dars. We efiouH be able to have a shared
calendar for shared events, Therc maybe
a wav. but the pamphlet that passes for
documentation addresses only 25 per-
cent of our questions,
The assietant capability is further
flawed because, while you can maintain
notes as well as appointmeDts, t'he assis-
tant can view the appointments only, not
in"'"ot"*. If an- important activity
doesn't have a specific time-of-day, a note
i" **." it eod. U"t Ey associates can't
it. fnii b;havioi contradicts t'he
"."
documentation . and may be a bug What'
it uaderminea a key re-
ever the cause,
Calendar Creator for Wildows is actu-
"ffr -r"t smart€r-it allowe multiple
I-tltra"t" r" U" *"rlaid. Create a calen-
.1". for conferencee, aoother for holidays,
a third for birthdays, a fourtJr for vaca-
ti."s. tU"" calendirs for each person's
T't en ctroose any combination
""ti.,itie".
uoa tU"v .U display and print.toget'her
l"-"n'"Ae"aui. Unfortunately, that's
about aU Calendar Creator does lt's not
Lallv a schedute manager, it's not Eulti-
;;: ;i it doesn't let You track addi-
tional information about your activities
It's qreat ifyou need cool calendars'
--ttti-"
ii a much better version of
Schedule+. a shared calendar system
ti"iJo"s ,"tIv spi& printing and
";-"
i" tn lv m"lti-use.. Bui if,s only a sched-
ub k&oer. not a Pltrd- You cao enter
r-a.t"d ioio it".t, but you can't track
contacts and activities.
-
is valuable, and
O-t"U oftfr"* p-ducts
I recommend them if You're sure You
rra *lut tUey do-and dorft do'
"iJ.."t
Meanwbile, I'm still searching for a net
*o.t pUU p-a""t tlat
supporta t'he way
I, my associates, and my office operates'
Maybe in 1994.
Email
As I said last month, mY two main
are ComPuServe Mail
"--J "u"t -" MCI Mail is a maddening
and MciMail.
se*ice if you access it with a-shaight
co-- progra-m. Its interface
"nicitio""its prompts are unintui-
is incoDsistent,
live. and its linqoriented mainfiame-
is right uP there with
"ivf" "iitot
ComouServe's.
'f}'j nain of usine MCI MaiI directly is
why I was pleased- to dis.over The Wire
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 EDITOR OX THE GO

{iom SWETE, a Windows-based front
.rra fo. MCt Ma.il. Ttre Wire does make
MCI life much easier, but it's unsatis$-
ing too. Based on the Parado-x 9ngine'
i-fi" Wi." requires l,hat I load
irune.E)c even though I'm alreadY
rrt-ittg ot Netware. Since The Wire
i"n't mllti-user nor even multi-lasking,
i aon t k ,ow *hv SHARE is needed, and
i'J rather not give up memory to it The
Your Xbase APPlication
Wire has some goofu interface problems ,
-Ft -to go onJine rather
u" ,"irre
"oJ to disPIaY helP The Enter keY
ihan
Joesrr't consi"tently behave as it should
i, Wittdo*" .pplication' The t€xt edi
tor" also uses oonstandard conventions,
so I'm constanl,ly erasing entire lines
when I want to dilete a sirgle word For
no apparent rea6on, various -maint€-
nanci operations are accessed from the
Xbase Detrelopers:
Helo menu. Oddities abound, suggest-
ine ihe Wire s desigDer€ didr't bot'her to
ioo1' at mainstream Windows products
to see how these t}ings are done'
The Wire's address book cracks me up'
Save an MCI [D from a message You've
."""i""d, ,rra vo, get it siored and dis-
played first+list nane-l guess so I can
I""ilu through everyone oamed
"".ou
I must manually edit each entry
Ralo-h!
n;t it in last. first order, which ration-
trr
th" displayed List. But then The
^lli"" uaes this format to address mer
Wire
sages. (If vou get such a message from
kioo" *hv') Since The Wire
-i- ooo'rou each
also stores person's frrll name in
no.-al style in i separate field, this
nonsense is nonsensical.
The Wire aasumes You know some'
nunber, which You maY
one s MCI MaiI
not. I discovered that I can get the num-

tt
ber bv entering my best guess of a full
oa-Jo. na-e-tD itypically Erst initial
oius laet name), the"lrying to send the
messase. The Wire goes on line, tries to
use mv address, gets an MCI error me+
. adds the eror message to t'he top
"^t
nf.m -o"ue" and disconnects' Fortu-
=.. nateiv- oart the error is a list of possi-
if
ble addiessee numbers. Ifone of tlem is
ihe one I want, I edit the adtlress book,
Report Writer cut the ertor mes6age out of mY mes-
sage. and resend it successfirlly l'm not
\ sr.rie i'm doing it nght, but at least I have

o Letter Writer
a way to get an unknown MCI nuober;
ttre Lstirction Eanual says nothing
about this common need.
Vc6ior lJ
Nor Availablcl Docume[tation is seriously inade-
."includes
nuate. emlainhe the obvious and not
Label Maker a word about many aspects ofthe
Codc Gor{ralod "Lrrine
oridu-ct. such as several fiel& t'hathave
int it"Tech-
ire rrt^"" tut no i.Dstructions for

t
t use.
"""t"i"
support hasn't been able to
u.nv
"i"t"
tftan the manual Tech
support also hasn't been able- to explain
whv inDortinq a Suitaase ot messageg
Give your end-users the ability to .. . "rosed
i Windows crash that has ever
since prevent€d me from re-entering
Droduce custom repoftst letters, and labels! wi$ any xbase
The Wire. tA Suitcase is a spcial folder
Th; SACE Data\.\,titerrv is a world-alass Repon writer tlnt integrales desiened to transfer messages between
Anolication. Unlike R&RrM it rs specifrcally designed for even the most comPuter a.l"tt"p and notebook i-ostallation of
trrll"*" ,sers. ln [act, no other ieport writer oflers SAGE's combination of " Wire.) I'm stil locked out, awaiting
The
i.,nar.*"ir"* "ra
oi to*.es i"cluding Plain English Field & File Names, Character
Window a oromised "uPdate."
-&""atl, I liie The wire' I just caD't
lnterhce. and WYSIWYG D€si$ Iayout'
User ficure out why a Product wit'h so manY
Xbase development companies have already decided to
oller iJugh edges G called version 2'10!
Manv o[ the most Dopular
,h;;;;wii., * ,; ;dd-on product to iheir application The Datavrtiter has powerful
On tho go
utilities *ut can reduce, to minutes, the time to int€grate with your applicarion' confetencea
In June, I speak at FoxPt o
in Toronto and MinneaPolis At
DatabaseClienUserver World In Bos-
tt . i;- t"tai"e u panel on the Etat€ of
Data dicriomris aErlible sA0r DataWatla.," )Gase,with representatives ftom Bor-
Ior: SBT , AccoumMaEn
I ak. AEnue . DahMa,
800-995-7944 land. ComPutlr Associates and Mi-
cDmnon C.nts , RSAn
3t0-+12-2224 B.ing Yor. questions! O
"-.off,.
'1993
12 DATA BASED ADVISOFUMAY
 L
\'
i#
Ir
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d :
7 T
& r I a-' f

Ia.

I
r ry

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We guarantee it. Zachar) comes complete \r ilh documenlation.
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 Feedbacffii
flon a Jet Plane
On a recent transatlantic flight (on Virgin Atlantic), a copy
ofthe February 1992iss1Je of Data Bdsd Advisor was pte*tl
ia the Busines s Class lounge reading material. It aPpearB that
this copy has flown between London and no Iess than six major
U.S. cities approximately 20 times. From notes.jotted irr
Jaoanese. it miv have also been to Osaka several times
I made my notes and replaced the magazine with theothers,
onlv to Ieam that thev werc to be destroyed as this 767 was
to 6e "refilled.' I plac;d the issue on a flight to Geneva with
SwissAir, and I hope that it continues to be passed on in the
sEune manner.
Just thought you d like to know. Keep up the good work'
of the competitors. She also covered many of the teams and
products, whether or not they finished.
Although the application was dimcult, many teams acco-m-
plished iuch of the application, and the client received a
finished product.
,,*.J[:T,?"*ff s:f'r":fi
Durham, North Carollna
I
Ed-'s note: Droege Computing is gearing up for alother
competition i-n November. To find out more, contact them at
Droege Computing Sewices, Inc., 1860 Front St., Durham,
NC 27705, (919) 383-9749.

Dominic Balnea
Mayle, Colnwall
Unlted Klngdom
n Crossing the Finish Line
Dian Schafthausels 'The Racers" (February) did an ercel-
lent job ofcapturing the excitement, t€nsion and atmosphere
of thl developer competition. We appreciated- howehe weaved
together the elemenis ofthe competition and the human side
! Our 9-Traek solution
In "ASCII to DBI- (December 1992), Steve Freides pre-
sented a clever approach to a common problem: how to import
large amounts ofdata into a DBF fi1e whe-n you may not have
enoueh free disk epace to accommodate all ofit,
Or-ri g-track soft-ware solves the disk space problem and
other common import problems With our software, you can
import 9-track daia directly into DBF tables several megs at
a time. After the transfer, tle DBF can be immediately USEd'
bata carl also be translated into EBCDIC, packed decimal,
zoned decimal, packed hex, and packed BCD. Data carr also
be manipulated, reordered, or apfended wit]r literal text such
as decimal points, dashes, among other features.
Thanks 6 Steve for his articli, and for providing us the
opportunity to present our approach.

ItB.LOE webb Llnzmayer, Presldent

Elecrovalue lndusldal, lnc.
Morriglown, N€w Jersey

to lmplement a transaction logginO system to

Use DB-LOG Ed-'t note: For more info, contact Electrovalue Industrial,
monitor database activity. Simply install DB-10G, specify a list Inc.,26 Garden St., Morristown, NJ 07960, €OI) 267-1117 '
offiles to monitor, and any updateslo thefiles willbe recorded
in a lo0 file. Allwithoul source code Ghanges!

Logs changes to database liles
Greates Xbase audit trail file
tdeat lht Clippw, ilBASE, turPru
AttDws tnnsactlon tldlnltlon lot dalabse intqilty
P*loms rulhfrk ilrd lorvail tsovw
$lnd alone and nalli'asil caqahw
E Gorrections
In "Ease Your Database Development Woes" (April), Karen
Watterson reported that Olin Redmon, the manager of Data
Administration at a pharroaceulical company was provlcled
with a version of SDi Technologies' S-Designor that doesn't
require a hardware lock.
nd othqs Iilonique Lery, President of SDP Technologies, says-that
they "ditlnt pr;vide Redmon's firm with an unprctected sin-
ni.-tser veoion of S-Desimor, an urpmt€cted network ver-
iion was provided due to network technical constrdints '

DL Systems, lnc. Send, vour 'Feedback" letter to Ddta Based, Adoisor,

;F"eiio"b," 4o7o Motcna Blod., Suite 200, San Dizgo' CA
P.0. Bor 87361
SZiIZ- t1'yo"" letter itoludes cde, please send. it on disk'
Carol Stream, lt 60188
Iatters will be edited' for brevity.
n
I I r infol ati n call{708) 653-7925
Il I u n n

14 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 S-Designdr 3.2
Eile Edit Qicriona le Di \ryindows ?

Conceptual Data Model

ffiE
EE
0 EO
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0 0 0 0

o
0
Generation Reverse Engineering

le tdit
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qisplay
EE
0 r] Oictiona Qptjons Styte Windows ?

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S-Des'rgnor is o porerlul dotobose design tool bosed on the

[ntity-Relotionship mefiodology. lt hos o rigorous Mo level
design opproorh, with true ronreptuol ond physicol doto
modek. Ihe conreptuol model is derigned using entities,
otlributes, relofionships, identifiers, ond inhedtonre. Aher inini-
verifitolion of model tonsistency, fie physirol level is
generoted.usingstondordnormolirotion printiples.
-
S-Designor fien generoles ceotion striDls lor olmosl
ony dllobose ond evrn generoles referenliol inlegrity
tdggers lor suppoding dltoboses. S-Designo/s revirse
Generation Reverse Engineerin0
_t
engineering f undionolities moki mointenonte
o[ existing opplirotions eosy. l
0rode, DB2,
lnformix, Sybose
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lngres, RDB, /lsl4A0,
Ulsrrhrter, tt.
60154. tox: 1708) 947.425t
S l\'.r,n,{ r u,,JL ,Jrr,{ \Dp Ir.hn.h,r,.,
(Ih.' f'.JuLr trJ{k\JrLiJ!,,r,.
'. t,..t rt,( r.\nir,\r h.njrr. SQI Sewer,
S0LBose,

, I $il
D I\/ OI.t I()DAY TOR Y()UR FREE S-DESIGNOR DEMO I(IT.
 DATA

ls Glient/Server
Working for You?
F'

Fax Feedback o 619'483'9776

It'c our lntont to plovido you with pe inont' h'nd3-on 6. Which database servers would you like to see
lnfontration on clionusetver comPutlng' Weto asked covered in DBA?
you about your lntontion! regarding cllonur€tYort E Microsofl/Sybase SQL Server
'nd
many 3ald thoy'ro nlovlng in that ditection' Low, l't'3 D Gupta SQLBase
got spocllic. What kinds ol apPlication! ar' you D ORACLE
moving to the cllonvielrol onvh9nment? whal havo tr Others(please sPecifu )
boon tho blggost obdrclor? How have you ovolconr
thom (or havo youl? Tako a low ltlom'nts lo answol
the quoltionr bolow to h.lp u3 thapo our oditor3tl
Gontent to ttloot tloul neod!.

l. What indultly do You wod( in?

tr Banking D Manufactudng 7. What technical problems ate you facing when
E Government E Medical imptementing client/servet?
E Human Resources tr OiVGas
Describe:
D Insurance tr Public Utilities
D Legal 0 Real Estate
E other

2, Do you plan to move applications into the

client/setver environment?
E Yes
ONo

3. What do you want to read about clienuserver?

BOrvUS, We're looking tor tiPs!
E Database server tuning tips
E Front end tuning tips We'll pay $75 for original tips. If you have an interesting
B Case studies front end or database sewer tip, fax it to us at the num-
E How-to articles ber listed above. If we publish your tip, well send you a
D System integration tips check.
E Other (please specifu)
Optional!
Name

4, Ale you porting existing applications to Company-

clienUierv-r, or developing new applications in
clienuservet?
City/StatelZi
E Porting existing aPPlications
E Developing new applications for clienUserver Phone

5. What kinds ol mission critical apPlicataons

May we contact you? EYes ENo
aro you running in a clienusotrei envilonment? !l you don't have a tax machine' mail to:
Describe: Data Based Advisor Fax Feedback
4010 Morena Blvd., Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92117

Please respond by June 1, 1993. Thanks!

16 DATA BASED AOVISOFI/MAY 1993

 / u
,'r
6
Dlr Structlr. i rL trILE
tt'i lt.ld il.* lspe gldth
lli 1r,frr,92
t3l {. ,t ,c,n } I PtoDlrcT 2S
5
7 uEtst0x
14l 11,t8? 3 !TICE 1B
,51 @?l?/92 a stnlus
5 XOTE lo
I
6 10
PI'tU'E la
otrJECr la
95

. FlerFle usel standad dBASt flemolields,b Dplaces iE 0ld,

I a 'l
l
t I*
lixed .dbt lile lormal wit our last elficient vadahe .kBt .dtv l mat

j ,8,18,2t.42t

9tTlt
,P ICTUI;}
SEPL6CE OIJECT
ltITrl

. See how easv il is h use [hrFle. Re0l e mem0 fields iust lile alwavs.
. You ll be ama4d al.whal FU can slorc in a fle*ile.lr0rc tafl iusl mem0s, now you thrtrle s fl00 handles all dre &tiili You alrEady ln$rtr0w b st0l['
can save andy$, 0tiech. even gnphhs, u anyfiing €he you can put on you ureei. piclures. a[ays, and 0biEts-fiey rul fre saaie as memos.

Facts You Should Know AbouJ Memo Files.,.

t. Fixed blocks waste space. 5. Memos are Easy to Use.
How much space does "Hello World"
take up in a memo file? 512 bytes. lt's
such a waste. Why? Because Clipper
stores memos in fixed blocks of 512
bytes each, even if you only need 1 1.
FLEXFILE's variable length fields occupy
just 6 bytes plus the size of the data. So
for "Hello World" that's only 17 bytes.
You can add up the difference...
2. Memo Files Don't Recycle.
This is called memo-bloat, memos get
big and fat because they are lazy. When
memos get edited larger than the block
size (512k), they get an entire new set of
blocks. The old ones are left behind as
garbage. FLEXFILE recycles all unused
space, qu ickly and efficiently.
3. 32M Size Limit.
This may seem like a lot of space. but
with memo-bloat and today's complex
applications. you run out fast. FLEXFILE
has no maximum file size-it's limited
only by your available disk space.
4. Limited to Text Characters. llEl/ - Rapid Text
Ouickly locate any
Users complain that they can only store
certain characters in their memos. With
FLEXFILE they can store any character
or binary data. including WordPerfect'"
or MS Word'" files. What's more,
FLEXFILE can store graphics, pictures,
multi-dimensional arrays, objects. or
DOS files. Anything fits in a FlexFile.
@ 1992 GANAHLSoFfwARE tnc Att ghtsrcseNed.
NEW - FLEXHeI9 System
The only good thing about usinq Now add space-efficient help text,
Clipper's memo-fields is the faci that il's wi*i avnarfiic noi-ii^r", iJi[v .i i,"r,
simple. Now, FLEXFILE makes it just as Clipper 5 application programs.
easy, you won't even have to change
your codel ltl - SPEED & Data Security
The FLEXFILE variable length field
6. A Better Alternative engine has been rebuilt for increased
FLEXFILE is a complete memo file (.dbt) performance and security. FlexFile now
includes a set of diagnostic and recovery
replacement system. lf you use Clipper
memo fields, you already know how to routines to ensure data integrity.
use FLEXFILE. All you need to do is \bu have the facb, now get the FLEX!
convert your old .DBT files. then relink
including FLEXFILE, and it goes to work SPEItltmtErffim
seemlessly, Use standard memo fields
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 rHE WOTf DWIDE STANDARD

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TransPortal PRO-Access To Host Data
I have the HLLAPI available.
f f vour data Drocessing environment
I iricludes -ainf.amJ ot midrange
lcomputers, you're probably familiar
wit.h th; dilem;a of PC users who need
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Users often have problems getting the
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ranee aiplications for several reasons'
Maiv users are intimidated bY the com-
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Often the host data isn't in the format
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For developers, Transportal PRO can
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use'rs and
TransPortal PRO, from The Frustum
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functions that allow DOS' and Windows-
hased aoplications to communicate with
mainfiame and midrange based
svstems.
"
Transportal PRO uses the High l,evel
Language Application Program ming
Inteiface (HLLAPI) to communicate
with host systems. HLLAPI is well
defined, but you tYPicallY must use a
low-level language like assembler to use
it. Transportal PRO b.ing. HHLAPI to
hish-level lancuases.
"T.ansoortal PRO comes with BIN,
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hooking applications to host data
sources. Table I lists a few popular
lansuages that work with Transportal
prol ar,-d th" file access method for each
lanzuage.
Transoortal PRO orovides set
a basic
of functions. like iNlT, READ, and
SEND, that allow You to connect to an
IBM host suPPorting VT/100, 5250 or
,^ IIATA RASFN ADVISOR/MAY 1993
Test Drives
32?O terminals. Your PC must 1-This Wo.d Ior Windows macro prompts the
Fioure
uslerlor SQL record selection criteria; note the Bumba
have an emulation board, IRMA
and it session running in the background'
card, or network router, AS/4OO
must run a terminal emulator as
well as the PC suPPort API or
If you're going to use
Transportal PRO functions from
aWindows language, You can use
Rumba or Win3270 instead of a
DoS-based terminal emulation
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The commands and functions
are very easy to use. TheY consist
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host connection, scanning for text
wrong because the data on the AS/400 is
or pulling text ftom a host screen. and
sendine kevstrokes to the host screen' updated frequentlY.
Transp"ortal PRO has no file transfer To solve the update Problem, I wmte
routines. a WordBasic Program to hook uP
TransPortal PRO to the customer
fransportal PBO in the real wo?ld support application. This application
Our company has a customer suPPort oril'" do*n io the PC the data required
aoolication that resides on an AS/400. L build a word data table, which in turn
The application keePs rrack of all is used to mail-merqe documents and
customers, their support contracts, create mailing labels. tWordBasic is
outsiandins oroblems, etc. Support Word for Windows' macro programming
technicians
-use
the soltware daily and laneuase.) Since we work in the
keep customer contact information up to Win"rlowi environment, we used Wall
date. We often need to Produce Data's Rumba terminal emulation
mail-mersed letters or labels, and we do software to access the 49400 . Transpor-
this thriugh Microsoft's Word for tal PRO routines allow my application to
Windows. Various users have created connect to our AS/400, start SQL, select
Word data tables that replicate the a sroup of records, and pull data fiom
customer file on the AS/400. th6se records for the Word for Windows
Naturally, this approach requires data table. Usersdon'thave to pulldowl
dual e{fort in maintaining the customer hundreds of customer records or rekey
records, and the PC version is olten information. We can also update the
Tablel_AccessmethodsthatTransportalPRoprovidesfolsomeapplicationdevelopment
languages.
it
Programmlng Language Access methgd How tg use
dBASE, FoXBASE+, FoxPro BIN Memory residenl Po rtion
ol Transporlal PBO must be
toerted lirst. then lhe'CALL'
command executes TransPortal
PRO roulines.
LinkTranspo PRO library
Clipper, C, QuickBasic 4.0 LIB
into EXE and call the lunclions
or later
Iike a thid-party library
Visual Basic, PowerBuilder, OLL Declare Transportal PRO lunclions
as extemal and then reference
WordBasic
the function like anY tunction
(similar lo calling Windows
API functions).
 SIEP I:
Pirk o
lield
@UERV E#AKER
@
EE
finolly, o Q.ue-ry-By-Exonple builder
SIEP 2:
eosy enou gh Ior lhe nosl noui(e user!
Selerl
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o
opor[lo] IorBAJf oid dBAsE tV. CE E
Query Maker is: gg9
@ Query l,/taker is a retational Ouery-by-Example plus shippinq to
ourrcter that can be-inctuded royaity iree in'your
r_ox apptications. Ouery Makei mlkes it eaty USA and Canada: $6
lor,ylur end users lo create lherr own querie's Other countries: $12
SI EP 3:
Iy pe ln or frlters.
Specity compiler version
! vol UE Additional versions: 949
The query's field names are shown with plain
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SIEP 4:
Expond
the
c!@ryiled6,@F.,.d
iune the evaluation by adding parentheses.
The, resulting query is also drsptayed rn plarn
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lllfiil ,0.,,f,,3"oJi
query reporl or to lind any record in your appticaiion s
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lillJ/lll;r.;i:[ril;
fiies. (41s) 563-3755
@ qyery [lalel comes in versions wriflen in FAX: (415) 563-1907
Clipper 5.01/5.02, CJiopsr gr.r.,,r, 100"0
FoxPro 2.0/2.5. FoXBASE and AeeSt lV &'?.:rf"[ :"mJ"g.THi*S-gm

I
o
s
WORD Ireedon from tlemo
Iield limitotions.
Word proressino for Cliooer
r
gives you...
IorPrd, torBASI & dBASt N.
EDITING FEATURES: INCLUDES FULL
Word Wrapper is a memo field alternative for Fox tr Search & replace across some or all memos SOURCE CODE
Ulrpper and dBASE IV programmers. ll is a u (-:ul or copy a marked block to a ctipboard.
royalty-tree word processor lhal slores freejorm
rext d_rrecfly in regular.DBF database fields.
f Paste text from one memo into another Word Wrapper: $ 99
Q Delete a word. line or anv marked block. Word Wrapper Toolbox $ 1 49
bpecrnca y, tt slores one line ol Iext per dBASE l-l Vertically scroll within a window
record. A second indexed field relatds the memo f Zoom kom a partial lo lull screen window plus shipping to:
oack lo your parent tile. Ll Use a mouse in the Foxpro version. USA and Canada: $6 (each)

il
E Toggle between insert and overwrite modes. Other countries: $12 (each,
Toolbox requires Word Wraooer
Since, texl is saved in dBASE files, you get a TOOLBOX ADD-ON Specity compiler versron.
retrabte storage formal. ln contrast, mem"o files
are easrty corrupted and almosl impossible to fix.
ft Spell check a memo with a 60,000 word
user-modifiabte dictionary that suoaests
ROYALTY FREE
Er:-I.rrEt-* alternate sDellinos
tr Boldfacc ind u;derline text.
O Browse and edit a subset ol memos in a
60 Day Money Eack Guaruntee!

STRATEGIC
Word Wrapper automalicaly recycles unneeded file menu driven module. This lets each record
space. tn conkast, every time a memo field is
ediled. a new copy rs appended lo the frtes end.
have a variable number of memos attached.
O Creale mail-merged lorm-tetters with piain -
English field names picked from a pop-up
lllYtil ,ou, u=r3"G"i
GIVES YOU TOT lrst.

Yo u ca n contro the ediri ng

p a ce m ent U n ke
ndow' s sze and
e mo elds you can m the
O Specity headers, footers. page numbers,
marg,ns, page breaks and page ranges.
O Beformat a memo to a diff;re-nt widih
lllll/lflh*i#xHl
n UM be of n es tha can be e tered up to tr lmport and export memos from ASC .
(41s) 563-3755
99
per m emo ou n iu rthe c u sto m EE ord O Run Word Wrapper on a LAN with included FAx: (415) s63-1907
ppe th rough th e n c uded fu sou rce code netwo* functions.
ritte n n ,l00% F Pro CI ppe or d BAS E tv) ForB^sE, .id 6rBB iE dii.d ffiE ;'
 I
I

Test Drives I

i
TransPortal PRO Continued
Figure 3-Calls are made lo Transportal PBO from i
FiEure DECLARE statement establlshes the
2-The Conclusion string
within Basic. The SEND$ variable is loaded with a
llnk between WordBasic and the OLL' Desoite the limitations that executes a Transportal PBO command.
of the documentation, I
Iike the product because I
itmakes accessing IBM I

HLI-API routines easv! If i

EgdEk}slg&dd
you're like me, You
probably have enough i
coding projects on Your
I
list to keep you busY for a
few lifetimes. TransPor- I
tal PRO relieves You of
the burden of having to I
know another language I

inside and out-esPe- i

reEhrbdb! i^i
rif, cially a lowJevel one like
C or assembler-to access
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mail-merge rable- before using them. through HLLAPI. a Trarspott l PRO
ensurinq that the data is up to date. A developers kit retails for $1,495; The Frustum Group, lnc. I

Fisure I shows a Word for Windows
-"crlo that orompts the user for SQL
.ecord seleciion iriteria The Rumba
AS/400 session is running irl the back-
sround. and the macro has staned SQL
if both *indo*" were visible, you'd be
able to see the AS/400 screens as the
rovaltv feeJ are $395 for each copy of
Transoortal PRO vou distribute with
vour ipplications, which includes the
"Clippei
6r C ptograms that have Trans-
po.1il enO's library frle linked intn the
executable file.
90 Park Avenue, Suite 1600
New York, NY 10016
800-548-5660, (2 12) 338-0721
Jim Brown has a degree in Computer
lnformation Systems from Southwest Texas
state Universitv in San Marcos, Texas. He is
I

macro feeds keystrokes to the AS/400
and pulls data from the host screens.
Fis. 2 shows the DECLARE
state;ent that establishes the link
between WordBasic and the dYnamic
lhk library (DLL). In Fig. 3, calls are
made to Tiansportal PRO from within
Maplinx-No
Basic The SEi\DS variable is loaded
with a strine. The fi rst word in the string
executes a fransportal PRO command;
the rest of the string contains parame-
ters and filler sPaces containing
completion codes.
Ease of use
Transportal PRO comes with several
Clipper ind dBASE comPatible PRG
files, written to make thc parameter
nassins nrocesses more intuitivc Unfor-
iunaely, if you use the product with a
non-Xbase language, you'rc left to your
own devices.
The Frustum GrouP also suPPlies
various libraries that allow the product
to be used with a wide range of PC
orogram ming languages. yet I he manual
.,.r1., di.c.rsses how to use thc commands
and functions from dBASE, FoxBASE+,
and other interpretive languages.
A flyer that accompanies the manual
too biieflv describes how to use the
product with Clipper. C, and Windows
ianglug"" like QuickBasic and Visual
Basic. You're on your own again when it
comes to making Transportal PRO work
using these languages.
a Senior Softw;re Engineer for Slockholdet
Systems, lnc., in Norcross, Georgia.
PhD Required
we're seeing an explosion of desktop
mapping paikages on the market that
range from city Planning guides to
rlesk"too GIS svsiems (See mv review of
Uaoln'fo Z.O for Windows in the Decem-
ber lgg2 DBA) Somewhere in the mid-
dle (oriced between $100 and $500) are
a nei, class ofgeographic query tools'
Geoqraphic query tools give people a
visual-method for making intelligent
decisions quickly. They go beyond print-
ins maDs which show sales regions or
de'iiverv routes. MapLinx, for example,
is integrated to work with Contacl
tt?hv are we seeing so many new Software International's PoPular
contact management system, ACT! for
W mn"u*;ffiilfl1'dL,ll:
information syslems (ClSt packages
Windows. Maplinx also automatically
installs a WordforWindows mail- merge
have been around for Years, they've template on systems thaL have Word for
typically been comPlex, exPensive Windows installed.
svstems used by govemment agencles or Geographic qucry tools can be used by
lirms with complex routing needs, or interested in locations.
^l-osianvone
although it appeals most to people in
coroorat ions with the marketing
budgets to perform complex gmgraphic fieldslike siles or marketing, citY
market analvsis. Some of the CIS planning, public services, delivery, and
packages have a reputation for being so recruiting.
iomplex, that "you need a degree in
geography to learn them." fwo velsion3
- Because of the popularity of Windows Maplinx comes in two verstons:
and graphical user interfaces (GUIs), Maplinx for Windows ($149.95) and

22 DATA BASED ADVISOR/I,4AY 1993

 ThehvOf SIx
You know the rules. Program develcp- graphics images, word-proc essing files
ment is slow and complicated.
so on. Since The SIx Driver
is tricky. Compatlbility is prohlematic. Etc.
remoue. the limir ation ofwhar npc
Etc. Bcape these resffict lOnS, USl ng The
o[ Jata ytru can put in a memo
SIx Driver Replaceable Database Driver
( RDD) withCA-CI ipper to break your
fielJ. uc thought it wou[l be a
good idea to remove the cur-
creativity fiee
rent si-ze lirnitations, tcn.
So Easy It Doesn't Seem Legal. The result? Memo can
Advanced features and functions are hold up to 4GB of data
srmp le to build into any program. The SIx per file.
thi ver RDD rntegrates se amlessly, work- We're Your
ing below the application' s code-level
surface to e liminate re-compiling.
Compatibility
Data is also encrypted/ decrypted Accomplice.
\ /an r 100 o/ocompatibil-
below the s urface so each work
area can be idenrified indi-
ity with Cli pper, FoxPro,
Paradox, oi Btrieve data-
vidually as encryptable,
assuring painless integra.
bases? Just re-link your
program with The SIx
tion ofdata security.
",,7.t!! Driver.Appreciate
Unlock Rushmore Technol-
Incredible Index ogyl Our similar
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create vimra[y instan- maps an d index
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Build SU&lndexes onthe ate FOR condition
fly without havi ng to as queries up to 1,000
the LAN Sen... for more times. (No kiddingl No
data than yr l. Even code changes, either.)
"roll-your-..rr n , ouilJing
customized indexes.rne Cl:nptrr-*22 Steal One Soon!
Now priced at only
record at a time. a
I $199. The SIx drivei
Thke A Memo.
Anlrvhere You'd
AII The Rules comes complete with
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VariField'' Super Mems save Tace, rrcrease srred, source code examples for every firnction and utiliw.
and expanrJ versatiliry. Forger abour 5l 2 I'vtc rnem.rrv N?e've also included SofSolution\ Experr Help, plus
bloat- you can set the bloc"k size fi ,m l6 ro I024 hvteJ. the dbMAX Interactive Engine.
And, instead of letting Jiscartled mem,,-hl-rl<s s:ai up Gder rtxJay, anrJ we'll rntence you to 12 months
_
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Th€ Data Driv€r Company

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 Test Drives
MapLinx Continued

Maolinx Pro for Windows zio code resions. Similarly, Maplinx Pro
l-MapLinr Pro makes it easy to zoom in on a
Figure
t$ggg.gSl. Both include data- *itt di"pta"v city boundary outlines (fig
region and display city boundalies.
bases to display 23,700 U S. cit- l). wheieai Maplirx only locates cities
ies. 42.000 zip codes, states and in'road-map faihion (with larger fonts
counties. and U.S. and interstate for biEeer cities).
highways. MaPLinx is a U.S.- Be-c-ause of the additional data.
only product. Maplinx Pro needs almost 14M versus
The major difference between 6M for MaDLinx. The l0 releases can
the two versions is that MaPLinx theoreticallv run on a 286 with as Iittle
Pro has the abilitY to disPlaY ziP as 2M RAivf under Windows 3.0 or
code boundaries. The entry-level hieher. The Maplinx Pro for Windows
Maplinx package onlY shows RJlease I.00.2O I review here doesn't
zip-code centroids, which means suooort advanced Windows features like
the ziD code numbers are Physt- aviramic data exchange (DDE), object
eallv iocated on the map, but Iinkine and embedding tOLE), or multi-
with no boundaries outlining the ole dociument interface tMDI) tMaplinx
ivill reportedly leapfiog OLE 1.0 and
offer support for DDE and OLE once
OLE 2.0 is released.)
f,lenur
When you start MaPLinx, You see a
Sl.lu. defautt U.S. map with the states out-
Ploduct Company Erpcctcd lined. T Venu Barincludes File lEdit
Sprhg 1933 I Mao - .r'd I View I Search I Con'
40r993
ia"t"'l 'itc.uti" I Options I Help. No-
tablv missing from a staldard Windows
CA-.BFas1 2 o Compuld Associales November 19e2 1993 Edii menu iere options for Undo and
1994
Cut, although MaPLinx imPlements
these bv letting you select previous
1993
views. Other menus had oplions that
generated a "Feature Not Installed" dia-
los window.
1993 -Below
the Menu Bar is an icon bar
ShFphg
with icons for selecting a reFn 'n t le
dBASEIV2,O
lq DOS
Eorbnd loldnalbnal Nc{ amdncad
cliPboar'
copied to the rf 1n-
shbphg nolations,disPlaY -'rrg cttres,
lnl€rmtbnal displaying tiigh
March 1993
dBASE IV E1OS Borbnd Not annourced . .rwing dis-
tanies. zooming in - out, displaying
dBASE lor wln.bws Borland Inlernational January 19s2 1994
previous views, displaying the U.S. map,
KRS 1993 displavine database or query informa-
mi41993 tion, diariing and searching with circles,
rectangles, or polygon areas, and the'
401993 matic shading.
FoPrdlo,UNlX Midosollcdo 1994 Thematic shading lets you color or
June l9S3 shade up to three database fields and
their numeric value. In figure 2, I used
thematic shading to color code dealers,
lnlomixOnline6.0 lnlo.mixSolt*ate customers, and conLacLs' and in this case
1993? displayed all lO prospects, includingone
in the Austin area.
M$OOS 6 2Q 1990
At the bottom of the screen is the
OSv2 2.1 IBM Sprhg 1993 Database Status Line which associates
uD to four database liles you have set up
Pow.€uild€r 3.0 Pow$lr CotP.
with color coded "user symbols" and ap-
SOLBaS 6 0 1994 plicable quantities.
1994
The databa3a connection
Sphg1993 Maplinx 1.0 supports onlY dBASE
and ACT: for Windows databases. but
wh&sBase2.0 Sonwar€ Producls lntr 2Q 1993 Maolinx l 5. whieb should be available
May 1SS3 bv the l,ime vou read this, will reportedly
ui* Paradox ard ASCII CSV
"rppott

24 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 One size does notfit alll
GENIFER is th e perfect fit-
Custom tailored
with templates E N I ER
!
to match -o

yoar
B
software.
GP}T IFE R
For FoxBASE+
3-

ENIFE
FoTCLIPPER
B

IF
FOT QU ICKSILVER ?
5

NI E
d
F

If you like to spend your time creating software solutions and nol coding programs, you should get GENIFER
Version 3. Whatever software you work with, dBASE, Clipper, FoxPro, FoxSaSpi, euicksilver or dBXL we
have. a tailored solution for you. In the world of competitive and diversified database software, one size does
not fit a_11. That's why GENIFER Version 3 is what you need to create business applications that include all
kinds of data screens and reports with pop-up windows and pull-down menus. Then using a specific template
set, you can generate code that is tailored to your needs. You get software that performs aciording to your
design. Professional software that you can pass on to others, or even sell with pride.
Ask your dealer for a demo or call:1-800-777 -0126 for a demo diskette and a free brochure.
Get your application software custom tailored with GENIFER right away.

tr
1029 Solano Avenue . Berkeley, California 94706

Ocopyright 1991 Bylel Corporation. All nghts reserued_

 Test Drives
MapLinx Continued
inconvenience and plans to cor-
Figure 2-Maior cities with boundaries, wlth all Pros-
pits ln blue and one Prospecl who is within a 100-mlle rect it h a future version.
radlus of Austin
Should you buy it?
Desktop mapping Products
like Maol-inx are the kinds of

r--+-_ \# tool yoJ don't klow You need

:**\
Figure 3-The "Associate dBASE Fields" screen is on-line help is fme-most users
whe.e you correlate database lields wilh MapLinx' may never crack the manual-
Symbols and Thematic Fill opllons.
;nie; -i;-.ll"@
@ I3 6 E-i-Ii]
l* tE- In .Cr l affair that includes two hands-
,*r lffiIn a F; 14
fr.,66iFl;t r.
.a6 r lioills-_Tn .a lioi-aa-Tn
F*bdeirrrnl!i_E
E Maplinx' mail-merge interface
E
E
(comma separated values, e.g. mail
merge) files. MapLinx Pro l 5 is also
scheduled r,o include county boundaries
and area codes-initially as dots, but
Iater with boundaries.
Maplinx needs to work on the user
interface for setting up the database
links. Rather than perform an intuitive
File lOpen ldatabase file, you have to
start by setting up the contact symbol
fields (the ones displayed on the
Database Status Bar) and the thematic
shading fields. Ifyou don't, you won't be
able to take advantage of MaPLinx'
geographic query features like "show me
all my prospects" or 'trow many dealers
do I have in the region I've outlined?'
Only after you've done this grunt
work should you open the dBASE or
ACT! file and fill in the 'Associate
dBASE (or ACT!)" Fields screen (fig. 3).
The other complaint I have is that once
you've set it up, there's no way to edit
your settings. Maplinx forces you to
start over.
close the database and
MapLinx is aware of this major
until you use them. MaPLinx 1.0
has some rough edges and
doesnt support full Windows 3 1
lB+- functionality the waY I'd like,
but I'm confident enough in its
existing functionality and direc-
tion t,o recommendit. In addition
to adding support for Paradox
and ASCII files, and making it
easier to edit the "Associate
Database Fields" screen, I'd like
a more polished hetp. Maplinx'
but it could be more aesthetic
and include more hypertext
bdt
links.
Speaking of the manual, it's
I.l=.-I
an attractive 200-plus Page
on sections: a 60-page tutorial
ald another 20 pages on"How to
use Maplinx." The latter shows,
for example, how to use
with Word for Windows
(Mapl-irx also supports exPort
of CSV mail-merge frles to other
major word processors), how to
use the Clipboard, and how to
use Mapl,irx with ACT! for Windows.
My major complaint with the manual
was that one manual is used for both
versions of Maplinx, so there are too
many parenthetic comments, e. g.
Maplinx Pro only.
I called support only once, but
received prompt, courteous, accurate
answers to my questions.
a Maplinx
MapLinx Corp.
5068 W. Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
800-352-3414, (214) 231-1 400
Fax (214)733-8193
Kaaen Watteason b an lndependent writet
and consullant specializlng in advanced
dalabase, connectivity, and application
design igsueg. Her articles appear regularly
i^ Dala Based advisor.
Clipper with Class
I oesoen Soltware, lnc., has
L"aai ,or".t"""esto its class
library tol CA-Clipper, Starclass 2.0.
Version 2.0 now has 28 classes, which
includeg event-drlven classes lor
wlndowing, browslng, editlng, scroll
bars, background ProcessinE and
iniegrated mouse suPPort, among
gthers. Loesgen says 2.0 is code
compatlble with p.ograms written with
Starclass 1.01. SlarClass 2.0 ls
$199US, and includes source code.
Lgesgen Software, lnc., 1712 Avenue
Road, Box 5i1605, Tolonto, ON MSM
't24, Canada, (416) 784-3618,lax (415)
784.3?68
Gupta's Newest
Front Ends
upta upgtaded Solwindows
G tront end
4.0 and Ouest2.0, lls
development tools. SOLWindows now
includes Team Windows, a comPo-
nent that lets teams of programmers
work on client/server aPplicatlons,
and Quest Window, which brings
Quest query lealures and obiect'
orlented programming (OOP) leatu res
like multi-level lnherilance, polymor-
phism and encapsulation to SQLWIn'
dows. The OOP leatures ln
SQLWlndows are "hidden" within the
SOLWindows Appllcation Outliner, so
developers don't have lo use the'n.
olhe. enhancements to soLwin-
dows include lncreased Support lot
SQL back ends, comPlete suPPort lor
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and

26 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 DAIAR{SED
aD[-sqR
Fea#scfl
Awild

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Path-View-A Different Path
to Gode Generation
UPDATE
f\ath-View. from Pal,hfinder Data
Psy",-", l nc., rs an appllcalron
I generator for CA-Clipper 5 and
Clipper Summer '87.
Unlike most application generators
that use a data dictio na ry- b ased
approach to application generation,
Path-View defines the databases used to
create an application using the screen
definitions you create. Part of the
process required to paint a data-entry
screen is to add fields for data entry.
Each time you add a field, Path-View
asks for all the particulars of that field.
When you generate the application,
Path-View automatically generates the
database as well. The same screen defi-
nition handles both thedatabase and the
user interface. (The "Modifu structure of
a field" menu option allows youtomodifu
a datatrase structure, but Clipper's DBU
application has more capabilities.)
Gen' the app
To generate your first application,you
open up Path-View's very simple main
menu. Ithas four items (frve ifyou count
"Terminate Path-View") items from
which to choose: Screen/Data Definition,
Menu Generation/Modification, Pro-
gram Generation, and Alter Path-View
System Defaults.
Selecting Screen-/Data Definition
takes you to the screen painter, the main
part of the program (see fig. 1). It looks
much like any other screen painter you
Figure 1-Palh-View's screen painter has options tot hierarchical menu structure can
drawing and database tools.
28 DATA BASEO ADVISOF/MAY 1993
Test Drives
may have used in other application
generators. The screen painter provides
a full range ofdrawing capabilities Iike
box and line drawing.
While the screen painter seems
deceptively simple, it's actually quite
powerful. In this screen, you define the
user interface and design the database.
Path-View can place more than one
windowin a screen definition (WSD) file.
The screen painter can handle up to nine
windows and nine tables per WSD. You
can also choose between browse and
standard displays. (Figure 2 shows the
standard window type. It shows one
record at a time; the browse window
shows multiple records.)
The screen painter provides a full
range of field types and validation
features. Field types include all the
standardXbase data t1pes in addition to
calculated fields. To display the current
database structure, simply press the FB
key. Pressing F4 displays a dialog box
that allows you to input a picture
definition for the field. (You may also use
templates even though the manual
doesn't seem to mention this.)
Like Bytel Corp.'s Genifer, Path-View
allows you to validate a field according
to a word or character list; numeric,
alpha, or daterange; or a file lookup. You
can also directly access user-defined
functions (UDFs) stored in extemal files
using the Validation function.
Path-View also supports the Clipper 5.x
WHEN clause.
The second item, Menu Genera-
tionModification, generates the menus.
When prompted for what menus you
want to use, you're oflered the default
menu setup supplied with Path-View, or
you can create your own. The
be quite complex. You then may
choose among Lotus-style bar,
CUA-style pull-down, or pop-up
menus.
The third item, Program
Generation, generates the
program based on the screen you
painted and any custom menus
you generated.
Allyou need to do is filloutthe
blanks in the supplied dialog
box. For example, you can spec-
ify mouse support, or you can
generate single or multi-user
code.
object Linklng and Embedding (OLE),
and richer reporting options.
SOLwindows 4.0 comes in two
conligurations, Standard and Corpo-
rate, The Standard Edition is $1,995
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Ouest 2.0 now lets you manage
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has inc.eased security leatu,es, the
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Path-View Continued
Path-uiewisnicefor
deu eloping applic ations on
an oc c asional ar ad hoc b asis,
andit's great for ueating
quichpr o gr ams that don' t
requiremanymodule$
The fourth item, Alter Path-View
System Defaults, allows you to change
the Path-View environment. Like
Program Generation, you simply change
the contents of several fields in a dialog
box. This option allows you to enter an
author name or specifu that you want to
generate Clipper Summer 87 code
Pluses and minuses
One nice feature gives you the option
to automaticallv generate code with or
without mouse support. Unlike other
appgens, you don't have to suPPIY a
t[rird-party library or modify the
[emplates. Since many users now view
mouse support as a requirement-not a
luxury-this feature is espccially
welcome.
Unfortunately, I found mouse support
to be somewhat uneven. For example, a
program using the default Path-View
configuration opens in the "C'oto" section
which allows you to find the record you
want to edit. Curiously missing in this
area is mouse support. However, once
you go back to the main menu, the mouse
cursor reappears and you can select
many of the menu items with a simple
click of the mouse button.
Figu.e 2-A typical program produced with Path-View.
ln the Notes wlndow is a mouse cursor. Mouse support
is fully integrated.
orai\.r r ril or[$ rrm a.li rx0csr il]rr
30 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993
Test Drives
Another great feature is
built-in support for Concen-
tric Data Systems' R&R
Report Writer. The support
oOS single-user llcenses ate $99'
is quite seamless; R&R
R€port Writer felt like a part 5199 and $299 lor Stand.rd, Proles'
of the application rather slonal and Advances respectlvely.
than an add-on. To use LAN license8 are 5499 tor a 4-user
R&R, you simPlY add a license; additlonal usels $100 each.
menu item to the standard
Call for other Pricing. Tools &
menu which calls the
Pathfinder R&R RePort Techniques lnc-, 2201 Norlhland
Writer PRG file. Path-View Drive, Austin, TX 78756, (512) 459-
takes care of the details of 1308, fax (512) 459-'t309.
accessing R&R RePort
Writer for you. Using this
option also means you don't Stro-Ware is
have t spend a lot of time debugging
New Distributor
your code to get this support.
Unlike other code generators on the
market, Path-View doesn't provide any
way to automatically compile and link a
s tro-Ware has taken over distri-
bution ot Aladdln Publishlng
products ln North and South America.
multi-module program. You must write
your CLP, and LNK frles. Aladdln Publishing is part of a South
- own MAK Alrican company that develoPs
However, Path-View does include a
simple batch file for compiling and link- ClipSOL, BDOKit, UnCliP, and other
ing single.module "standard" programs Clipper add-ons. The new distributot-
(The Path-View manual defines a
standard program as one that uses all ship is headed bY Neil Stromin, who
the Path-View defaults and no add-on will also handle supPort and service.
libraries other than the supplied mouse Stro-ware, 12000 w. Pico Blvd., Sulte
library.) 203, Los Angeles, CA 90064, (310) 575'
Figure 2 shows a typical program
produced using only the Path-View
1932.
defaults. There are no built-in hooks for Easy EDI
multi-module programs. The best
method for creating glue code (menuing latrick Frantz Consultlnq (PFC)
system or other connection between l'snippeo Ez-Eol 1.1. ;z-EDl
modules) for a multi-module program is
provides basic electronic data lnter-
to write it yourselfl Pathhnder supplies
change (EDl) features, like creatlng
a sample program that you can use to
link multiple modules together, but this EOI liles from dala-entry screens or
still makes the product less convenient lrom ASCll, dBASE, or Lotus files'
to use than a true code generator. printing EOI liles and viewing them in
The manual provided with this
a window, creating and analyzing EDI
product has a slightly home-made feel to
envelopes, and converting EOI liles to
it, but don't mistake this for a
Iack ofquality. Pathfrnder chose ASCll, dBASE, or Lotus fite lormals.
to add some niceties that other This version requlres communication
vendors will want to consider sottware, but expect them to release
adding. For example, the sPiral one wlth built-in communicatiohg sup-
bound manual stays open while
you use it, unlike the perfect port. Contact PFC lor p.ices. Patrlck
bound manuals used by many Frantz Consulting, P.O. Box 1337,
vendors. Syracuse, NY 13201, (315) 476'1564,
The manual has two sections. lax (31s) 476-1564.
The first contains complete
instructions for using the major
features. The second is a tutorial Beckner Goes
for learning how to usc most of
Path-View's features. While the Shareware
descriptions in the first section eckneavision, lnc., released
are adequate for reference
purposes, you really need to go
B Beckner Llbrary & Utilitles ll.
 a

ereason AS
inwas chOsen Over the
CASE tools.

/a/
.Qx
a s
O
a
It makes database desig n easler.
ln two inde- more control over the aspects of ERI'ul has the features
pendent surveys, CASE that really matter. Wherher riiilfi",
more database professionals
DATA BASED DB/t)(t0 s3
AD\/ISOR readers of DBMS you're designing Xbase files or prefer And, by choosing
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Auad Advrsor voted interface gives you multiple views of dollars over CASE tools like Booth tl ttl
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gR-*,r ,f,a down to the foreign key Order now and you'll also receive
Reader's Choice in the level. Capturing business aFREE copy ofTom Bruce's new
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Why did this select group of 1992 Reverse-engineenng is as Cast your own vote for
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ERl i, is comparible $nh windoss I Lnd €dlier yerions. Al prnuds nmed .re radem ks 214 Camegie Center
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 Test Drives
Path-View Continued

throush the tutorial to leam to use the
produ"ct. lt took me about eight hours to
complete the tutorial.
End ol the path
If vou DIan to create complex applica'
tions thai require multiple modules' you
mav warrt to look at a full-featured code
eenerator like Ul2 or Genifer. Path-View
"mav
not meed the needs of a hardcore
developer who needs a more flexible
nroduct.
' However, Path-View is a nice fit for
someone who develops applications on
an occasional or ad hoc basis, arrd it's
great for creating quick programs that
don't require many modules. It's screen
painter approach to creating an applica-
Extra Help for G++
Programmers
tion reduces the overall time required to
define it.
The integrated R&R R€Port Writer
and mouse support are welcome features
that more vendors should include with
their products.
a P.th.View
Pathfinder Syslems, lnc
21M oak Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-6333
John Mueller is the technical editor for Oafa
Based Advisot, a prolllic computer book
author, and the owner ol Datacon Services.
a consulting firm specializing in Novell
networks and dalabase managemenl
systems.
nam
The new release has all the lealures of
the original version, but it's now being
sold aa shareware, with a registratlon
price ot $50. Beckner Library has
array, binary, class, date, envlron-
ment, llle/record, math/linEnqial'
mouse, Printel/s Poo ler/laser,
programming, string, time, 8nd vldeo
functlons, among othets. Meta'
lunctions (completed applications)
include general ledger, word process-
ing, lorms generator, rePort/label
reptacement, command line browse'
index and comPute commands, and
amortlzalion achedule. Becknervi'
sion, lnc, P.O. Box 11945, Winston-
Salem, NC 27116.1945, fax (9'19)
760-1003.

crosoft for example), then your burgeon-

ing library will grow by several more New VBAssist
volumes.
Naturally, publishers have responded
from Sheridan
to the success ofBorland C++ with many
new books that are intended to cover the
basics-using the compiler and tools, the
s heridan Soltware Systems,
Inc. shipped VBAssisl 2.0, a
new version ol its ptogrammlng tool
C.+ language, and Windows Program' that lets users visually create, edit'
m ing-w ithout overwhelming the
reader, and in a single volume. and gave customized versions of the
obiects within the Visual Basic
ts@K tsIWI]BM Using Bo and C++3,2nd Edition Toolbox with ProPerty Templales.
Le€ Atkinson and Mark Atkinson VBAssisl 2.0 also allows usel9 to
$34.95
create scrollable lorms and picture
A re vou overwhelmed bv all ofthe Que, Carmel, Indiaoa
1992, 1,158 pages boxes, and lets users organize sgutce
I miruals that come wiih Borland
a lC++? Perhaps thal's because t Jsinp Borlond C++ 3 covers the
code with VBAssisst's lntegrated
when you purchase the "compiler," you Code Librarian. vBAssist can gener-
get a compiler, linker, debugger, run- I I t-ii"". from installing the com- ate O lalog and Menu.esources
time library, an assembler, profiler, re-
lL/ piler, io understandin"g pointers
(crucial to programming in C and C++), directlylrom anyVisual Basic lorm lor
source editor, and numerous other
smaller utilities. and even using assembly language in a use with SDK-compatible languages.
If you buy the Application Frame- C++ program. VBAssist 2.0 is $179. Sherldan
works, toss in ad- 5+. The authors take
Software Systems, 65 Maxess Road'
ditional manuals ,s' care to flush out cer-
tain concepts. For Melville, NY 11747, (516) 753-0985.
for the interface
Iibraries, like example, you might
go crazy trying to
ObjectWindows
(OWL) for Win- understand point- Blue Sky Opens UP
dows or Turbo ers to functions '"J,N'"l
Vision for DOS. from the scanty ex-
planation in the
Bff"::'"ffITlT
Don't forget the slonal 5.0, a C/C++ ProtolyPing.nd
Windows API- Borland manual,
but here you'll find code generalion tool designed to
it's documented
shorten development tlme. New
on-line. Ifvou get function pointers
a hard copy (by explained at length features lnclude, among others, a
purchasing the in plain English, WYSIWYG Prototyper, on-line helP
SDK from Mi

32 DATA BASED ADVISOR/I.4AY 1993

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 Test Drives
Book Reviewsi C++ Continued

with numerous code examPles l The remaining thousand pages are an

Wlat follows is an introduction to alnhabetical reference to Windows func-
I
C++: classes. construcl,ors and destruc- | tiins. Windows messages. and OWL
tors. inheritance. and so forth. While you I classes. You may find this useful ifyou code generator, aPPlicallon
mie[t expect the examples to be the kind I don't intend to purchase SDK documen-
templates. lt supPorts code genera-
tha't are eood for simply demonstraling I tation from Microsoft
tion for ANSI C, MFC, OWL, OS12' XVT'
conceDB;nd nothing else. the example I
classes are quite useful. There's a very | Maste ng Borland C++ and more, and comes with toolbar,
eood chapter on streams. and I've always I Tom Swan MDI application, and style and
ionsidered that a mark of a good C++ | $39.95 property setlings supPort.
orimer. Streams in C++ are difficult to I Sams, Car:mel, Indiana
pages windowsMAKEB Professional ls
'oraso
the first time around, even for vet- |
1992, 1,568
can write ab- $995, whlch includes the MFC Switch-
E..n C otog.urn-"rs who
Your wrist Pick-
|
in their sleep might sPrain
I 7ou It Code Generation Module. Blue Sky
r.inifl) l
Y ing this one up-rt's l,bbu Pages
"t.r""
The iast 160 "t"tements
pases are devoted to Win- Software, 7486 La Jolla Blvd', Suile 3'
dows progra;iing, but it barelY
|
I tone and weighs about five
sub-
I
pounds. A-lot of Mo steing Borland C*+ La Jolla, cA 92037, (519) 459-6365.
scrakh-es the surface ofthis complex |
is wasted, though.
jecL. Using Borland C++ 3 really shines
primer; in that respect, rt s
I The 450-page reference to the run-
as a language I is just a regurgitation ofthe
time library A Server for OS/2 2.0
well worth the money. Borland docs. The introduction
ll You te using mainframe OB2
I

states that "this reference includes I and you're looking to downsize'

corrections and omissions to Bor-
land's official documentation " consider XOB-Server for OSl2 2.0, a
That may be so, but I'm Puzzled 32-bit, multi-user database system lor
P ublishershave whv the authors would leave out PC LANS. XDB-Server lor Os/2 2.0 in-
one of the most important things
responded to the success of the Borland docs tell You: Which
cludes relerential integ.ity, record-
level locking, transaction processlng,
Borland C++ with manY run-time functions are compatible
p/recove rY, and Password
ku
with Windows and which aren't. ba c
books intended to cover the But , Mastering Borland C++ protection. ll uses the same data
basics...without does have some things going for it: storage architectute, security facill-
It thoroughly explains ANSI C alld ies and locatlon (subsYstems)
overwhelming the reader. C++; there are 75 pages on Pointers
t
naming conventions as mainlrame
alone (if you don't understand
pointers after reading this, You DB2. DeveloPers can use the same
never will): the text contains lib- three-part name conventions
eral code examples, and, unlike the (location-name,authid'obiect'name)
other books reviewed here, a disk is in- with XDB-server as they use on the
Deve lop ingWi nd ows APP li cati ons cluded.
with Bo and C++3 This book is really slanted more to- mainlrame.
James W. Mccord wards DOS programmers. Windows pro- xoB-Server algo suPPorts Storage
$39.95 sramming gets iust 60 pages, but there Groups (STOGBOUPS), which lets
Sams, Carmel, Indiana
1992, 1,362 pages
ire compleie chapters on the Borland users physically organize databases,
Graphics Interface (BCIl. Turbo Vision. tables, indices, and logs on specilic
v, puploDine Wind.ows Applications assembly language optimizations, and
memory models and overlaYs. volumes. Tables can be Placed in
L) xr:, "
;:!: ;,fl.f#.r:; H,[:
off The first 200 pages offer a quick-and- Bo and C++ 3.1 Obiect'Oriented
logical storage grouPs while
physically located on diflerent
dirty introduction to general Windows Programming
orosramming. lt s nowhere near the
i"oih vou eei in, say, Charles Petzold's
Marco Cantu and Steve Tendon
$29.95
::H::.:H: ff:",X.;il11:
Bantam, New York users, and $27,995 tot more than 65
PiogrZ miing Windows I M icrosoft 1992,626 pages users. XDB Syslems, 14700 Sweitzer
Press. 1990) On the other hand, it'll get
yor-r up and running a lot faster, whereas Lane, Laurel, MD 20707-2921' (30'l)
Bo and C++ 3.1 Prognmming for
in Programminq Windorus you'll have to 317.6800.
read up to page 403 before learning how Windows
Paul L. Yao
to put up a simple dialog box.
the next section is an extremely brief $2e.95
tsaDtam, New York
Capstone Is All
(seven pages) discussion ofC++, followed
by about i hundred pages on ObjectWin-
1992,746 pages Together Now
dows. which. franl<lv, doesn't have much hese last two books are Published Itechnology Appllcations, lnc.
that's new or dillerent from the Borland hv Bantam as "official Borlaod I tas rottea thelr cllenvserve.
OWL documentation. B"ooks." Borland has alot riding

34 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 The most powerful xBase lan guage
now does Microsoft Wind ows 3 1 a

CA-Clipper + DOLCfl VITA"'

o Suppor& alt Clipper Commeds and
Funcrionr
o supporB you pEreed roots. RTLINK,
BLINKTR and Ol€ DEBUmER
" ;;iHfr',;,-*::f* rb' crassvi) ) supercrass,rerepathv,srx

rs..rma],y ass.ciabd
:o ffi ,?iIi:Iilj#:#[:ffi
work! wirh Swnmer,87,
f,T#1f;fi.::ff
Ot s)'CIiDDer 5
trlupPrRlso@csporEust o t olce Vila encapsuhtes dr dlirc Windows Apt in an easy ro usf
Clipper I ibErv .,".-,
: i:,X;,1.,#1t';I XJndows]ppricatons
uline rhe o.ri" v;r.riiifi.
Ei/,.nt-.l
Ecnxa-.l
t 4"_] -r".1 ta1

IEET E.!Et Ei!!r EI GTEr

t
#,ffi
Write TRUE Microsoft Windows
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Easy learning curve
Viu For a-ClipF€r proaraffer teaming
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Windous baled rirsr. Fora, appricadon prcgr.-r". C
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oftne rimc ir;oujd ule ro qire ,n C r c ii.- you usr ctipp€r ror Dos based
r." tgc n.*"rrr li **;
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applicarioro:wr$" Dotce t;,,-
" "r".
Are-y.ou losing ofclietrts becaus€ proSrnmminS wilh a p.ogrd,rtrming _ r*.-l*i,ivr"il*r.
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Losingjuit one contract is cause for concem. It "lerver
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Dolce Vita is cleatrly implemetrled ll.I."l

generates standard Clipper
application errors). and
run time errors insteal.
No ha!e been rcptaced or hacked {a5 some tibmries
'nremals haver,
Dolce Vita's library gives easy access
Works with existing add_on tibraries to Wilrdows screen
objects.
Because ot rhis imptenenErion,
ajt add-ons )ou cu-rEntj) use wiI qort. Obviousl\ Bar menus. popup menus. dialog, edil.
sraph,cs andm screen onented add-ons witjia,e rinre list. combo and check boxes.
m;"g il;;;;tH"* Pushbuttons. scrollbars, elen clitom
controls and o*ner-d.awn btrnon.

Quick to repay the itritial itrvestment p.,V^!1{e,Jm nesource to Clipper code getrerator
r_rvc uuL.t Xt is a code generator.
A couple ofdays wort $dring a,,utilitv,,ro
acce!
wrinen in Clippeis. $at comes wit} the
wiil pay barr e iniriar inv.;"-.,; Dolce Vira Library !o altow you lo ger
i; i,l;;1il:Li,T"JJffil,;:lii*flJJlq:l skned qui;Uy.

'
rrom ltre crien; dakba!. i"L w*o i..,w;a"*:, When designing a Windows application.
;ll-",-yp1i:_ylrlT,.-oara
L^tH v,d u]-naD( Dala Lxcbege (DD[). the starting point is the resource
ar enquiry uriri,y, u "1*.
*pon *r.,i"i
*"J,t file
D,rxr,rn rons orwindows or a prcrorype
ftonr ena'roioil"" uJ.r;""i. ,i,, J,""*"
wrndows. plLr, rcaly Bprdproroqpins posqrbte #r;:1x:::1,T"J:::fl ati*T.,,,"".ffi
is wiil $. wti"*""..*", .iii... lnml,,lim#rfl
Use v_our fayourite Dyaamic Link Libraries (DLL,s). Preparing for the future
With Dolce Vita you can ca- anv Dt
r fr6;
oLr ris.,, rJ,i#,? ;1:;ffi;;l:TfliXjf,"rrro, h*. ro* o*n
Tln other exciriD8 thing abour Dotce Vila is rhar
alll}le expenence SaiDed using iL car
onry mat€ rhe move ro Visurt Objecrs dEt
Euch smoolxer. you wi atreadv _", hate
Srasped trte essenrial diilercnces ofprognrnm,ng mode,"r. ""'.
ctipper debugger (ctd.exe) *rf f"",;*r.
Y::ll" i!l,dlTg
Anl,.,}|lng else raould be inferior and unacceptabie. ' Companion Guide: Cfaig Yellick,s Tutoriat ,STRADA,
rhts extensive guide (including source
No special lirkers reouired trlcks
code disks, pro\ ides many lips add
lo )ou i, yoUI Windows devetopmenr.Wan"n Uy Craig --. Vjii";:o_
No special linler is required \aidl Dolce Vita, you may use the 5tandard linler author of-aid
"Clipper 5 a developers Guide'. glc.95(.SaU,- - '^""
supplied with Clipper oryou may use Blin_ker. yor;
;;:;'.'" r"r;;;;
a Windows compalibte (segmenied
Linker) ar addrrionat cosr. This is a DOLCE VITA $395(+$t5s&H) ofl*."r,
complete Windows developmentpackage. "ppiicabrc
in rhc us^ & ceada
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 Test Drives
Book Reviews. C++ continued

on obiect'oriented technology As Phil-

ii"""-'x"ilt in the forw;rd to one of {
"ur"
i'dJ"" uo.t",'ive\e
oa*t"J upp."""i,
adopted an object-
ucrosslhe board' from r..Til
.lr-a"taio.""t tools to thewith end-use'
these
Iipli""ti.n pt"a*ts we build
tnols."
'"!o i".r't.r.pri. igthatBorland' C+* oBTool-into
GUlMaket' OOCManager and
it application tools-DBAPartner, CodeMaker'
loi of
iiii-'oii,,a Piogram mins onefor an integrated development lool they call
s. CaPstone'
ii*J uuthot" previously worked DBAPartner is an administration tool for creating and managing database design
and
ii"rf .elling object-oriented (DDL) as input and stores lhe OOL in
""ar "i".t" "fr solution to the "soft'- schemas. lt reads a dalabase delinition language
L"-fr""Lo* as the
*^.. criiis" that has existed as long as a vetsion control system'
-o"t "" can of remember' The authors codeMakerisacodegene'atoflhatcleatesprecompileddatabaseProg'amcode,and
de-
ui"o-ait.u"" proper object-orientedother (APls) lor ANSI C and.K&R C/C++' lt
with gen"rate Plogramming interlaces
.im, La no* Ci* comPares "un "ppti"ation
obiect-oriented languages alsoc'eatesstoledprocedulestortoaaingintodatabasemanagementsystemsand
--t"r,e".l chapLeti ofBorlond C++ 3'l triggers to establish servet'enlotced relerential
integrity'
tool' gives GUI access to CodeMaker doc
oii"}Q*"t"i Prcgromming cover the DocManaget, a documenl management
for a manual page
i^li" elements ofC ind C+*, mostly em- prg"", ,,iorr" for adding, changing' or deleting text descriptions
;ffi;ff a;-need to krrcw c to krow
Cantu/Tendon contend "no
OBTool provides an interactive, mu-hithreaded
interlace to the database server' with
irr.illr-a".'t lile and print management features ll is alsoable
to keeP multiPle' concurrent sessions
6ii.iri t'r" ro""a this tobe untrue The
OPENLooK and Motil
i"J""i pu.t uUo"t C for many people is oo"" ,in *" o""i"se server' oBTool runs undet GUI-
.*,irrto. in no way alleviates aPplications lor an entire database'
C++ GlJlMaker creates graphical user interlace lor every
"na lndeed. two of C++'s big
i"i^i"r ilat. database schemato build a screen
Maker uses a customizable template file and
Liiir* ro*o are that it keeps C-likeC user delined table.GUIMaker also generates source code lor cuslomizing callbacks
or
and doesn't break all the
"g:.iJ"Jr. it building special event handlers'
-" which came before
mde
environmen! but lhe individual
pro-
Stiif. Aotl.ra C* ' 3.I Object'Ortunted- Capstone can be purchased as an lntegrated
Proprunnminq is a good book Th-ere are is based on hardware Platform and number
grams are also available. Capstone priclng
*""a cf,apteri on advanced topics ofusers.Foraslngle,usergystem'capstonesta^sat$lo,gos.Thelearenoruntimeol
".-%
iike th"e Borland class libraries tthe Bor-
f"na ao"" are notorious for scanty treat- redist'ibutionlees.callcompanylorindividuatprogrampricing.TechnologyApPlica-
(314) 394-6426'
207' Chestertield' MO 63017'
oi"f lib.u.ies), TurboVision, and tions,lnc.,135O Elbridge Payne Road' Suite
'i.-t ^t
ObiectWindows, as well as a chapter on
eflicient
' -'gifr""d.
wJti-ng and correct C++-code'
C++ Programming for Win' Xbase++
r/or-r-,s is described onits cover as Interme'
diut/Aduun."d. y"t the bookbegins with
graphical exten- Mi"liil;fi ;":ilm"flile:T"ffi ":;;::'""3"'::ff
i:-"iTIffi"Tln:I
"Microsoft Windows is a
allows simultaneous access ol NTX
.io" to tU" fr'lS-OOS operiting system " I tormats' dclags
with support Planned lor other
i^[" ift.t to mean beginners are wel- can be used to wrile slngle and multi-user
and NOX liles lor the same OBF' dclass
Mot" so than anY of the other or manually in
File locking and unlocking can be done automatically
"orn".
toot". thi" one is very comparable to "OO,O"t'."". dclass supporB small' medium'
;ulti-user mode. Source code is avallable seParately'
Piiiid'. Prrsr"^ ming Windows (Yao ol C++ compilers' like Borland 3' Mictosoft
pi"t. up"where the Cantu'/Tendon large and huge memory models on a variety
(DLL) is included for Windows 3'1
"["
book leaves ofr.) f-i, ,no ,*""n c 3.1' A dynamic link library
Though I think every serious Windows applications.
should have a coPY of call company lor pticing' Microlab, lnc ' 6290
Edgewater Drive' orlando' FL 32810'
".ontui."t
i'etiold's book, vou may want to relegat€
471A, aOO-771- 127 4 , (407\ 297 '127 4 '
Petzold to the r;ference section and actu-
ullv ieud Yuo's Uook Petzold's world is a
*.,.1d of *indo* procedures and mes- Get Your Code Right
sages-there's not i line of C++ in it' Yao editot
i.'*.itine for the Borland C++ compiler' lrou can use WotdPe.lect ediling macros that you created lor the BBIEF the
unJihutv"
-- th" on" you're using, right?- Y ,"* wi[1 Premla corp's B-Terp' an add-on to codewright
ihese last two books nicely comple- ""0",t" editing macros that programmers
Windows program editor. B-Terp dlrectly executes
ment each other, and I recommend both B-Terp i3 $99 and
ofthem. .ry trrr. r"i r"i r, BRIEF lor OOS, Borland's DOS program edllor' get verslon 2 Oh
earliet 2'O releases can
requires CoaeWright version 2 Oh' (Ownets ol
Jam€s Fove i3 a consultant specializing in Corp', 1075 N'W' Murray Blvd ' Sulte 268' Portland'
lree througtr tte company.) Premia
wtnaows iatabase development' He can be (503)6416001'
oR 97229, 8OO-s47'9902, (503) 6416000, lax
;eached ar (713) 6616360 or on Compuserve
75605,2674.D

36 DATA BASED AOVISOFVMAY 1993

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 IIAT TBASED
ADVISOR

BUYER'S GUTDE
our database is the core ofyour busi_
ness---{r it should be. So choosing a
database management system isn,t a
game... Database managers turn
your raw data into the iuflormation
you use everyday to make business
decisions, keep tabs on your
inventory, track your cash flow. and
more. What's more important than that? Because
this
information is so important, you should choose your
database management system carefully. your jata-
base manager must provide the information you
need_
when you need it. It must produce the queries and
reports you need. Ifthe database manager you,re
using
isn't up to par, what products are available that fit
the
bill? In this issue, we,ve provided articles includingtips
and suggestions for making the right choice. Whether
you're an end user or a developer, choosing from
the
myriad ofproducts is a daunting task. Our 1993 Buvels
Guide will help provide the information yo, n"ei to
choose the database management system that will give
you that competitive edge.

tr UH HtE
FORMAI
u
ASGII
Xbase
BtrieYe
BASIC
, IIBF
G/G+
IIB
PAL
SQL SOLlables

)
ct
==
<F
GUI
ur>
EeE=a
o-u,
e =E
I
Ed s GUTDE
EUY
6' x ,n
.
BUYER'S GUIDE
File format
. OPera ting Systems
. Progra mmabilitY
. Third-party support
By Mike Lewis
'Choosing a data-
base manager for aP-
plication develoP-
ment is a lot differ-
ent from picking one
for interactive use,"
savs Jon Silver, propiietor of soft'ware
house Step One Technologies 'You've
sot to look at things like performance
ind usabilitv. But you've also got a
whole extra set ofissues to address. like
the Drogramming language, debuggng
aids. deiien tools, and so on ' lt's these
developer-related issues that I focus on
in this article.
Reeardless ofthe issues. the approach
is th"e same. Start by making a detailed
list of vour requirements. attaching a
orioritv to each item ldentifo those
hust-iaue features, the features you'd
lilp to have. and those you can do with-
out. Then use the list as a benchmark
against which to judge each ofthe prod-
ucts under consideration.
Above all, think carefully about the
type ofdevelopment you want todo Are
vou p.epu."d io p.ogram the application
irom the ground up. using thc dalabase
-^.raser'i built-in language? Are you
"comfortable using interactive de-
more
sisn tools to creal"e the various compo-
nJnts oft he application? Or arc you look-
ing for a combination ofthe two?
The progtamming language
Most high-end database managers
have a programming language These
languages can give you enormous free-
dom. aliowingyou to create virtually any
kind of appliiation wil"h a look and feel
40 DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993
ForDeveloPers
o
o
How to Choose
YourDatabo^se
Monageflrcnt
System
vou think appropriate. Their disadvan-
iaee is that iiev demand lots ofwork'
""Ho*"r". powerful l"he language'
vou've still got to put plenty ofeffon into
coding and testing." says Stephen
Cameron. a consultant with soflware
house 4D Concepts. "And don't forget
about design. A good programmer de-
signs the whole thing properly before
cutting the first line ofcode Using these
languaqes is no short-cut."
lf vou do choose a solution involving
oroeramming, which language should
vou oot for? "There's no such thing as a
irniveisal daLabase language, but Xbase
comes as close as you'll get," says Step
One's Silver. "lf you plan to have any
kind of career as a database developer,
vou will want Xbase in your linguistic
ieoertoire-but not exclusively'"
ibase refers to descendents from early
dBASE, including such modern products
as FoxPro, CliPPer, and dBASE IV It's
the most widely used development lan-
suaee in the PC database world. but it s
iar iiom beine a standard. Most Xbase
dialects began with dBASE III PLUS,
but thev've diverged so widely from their
origins that they now have only a core
set of commands and functions in com-
mon. That said, a knowledge ofone form
of Xbase will certainly help you learn
another. (Note that a standards effort is
underway for the'Xbase language, al-
thoush itls currently in its early stages')
ouiside rhe Xbase world, each data-
base manager has a ProPrietary lan-
suase. with little or no common ances-
irv."For example, ObjectPAL the lan-
guaAe in Paradox for Windows. slightly
iesembles Pascal. while the languages
built into Microsoft Access and Super-
base both derive from BASIC. Other
products with built-in languages include
R:BASE and Clarion.
You don't have to use a database lan-
suase to develop database applications
if ,n'I.r orefer to work with a traditional
language like C. you can add database-
handling capability by purchasrng a
third-partv function library such as Se'
quitei Soitware's CodeBase. or SoftC
fiom SoftC Ltd. Programmers working
in Visual Basic also have a good choice
of database libraries: Pioneer Software's
Q+E and Revelation Technologies' Open
Ensine are two examPles.
Oie other language is Structured
Ouerv Lansuage (SQLr' Most high-end
datuba"" mu.tig".s incorporate SQL in
one form or another. But SQL isn't an
application development language'
Lacking even the simplest of user inter-
face fealures. its main use is to manipu-
late andquerydata tables Products that
support SQL usually incorporate an-
other language or have another way of
creating applications. Depending on the
o.oduci vou choose, there might be ad-
irantagei in learning SQL butit'srarely
essential to do so.
Automate the Ptocess
Most database management programs
also have some form of interactive de-
sim tools, tlDically used to create forms'
relorts. queries, and menus You might
use these tools instead of the language.
or vou might use Ihe tools and the lan-
euage sidi by side. Relying oxclusively
in interlctive tools for application devcl-
ooment could force you to accept compro_
mises, especially in your applications
user interface. On the other hand' they
can often help you to speed up the devel-
opment project dramaLically. Conlinued
 Works
File Edit Qisplay !ditor Eeport Sption
IJDO
S*, ERwin-;;rE;;-
tr tr hl a trl
vendor-no
vendor- n ame

PART
a
ls backu$vendorfor T lEl ! u+l 5
tt

pad-name
VENOOR.LOCAT1ON
qty-on-hand vendorno (Flo
backutrprice location-no
parl-type
l0cation-addr
backup-vendor.vendor-no (Ftg
L ls standard vendorlot lI
Goe into
pad-type
SOL Server Editol
llffi,"l
talDtat'
cfiolaa
MAKE.PART Entity Name: VENDOR
pad-name (Frc
Delete Trigger: d VENDOR
std-cost
CREATE TRIGGER d_VENDOR
ls made of ON VENDOR FOR DELETE AS
STRU CTU RE.ITE
BEGIN THAN
I!1
DELETE part-name FROM pAR
comp-parl-name.parl-name (FtO
assy-pad-name pad-name (Ft0
lnserl Trigger: iVENDOR

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 DATA BASED ADVISOR W BUYER'S GUIDE

a oroduct that works this way {although senerates a basic frumework. with the
f)esisn tools take several broad ap- Ieveloper adding small chunks of
nroach-es. With some programs. the ob- Aicess also has a built-in languagor.
With the other approach. the dosign application-spccific code during tho
i'ects vou create tthe forms. reports, and design process. FoxPro. lor example. can
"so
on iare immediately available to users tools generate procedural code, which
vou th-en incorporate into your applica- be used in this way.
through the package's menus Develop- Another possibility is to use the design
ins a;.- appliiation in this way is quick iion. This takes a lil"tle longer. but gives
you greater control over the finished rools with event-driven programming'
unl you can rapidly switch
"""rb""uu"" product. With some database managers' In Paradox for Windows, You use the
between design mode and execution form designer to creatc the application's
mode. The disadvantage is thatyou can't
such as dBASE IV, the packagc genor-
ates individual modules that the user uscr intei?ace' which vou can then "run"
easily hide the package's interface {iom immediatelv. You can also write small
,".r". Mi".o"oft A"cess is an example of can execute interactively. With others' it
Drosrams (methods) thal atlach to on-
screen objects such as pushbuttons Tht'
methods are executed in response to
events. such as the user clicking on the
WoTdBASEAVoTdSPELL Clipper' 87'5.2 Word Processor obiect with a mouso. This approach com-
cuts and lull mouse hincs thc convenit'nce of interacLivc de-
r Efv l-€am extenwe pulldown menu svsEm wib numercus hotkev short
to Use snd Use th€
helpplu'a l80pase u'er manual ondi't' sign with the flexibility ofhand coding'
*pp"i. w",JaAit;".t,de. Pop upon linc
FlexFile ASCII and WordBAsE file fomats'
r Edits and Sp€ll Checks 7 file Tvp€s _ Edn Clipp€'memos dBxstore 25'000
pr'" ipai ir"iiCi,pp". .ltancts netos ana memo* "ariables lnsrall a 70'000 or I I 5'000 word dictionary' Programming tools
lldli.r. Underline Fonl' Pitch Landscape d Portrait' Envelopes' Multiple
If vou plan to write Your own cde.
'r,s Bold,
]600 Printers SupPorted C0nLe'd ,
vou'il need a text editor' Many interac-
;.;;P;;;;& uppe' -d t'** pap'_
t'av'-' r'inl with left nght o; cenEr jusrincation with proPonionar
iivc database managers have built-in
foDt supPon'
.l" *l,icd drr^h.ses with Lr)o-uo ficld
rMaitMeIpt-CondllionalmdlmerBeliommuttipleElaleditltaba\essiLhpoPDPItcldin\enionFr
insenion. Four sample editors, though these rarely approach
d;raba*. plis inpur scrcens dre included tor Home. Bu\ine!\' Clicnts d the qualitY of third-party cditors de-
vendo6 marr merBes'
ftle size in 20K or less tolal mmory'
Siz€ - WoTdBASE edit! fiIes in multipte windows of unlimited
r UDlimited Fil€ sicncd for programming. Some dcvelop-
WoTdBASE is Lan ready for mullipl€ users sd is fullv overlavable' cri oreler io ignore the built-in editor in
JCustomizable.Devetopercontroloverwinilowsjre'colors'tabs'margins,pagelenglh/widtandpag€headen.
S87 5 2 source code wordBAsE inlesmtes inlo
favor of prosrams likc Brief or Multi-
o WoTdBASE is "Royslty FItt" and includes $e comPlele Clipper
Clippe. with jusl oDe lirE of code.
Lldit. Ifyou opt for a languagc-only prod-
3 Specisl Pricing available for wordBASBWordSPELL Plus dBxstore'
Fast Text and UlEa Sedcb combo packg€
just uct Iike.CA-Clipper, you have no choice
$9s.m, you save $2m.00 but to acquire a separate editor'
In some database managers, when a
Drosram error is detected, tho system
autimatically invokes the built -in editor
and hiehliehts Lhe offending code This
can saie time during program develop-
ment, and is a Powerful argument for
using the built-in editor. (Some third-
fu*'.kdh{r6f5F1

narl-v cditors provide a similar capabil-

xffi"trB?'ffiHffiJ'ffiro
l:i,iffi
i.i-i;a&b.d€dh.d<:i,Eb

..-- id&dk!.oEodho
ity, but it dcpends on therc being e nough
rnpmorv to invoke the database managcr
from within the editor, which isn't al-
ways possible.)
",*;ddd
Another useful feature for program-
mers is a debugger. At a minimum, it
should lct you tracc the progrum's flow
oid"a.hd Bloek Copy and interrupt cxecution to oxam lne van_
Sp€tlchecking
ables. Othei handy programming aids
a.b4.l,4lfu51el... arc svntax checkers, on line language
helo. and some way ofautomatically rc-
I;.m ^i"'.?rilff*: @ry compiling only updatod modules each
: 'flflI BIEffii time you start a ncw tcst run.
ffi
l&ffiffi-
M
l

j Don't forget distribution

With some Products, cverY user who
l I

I runs your application will be obliged to

own a copy ofthe database manager---{r
_have
fub|dLoodb.<dcd
at least a license to usc a ccntral
Printer Driver Selup Moil Merge lnplt copy on a filc sorver. Bcsidcs being ex-
nansivo. this could mcan giving users
$225.OO Ro alty Free dBEST, , morc power than you l,hink appropriate'
lll'l HALLoGRAM Publishing
@.
For ciamplc, uscrs may have Lhe powor
to modifyyour proglams or acccss the
ll (303) 7s2- 2086
rtll ls32 South Dawson Streei, Aurom, Colorado 80012 U'S'A
Fax: (303) 752-1646 ! data in ways You didn't intcnd'
A bctter solution is to opt for a program
Producis menr oned ore todsdd(.d bv th6tr €sp€Jive montnoclurere that offcrs a separate runtimc packagc'

42 OATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993


This enables users to only run your
application, reducing the danger that
they will do something they shouldn't. In
many cases, you can distribute copies of
the runtimc without worrying about li-
cense fecs or royalties. This reduces the
overall cost considerably.
The alternative is to choose a product
that generates stand-alone EXE files.
Here. the user doesn't even need the
runtime package, since the EXE file con-
tains the equivalent functionality. CA-
Clipper and Borland's recently an-
nounced DOS Compiler for dBASE are
examples of products in this category.
The platlorm question
Should you follow the seemingly rc-
lentless current towards Windows or
should you stay in the unglamorous
but still hugely popular-world of DOS.
Or is it worth looking at othcr platforms,
like UNIX or Macintosh?
Ifusers are committed to one platform,
you might have no option but to follow
them.Once users have grown accus_
tomed lo Windows, they're unlikely to
take kindly to having a DOS Program
foisted on them, with its (to them) incon-
sislent look and feel and inability to
work in harmony with other programs
Similarly, DOS users might notwelcome
thc extra overheild involvcd in runnrng
just one Windows application
Where you do have the choice, you have
to balance thc undoubted advantages of
Windows against its drawbacks. "From
the presentation point ofview, Windows
is wonderful," says Step One's Silver.
"It's great at creating publication-qual-
ity reports with multiple fonts and
graphics, and for giving users a clear
path through a form. I also like being
able to switch quickly between the editor
and the [database managemcnt system].
The danger is that it's too easy for per-
formance to suffer."
Ifyour uscrs are going to spend most of
their time simply entering data and pro-
ducing tabular reports, the graphical in-
terface could get in the way- And remem-
ber that some DOS database managers
also provide some of the benefits of a
GUIlike front end. "Paradox 4.0 lets you
create windowing applications without
thc slow performance of Windows," says
Ted lioscnberger, V.P. ofEngineering at
Target Software. "FoxPro lfor DOS] has
a windowing interfacc too," adds Silver.
Hardware requi?ements
Gone are the days when a full-fcatured
database manager could run on a 640K
8088-hased PC. To obtain reasonablc
performance, many database managers
now require, as a minimum, a 386 with
multiple megs of expanded or cxtcnded
DATA BASED ADVISOB BUYER'S GUIDE
memory. This is especially true in the
Windows world, although some high-
end DOS products-Paradox 4.0 and
FoxPro are exanples-are just as
hungry for hardware as any Windows
database.
When checking hardware require-
ments, be sure to distinguish minirnam
ftom recommended. Even ifyour chosen
product can squceze into 640K, the
chances arethat it rvill run much too
Clipper DeYelopersl
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Unsurpassed Zmodem Support.
Telepathy's superior Zmodem functions
are designed to take maximum advantage of
zmodem's accurate high-speed ransfem, 32-
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Additionally, Telepathy suppors
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slowly within that limit. The better
products will take advantage of what-
ever additional hardware is available,
for example, by running in protected
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Data lormats
Most developers rate data compatibil-
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agerl must have good import and export
facilities. or even better, the ability to
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Outstanding Wl02 Emulation.
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Telepathy also suppons ASCII and
Telepathy's emulato accepts a user_defined
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Telepathy supports up to 16 ports using
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DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 43
 _)
DA'A BA=ED aDvrsoR ffi "rr=r,s
curDE

directly work with other databases'files
in native format," says Steve Estvanik,
a consultant with Cascoly Software.
Ifyour chosen package can't work w.ith
de facto industry-staadard formats, you
might find it impossible to bring data in
Ilom other applications, orto share data
w.ith other programs. When you eventu-
ally replace your application, you could
be locked into a proprietary format that
no one else can use. A,s Stuart Claggett,
a development engineer with ADTECHS
Corp. says, "The use of a proprietary
[data] structure is suicide."
Which formats are important? "If the
product supports the [Xbase] DBF for-
mat, it will be able to talk to virtually
anythingelse," says Cameron of4D Con-
cepts. "But remember that it's only the
dBASE III PLUS version that's the
standard. Other variations are a super-
set of that." Cameron wams, for exam-
ple, that many programs can't read DBF
flles containing memo fields. Even ifthe
DBF format is standard, the related in-
dex format isn't (though this isn r a seri-
ous problem since the importing applica-
tion can usually re-create the indexes).
Other widely-supported formats are
comma-delimited and fixedJength AS-
CII, Btrieve and Paradox. One problem
with Paradox is that the new Paradox
4.0 format isn't compatible with the
older Paradox 3.x version. (According to
Borland, this wouldn't be a problem if
software authors used the Paradox En-
gine to insulate themselves from
changes in format, but it appears that
not many do so.)

Access Video Training

Advanced Revelation and Approach for
Windows are two database managers
that claim to offer transparent access to
a variety of file formats, while Paradox
Master Access in record time using Softech's new Video for Windows claims to work equally well
based Training system and harness its power NOW! with data from Paradox 3.x, Paradox 4.0,
dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV. Like-
wise, Microsoft Access can "attach" di-
Softech's Training System has all
rectly to dBASE III PLUS and IV,
ti- l Btrieve, and SQL Server data, as well as
you need to gain confidence in
lmtil using Microsoft Access. The
importing and exporting these formats.
In the future, the problems ofincompat-
lBr system consists of four sets of
Videos, Resource disks and ible data might be eased by the arrival
a Manuals. Designed to be used of open database standards like Mi-
by both the beginner and the crosoft's ODBC and the Borland-initi-
ex?erienced progra.runer, the ated IDAPI.
course makes an in-depth study
I of G€tting Started, Working with Your developmGnt partne;,
Access and Basic and Advanced the vendot
Programming.
The status-and life expectancy----of
Softech's Video-based Courses are the ideal trajlfng system. you can learn the database managert vendor is argu-
at your oirn pace, revisiting topics as you need to. Furthermore, the ably as important as the quality of the
system can be used to Uajn any number of people. Avajlable in PAL, NISC, product. For prooi talk to WordTech's
SECAM and U-Matic formats. Complete Set Onty: $295.OO r delivery. Arago users, who suddenly found them-
selves without a future last December
when Borland purchased that product
Clipp er 5.2 Video Training and withdrew it from sale (while con-
A Complete course in Clipper 5.2! Over 2000 copies have been sold to
tinuing to provide technical support).
Clipper developers world-wide so far. Softech's Clipper course includes a There are dozens of other examples of
set of eight Trajning Videos complete with Resource disks and manuals. frne programs that have sunk in this
Topics covered are fi ercely-competitive market.
Founda[ons, Advanced, "Go with vendors you can count on be-
TBrowse, The GEI ing around for a while with huge in-
System & Erlor Handling, stalled bases," says Target's Rosenber-
Report Writing, Data ger. That way, even if the vendor gets
Drivhg, The Extend into difficulties, there's a chance thatthe
System and a 5.2 Update. product will survive in someone else's
Special Offeri All Eight
sets for only $599.OO
!lll hands. Conversely, a "safe" vendor with
a little-used product could well decide to
+ delivery. let it die-Borland did just that with
Reflex.
USA: To Order Europe:
Softech Services. Inc. Contact Softech Services Ltd.
Other kinds of aupport
P O Box 4840 Cenfal Office, Paycocke Rd. Vendors vary in the support they offer
Winter Park, IL 32793 AI Basildon. Essex SS14 3tX{ customers. Some give unlimited, fiee
norida, USA M{ior United Kingdom phone support; others charge a substan-
Tel: (407) 678 8180 cards 'tel: +4410)268 270779 tial fee for this service; while others
Fax (407) 678 0086 Accepted Fax +44 (0)268 524409 struggle to answer the phone at all. If
phone support is likely to be important
to you, try to frnd out from other devel-

,I4 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 ) DATA BASED ADVISOR
ffirur=r'scurDE
opers_how they rate their vendors're- compare prices on a like-for-like basis. you're willing to compromise on. So roll
sponsrveness. One last point: don't forget to take into up your sleeves, decide your priorities,
Many developers also look for support account the cost ofany additional hard- and start checking those database
on BBS services, especially Com- ware the package demands. managers.
puServe. "I can't begin to tell you how Mike Lewis is a free-lance technical lournal-
important CompuServe has been to me," ln conclusion ist, writing about all things to do with data-
says AAR's Giddings. "In making lpur- Selecting the right database manage- base managers. Based in Sco and, he con-
chasingl decisions, I always review the ment system for your development pro- t.ibutes to computer magazines in Europe,
availability of CIS support. If it's not ject is not a trivial task. I've introduced North America, and Australia. He has also
there, I don't buy." you to the main criteria to take into writlen and translated several books on
Large vendors usually run their own database management and othe, computer-
account. It's now up to you to decide related sublects. You can reach Mike on
forums on CompuServe, while many which ofthese are important and which CompuServe 100012,2105- :l
smaller ones maintain a regular pres-
ence to monitor questions and hand out
advice. (See "DB Connections" on page
183 for a list ofdatabase-related compa-
Get crosstab reports like this in minutes!
nies active on CompuServe.)
Other useful support services include
newsletters, conferences, and user SUMMARY Of SALARY o! of 0&19192
groups. Ifvou're a consultant, ask ifthe
vendor has a referral service. Once CLERK MGR SALES Totd
you've developed sufficient expertise in DEPT SUM SUM SUM STiI{
the product, such a service could provide NTMBER SALARY SALARY SALARY SALARY
you with valuable introductions to pro-
spective clients.
10 0.00 ;;-; 0.00 &14d].45
15 2476610 20659.t0 t6s02.43 61929.33
20 2115135 1&157.S0 tEt?t.25 6{285.10
Third.party support 38 24964.fi 17s06.75 3,t81.t.30 ?72t5.55
Another reason to favor a product with 42 220t4.50 t8352.80 t8001.75 5S369.05
a large user base is that it's likely to be 5l 218i29.W 2r ! 50.00 37r r t.00 t609r).t0
well supported by companies providing 66 10984.00 18555.50 56532.70 t60?6.20
add-on goods and sewices, especially t,t t3030.50 t9818.00 33298.50 66147.00
training courses, consulting and pro- r5t35r35 21786.80 2r{43233 5t36{7..tt
gramming, and books and magazines.
To get a rough feel for how well a given C-Otr{PANYC]ONFIDENTIAL
database manageris supported, visit the
computer section of a technical book-
store and check the number oftitles that
the product has spawned. dQUERY is an interactive query management system and report writer fo! dBASE and
A successful product will also attract Lotus l-2-3 users. It supports both SQL (Structured-Query-Language) and QBE
third-party add-on programs, such as (Query-By-Ersmple), and is designed for end users as well as developers who need to
code generators, documentation aids, get information out of data frles quickly for on-the-fly analysis, interpretation and
functions libraries, debuggers, report
reporting.
generators, graphic tools, and many
more. Even if you don't have a specific
need for any of these, the presence of a The report writer, which can produce management quality summary reports, is very easy
healthy add-on market is an encourag- to use. ln addition, version 4.5 allows you to build cross-trb reports with just a few
ing sign. That said, the lack of add-ons key-stlokes. You can join multiple dBASE filest join multiple l-2-3 files; join dBASE
isn't necessarily a danger signal. Per- and l-2-3 files; and import and export ASCtr files. dBASE data can be reduced and
haps your chosen database manager has saved in Lotus files oI vice versa. lndex files suppoded are NTX, MDX and IDX. The
so many features, there's little lelt for advanced query optimizer makes managing larye amounts ofdata very efficient.
third-party developers to provide.
The multiwindow user inteface, together with the extensive help facility, makes
The cost
dQIJERY extremely easy to us€. For advanced use6 and developers, the prograrnming
Finally, check the costs ofthe products
featues allow easy constluction ofcarmed querying and reporting systems for novic€
you're considering. Compare the price
per user. Some vendors charge a certain end-users. Reportedly, productivity can be increased by more than orders ofmagnitude.
price for the first user on a network, \trith
a slightly lower fee for each subsequent ,9A9-r99'
Call for a free demo disk.
user. Others charge a fixed amount to DATA BASI I)
cover up to, say, 10 users on the same soR lllt"tlll Qudbase Systrnu Inc
LAN. Others load all the costs on the 790 Lucerne Dr. #51
developer. Programs with royalty-fiee Sunryvale, CA 94086
runtimes or that geneiate stand-alone ll,,rr,ill Tel: (408) 738{989
EXE files fall into this category. The ttlcatS,
important thing is to be sure that you ataotaa Fax: (408) 7384980
. olhd rrrd.mrlB .Fp.&lng in lhir ad ,. lr.d.h&rs oi lh.n r6p.ctiE compani...

DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 45

 .
BUYER'S GUIDE
Database management
. Desrgn issues
By Karen
WatteBon
Before you purchase
a database program,
you should think
about the data you
need to store and
how you're going to
organize it. In other words, you need to
know a bit about database desigrl.
A bad database design won't land you
in jail, but it can lead to unnecessary
tedium at data entry. It can also lead to
data hconsistencies and leave you help-
Iess to query or sort your data the way
you want to. You may even discover that
you can't generate the reports you want,
even though all the data's there, simply
because ofpoor database design.
If you've read a bitabout designing
databases and been putoff(orscared ofO
by the pompous-sounding terminology,
rest assured that it's not as complicated
as it sounds. Here's a crash course in
database design and a step-by-step de-
sign recipe.
Databases are basically lists, and one
ofthe most natural Iists each ofus keeps
is a list of friends or contacts. You may
remember the days when you kept an
address book or little black book in
which you kept important names, ad-
dresses, and phone numbers. I remem-
ber those days. and I rcmember erasing
and scratchinB out old addresses as peo-
ple moved or changed jobs and how I
tried to wedge in fax andcarphone num-
bers. Eventually too much would be il-
legible, and I d break dowa, buy a new
address book, and resign myself to a
tedious, error-prcne job of transcription.
Not fun.
Simpl6 lists
If all you want to do is keep unrelated
lists of data, a simple flat-frle database
manager like Symantec's Q&A is all you
need. For example, maybe you want to
keep an inventory list of your CDs or
videotapes. Perhaps you havc a coin or
stamp collection you want to list for in-
surance purposes. A flat-file system lets
yolr enter and update your items, print
out lists in sorted order, lets you quickly
46 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993
Database
Design 101
locate information about your inventory, There are other problems with this de-
and so on. sign. You may have multiple contacts at
Does that mean that you can't use a the same company, meaning same busi-
more powerful program like a relational ness, ShipTo, and BillTo addresses. Do
DBMS to keep a simple list? No, you can you want to type in that information
even use a high-end SQL database serv- twice? Worse yet, do you want to have to
er program to keep a simple single list remember to update it twice if some-
database ifyou want to. thing changes?
You're also going to run into other
Electronic address book problems with this design as far as the
What about an address list? Would phone numbers go. Some people have
that be a good candidate for a simple list car phone numbers not associated with
manager? Maybe, then again, maybe locations.
not. It depends how complicated your Speaking ofphone calls, you may want
requirements (and contacts) are. to keep a log of calls associated with
those contacts, where you record the
Consider the question of addresses. Do
your contacts each have single ad- date ofthe conversalion and a summary
ofthe call. Perhaps you want to assign
dresses? Chances are, some ofyourbusi-
some sort of action flag to the conversa-
ness contacts have separate mailing,
shipping, and billing addresses. You tion, e.g., "IJrgent Action Required" or
"Follow-up in 30 days."
may also want to keep track ofpersonal
addresses for some of those business You wouldn't want to store this log
contacts. If you want to keep all this in information with the basic list of con-
a single flat-frle manag€r, you run into tacts, since some @ntacts would have
the problem of trying to anticipate all lots of phone calls, and others wouldn't
the possible addresses and setting up have any. Think about the problem of
fields for each of them. You might come adding fields to the list above. If you
up with a list of helds like this: tried to use fields like PhoneCalllDate,
PhoneCalllSummary, PhoneCalllAc-
tion, PhoneCall2Date... where would
r,aatNl!. you stop?
FirstNa.a6
BuB ia6E aaaLlr.E 6r,iE.1
The addresses, phone numbers, and
Bu s i r€ s aAttalr. B aLi Ec 2 phone call log really represent different
I ists, I ists that are re lated tD the contacls
city
stat. list. lfyour data is complex and interre-
zi9 lated, you need more horsepower than a
sbiI)Tolttalr6 s .r,i E.1 flat-file manager calt provide.
ShiDtIoaataE.6aLitt.2
City Ouasi-relational and
gtatG
zi9 ,elational DBMSs
Billaoadttr€6sLla61 l,et's say you've decided you need more
BiIlToaalalr.!.Lir.2 than a simple list manager. What's the
city difference between Xbase-style systems
scatc Iike dBASE or FoxPro arrd desktop rela-
zi9 tional systems like Paradox or Access?
Xbase-style sysl,e ms are "quasi-
City relational." They let you manage multi-
St.t6 ple lists ofinterrelated data, but in most
zi9
cases they aren't quite as easy to use as
today's more visual desktop relational
Of course, each of them would likcly products. With Windows products like
have a phone number and fax. Unfortu- Access and Paradox for Windows, you
nately, most ofyour contacts won't have create links between related lists-
multiple addresses, so ifyou design your called tables-by pointing arrd clicking.
list this way, there will be a lot of In oldcr, quasi-relational Xbase prod-
"empty" space. ucts, you assign related database files to
 ) DATA BASED ADVISOB
separate work areas and write code that
establishes Iinks with SET REI,ATION
TO statements.
The address book revisited
How should you go about designing a
contacts database for the kind of data
described above if you have an Xbase,
relational, or SQL database server
system?
Here's the recipe I promised you:
D 1. Think about the data you want to
store and how you'll be using it.
Try to imagine a data-entry form.
Thin} about the kinds of reports you,ll
want t! generat€ and what kinds of ad-
hoc queries you'll want to perform.
D)2. Jot down names describing the
data.
You'll probably end up with a combina-
tion ofmajordata units like contacts and
smaller units like business phone. The
major data units will become database
files or tables, and will often correspond
to things. Sometimes these tables are
called lists or entities. Stan grouping
the smaller data items--{ften c;llea
fields or attributes-with the thing
they're associated with, e.g., businesi
phone with contact.
D) 3.l,ook at your grouped data to see if
each group seems to have a logical
name and single theme.
Ifyou see repeating groups like multi-
ple addresses, or realize you'll need to
keep multiple items Iike phone numbers
or conversation summaries, you prob-
ably need to split up your data. In our
example, you reallyneed separate tables
for contacts, addresses, phone numbers,
and telephone calls. The process of sub-
dividirg large tables into smaller ones is
sometimes called denormalization.
D4. Think about the groupings (or ta-
bles) you have so far and about how
they're related.
In our example, we have several one-
to-many (also known as parent-child or
master-detail) relationships. One per-
son can have many addresses. One per-
son can have many phone numbers. One
person can have many associated phone
calls. The way vou relate or link related
tables is by putting some common field
in both of them.
This is where keys and referential in-
tegrity come6 in. Each table needs to
have a primary key field. This is usually
an arbitrary number like a customer
number. Drivers license numbers, social
security numbers, and invoice numbers
are the kinds of data wed as primary
key 6elds. Tatrles that are on the many
side_ of the one-to-many relationship
need to have the primary key Iiom thL
master side of the relationship. If you
have an address table, you'll'need to
have the customer number field in it to
establish the link. This ex-
tra freld in the detail table
is called the foreign key.
Detail tables need both pri-
mary keys and fo reign
keys.
D5, Decide on names for
the tables arrd fields, a
nd data types for the f
ields.
(Data types usually irl-
clude categories like in-
teger, numeric, text, and
date. Sometimes you'll
also have currency, memo (for long
text fields), and image data types.)
Create the database tables. Find out
how to set up multi-table forms so you
can enter several addresses at once,
for example. and how to link or join
tables for your reports and queries.
Summary
Before you select a database program,
you should think about the data you
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BUYER'S GUIDE
want to store and what you wart to do
with,it. If all you want to do is keep
simple, unrelated lists, a flat-file data-
base manager is all you need. In the
business world, however, most lists are
ou may euen discouer that you
can't generate the reports you
want, euen though all the data's
there, simply because of
poor database design.
related to other lists, and you'll probably
want to use one of today's popular rela-
tional database management systems.
Karen Watlerson is an independent
consultant speclalizing in database and
clienvserver topics. She is a l.equent con-
tributor to Data Based Advisor and is cur-
rently completing a book on Paradox tor
Windows lor Addison-Wesley. You can
reach Karen on Compuserve 76064,51 or
MCI Mail KWATTERSON.I
W er
.!:! :l,,Mo
Supporls Avevs new
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 BUYEB'S GUIDE
. Decision matrix
. Flat-file database
. Relational
managefs
database
mana'gers
. System requircments
By Debbie
Dickstein
Although data-
base management
software may be
one of the most
compler productivity tools youll use on
your PC, it carr also have tbe most posi-
tive impact on your business by prwid-
ing accurate, up-to-date ioformation for
managing business transactious and
strategic plaaning. The availability of
PCs in the office and the development of
eaaier-to-use software has allowed end-
users (who know their data best) to
tackle many oftheir business problems.
In this artic-le I discuas when to use a
databa-se manager, how to organize the
process of turning a bwiaess need into
a usefirl database application, ard how
to choose the package that best meets
your needs.
What is database
management and why is
it so useful?
Generally speaking, "data" are simply
facts that can be collected. Examples are
names, addresses, and check numbers
and their amounts. Data items only be-
come important when they're turned
into "information." The names and ad-
dresses belong to the customers ofyour
business, and the check numbers and
amounts determine your cash flow!
The.e's not much point in storing data if
it can't be retrieved quickly, easily, and
converted in a variety ofways into infor-
mation.
Adatabase manager is specialized soft-
ware designed to store, retrievc,
and manipulate information. Though
functionality and design vary, a data-
base manager generally offers these
ForEnd-Lfsers
Only:
How To Choose
YourDatabq^se
Managem,ent System
I High capacity-The ability to handle
Iarger amounts ofdata than could be
managed easily with a paper system.
I Searching-Retrieving ("querying")
information based on specified crite-
ria, such as "which invoices are more
than 30 days past due?"
I Sorting-Refers to the ability to ar-
range information in a variety of
specified orders, such as customer
name, area code, or ZIP code.
I Reporting-Database management
packages allow the production of for-
matted output that can be saved for
re-use. Useful features include the
ability to add headings, sub-
headings, and summary and com-
puted fields, and generate repo.ts
fi'om queries.
I Data entry/moditication/deletion-
The accuracy and validity ofinforma-
tion is kaown as "data integrity," and
most database software provides
methods to help ensure it is main-
tained. For example, an order-entry
system shouldn't allow users to enter
a negative value for the number of
items ordered, a U.S. zip code that,s
four characters long, or an item not
sold by the company. A multi-user
environment complicates matters, as
several users could be trying to mod-
ify the same piece of information at
the same time.
Most packages also allow for "data in-
dependence," which means your data ex-
ists independently of specific applica-
tions that use the data. This is important
since your data requirements will grow
over time. If your mail-order business
adds a telemarketing department, you
might need to add a field containing the
last contact dat€ to each customcr re-
cord. You might even need to add an
entire table to your database system at
som. point. Thes. tvr)ps of rhangos
should have no effect on existing que-
nes, reports, programs, etc.
A well-designed database also allows
data to be collected accurately and con-
sistently over long periods oftime. Long-
term data collection is valuable for
trackingtrends. For example, it,s impor-
tant to know which products in your
mail-order business are frequently re-
turned due to poor quality.
A database manager offers many
advantages, but it can be expensive and
require a time investment for learning.
But I'm a spreadsheet user...
It's true that not all tasks require a
database manager- or even computeri-
zation- There are some guidelines you
can use to help you decide. It's vital that
you understand the requirements of
your application (more on that later
when I discuss applicaLion development)
and that you ,lot start your project by
sitting at the keyboard entpring your
datal
For simple lists. your word processing
package may be the tool ofchoice. These
are also good for recording some types of
information for lat€r use, and often pro-
vide some limited mathematical, seaich,
and sort capabilities.
Spreadsheets are also great for some
types ofdata management tasks, includ-
ing summary calculations and statistics.
Thcy allow data to be changed easily for
"what if'analyses, such as profit fore-
casting. Like database managers, thc
functionality of spreadsheets has stead-
ily grown. However, they still have limi-
tations in terms oftheir reporting capa-
bilit ies and in terms ofthe workable size
ofthe database.
Because spreadsheets are the most fa-
miliar productivity Lool for many users,
there's a Lendency to start new data
management projects by trying to enter
the information inLo a worksheet-_don,t
do it! You must analyzc tho data to
 _) DATA BASED ADVISOR W BUYER'S GUIDE

t Growing business needs-Applica- in a spreadsheet has grown consider-

understand how it
must be used, inde-
Dendently of the computer t€chnology'
ilonsider using a database manager
with or instead of a spreadsheet ifyour
requirements include :
a Complex reporling-lf your reports
r"qri." a great deal of summariza'
tion. such as grouping bY account'
department, etc., or ifyou spend a lot
of time moving information around
the worksheet to Produce output'
I Complex queries- Spreadsheets
often allow you to select informaLion
based on criteria sPecified bY the
user, but it can usuallY be done more
easilv using a database manager.
especially iiyou need to ask compli'
caied questions based on several
conditions.
in
tions tend to grow comPlexitY,
makine it difficult to keep all the data
about i given entity (such as employ-
ees, products, or accounts) in one
soreadsheet. Likewise, it can be hard
to put the pieces rogether to obtain a
complete view ofyour data and moni-
tor it over time.
There's also a tendency to st re redun-
dant (repeating) data, as in the simple
order-eniry spreadsheet shown in figure
1. (Notice the repetition among cus-
tomer names and addresses-) This
makes updating laborious. slows proc-
essing, and wastes disk space We'lI see
that ;ulti-file databases can handle this
type ofdata much more emcientlY
I Hiqh-volume applications-Though
thiamount ofdata that can be stored
ably, it's still much more limited than
most database management syst€ms.
More iEportantly, You wouldn't want
to work with the maximum number
of rows and columns because Your
syst€m would be 6low.
I Data must be shared-Database
managers tend to be better at shar-
ing, ailowing multiple users to work
with data at the same time via a local
area network (LAN).
How data is managed: two
models
Databases can be organized in manY
different ways, known as models. The
two most popular types used on micro-
computers are flat-file data managers
and relational database management

Figure 1-A sample order-ently spreadsheet Note lhe redundant data

Address Clty State zip otv Product

Last Name Firsl Name
New Yolk NY 00025 6 Pies
Smith John 100 [.4ain Sl
Philadelphia 19104 4 Cakes
Jones Paul 235 Market St.
Boston 02984 3 Pies
Brown Betty 534 Hope St
,l00 Main St. New York NY 0002s Pies
Smith John

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svstems. Each model excels at handling
diferent types of aPPlications.
Flat-file?
This is the simPlest of all the data
models and can be used to solve many
oroblems. It consists of rows and col-
i,mns of data. tknown as a "table 'r. and
resembles a two-dimensional spread-
sheet. Each row, called a record, repre-
sents a collection ofrelated data treated
as a unit. It might, for example, contain
information about your customers. Each
column or field describes some attribute
of the record, such as the name or ad-
dress of the customer. The field is the
smallest unit that has meaning in the
record.
Programs using this model provide the
basic daLa management functions dis-
cussed above-they support data entry,
retrieval, and modifrcation, as well as
reDorting operations They're useful for
maintaiiing simple databases such as
mailing lists and customer contact lists,
and are usually designed for ease ofuse-
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soml allow useis to querY the table
using commands that are natural-
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52 DATA BASED ADVLSOR/MAY 1993
DATA BASED ADVISOR
Relational DBMSS
Creating a realistic model ofabusrness
application generally requires working
with data from many tables at the same
time, and managing the relationships
between them. This is where the rela-
tional model excels. For this reason, da-
tabase managers offering some similari-
ties to the relational model are now the
most common type of DBMS Unfortu-
nately, this power tends to come at the
expense of ease ofuse-
Like flat-file systems, relational data-
base management systems (RDBMSs)
maintain information in tables consist-
ing of records (columns) and helds
(rows). Tables are "related" through
"links"-frelds containing data common
to other tables, such as an emPloYee
number, an invoice number or a Part
code. The separate tables can be linked
in a flexible wav, and can be changed as
business requirements change. A set of
rules defining a process called "data nor-
malization" is used to find the optimal
structure for the data. There should be
little redundancy in normalized tables,
except for: the common data in the fields
used to do the linking. This makes the
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tables easier to maintain and more accu-
rate. since data need only be entered or
modified once. It's also easier to query
the tables when they're normalized. The
tables for the simple example used be-
fore are shown in figure 2. Ifa customer
moves, it's much easier to update the
data in the database. since the address
is onlv included in the database once.
To i.oces" orders or retrieve informa-
tion, you must be able to work with the
data in your tables. The basic operations
of the relational model are "selection,"
"projection," and "join." The result ofany
of these operations usually results in
another table. RDBMS Packages vary
tremendously in the way these features
are implemented.
I Selection-Chooses rows of data
from a table [hat meet criteria speci-
fied by the user. Conditions can be
combined with operators such as
NOT, AND, and OR. For examPle,
you might need to select all invoices
dated between 51U91 ar,d 12131197
that havc NOT been paid.
I Proieclion-Chooses one or more col-
umns from the table to Place in the
result table. For example, you might
only need to include in yourreportthe
names, addresses, and unPaid bal-
ances ofthe records selected above.
I Join-This operation gives RDBMS
packages much oftheir power. Tables
are linked as needed by comParing
the value of common frelds in each
table. Any rows that satisry the "join
restriction" will be in the result table
When multiple tables are used, there
musL be some method ofensuring consis-
tency ofthe data. This is known as "ref-
erential inLegrity": the way changes in
one table are reflected in related tables.
F'or example, ifa customer record is de-
leted from a billing system while there
are open invoices for that customer, a
decision must be made about how to
handle the invoice records, orwhether to
allow the customer record to be deleted.
Packages implement these safeguards
differently. Some build them into the
database dcfiniLion, and others require
programming.
The term "relational" is often used to
refer to any fJBMS that uses tables as its
basic data structure and has the ability
to link multiple tablcs by using a field in
cach field in cach table that contains
common data. In rcality, there's no pack-
agc that mects all the theoretical re-
quircments of the relational database
model, which was dcveloped bY E.F.
Codd in the '70s. lt's based on mathe-
matical and logical thcory, and specifies
03,131
a large {still evolving) sct ofrules.
 ) DArA BASED ADvrsoR
Figure 2-This is how to set up order-entry tables to use in place ol lhe spreadsheet example, uslng related tables to reduca sxcsss data
Customer lnformation
Cust, Num Last name
101 Smith
102 Jones
103 Baown
Iorder t"iorrnati6il
Order Number
12345
12346
12U7
123/,8
12349
What is application
development?
Wtrere do you start to build an applica-
tion? Although systems analysis is a
huge topic, afew guidelines can help. It's
ofien useful to work with the Ilamework
of the "system development life cycle"
(SDLC), which includes the following
phases:
I Requirements
I Design
I Development
I Testing
I Implementation
I Evaluation
End-users often believe that their ap-
plications are too small to benefrt liom
this type of design process. I've found
Lhat "homegrown" little applications
have a way of growing when someone
looks at the test results and says, "This
is wonderful. Now, can it do..."
The requirements phase involves de-
termining the problem you're trying to
so)ve by breakingit down into parts. You
should also analyze your current system
and work with all the potential users to
determine the requilements for the new
system. Carefully analyzing your needs
will give you a good idea of the features
to look for if you must choose new soft-
ware. Ifothers will be using the system,
make sure to include them at the very
earliest stages. Ifa system is too hard to
use or doesn't meet the requirements of
the end-users, they won't use it!
Once you understand what you're try-
ing to accomplish, you can begin devel-
oping the technical design. You need to
decide what tables to create and what
fields to place in each table. Start by
determining the required input/-
output-the forms and reports. This
helps you to design your tables. Ifyou're
l8$
"ur=,s
First Name Address
John 1oo l\rain St.
Paul 235 l\.,larket St.
Betty 534 Hope St.
Customor Number Oua ntily
101 6 Pies
't02 4 Cakes
103 3 Pies
101 6 Pies
102 3 Pies
constrained to using a particular soft-
ware package, you must understand its
unique features, strengths, and limita-
tions to design a system that performs
optimally. Poor structure can make
database inefficient and diffrcult to mod-
iry. Don't forget to think about input
validation (to make sure data-entry peo-
ple enter the correct type of data) and
referential integrity requirements.
The next phase involves developing
your programs and testing all phases of
your system. Testing is vital because
errors in data management can produce
incorrect results, which might go unde-
tected by users until a great deal ofdam-
age is done. I've been called in "after the
fact" too many times to take testing
lightlyl You should create a set of data
that can be used to test all aspects ofthe
system. Resist the temptation to enter
20,000 records, only to find that there's
a major flaw in the design! Remember to
include some invalid data in your test
set. AIso, include other users in testing,
since they'll be Iikely to catch small
erTors.
Putting your new system in place in-
volves making sure that anyone who
works with it has been trained. AIso,
don't underestimate the importance of
documentation. (Even ifyou handled the
entire project, in six months you won't
remember all the details of the applica-
tion.) There are many ways to put a new
system in place, such as running it to-
gether with the old system, or replacing
an older system one piece at a time.
However you choose to do it, make sure
that you have a way to "back out" your
changes ifyou find errors with your new
application. Be sure to evaluate the in-
tegrity of the system by checking ran-
dom data records, summary totals, re-
cord counts. etc.
curDE
City State zip
New York NY 00025
Phila. PA 't 9104
Boston 02984
Product
Finally, don't igrrore the evaluation (or
"post-implementation' phase). Rewiew
the original business objective and sys-
temrequirements to determine how well
a they've been met.
How to choose a database
manager
By the time you've reached the point of
choosing software, you should have de-
veloped a clear idea of your needs, skill
Ievel, and time available to learn how to
use the database manager. Choosing a
package can be a formidable task! All
programs perform basically the same
functions, but the method can be very
different. Some products stress pro-
gramming features or ease ofuse, while
others are geared to maximize process-
ing speed. Keep in mind that the general
rule is to balance power and ease ofuse.
Also remember that projects tend to
grow in complexity over time.
To choose software that users will find
easy and powerful, and will provide a
full development platform for applica-
tion developers, the most systematic
way to approach the task is to build a
"decision matrix'listing the features I
need, and that allows me to compare
potential candidates. A portion ofa sam-
ple matrix is shown in figure 3. (Yes, I
used a spreadsheet to creat€ it!) Some
users prefer to check offa feature found
in a package, others prefer to weight the
ratings by assigling numbers based on
the importance of the feature.
The ideal way to gather this informa-
tion would be to try each product. Obvi-
ously, few ofus have the time to do this.
Other ways of getting past marketing
hype to gather this information include
checking product comparisons publish-
ed in trade magazines, and using elec-
tronic bulletin boards such as Compu-
DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 53
 Iilt00/,.uclil0 filrcilll il,E,l, [Crm"r'="""rr;l
Thc firrt lntelligent Serve, where there are lively on-going
- discussions about many products. Even
l,hin Event Loop Event Driven Prog relllllling
otrserving conversations (called "lurk-
Developer'r (it for FoxPro@. ing") can give you great insights into the
products. Many current users are will-
.You simply rvonl nesd Wndowsrx ing to answer any questions you might
with MEL and FoxPrDq post to the bulletin board. You can also
. MEL inielligently allows lhe ed us€r get frrst-hand information at user group
lo access: Any MENU, Any SCREEN, meetings. Likewise, go to a bookstore
Any oBF, A/ly VARIABLES, ltllYIME. and locate books on the products you're
considering. Incidentally, these sources
MEL Allov3 cod ursr l,o jldp b&k.d tort! h.tf,e.n.!y will remain useful alter you've made
nuobcl ot iinuh:lreouily @l, la*3. Tb. lrd urt, .d lh.a your choice and start working with your
renL.! bad to rry opar lark, fmdinS ev.r}(litl8 ialr.r, qadly
new so{tware.
d. way he/shc ldl it TO ORDER In recent years a number ofbooks have
(305) 921-2446 been published that are geared toward
. Read Lrvels Always Malntalned At oNE end-users. These include general books
. Manages allenvlronmenl and varlable dellnltlons covering many aspects of data process-
. Slmulat€s unllmlted files open Woodbur^ lnlundio Srn at ing, as well as database and product-
. Exce loml educallonal tool P .O .220&9
Box specific books:
HoAy@d, FL 33022 Blissmer, R.H. Introducing Comput-
. Easy to Use funcllons wllh Source Code
ers. New York: John Wiley & Sons,Inc,
Cunently used to develop a 300 plus 1992-1993 edition, 1992.
Stern, N & Stern, R.A. Computing
screen, multiple menu application for a
nationally disributed software product. I I Concepts for End Users. New York:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1990/
Townsend, J.J. Introduction to Data-
.Fofroo a Wb&-r- @ EcirEEd h&lul, ot Miqdot C-pdiid hc. $ 6ases. Carmel, IN: Que Corporation,
t992.
General program parameters
Note that all selection criteria are not
ofequal importance. For example, ifyou
Maximum Performance for Clipper need to work on multiple platforms
(such as PCs and Macintoshes) then
your choices will be more limited ftom
The Comix RDD and the ClipMore Query Optimizer have.ioined the beginning. Finally, remember that
fbrces to give your Clipper apps unheatoble pedbrmance! the most important characteristics are
The comi\ RDll gives you mulliple compacr Clip\lorc bfinP\ \lrle ol'lhe..rrl quer) often subjective; you need to feel com-
indexes in one file and the lmallesl and l-aslest optimiralion )our Clipper applicarion..
ro fortable using the program. For more of
indexes available (l/3 lo 1/6 the size of ClipMore uses all available indexes to very my sample decision matrix, see figure 4.
NTX s). quickly determine which records meet a I Program limitations-Examine is-
True condilional indexing.
condilion. sues such as types and maximum size
ClipMore adds blazing speed to TBrowse. of fields (for example, will you be try-
Low memory overhead (only 5 K more dbediro, SET FILTER TO, repons, relarional ing to store graphics?), record size,
memory lhan DBFNTX). operations. etc.. elc. maximum number ofrecords, etc.
DBFNTX . Royalty Free
I
Faster performance than Orienlation/interlace-Often called
and DBFSIX. . LAN Ready the "paradigm,"this is one ofthe most
Add bldzinS speed to Index C.eation, SEEKS. . Fully dynamically overlayable. important factors in choosing soft-
Appends. and LAN applications. etc. . lncludes LlBs for Summer'87 and 5.x. ware. The most common paradigms
. found in PC packages include the pro-
Comix is a high quality RDD rhat /'rd1lr works wirh NTx s & Comix RDD.
delivers on perfonnance.
gramming, spreadsheet (or menu-
ClipMore isavailabl€ for $r{9 + 5 s/h
driven), or form-driven interface.
Comix is available for $149 + 5 s/h.
Many packages combine two or more
LIMITED TIME OFFER: For Jantastit petformance in rour Clipper apps, ofthese to appeal to wider audiences.
Each has advantages and disadvan-
try ClipMax (Comix RDD ard ClipMore) for just $ 179 + 5 s/h tages.
Early packages used the programming
Loadstone Call (803) 7319128 Today! interface al most exclusively. While
many users aren't comfortable working
Ihe Performance Experts FAX: 801 7l I 9798 this way, its advantage is the complete
control it offers the programmer in
terms of appearance, processing, data
30 Day No Hassle Money Back Guarantee! protection, etc. Its drawback is the time
Loadstone lnc- 2'15 Barmount Dr Columbia. SC 29210 it takes to become proficient at working

54 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 ) rrr=*'s
DATA BAsED aDvrsoR
Figurs 3-Thls ls part ol a sample declslon matrix used to evaluate database managers
Microcomputer Database Evaluation Criteria
OESCRIPTION
Dala Manlpulation (see "Ouerles" also)
-Belational Operatioos (e.9., join)
..Soding
-Mathematical lunctions (aggregates, date
a.ithmelic, etc.
-Global search/update
-Iable revisions without data loss (add/delele
fields, change field attributes, etc.)
.'Global search/update
-Table revisions without data loss (add/delete
fields, change teld attributes, etc.)
Oueries
-Query method (proprietary language, SOL, QBE)
-Logical function support (AN O/OR/NOT)
-A.ilhmetic functions available in interaclive que.ies
-Set functions (max.. min., counl)
*Other special features (phonelic queries,
wild cad queries, etc.)
with the program. Inexperienced pro-
grammers must bewar:e ofcreating inef-
ficient applications that may perform
slowly, fail to protect data integrity, etc.
Since most users have vr'orked with
spreadsheets, they're olten most com-
fortable with the spreadsheet or menu-
driven type of program. These usually
emphasize a spreadsheetJike "table
view" of data, and can usually display
multiple tables at the same time. They
also tend to have more functionality
built into the user interlace. That is, the
user can accomplish more complex tasks
without having to write program code.
The disadvantage is that some control is
taken away from the programmer, who
must work with the interactive state of
the program when writing applications.
The form-driven interface approach
works with a concept like paper forms
with which everyone is comfortable. Pro-
gramming is usually minimal, and ta-
bles are generally even created with a
form. The disadvantage is that some
flexibility is lost bythe constraints ofthe
forms method.
Pe;formance issucs
As the size of the database (and per-
haps the number ofusers per database)
increases, performance becomes more
important. Programs vary in how well
they perform different tlTes of tasks.
Some excel at processing transactions.
others at interactive querying. This is an
area where you may need to do sorne
testing on your application-and re-
search in trade magazines. Also, be sure
ffi
II- l slBase 2ndBase
III
III
Ir-
rII
-II
III
r
-I-
to consider-II
your current hardware-it
must be compatible and powerful
enough to run the software effrciently.
you haven't yet purchased your com-
puter systems, it's generally a good idea
to choose your software first.
DOS vs. Windows
In the last year or so, Windows data-
base managers have become available at
every level.Ifthe majority ofyour appli-
cations run under Windows, look for a
Windows-based database manager.
You'll gain an interface you already
know, the ability to use DDE and OLE
to link to other applications, ease in
building forms and reports by using a
mouse to "drag and drop" objects on the
screen, and printer support for great-
looking output. The drawback of a Win-
dows interface may be the cost involved,
ifyou're not already there.You may have
to purchase or upgrade hardware and
pay hidden costs for providing other re-
quired software, training, and support.
lnput/output capabilitics
Since you use forms and reports to en-
ter data and retrieve information, this is
a crucial part ofyour choice. Make sure
you're comfortable with the form and
report generators in the package you
choose. Many allow you to link tables
from forms and reports, and offer the
fleibility ofallowing multiple detail re-
cords to be displayed,/entered for a given
master record (such as lino itcrns for o
purchase order)- Report writers o{ten
use a "band orientation" that allows for
curDE
3rdBase NOTES
easy placement of report head-
erdfooters, summary or calculated fields
If based on groupings (sometimes called
"breaks") specified by the user, etc. For
an example of groupings, see the figure
below. The report generator should also
adequately support your printing needs
(multiple fonts, word wrap, etc.). For the
forms generator, consider such factors
as whether data can be updated in mul-
tiple tables from one form. the way in
which data integrity is maintained, and
the ease of providing on-screen help for
data entry.
The sample report shown in figure 5
shows how data can be "grouped" for
easy interpretation.
Also consider whether you need to
share information with other packages,
or possibly on other platforms such as a
mainframe or a back-end database serv-
er. Make sure your package can handle
these requirements either directly or via
imporuexport features. (If they can't,
find outwhether a third-party product-
a program available from another
company-is available to handle the
sharingofyour data between platforms.)
Dala manipulation/queries
Items to examine here iaclude han-
dling of the relational operators dis-
cussed above, sorting, indexing, "trig-
gering" special procedures based on
specified events, etc. For queries, choose
a method with which you are comfort-
ablc. Thc bost popular mcthods orc
Query by Example (QBE), Structured
Query Language (SQL), and Query by
DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 55
 ) DATA BASED aDvrson ffi "rt=*'s
cutDE

Figure,FMore ol lhe sample decision matrix.

OESCRIPTION
'lstBase 2ndBase 3rdBase NOTES

Human Factors Considatations

-Consistent display lormats (specific areas reserved
for errors, status, lunction key descriptions, etc
-Usea intertace accommodates expert and novice users III
-Clear. concise menus
End Us€r Supporl
-Telephone support
-Tutorial
-Clear documentation
-Classroom training available
-Useful online help and system prom
r--
-I-
-User-delined help screens TII
--I
I-I
-Other (dial-up vendor bulletin board)
-Active User Group
SuDpon lor Technical Stafl
-I-
-Telephone support (higher level than above)
-Technical training courses

Form. Some packages also include a pro- multiple query methods. QBE lets you Some packages offer extremely powerful
prietary programming language to sup- select data by checking offdesired fields versions ofQBE. SQL is a programming
port data manipulation. As with inter- and entering search criteria into a shell language that was developed to manipu-
faces, many programs allow you to use or template that looks like your table. late data in a relational database

Telefonn, Altomntes Forms Data Fntry)

hnnrn DmInnv, RrDuc RrsPorsr
Itff AltD IUII| IAI lilA(l{tilts Al{D Soililtrs I Lq suBVEY FoBM r
IHo Dut tllIRY llRililil.S. i rln nlLl-J si:rrnlL e v :.rts o.z taelir]
) Recognizes hancl prinr, machine print and
marked circles

) Creates forms optimized tbr recognition

n i4 TI\{E CARD tr
) Stores informarion in leading databases
'-3)t .b s.z 6 t 32
and spreadsheets
O S, ,+ S ,Oq, aa
) Includes editrng and r,erification svstem

) Broadcass blank foms by lax r ]EII Daily Sales ieport

) Single and Multiuser \,ersions a\,ailable | 2 t...z,c qz ,5arr -Ee@ a 61.1

0utoor800-659-8755
." 4cca aa.- ?5.O. CO,\t--. 1b L.3
''- 't-t Lu t7 t4
.15Z.oa -. Al 0l ""
IEIE.r, OTTN"
-. -
*- 5149 C.Q "" " ro 13
v sr0[ 2.0

@ & g,"o3,&'s"o.=
J3l!rP!6{A!t006 0 . $UUlA0],09207J
trorrtl9ru9 ffi4 . |ufl9rufi4Jo

56 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 ) ,s curDE
DArA BA.ED ADvrsoR
Figure 5-A sample group-by repon
Tuosday, Fobruary 09,1993
Department: Fi.rarce
Emp Num. Last l{6me Fi.st Name
10003 Jones Barbara
10005 Gray Harold
Depadmenl: Marketing
Emp Num. Last Name Firat Name
10002 Smilh John
10006 Bluebeard Ronald
Oeparlment: Mgmt. lnfot. Systems
Emp Num. Lasl Name First ?{ame
10001 Gaeen William
,0004 Gold Richard
manager and-though there are many
dialects-is now considered a standard.
Query-by-form programs allow you to
enter search criteria on a familiar form.
Programming environment
This is another area of wide variation
among packages. Most packages include
application generators that help you
build systems (and often generate code)
without programming. but they vary in
capabilities. They can rarely create an
entire complex application on their own.
The proprietary languages included in
some packages are more robust than
others. This is also true of programs
based on SQL, which may have exten-
sions to the standard set of functions to
add capabilities and simplifu program-
ming. Many packages evolved from
dBASE, which set the industry standard
for PC application development in the
early'80s. This set oflanguages has be-
come known as Xbase. (You'll see many
references to Xbase throughout Dolo
Based. Adoisor.) Although all Xbase dia-
Iects were originally pretty much com-
patible, many have added enough
changes and features over the years that
they've grown apart. Still. this class is
very popular, which means that pro-
gramming support and consulting may
be easier to find. In addition, a move-
ment is underway to create an ANSI
Xbase language standard, such as the
standard that exists for SQL.
ltlulti-user capabilities
Even though a program advertises its
ability to run on a LAN, make sure it has
the multi-user controls you need foryour
Q$"ur.
Employoe Salary Roport
Address City
555 Oak St. Chjcago
1245 Another St. Philadelphia
Address City
444 Maple Si. Sp.inglield
5492 No.th St Boston
AddresB City
1234 irain St. MyCily
9874 Some St New York
applications, and that they're easy to
use. File and record locking are vital to
ensure the integdty of your data. They
prevent, for example, a table from being
deleted at the same time another user is
adding a record to it. Many systems al-
low one user to modify a record while
others can view it.
The luture of database
managcment
As if this isn't aJready confusing
enough. "new and improved' is looming
just over tho horizon. Experts vary in
their predictions, but some likely devel-
opments include better natural lan-
guage support for queries, distributed
databases, and object-oriented tech-
niques to extend the capabilities of to-
day's packages.
Some packages already use simple
natural-language interfac€s, which al-
low users to get information liom the
database using verbalJanguageJike re-
quests. Most users, however, still rely on
SQL or QBE.
Distributed database systems are
likely to grow out of the clienUserver
movement now underway. In a distrib-
uted data environment, users will be
able to access data residing on any sys-
tem, or even data divided among sys-
tems, withoutcaring (or knowing) where
it is. This would make corporate-wide
data much more accessible and provide
a competitive advantage lor organiza-
tions that have this capability.
Though relational databases are cur-
rently the most popular model, they're
not well suited for storing and process-
Pago I
Siate Zip Salery
IL 60603 $43.000.00
9104
't
$70,000.00
Salary By Oeparlme.t: $113,0(m.00
State Zi? Salary
lr/O 11111 $25,000.00
02452 $54,332.00
Salary By Oepartment: $79,332.00
Slate Zip Salary
00234 $250,000.00
NY 10030 $60,000.00
Salary By Oepanment: t310,000.00
ing some types of complex data. An ex-
ample of this is the many thousands of
parts ofan airplane that must be stored
and manipulated for use in a Computer
Aided Design (CAD) system. One ofthe
ways this is being addressed is by apply-
ing techniques from object-oriented pro-
gramming languages. In its simplest
form, object orientation treats every-
thing as an object that can be manipu-
lated. Data and instructions can be com-
bined into modules that perform specific
tasks when particular events occur.
Some extensions to relational database
managers are now appearing, such as
the ability to store data as "binary large
objects' fBLObs), and event-processing
methods. In addition, entirely new data-
base models may eventually result fiom
research in this area.
We've seen that a huge range ofappli-
cations can be supported by database
management software, from maintain-
ing a mailing list to running an entire
business.It's important to remember
that trends in software change over
time, but good problem analysis skills
will always be vital. Make sure to use a
product suited to the task at hand to
produce efficient, usable database
applications.
Debbie Dickstein is a supporl analyst in the
MIS group orthe Besearch and Development
division of a large pharmaceutical company.
Her responsibilities include Parador and
Windows support tor clients in . VAVPATH.
WORXS environment, and providing sup-
port and internal consulting servlces ror
various PC and VAx-based products. She
was a member ol the '1991 Pa,adox t sers
Conrerence Advisory Board.o
DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 19S3 57
 ) *io ro"=o ADvrsoB QS rur="'s cutDE

Product 4th Dlm€n8lon 4D D.A.L. Accgss AceFlle Advancod DB

v.3,0 v.1.0.1 v.1.0 v.2.0 Maatsr
v.4.2

Company ACI US, lnc. ACI US, lnc. Microsoft Corp. Ace Software Corp. Macon Systems, lnc.
10351 Bubb Rd. 10351 Bubb Rd. One Microsoft Way 1740 Technology Dr. 724 S. Tejon
Cupsrtino, CA 95014 Cupertino, CA 05014 Redmond, WA 98052 San Jose, CA 95110 Colorado Springs, CO
l4o8) 252-4444 (408]' 2s2-4444 (206) 882-8080 (408)451-0100 80903
(719) s20-155s

Operaling Macintosh Macintosh Windows Windows DOS

System

File Format ASCII ASCI, SOL Bkieve, DB, DBF, DBF DBF, Proprietary
Support

Pro9. 4D 4D,4D D,A.L., Access BASIC N/A Proprietary

Language SOL

Multi-User

Memory 1 .5M 1.5t\.4 4M 4M 1M

Fequired

Disk Space 2M 1M + app. size 2M 2M

Required

Oatabase 4D DAL, 40 SOL D.A.L. supported MS SQL Server N/A N/A

Ssrvel Server, 4D Oracle seryers
Support

Tech.lical Free, unlimited via Free. unlimited via Free via telephone Free support M-F, Several policies
Supporl telephone, fax, and telephone, fax, and and CompuServe; 8:00am - 5:00pm (PST) available, $60 - $90
CompuServe CompuServe automated Fast Tips, per hour
24 hrs/day
(206) 63s-7051

t eveloper Professional Professional Developer Support Dealer/developer

Programs Developers Program Developers Program Program, $295/yr pricing discounts, lree
and Corporate Support and Corporate SuPport technical support
Program available Program available

Prlce $89s $3S5 $495 $199 $695 to $'13,995

First 7la7 11/91 11192 10/91 1 1/83

Released

Next N/A New release 3/93 2nd O '93 N/A New release 4/93
Schsduled
Re!ease

Compiled by AnnMaie Garcia, As€i'tant Editor, with assistance from Torrence Davis
58 OATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993
 DATA BASED ADVISOB BUYER'S GUIDE

Product Advancod PICK Advsncsd R€velatlon Alpha Four Approach asksam

v, 6,0 v.3.0 v.2.1 v.2.O v.5.1

Company PICK Systems Revelation Alpha Software C,orp. Approach Sottware askSam Systems
1691 Browning Technologies 168 Middlesex Corp. 119 S. Washington
lrvine, CA 92714 18'l Harbor Or. Tumpike 311 Penobscot Dr. Pery, Fl32U7
(714) 261-742s Stamford, CT 06902 Budington, MA 01803 Redwood City, CA (904) 584-6590
(203) 973-1000 (617) 229-2924 94063
(415) 306-7890

Opsr8ting DOS, PICK, UNIX DOS, OS/2 DOS DOS

Sys!€m

Fi,e Format ASCII ASCll, DBF, Proprietary ASCII, DBF DB, DBF, SQL ASCll, Proprietary
Support

Prog, Access, BASIC FYBASIC, SOL N/A N/A askSam

Langua96

Itlulti-User

Momory 200K 640K 640K 2M 384K

,eqrircd

Disk Spsce 10M 7M 4i/! 4M 1i,

Required

Oatabasa N/A DB2, MS SOL Server, DB2, Oracle, N/A

Seruer Oracle [rS/Sybase SOL Server
Support

Technlcal Support contracts Various levels ol paid Freesupport,M-F, Free telephone support, Free during regular
Support available including support available gam to 7pm (EST); M-Th 6:30am - spm business hours
maintenance, hotline, automated support (PST); F6:30am-4pm
and consulting available 24 hrs/day (PST)

Developer Contact salgs Alliance program N/A

Progmms deparlmenl for more available to
details development partners

Prica $250 per user up to 32 $995 $549 - $4,995 Call for pricrng $395
users; $225 per user
therealter

First 6192 1987 3/89 3/91 4la5

R6!easgd

Next New release 4/93 June/July'93 N/A Non-disclosed N/A

Schedulsd
Relsase

DATA BASED ADVISOFi/MAY 1993 59

 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYER'S GUIDE

Product asksam lor Windows Aspen/2 Data Btrieve CA.Cllpper CA{BFast

v.1.0 Manager Oeveloper's Kit v,5.2 v.2.0
v.5.10
Company askSam Systems T€kton Sottware, lnc. Novell, lnc. Computer Associates Computsr Associates
119 S. Washington 1495 Canyon Blvd. 5918 W. Courtyard Dr. One Computer One Computer
Petry, FL 32347 Ste.220A Austin, TX 78730 Associates Plaza Associates Plaza
(904) 584-6s90 Boulder, CO 80306 (801) 429-5588 lslandia, NY 11788 lslandia, NY 11788
(303)444-0451 ls16) 342-5224 1516) 342-5224

Operaling DOS, OS/2, Windows, DOS, OS/2, Windows DOS

I
System UNIX I

File Format ASCll, Proprietary Proprietary Proprietary DB. DBF DBF I

Suppon

Prog. askSam N/A Assembler, Basic, C, Xbase Xbase I

Language Cobol, Fortran, J
!
Pascal, !

Modula-2
Multi-User
I

Memory 4i,t 640K 128K for DOS 640K 4M

Required 640K for Windows

Oisk Space 3M 500K Contact vendor 6l\,4 4M

Bequired

Database N/A N/A Netware SOL N/A N/A

Server
Supporl

Technical Fr6e during regular Available lor registered Free supporl 6 months free, 6 months free,
Srrpport business hours users gam - 8pm (EST); gam - 8pm (EST);
additional support additional support
available lor fee available for fee

Developer None VAR program Prolessional Development Partner Development Partner

Prgg.ams Developer's Progaam Support Support
and Corporate
Developer's Program
available

Price $3Ss $595 and up $s95 $79s $550

F:.st 3/93 11/80 2t8A 1985 10/91

Released

Next 3rd O '93 3rd Q '93 N/A

Scheduled
EeLase
II

60 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

I
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Now that you've 8ot Superbase version 2.0rM, there's a logical next step in getling the training you need: The Nerd Shop.
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 a ADVISOR BUYER'S GUIDE

Product Clarlon Devslopor CommonBaSo DaiaEase DataEase Dovslopsr DataEase Express

v.3.0 v.1.4 v.4.5 v.4.5 ,or Windows
v.1.1
Company Clarion Software Corp lmagesoft, lnc. DataEase lntl. DataEase lntl. DataEase lntl.
150 E. Sample Rd. 2 Haven Ave., 7 Cambridge Dr. 7 Cambridge Dr. 7 Cambridge Dr.
Pompano Beach, FL Pod washinglon, NY Trumbull, CT 06611 Trumbull, CT 06611 Trumbull, CT 066'11
3304t 1 1050 (203) 374-8000 (203) 374-8000 (203) 374-8000
(305) 785-45s5 i\516\ 767-2233

Operating DOS DOS, OS/2, UNIX DOS, OS/2, Windows DOS, OS/2, Windows DOS, OS/2, Windows
System

Filo Fo,mat DBF, Proprietary Contact vendor DBF, Proprietary DBF, Proprietary DBF, Proprietary
Support

Prog. Clarion N/A DataEase Ouery N/A

Langus9e Language (DOL)

Multi-User

Momory 2i,l 4lV DOS 640K lo 1M DOS &0K to 1M

Required os/2 2M os/2 2M

Disk Space 15M DOS 1.4M to 1.5M DOS t.4M to 1.5M 12M
Required os/2 1.5M os/2 1.5M

Database Bkieve, C-tree. DB2, Gupta, lnformix, Oracle, DalaEase, OS/2 DBM, DataEase OataEase, OS/2
ServeI lnlormix, lngres, Net- OS/2 EE, SQL Server Oracle, MDI DB2 DBM, Oracle,
Support Ware SQL, Oracle, SQL cateway, Ms/Sybase MS/Sybase SOL
Server, etc. SOL Server Server

Technlcal Free, telephone and Free basic telephone, 6 months lree; various 6 months lree: various Unlimited lree
Support CompuServe fax, BBS suppod priority subsc ption priority subscription support; various
services available services available priority subscription
services available

Developer Priority Suppon, C,ontact vondor lor Open Partners Open Padners Program Open Partners
Programs Corporate Support, On details. Program Program
Demand Support,
Develope/s Conference

Price $845 $1,000 and up $795 and up $7S5 $395 and up

First 4ta6 3/91 10/83 1987 9192

nebased

Next N/A 6/93

Scheduled (v.1.s)
Felsase

62 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 .) DATA BASED ADVISOR
@ BUYER'S GUIDE

Product DataFlex dBASE IV DbControls dBMAN V Easel Workbench

v.3.0, v.2.0 v.1.3.1 v.5.3

Company Data Access Corp. Borland lntl. Coromandel Versasott Corp. Easel Corp.
5753 l,liami Lakes Dr '1800 Green Hills Bd
lndustries, lnc. 4340 Almaden 25 Corporate Dr.
Miami, FL 33014 Scotts Valley, CA 70-15 Austin St.. Expressway, Ste. 110 Burlington, MA 01803
(305)825-7070 95066 srd Floor San Jose, CA 95118 (6t7) 221-2100
(408) 438-8400 Flushing, NY 11375 (408) 723-9044
(718) 793-7963

Operating DOS, OS/2, UNIX DOS DOS, SUN OS/2, DOS, UNIX, XENIX DOS, OS/2, Windows
System Windows, UNIX

File Format Proprietary Proprietary Btrieve, OBF, DBF DBF

Support Obieckieve

Prog. DataFlex dBASE C, C++ Xbase Easel

Language

Multi-User

Memory 47oK 2M 2M 520K Conlact vendor

Required

Disk Space 10M 3.5M 8M 2M Conlact vendor

Required (5M recommended)

Database DataFlex N/A N/A N/A os/2 DBt\.4.

Server [rS/Sybase SOL
Support Server, Oracle

Technical Free support (basic) for Online (ClS, BlX, Free for 180 days Telephone and fax Hotline support
Support current release; GEnie, BBS, TechFax,
toll-f ree priority support, 900 Advisor Line) and
6 calls $95 other paid technical
support

Devetoper dBASE Developer Contact vendor N/A Consulting services

Programs Partners Program

Plice $795 single-user $79s $6Ss $99.95 to $4.995 Call for pricing
$1,450 LAN ($99.95 for upgrade)
(Callfor UNIX version
oricina.)
First 11/81 10/88 10/90 11/85 '1981
Released

Next 6/93 New release 3/93 New release 4/93 N/A N/A
Scheduled (v.3.03)
Release

DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 63

 a technical PersPec tive for thc 9O's on productivity in CA-Clipper-

urinDesign usinTELLtrGE,NCE ot last!

products,
Create itrtelligetrt Tbrowses, forEs, ard d.ialogues ltrstantlyt Zero L eaming cuwe. Unlike other screen design
winDesign unaerstands the concept of windowi and families of windows. Supports modal or modeless forms. Easy and
po*erfuftBro-se design. WySIwyb designer, and fully moused. Built-in check boxes, radio buttons, scrolling date and
memo Gets. Catculated ffelds. Fields frim multiple Dbfs. User-deflned Gets. Complete control over all aspects of the
windov/. For power programmers flexible Get Object Editor, Tbrov/se Otrject Editor, Tt Column Object Editor. Generate
compact, readable cbdJin seconds. It's easy to customlze your own templates because tlle template language is Clipper
itseli fncluder AcMouse. Other xBase dialects corning. $2OO.OO

aaMouse Mouse Aour qpp in second.s!

To mousiry an entfe application, add #include "aa-mouse.ch" to the top ofeach prg, add SETMOUSE ON to the beglnning
of the app, add our tBrowse click/ scrollbar handler to your tBrowse event loop, and two lines to your link list. You're done!
By doing just that, you get a true Windov/s like graphic mouse cursor in EGA or VGA, moused Achoice with automauc
sirollgar, moused Melu To, moused InKey ald mouse-selectable Geb. Hldes and redisplays the mouse cursor rijith no
coding on Aour partl Includes Get readers and user-defined commands for moused radio buttons, check boxes, scrolling
date Gets. memo Gets, dropfields . Windows-aware . Desqview-aware
$1OO.OO
Designer PullDowns Menu it in minutes!
pulldowns for days! Nest them as deeply as you like . Create a wortlng prototype of your app ln tr.inutes ' Easily add
detailed specifications, help and acUons for each item . Mouse aware . Hlghlighted hot letters . Shortcut keys ' Cut, copy
and paste items and all descendants, even between menus . Run-time selectability and security access . Your app calr
execute the menu in data-driven mode, oryou can generate the Clipper 5 code for it . Zero learning curvel In no time, users
can build tieir menus and working modules . Attach actons to menu items allowing immediate execution. Other dialects
coming. $f EO.OO

Artful T\ro The Relrrtiono,l E;ngine Jor CA-Clipper!

Why hald-code your app whe! 8@/o of it ig re-usable? Move out of the cottage industry approach and discover our
application frameworks. Save ureeks of development time and thousonds of Iines ofcode . indexes, relations, table sets,
zooms. help, menus, deletion control, colors, scoping, scopeable browsers, Get,/Read/Write manager, data-driven point
and-shoot Relational Find a]ld Ouery, scopeable field-selective data export, cascading replaces and deletes, Dbfand index
integrity checks, multi-page automatic screens for protoBping . And get all this from one dictionary and one call to
The,Usualll ifyou wish! A glreat development envirolEelt: Two menu designers . Elegent screen designer Dictionary/
Dbf manager. DOS uulity window. Create/modi8, structure. Help manager. Color manager. Powerfrl I include ffles UEer
I[terface: Font installation for tme checkboxes and radlo buttons . Message popups . Pushbutton menus ' File and
directorypopups. Automatic status line. Color parsing aIId masking. Smartboxes. Non-destructive shadows ' Calendar
and datebook . Password login Code Generation: Forms . Tbrowses . Lightbar menus. Pulldown menus ' Field
declarations Gets: . Scatter, Gather, relational replace . Data driven pictures, prompts . Radio buttons. check boxes. drop
fields, scrolling date fields. picklists, Gets with help and shadows . Automatic key Iield initalization. Popup validation
browsers witll edit/append Brow6eE: Scopeabte . Mulu-table . Multi-$'tndow . Installable methods . Incremental search
. Cenerate with the screen designer, or call a browser from the library Report ard guery MaIragers: Save and restore report
ard query settjngs.Interface for R&R, Frm, Lbl and hard-coded reports. User selection ofscope, query, destination. copies
Math ald financea: Descriptive statistics . Financial calcs Record rEd rile contetrtiotr: Automatic Iile and record locks
. Semaphore fields for prlmary keys Arl.ay6: Binary tree array search . Multidim array browsers . Pad, trim. count, sum,
average, seek, initialize, invert, move, swap Text ald Strings: Fast strlng parsing. Read, write, display. edit text files '
Data driven memoedit window DOS ard ru.utiEe envlrotrEert: D],nanic file handles. Directory maintenance . Network-
compauble temp liles . Path validation . Printer management . Codeless command argument retrieval . I-ocal stack
manager And much Eore including bit arithmetic , date and time suite, cargo management for objects. 8OO furctions,
all wlth sonplete sotlrce code h CA-Clipper, C, &rld ASM! Four sample apps included.
$29E.OO

Artful firo Gold Multi-RDD, do;trr dictionary, mou.se!

ArtJul Tvto, AqMot/.sie, Do,to-driven multi-RDD Support, ond Field-leuel Dictionary: Searr essly install your alternate
database drivers in the dictionary on a table-by-table basis. Or use our method wrappers to achieve the same effect in your
own code.lmplementbusiness mles, system- or enterprise-wide standards. Record set processing. tntelligent DbAppend
. optional automauc Dbf structure update . scoped indexes . Hash tables . And. muc,r more
$gg5.Oo
I he had Artful, he'd be
homeby now...

{
I
I
I b

I I
I

ORDER IVOI{ so you can start coming home for dinner.

utnDesign_ aaMouse_ DesQner PullDowns_ Artful Two Artful Two Gold_
Artful Two multt-programmer ltcence ($695)_
Artful Ttoo Gold muttt-programmer licence ($895)_

NAME

COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

ctT"{ / s'tA'tE /ztP

VISA/MCARD

SIGNATURE
Artful Applications Inc,, 17O St. ceorge St., Toronto, ON, Canada, MER 2Mz
Tcl (416) 92O-73,95i Fa: (416) 920,48921 BBS (416) EBa-grOz
Also avallable in Hong Kongr Atr)strong Systcnrs (a52)4a5 6994 fa\ 363-a56O: Benelu Mdkus Sotrwde (31),1650 32555 tu 4750 35577: cemrany:
dcsoi GmbH (49)ag 755139 I O f* a9 7a 5a I r I I i Ausralia: RCM (6 r )3,tta9-O263 td AOg 2O4I I England: gBS (aa)O8 I -994-4a42: Spain: Dmt€oft
(3'1116536974i SoIth Afli.a: Frylh.k (2r)42r 3894. vlsa, Master.ard rd money orders accept.d. o!,eftdeht shipping in North A;enca $li.oo.
elsewh.rc $50.00. Site Licenscs available. All prDducl names are radem{ks oft}err respe.llve compdtcs. Oui aemo. on Compusewe n
-. "rurt"tt.
 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYER'S GUIDE

Product Elllpse Emerald Bay Empress 4GL Empless RDBMS Enable

v.3-0 v.4.8 v.6.0 v.4.5

Company Cooperative Solutions Emerald Bay Group Empress Software Empress Sottware Enable Sottware
2125 Hamilton Ave. 2155 Verdugo Blvd., 6401 Golden 0l Golden 313 Usher's Fld.
San Jose, CA 95125 Sto. 20 Triangle Dr. Triangle Dr. Ballston Lake, NY
(408) 377-0300 Montrose, CA 9,l020 Greenbelt, irD 2020 Greenbelt, MD 2020 1201S
(818t 244-0477 (301) 220-1919 (301) 220-1919 (518) 8//-8600

Opsrailng OS/2, Windows DOS os/2, uNtx os/2, uNtx DOS, OS/2
System

Flls Formlt Proprietary Proprietary Proprietary Proprietary ASCII, DBF, SQL

Supporl

Prog. Ellipse 4GL C, Pascal, Xbase c, soL c, sol Proprietary

Languags

Multl-User

Memory 4i, 512K 2M 2M MOK

R6qulr€d

Disk Spac€ 100i,,1 300K to 800K 10i, 10M 8.5M

nequircd

Database oracls, MS/Sybase Emerald Bay Empress Empress N/A

SqrYer SQL Server
Support

Technlcal T€lephone, 7 Free for g0 days Available i.4-F, 9:30am Available M-F, 9:30am Special 800 number
Suppo days,/week, 24 to 6:30 pm (EST) via to 6:30 pm (EST) via lor authoriz€d VARS
hourvday telephone or fax; telephone or tax;
BBS also available BBS also available

Devalopsr N/A VAR pricing to Contact vendor. Contact vendor Contact vendor
Prcgrams registered developars-

Price $7,500 S395 Xbase and C $2.100 to $240,000 $1,400 to $240,000 $795
S199 Pascal

First 5/92 3/88 1981 1981 10184

Relsased

Next 3rd Q '93 5/93 New release 293 New release 2y93 N/A
Schedulsd (v.3.5)
flelease

66 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY I993

 I
I I I I ,
,
I
THE WORI,D'S L{TGEST

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 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYER'S GUIDE

FlleMaker Pto lllePro PLUS Flrst SOL C

Produel EnrinR Faspon
v.2.0 v-4.1 v.2.1
v.5.3

Claris Cory. The Small Computer FFE Software, lnc.

Company Easel Corp. Software Research, lnc.
5201 Patrick Henry Company, lnc. P.O. Box 1519
25 Corporate Dr. 2,1481 Detroit Rd.,
Dr. 41 Saw Mill River Rd. El Cerrito, CA 94530
Burlington, MA 01803 Ste.300
Santa Clara, CA Hawthome, NY 10532 (sr0) 232-6800
(617) 221 -2100 Clsveland, OH 44145
(216) 871-3135 95052 (914) 769-3160
(408\ 727 -A227

DOS, UNIX, XENIX Macintosh, DOS, UNIX DOS, windows

Opsratirg OS/2, Windows, UNIX
System Wndows

c-rsAl/l ASCII, DB, DBF Proprietary DBF, Proprietary

File Format SOL
Support

N/A Proprietary Proprietary Embedded SOL

Prog. SmallTalk
LanguagE

Multi-use,

350K 2M 3M 512N
Memory 6M
Sequircd

gisk Space 3M 800K 10M 1.5M

8M
Fequlred

ISAi/{ N/A N/A

Oatabase Ms/Sybase SQL
Seryer Server, Oracle, OS/2
Supporl DBM

Free telephone support Telephone suppod, M- 90 day unlimited Fax, telephone, mail,
Yechnical Hotline support
for 12 months. F, America On Line, telephone support, one and C,ompuServe
Support
CompuServe, and year maintenance $250
Applelink

oevelopar Consulting services Developer discounts Claris Solutions Runtime licens€s

Programs Alliance; priority
technical support

Call vendor for Pricing $595 to $6,000 $'129 (Windows) $699 to $3,995 $395 single-user
Price
$399 (Macintosh) 5795 multiuser
$1,000 unlimited
runtime
9/a4 1987 (Macintosh) 6/84 3/91
Firsl 1992
Released 10/92 (Windows)

NeIt N/A New release 4/93 N/A 9/93 New release tY93
(v.5.0\ (v.2.11)
Scheduled
nelease

68 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 ) DATA BASED ADVTSOB BUYER'S GUIDE

Product FITst SOL BDBMS FoxBASE+,/Uac FoxPro FoxPro tor Wlndows Hellx Express
v.2.0 v.2.01 v.2.5 v.1.0
Company FFE Software, lnc. Microsoft Corp. Microsoft Co.p. Microsotl Corp. Helix Technologies
P.O. Box 1519 One Microsoft Way One Mjcrosoft Way One Microsott Way 4100 Commercial
El Cernto, CA 94530 Redmond, WA 98052 Redmond, WA 98052 Redmond. WA 98052
(510) 232-6800 (206) 882-8080 (206) 882-8080 (206) 882-8080 Northbrook, lL 60062
(708) 205-1669

Operating DOS Macintosh DOS Macintosh

System

File Format DBF, Proprietary FoxBASE+, MAC ASCII, DBF, ASCII, DBF, ASCII
Support (earlier versions) Proprietary Proprietary

Prog. Xbase Xbase Xbase lcon-based, visual

Language programming
environment

!rulti-User

Memory 512K 1M 3M 1 [,] (min)

Required 2M (recommended)

Disk Space 1.5M 5M 14|\il 15M 1.5i,,|

Hequired

Datebase N/A Macintosh MS SOL Server MS SQL Server

Server
Support

Technical Fax, telephone, mail, Free via telephone and Free via telephon€ Free via telephone and Free support via
Support and CompuServe CompuServe; and Compuserve; CompuServe; telephone, fax, and
automated Fast Tips, automated Fast Tips, automated Fast Tips, America On Line
24 hrs,/day (206) 635- 24 hrs/day (206) 635- 24 hrs/day (206) 635-
7192 7't91 7191

Developer N/A Developer Support Developer Support lnitialone-year

Programs Program $295/year Program $29s/year program $695;
yearly renewal fee
s495

Pric6 $495 single-user $495 single-us6r, $495 singl6-user $495 single-user S439; ($135 to $199
$995 multi-user $595 single-user (additional users $425 (additional users $425 per multi-user client
runtime, each) each) depending on
$595 network 6-pack quantity)
First 10/89 1988 7191 7/91 1984
Released

Next N/A 1993 End of '93 N/A N/A

Scheduled (v.2.5) (2.5lor Macintosh and
Release uNrx)

DATA BASED ADVISORA'AY 19S3 69

 lr
) DATA BASED ADVISOR ,gw BUYER'S GUIDE
lnlormix-SOL INGRES lntelligsnt lntegla lnterbase
Product lnlormix Onllne
Database v.3.5 v.3,3
v.5.01
v.6.4
ln{ormix Software, lnc. lngres C,orp. Coromandel lndustries, Borland lntl.
Company lnlormix Software, lnc.
t 080 Marina Village lnc. 1800 Green Hills Rd.
4100 Bohannon Dr. 4100 Bohannon Dr.
M6nlo Park. CA 94025 Parkway 70-15 Austin St. Scotts Valley, CA
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415)926-6300 Alameda, CA 94501 srd Floor 95067
(415) 926-6300
(s10)769-1400 Flushing, NY 11375 (408) 438-8400
(718)793-7963

DOS, UNIX DOS, UNIX, Windows UNIX

Opqatlng DOS, UNIX
Sysiem

Proprielary Proprietary Btrieve, DBF, Proprietary

Flla Format Proprietary
Objectrieve
Support

SQL Visual Basic N/A

Prog. N/A
Lan9urg€

ilultl-Usor

'1
130K DOS 5M Varies according to 2M 2401<
Momory
R€quhed (4i, shared memory) UNIX 2M platlorm

DOS 4,5M Varies accordrng to 6M 8M

Dlsk spaco
UNIX 5,1M platlorm
Rsqultsd

lnformix lngres N/A N/A

D8lebass lnformix
Sorvor
Suppo

Variety of support Various levels of Free support for 90 Full support and
fechnlcsl Yes
packages available support otfered lor days; annual contract consulting (hotline
Supporl
dilf erent installalions available and on-site)

N/A lnsync Parlner Product Life Cylce Contact vendor VAR Programs
Dov8loper
Programs Program, and VAR (PLC) and others
Programs

Prico $595 to $103,500 $2,200 to $352,200 $99 $2,300 to $345,500

$3,300 base
depending on
conliguration

3/85 1981 11/91 6/86

Flrst 1/90
Rolsasod

N/A 1993 6/93 N/A

N3rt
Scheduled
Rgleaas

70 DATA BASED ADVISOFYMAY 1993

 atoffernomafter
how you slice i[ D{IA
1992

G'I1N IF.'}]R UIz' I

t
7
L.
n r;.
li
l' l

if you're a little uneasy about dissecting
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SoftCode now makes it easier than ever to
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Create exactly the khd of menu svstem you
want. Even down to the daails of shadolws. boider
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SoftCode is an advanced template based
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SoftCode Template Sets are available for Clip-
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I Upsade producrs: Ltut uDsrid. ; Malveme l'IY 11565

I t; a
t f SrtCoa" s.o .......... $3ss #g.ns 4ff
: Templah S€b (order at leart 1)
I O CliPPer ....................195 49.95
Credit card ordeE: 8l}G241-384E, operalor2l'l
Other orders: 515'5969700 . F.i: 51G59Ca701
Pleas€ male sule you have totaled your order and have
I O FoxPro .....................195 49.95 mdosed the conit amount.
; o dBAsE IV r95 4Ss5 \'me
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I oc tss companv
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tax:_
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Palmmt Ocheck 3visa DM/C aAMEX Woneyord€r
I rotal: card# [xp. Dare
I
 DATA BASED ADVISOB BUYER'S GUIDE

MDBS IV Micro3olt SOL

Product JAM Knowlodgo Mln MAGIC
5.0 v.4.3 Sgrvsr
v.5.03 v.3-0
v.4.2
Magic Sottware Micro Oata Base Microsoft CorP.
JYACC, Inc. Micro Oata Base
CompanY Systems, lnc. (mdbs) On€ Microsott WaY
116 John St, Systems, lnc. (mdbs) EnterPrises
1200 Main St. Two Executive Dr. Redmond, WA 98052
New York, NY '10038 Two Executive Dr.
(206) 637-7095
Latayette, lN 47903 lrvine, CA 927'14 Lalayette, lN 47903
(2',t21 267 -7722
(3171 447 -1 122 1,714) 250-1720 1317) 447 -1 122

DOS, UNIX oos, os/2, uNlx, DOS, OS/2, Windows

Operating DOS, OS/2, UNIX DOS, OS/2, UNIX
Windows
System

Btrieve, DBF (through C,ontact vendor N/A

File Format ASCll, Proprietary Contact vendor
a gat€way)
Suppo.l

MAGIC 4GL Programmer's Toolkit

Pro9. JAM Programming Knowledge Man
available for C,
l.3nguage Language (JPL)
Cobol, and VB

Multi-t ser

640K 640K 50K to 300K 8M

Memory 640K
Requiled

5M 2M 500K 20M
Disk Space 4M
Required

Contact vendor lngres, MS/Sybase Contact vendor N/A

Databas€ lnlormix, lngres,
lnterbase, ODBS, SOL Server, Oracle
Server
Support Oracle, Sybase, and 14
mora

90 days free supPort, Hotline, BBS, tutorials, 1 year (4 hours) lull From Compuserve to
Techoicsl By maintenanca
yearly service conlracts nowsletter. tech notes, support; yearly service Premier Support
Suppon clntract only
available user groups contracts also available Packages oflered

Users Groups VAR and Application National Users Group Microsott Solutions
Davelopsa N/A
Developer discounts Providers include;
Programs
Network Specialists,
Sls, lndependent
Consultants, VARs

$1,495 and uP $1,s00 $3,900 and uP $2,995 1 to 10 users

Prlce $595 to $39,500
$7,995 unlimited

I
USETS

1984 1 1/86 1979 4lag

First 9/86
Released

7193 New release 3/93 N/A N/A 2nd O '93

Nexl (v.4.2lor WinNT)
Scheduled (v.6)
Release

72 DATA BASED ADVISORA'AY 1993

 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYEB'S GUTDE

Product Mozart Multi Bass NOMAD Nutshell Plus lt Obr€ctvlow

v.3.1 v.4.5 v.3.3 v.2.0 v.2,0
Company Mozart Systems Cykic Software, lnc. MUST Software tnfl.
'1350 Bayshore
Fairhaven Software Knowledgeware
3944 Third Av€. 101 [4erritt 7 3 Cabot Place.
Highway, Ste. 630 3340 Peachtree Rd.,
San Diego, CA 92103 NoMalk, CT 06856 Stoughton, [rA 02072 N.E,
Burlingame, CA 94OlO (619) 297-0 i82 (203) 845-5000 (617) 341-1990 Atlanta, GA 30326
(4rs)340-1s88
(404) 231-8s7s

Operating DOS, OS/2, Windows DOS DOS, OS/2 DOS os/2, uNtx,
Syslem

File Format ASCII, DBF, SQL DBF ASCII. DBF lndoxing, Proprietary ASCll, B[rP, Btrieve,
Support
DBF, PCX

Pro9. Mozart 4GL Clipper, dBASE lll NOi,,IAD N/A View Script 4GL
Languag3 PLUS, dBASE IV,
FoxBASE+. MultiBase

Mulli-User

Memory 4M 1M to 2M 3M 384K 4t\.1

Bequired

Disk Space 5M 2t\.4 5lV 5M 8M

Required

Database MS SOL Server, Proprietary Ms/Sybase SOL lnformix, lngres, MS

Server Oracle, OS/2 DBM Server, Oracle, SOL SeNer, Oracle,
Support SQLBase OS/2 DBM, SOLBase

Technicel Hotline and consulting Telephone support with Three support plans Telephone 30 days free from 1st
Support registration, 30 minutes available call; 3 addilional
free, additional support plans available
S60,hour

Dev6loper N/A Developer seminar N/A Contact vendor

Programs planned; dealer and
distributor support

Prlce $6,000 $699 $795 single-user $795 $1,799 to $2,999

$595 multi-user copy ($525 for deale.s)
$125 runtime copy
$2,295 DK
First 1987 1ZA7 1987 1987 2t91
Released

Next 2nd O '93 New release 4/93 DOS 7/93 (v.3.4) New release 3/93 New release 3/93
Scheduled Windows 9/93 (v.3.5)
Releaso

DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 73

 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYEB'S GUIDE

Ontos DB Openlnslght Oracl€7

Product Odyssss OMNIS Seven 8nd
OMNIS Seven Plus v.2.2 v,1.0
v.3.0
v.1.2
ONTOS, lnc. Rev€lation Oracle CorP.
CompanY Case Design, lnc. Blyth Sottware
Three Budington Technologies 500 Oracle Parkway
91.|1 Jollyville Rd., Ste 1065 E. Hillsdale BIvd.,
Woods 18'l Harbor Dr. Redwood Shores, CA
207 Ste. 300
Burlington, MA 01803 Stamlord, CT 06902 94065
Ausrin, TX 78759 Foster City, CA 94404
l0 (206) 973-1000 (415)506-7000
(s12)346-8991 (415) s71 -0222 {617\ 272-71

os/2, uNlx DOS, windows DOS, Macintosh,

Operatlng DOS, UNIX, Windows Macintosh, windows
osi2, uNlx
System

Contact vendor Contact vendor Contact vendor

File Format DBF Contact vendor
Support

Proprietary C++ Basic ++ PUSQL, SOL

P.og. N/A
Language

Multi-User

2M 8M (clienl) 4M Contact vendor

Memory 550K
fiequired 16M (server)

2M Vades 6M Contact vendor

Disk space 12M
Required

Contact vendor Conlact vendor SOL Servers D92, [rs/Sybase

Oatabase Btrieve, Oracle,
SOL Server, Oracle,
Server Sybase, Unity
OS/2 DBt\.4
Support

Telephone and on-line Telephone support 3 levels of support Contact vendor

Techrica! 90 days lree support; 1-
year contract $595; support; custom available contracts available: 90
Support
'900'number support support available day warranty support
on full product purchase

Advantage level Business Partners Programs available for Alliance Program Oracle Users Group
Developer
unlimited toll-free Program joint work or special available to
Program9
support contract proiects. development partners
available

$1,250 develoPmenV $5,000 to $16,000 $895 Depends on platlorm;

Price $1,29s (DOS, 1 to 5
$250 runtime depending on platlorm Contact vendor
users)
$3,795 (UNIX, 1 to 5 $2,500 OMNIS Seven
users) Plus
1989 1992 1979
Firsl 7lag 12191
Released

Nen 6/93 6/93 6-7/93

(v.3.5) (v.3.0) (v.2.0)
Scheduled
Releese

74 OATA BASEO ADVISOR/MAY 1993

ffi*r!*t:
r-
t 3
FUll0lty"llas Some llew Frienils
Nott:, mare than
euer tt's time to
getFWCkg.
FUNCky II contains hundreds
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will deffne the add-on industry
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Our revolutionaqf new ltbraqr design
gives FUNCky unprecedented
mufti-Wtni capabilites- one single
set of libraries that you can use with
more than nine of today's most
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i:iffifs'-;: "IW
identical naming and
calltlg conventions between all
supported enl'ironments for
maximum portability.
#m:z*ffis*"Yr#,""
containing over fully working
I8OO
interactlve example programs tlat
you can cul and paste directly into
your editox
\
? &
0 U
z I
lr
j
tr
,r& !k***
Our superb documentation
and innovative functions
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Data Based Advisor
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for:r years in a rowt
Here's what you can expect:
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Fl.rNCky's powerful proEiramma ble text
edilor does marked blocks, cut & paste.
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functional and Object Oriented
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ilEW! tufitiln Etf,tcn
Fully prograrunable data enhy screens
s,rh marked blocks, cut & pasle between
Iields aild calculator swle irumeric
enh_y. Interfaces searr esslv wlth
NotePad for multt-line data entry ffelds.
llEW! EWW loil Bctuthttton
Even displays MS Windows. Bitmaos
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llEw! BnDhiB c0E ncfibiw
All text based ddeo ftmcUons includftUl
NotePad and the TextEdit system can
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ilEW! frut Fancilonelitl
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IIEW! FIfr, TfrEI, FPIICII
FLIB is a I 000,6 MS Compauble Obtecr
FiIe Librarlan so you ca; create vo"ur
own libraries. FREF a LIB Reference
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Once you get FUNCky. you'll enjoy
tree I-8OO telephane suppon from
our highly qualihed techntcal
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i
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dtsk and functton I
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I
 DATA BASEI' ADVISOB BUYEB'S GUIDE

OSiz Extended Paradox Paradox lor

Product Oraclo Card ORIN
Services 4.0 Wlndows
v.l.'l v.2.4.2
v.1.0
Obiective Solutions, IBM Corp. Bodand lntl.
CompanY Oracle CorP. '1800 Gre€n Hills Rd. Hills Rd
lnc. Old Orchard Rd.
500 Oracle Parkway Scotts Valley, CA
17 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Armonk, NY 10504 Scotts Valley, CA
Redwood Shores, CA 95066
Sto. 106 (914)765-1900 95066
94065 (408) 438-8400 (408) 438-8400
(415) 506-7000 M€lboume, FL 32901
l4o7\ 676-027s

oOS, UNIx, Windows DOS, OS/2, Windows DOS

Opstatlng Macintosh, Windows
System

Proprietary Proprietary DBF, Proprietary

Flls Format SOL ASCII
Support

PAL ObiectPAL
Prog. Oracle Talk, Oracle ORIN Ob,ect Oient€d
Language Access Procsdural Languag€
(oPL)

Multi-User

$M to 9M 2tvl 4M
ir€mory 5M Varies depending on
Requi.ed Platlorm

Varios depending on 12M 3.5rV 9M to 15M

Disk Spac€ 5l\,t (PC)
Hequired 3.5M (Mac) pladorm

lnformix, Oracle Proprietary OS/2 DBM, lnterbase lnierbase,

Database DB2, Oracle
Server, MS/sybase Ms/Sybase SOL
S€rvea
SQL Server, Oracle Server, Oracl6
Sugport

Telephone and FAX 30 days iree support Online (ClS, GEnie, Online (ClS, GEnie,
Technieal Standard Oracle
BIX), TechFax, and BIX), TechFax, and
Suppon worldwide support
other paid support other paid support

For VARS and N/A Paradox Developer Paradox Developer

tlevelopo. N/A
Distributors Partners Program Partners Program
Progiams

$2,000 develoPer $595 $795 $795

Price $699
runtimes available $400 runtime S95 per additional
user

9/90 4192 1984 1/93

F:rst 6/91
Released

N/A N/A Non-disclos6d

tlerl 8/93
Seheduled
Rslease

76 DATA BASED ADVISOR,iMAY 1993

 DATA BASEI' ADVISOR BUYEB'S GUIDE

Product PC-Flle PC/FOCUS PowerBuilder Progress 4cL/RDBMS

v.7 v.6.0 o&A
v.6.3 v.4,0
Company Buttonware, lnc. lnformalion Builders Powersott Corp. Progress Sottware Symantec Corp.
P.O. Box 96058 1250 Broadway 70 Blanchard Bd. Co.p. '10201 Torre Ave.
Bellevue, WA 98009 New York, NY 1000'l Burlington, MA 01803 14 Oak Park Cupertino, CA 95014
(206) 454-0479 (212) 736-4433 (617) 229-2200 Bedford, MA 0t730 (408) 253-9600
(6171 27s-4500

Operating DOS DOS, OS/2, Windows Windows DOS, OS/2, UNIX, DOS
System
Windows, XENTX

File Formal DBF SQL SOL C.ISAM, CT.ISAM ASCII, DB, DBF
Support

Prog, N/A Focus Powerscript Progress 4GL N/A

Language (proprietary)

Mul:iUser

i,lemory 450K 640K 2[, to 4M 2M 512K (minimum)

Eequired
&0K (recommended)

Disk Space L89M 7M 5M to 9M 13M to 17i/ 3M

Required

Dalabase N/A EDA,/SQL, OS/2 DBM, DB2, Inlormix, Oracle, Progress, Oracle. SQLBase
Seruer Ms/Sybase SQL Server Ms/Sybase SQL Sybase SOL Server
Support Server, Oracle,
SOLBaS€, XDB

Technical 30 days free; annual 90 days and extended 30 day warranty at no Technical hotline Free, unlimited
Support support plan $49.95 mainlenance available charge, includes BBS, support 8am to 8pm, technical support
ClS, online help, and on-line bulletin board,
more;additional bi-monthly tech bulletin
conkacl available

Ireveloper VAR Program lndependenl Software Partners in Progress

Programs Developer program

Pri€e $149.95 single us€r $795 $1,495 to $3,895 $1 75 to $330,740

, 1 $399
$,149.95 multi user

Fi.st 682 9/44 6/91 at84 1 1/85

Released

Next N/A N/A 7/93 N/A N/A

Scheduled (v.7.0)
Releasa

DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 7/

 ) DATA BASED ADVTSOB W BUYER'S GUIDE

OBE Vlsion O-Pro.l Ouadbass-SOL tor

q'BASE "DL" q'BASE.EXE
Product v.4.1 Windows
v.4,0 v.2.05
v.4.0 v,2.0
Coromandel Q-N-E lntl. Quadbase SYstems,
Compal!y Knowledge lntormation Knowledge lnlormation
136 Granite Hill Ct. lnc.
Systems, lnc. Systems, lnc. lndustries, lnc.
70-'15 Austin St. Langhome, PA 19097 790 Lucerne Dr., *51
1301 Hwy. 36 1301 Hwy. 36
Forest Hills, NY '! 1375 (21s) 968-5966 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Hazlet. NJ 0730 Haz let, NJ 07730
(408) 738-6989
(908) 739-0968 (718) 793-7963
(908) 739-0968

UNIX DOS, windows

Opetating UNIX
Sysiem

Btriev€, DBF, ISAM DBF

File Format DBF DBF
Objectrieve
Support

BASlClike Proprietary N/A

P.og. Xbase with extended Xbase with extended
Language q'base dialect q'base dialect

Multi-User

640K 2M
lremory 4M (minimum) 4M (minimum)
Requ:rad 8M (rscommended) 8M (recommended)

2.5M 10M 1M
Dlsk Space 2.5M
Hequired

N/A DB2, Ms/Sybase N/A OLradbase

Data5asg
Server SOL Server, Oracle
Suppon

90 day lree with Free lor 180 days; Telephone Free

Technical 90 day free with
Suppo.t licensing licensing annualcontract
available

Licens€d users utilizing Contact vendor N/A N/A

Developer N/A
Programs APPMAKE feaIUTe
eligible lor code
certif ication and Porting
assistance.

Price $1,299 to $1,799 $900 $350 $595 standalone

$299 to $999
$995 network, Plus
runtime

First 3/91 7 t92 8192 11t42 3/91

Released

N/A New release 4/93 6/93 N/A

NeIt N/A
(v.4.1c)
Scbeduled
Release

78 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 FL,ri\LlrdN irrl Alrtllr l:r,Nr IIL)N rrUpADDH5 IN/IMI )) lDENIit-rcltt0N Dlvt5l0N
PARAMT ILRS Ni\MI ADI)RIb5! ]TRD6RA,\4- ID.
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lets you avoid the punishment

Creatingapplicatiars Callfu afreederno

doesn'thovenhurt
Tte exlroordinorily complex proces of wriling
@ffixrux"C
wore fioieliminotes fie need for editors o o high {DOS,
diskandtryityourself
WNDOWS, UNIXI wih no chonge.
soh$mre opplicoiions is timeconsuming ond degree oftechnicol skill. Odysee is o fu ly inte Creoling 6e doto slructure ond monipulolng
replilive. And con get you inlo o loiof trouble. groted roo/ ho, feotures DBtu\S supporr, WYSL fie dotobse ore {eotures of Od'psee thoi ore
lfofier monhs ol writing in exces of thou- V\{G user inbrfoce design ond repo,ling. lronsporent b he developers. Odysee con
sonds of lines d code o client decides to chonge ln the de,,elopment qrcle, you con occess simulbneously occes ond simpli[, the use of
he specs or plolform, ifie punishing procedure o wide voriety ofhepful feotures including o dob mony different DBMS, inc uding XBASE, ORACLE,
begins oll wer ogoin. dic'ionory pl"ys col ond logico' rrdepenoence. UNIFY, SYBASE ond DB RAIMA.
lnhoducing Odyssee from Cose Design, o losls, octions, evenls ond expressions. Resuiliog Co Cose Desigr to leorn now try edi(;
new corcep'in progromrning developmenr sol.- opplicolions con run on o rorieiy of OS ploforms ing Odyssee con be.

t
Oovsser rutunrs & cnrnsflmrs I UN-PARAILEtED PRICING I
. I

@ CASE DESIGN
tlo to& ditrs nedd. WE'RE NOTSETI.INC SOFTWARE-WE'RE
or I
. Totf,y nrcyruiri'cn.
I SEI.tING A SUPPORIED SOTUTION!I
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I With the Frrchse of a Case Des8n t<hn,cat Supporr
. Ohlec+oriqsotisr.
I
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oevebpmeor soft* e oDYssl I tor rRfE, our support
RESUITS ORIENTED
I
. h/peft{ bduolos/ indrdd. I
p&kage rmludes one yea ot technEal suppdr sollw e I
. prt(elr iidepend€rre.
upgrdes rd oDYssEE rd FREE!! Cru l-8OO-880-llOO I
Doto ond I ODYSSEEfoTDOS, XBASE, UNIFY
. Porerful hriFin &to nwripokaior. I ODYSSEE for WNDOWS, XBASE,
S,t95
9111 Jollyville Rmd r Sulie 207 r Ausiin, Texos 78759
I
UNtFy
. |'io ruo-tioe Ses. I $S9S
Plrcne (5121 346 8991 .
I oDYSSEE forSCO UNX $3995
Fox l5l2) 346.7920
DBA 1
trePod6dHdlE6'drqlrdedd@t!dfu{$k6F-
 ) DATA BASED ADVISOB W BUYER'S GUIDE

R:BASE Ralms Dttabass Ralma Obloct Recltal

Product Ouest
v.4.0 M!nagsr Managot v.7.2
v.2.0
v.3.21a v.1.1
Microrim, lnc. Raima Corp. Raima Corp. Recilal Corp.
Company Gupta CorP. '!605 N.W. Sammamish
15395 S.E. 30th Pl. 1605 N.W. 85 Constilution Lane
1060 Marsh Rd.
Bellevue, WA 98007 Sammamish Rd. Rd. Danvers, MA 01923
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(206) 649-9s00 Ste.200 St€. 200 (s08) 750-1066
(41s) 321-9500
lssaquah, WA 98027 lssaquah, WA 98027
(206) 5s7-0200 (206) 557-0200

oos, os/2 DOS, OS/2, UNIX, DOS, UNIX, windows DOS, UNIX
Operallng DOS, Windows
SystEm Windows

Proprietary Propdetary Proprietary DBF

Flle Format Proprietary
Support

R:BASE command Variation ol SOL N/A Xbase superset

Prog. N/A
Languag€ language and ANSI
level 2 SQL

Mulll-Uso.

'100K to 384K 2M
Me.Ilory 4M 2.5M 100K to 384K
nequired

5M Varies Varies 5M to 10M

Disk space 8M
Fequlred

N/A Raima Database SOL

Dalabase DBz. lnformix, lngres,
Ssryet MS/Sybase SQL Manager
Supporl Server, Oracle, OS/2
DBM, SOLBase

Technlcal License subscriPtion Free support via toll 60 days free; yearly 60 days free; yearly Hotline technical
line; premium support contracts available contracts available support, 8am to 8Pm;
Snpport service, BBS, Strategic
Technical Accounl ReP. also available which include BBS. which include BBS, Recital Porting
(STAR) service, updales, telephone, updates, telephone, Center
consulting and FAX support. and FAX support.

Microrim DeveloPers Third party catalog; Third party catalog; Recital Enterprise
Ooveloper Complete ISV program
Advantage Program special promotions special promotions Reseller Program for
Programs
VARS and systems
integrators

$795 single user $395 and up $395 $2,995 to $120,000

Price $'1,995 standard edition
$3,495 corporate edition $995 5 user LAN Pack

7laz 1984 6/91 1/89

Flrst 8/88
Released

New release 3/93 6 or 7/93 6/93 8/93

Noxl
v.8
Scheduled
qeleass

80 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYER'S GUlDE

Product Shark Basq Silvorrun Sprsadbase SOLBase SOL'Bulldor

v,1.11 v.2.1.1 v.1.'l v.5.1 v.3.2
Company Sub Rosa Corp. Computer Systgms Objective Software, Gupta Corp. SQL'Builder Software
1313 5rh St., S.E. Advisers, lnc. lnc. 1060 irarsh Rd Co.
Minneapolis, MN 55414 50 Tice Blvd. 200 Chesapeake Dr Menlo Park, CA 94025
(612) 379-3898
615 E. Michigan St.,
Woodcliff Lake, NJ Redwood City, CA (41s)321-9500 Ste. 200
0767s 94063 Milwuakee, Wl 53202
(201)391-6500 (415)306-7410 (414) 278-0s00

Operatlng DOS Macintosh, OS/2, Macintosh DOS, OS/2, UNIX, DOS, UNIX
Systsnrs
Windows

File Format DBF, Proprietary DBF Contact vendor Proprietary SOL

Support

Pro9. Proprietary N/A Proprietary

Language

Multi-User

llemory 512K 4M Macintosh 5M 2M to 4M depending on 6M stiandalone

Requlred 8M OS/2 platform 2M client/server
6M Wndows network

Disk Space 360K 10M 5M 10M 6M standalone or

Required
clienUserver network

Dalabase N/A DB2, lnformix, DB2, lnformix, lngres, lnlormix, Oracle

Server Ms/Sybase SQL [rs/Sybase SOL
Support Server, SQLBase Server, Oracle, OS/2
DBM, SQLBase

Technical One hour free by g0 days warranty Telephone License subscriplion Full technical support
Support telephone (maintenance support) applications service, BBS, Slrategic included with license
included with purchase consulting lree lor 60 Technical Account Rep fee
days: $12g/year (STAB) service
thereatler

Developer N/A VAB agreements Gold program for Complete ISV Program
Programs VARS includes
lraining, support, and
customer referrals

Paice $995 $2,500/module $695 $995 to $9,99s $1,500 to $96,000

$'10,000 for one each of depending on pladorm depending on
four modules and number ot users platform, database,
and user level
Flrst 10/86 1987 11t92 1986 6/89
Releasod

Next N/A 7 /93 7t93 N/A 6/93

Schsduled (v.1.5) (v.3.3)
Felgase

DATA BASED ADVISOFYMAY 1993 81

 DATA BASED ADVISOR BUYER'S GUIDE

Sterllng Dev8loper Stsrllng ZIM SuporBase Sybase SQL Server

Product SOLwindows
v.4.04 v.2.0 v.4.9.1
v.4.0 v.4.1.1

Sterling Soltware Sterling Sottware Software Publishing Sybase, lnc.

Company Gupta Corp.
(Dylakor Division) (Dylakor Division) Corp. 6,475 Christie Ave.
1060 Marsh Rd.
9340 Owensmouth P.O. Box 54983 Emeryville, CA 94608
Menlo Pa*, CA 94025 9340 Owensmouth Ave
Santa Clara, CA 95056 (510) 596-3500
(415) 321-9500 Chalsworth. CA 91313
(818)716-887/ Chatsworth, CA 91313 (408) 9S6-8000
(818)716-882

OS2, Windows DOS. UNrX DOS, Windows os/2, uNlx

Operallt!g OS/2, Windows
System

soL Proprietary DBF SOL

Fils Format Proprietary
Support

N/A ZIM 4GL Super Basic Language TransactSQL

Prog. SOL wlndows
(sBL)
Langurgt€ Application Language
(SAL)

Multi-User

16M OS/2 2M 2M 8M
Msrttory 4M to 6M
R€qulred 4M Windows

6M 8M 7M 6M
Disk Space 14M to 22M
Requlred

MS SQL Server DB2, IBM DBM, i,lS/Sybase SOLServer, N/A

Databass DB2, lnformix, lngres,
Oracls, OS/2 DBM, MS/Sybase SQL Oracle, SQLBase, xDB
Seryel
Server, Oracle (via SOL Library)
Suppod Ms/Sybase SOL
Server, SQLBase

90 days free support; 90 days lree support; 90 days lree telephone Variety ol support
Technical License subscriPtion
additional support additional support support; minimal cost to ollered
Support service, BBS, Strategic
Technical Account ReP. programs available programs available extend telephone,{ax
(STAR) service service

VAR programs BBS, Partners Developer

Developer Cornplete ISV Program
Programs, Resource Conference
Programs
Catalog ol Shared
Apps, Joint Mktg.,
Developer Conlerence

$2,995 to $6,495 single $995 to $1,350 single $795 $1,495 to $256,160

Price $1,995 standard

r
user; user; ($199 competitive
$3,495 corporate
$15,500 multi user, 5 Price varies lor multi uPgrade)
usels usgr
8/88 1986 1984 1989 1988
Flrst
Released

New release 4/93 5/93 Non-disclosed

ltsxt New release 3/93
(v.4.2\ (v.4.0s) (v.4.9.1)
Scloduled
Fslea9e

82 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 'I993

 ) DATA BASED ADVISOP igw BUYER'S GUIDE
Producl Vulcan Watcom SOL tor WindowBase x2c XOB-Server lor OS.2
Windows 2.0 v.'1.1 v.3.2
v.3.1
Company Emerald Bay croup WATCOM lntl. Corp Software Products Desktop Aj XOB Syst€ms, lnc.
2155 Verdugo Blvd., 415 Phillip St. lntl. 303 Linwood Ave. 14700 Sweitzer Lane
Ste. 20 Waierloo, Ontario 9920 Pacilic Heights Fairtield, CT 06430 Lawel, MO 20707
Montrose, CA 91020 Canada N2L 3X2 Blvd. (203) 255-3400 (301) 317-6800
(818) 248.08n (519) 886-3700 San Dlego, CA 92121
(619) 4s0-1s26

Operating DOS
DOS, OS/2, UNtX, os/2
System
Windows, XENIX

File Format Proprietary soL Proprietary, SQL DBF ASCII

Suppo

Prog, C, Pascal, Xbase N/A Proprietary Xbase dialect N/A

Language

Multi-User

Memory 5't2K 640K 4t\,1 640K 6M

Required
(8M to 16M
recommended)

Disk Space 300K to 800K 3.2tV 10M 3l\,,1 9M (minimum)

Rqquired

Database Emerald Bay N/A Developer's edition N/A XDB

Server allows for custom
Support driver development to
any server

Technical Free for 90 days gam to spm (EST) tree 90 days free Telephone, lax, Telephone, on-site,
Support tirst 90 days; BBS or telephone support; e-mail, BBS available BBS, newsletter, user
e-mail service also extended plans conference
available available

Developer VAR pricing to N/A Developer Support Priority support User conference
Programs registered developers. and Service Programs
available

Price $395 Xbase and C $395 (introductory $49s $7001o $3.495 $995 (1 to 5 users)
$199 Pascal price)
$27,995 (65+ users)

First 3/88 12/92 8/S 1 1t92 7 tag

Beleased

Next N/A New release 4/93 New release 4/93 New release 4/93
Scheduled (v.3.s) (v.1.50)
Release

DATA BASED ADVISORA4AY 1993 83

 Bilows Away the tEomPetntnom
Featuaes

Data DictiooarY
I III I I
Design level Active Data Dictionary
Datafiles per form II
hdexes/ ielations Pet datafile
Iields per form II
Over 70 attributes Per {ield
7 user definable attributes per field II
Iorms can ac.e.s all DD's DBIIFLD atttibutes
scaeen Paintea II I
COLOR SCHEME $ethod for Clipper and FoxPro
Application simulation (255 levels) II
Virtual Screen (255x255)
Custom Code lnsertions (16,000 max per form) II
Multiple pages (255 paqes per form)
Application Cene.ato. I -
I
support for clipper 5.x and FoxPro 2.x
Multi-user code II
Multi-Jile relatlonal suPPort
Pulldown menus, popup menus, and Lotus style 'nenus
-I II
CDX support fo. FoxPro and DBFSIX driver
No PUBLIC variables in generated code II
Floating TBROWSE with scroll bar
support all FoxPro BRoWSE clauses and flags II
SHOW MEMO, BROWSE, LIST findows
I
Pi.klist and validation functions
Error trapping. Password and Sackup systems If
Cal.ulator and Calendar functions
,ilter/Exp.ession builder II
R&R support and easy integration to 3rd-pa.ty libraries and utiliies
Automatic MAKE racility to regen application II
Pre-written Order Entry application
I
I I
Template Language
I
Fastest template compiler/.untime
DBF ac€es5 functions
j
II
clipperlike array tunction
I
Low levelfile lO lunctions
Use.-def ined f unctions I
"l've made morc money usi"g STAGE than $4t5 ptus $10.00 ior s&lt
anything else I have bought.' cA resrdenis please add $40.841rx
J. Hokanson, Union Cabide lS Technology
lepr 210, Po.Box&7{2, L.A CA30064
"STAGE is mote @bust, more 'obiect'llke' 81&304.0614 Vlic€ 818.3M.0708 BBS
and vastly morc flexible than Ulz" ?aaaA*:Sazakc
SePt. 91, DBMS Magazine
 FINST LOOK

. Application development
Borland
. Bo
.
and lntemational
dBASE tV
t Pertormance issues
fntroduces a
o Xbase
New, Faster
dBA,SE
By David Veale The dBASE lV 2.0 Controt Certer

C.t.log rools f,xit raEzlr!

dsasE IU conrnol cEnt B
BASE IV version 2.0 is the first
release of the market-leading CATAIOG: C : \DBEX 1\SMPLES\}NfiPLES. CAt
database management syst€m Data Labels I ications
built entirely by Borland
International. (Most ofthe code
in version 1.5 was inherited from CODES GUESTS ADDBOO'( ALLIIAIIf,'S cAxDol{Lv AREACODE
Ashton-Tate.) While, on the surface, not co rEflrs LOCAIOB coxtAcls C6RDBEC IIIUIIES BUS IIIf,SS
ETPLOYEE T{A ESANY O}JEC'S
much appears to have changed-the ]{ANES IADDCODf,S
I}IUDXIXI }IA ILALL
P ETELOG NECIONAL IIAIif,IAGS
Control Center interface, design tools, PEOPLBAX
and templat€ language are identical to PEOPLX
version 1.5-the new dBASE offers
greatly improved performance and
comes aa a protected-mode application.
Also, now you ca-o distribut€ compiled Filci
D€s.r. tpt t on : PFess ENIER or create a ne! file
applications as DOS EXE files royalty-
free using the dBASE Compiler for DOS
(see sidebar, -Ihe dBASE IVCompiler"). ]trlp:Pl Use:.(J D.ta:f2 DG,s lsn:slrlft-Fz eutct Xlpolt:Shtft_fg r|6ms:!1A
The compiler replaces the dBASE
RunTime available for previous
versions. For these reasons aDd others, management systems to allocate lnstallation
I think that 2.0 will gaiu acceptance as memory. Under DOS, dBASE has its
dBASE IV 2.0 installation is somewhat
a serious developroent tool. own virtual memory manaqer. The
dBASE memory manager ose" un simplified from earlier releases. Borland
A p?otected.mode dBASE editable configuration file to set parame- now includes an installation program
ters of the memory manage" and tune that'E consistent with aU of its other
dBASE IV 2.0 uses Relational Svstems
memory performance. The memory DOS products. Users can choose to
DOS/I6M extender to run dBASE in
protected mode with access to 16M of manager seems to be good at determin- install the software in either a single- or
i.rtg the proper settings based on the multi-user configuration. They also have
RAM. The minimum system require-
ments are an 80286 processor and lM of hardware enyironment in which it is a choice about whether to instalt the
run, so user turing is rarely necessary. sample files, tutorial, and template
extended memory. I found that at least
language and tools.
a 386SX with 2M of RAM is required to
beg]n to see a real performance boost For installing printer drivers and
over version 1 .5 . dBAEE IV 2.O customizing the CONFIG.DB configura-
With this version of dBASE, Borland Bodrnd lntcrnrtlonrl tion file, the DBSETUP utitity is still
forces computer users included and is essentially unchaaged.
with 8088/8086 1800 Green Hills Road
A full installation of the system and
machines or with less than lM of Scotts Valley, CA 95066
extended memory to upgrade their hard- (408) 438-8400 optional software requires about 6M of
ware or stay with version 1.5. For now, hard drive space. The DBASE.EXE file
Borland will continue to sell and support Pdcbg: $795; upgrades from is now just over 2M in size, aad, because
1.5 for those users not making the move. previoue versions, $99.95. Whea the program is now a protected mode
dBASE is installed on a I-{N, a application, there are no external
DOS/16M is DPMl<ompliant, so that overlay files.
dBASE can be run as a DOS protected- dBASE IV LAN Pack is required
mode application under Microsoft for each concurrent user (exceDt Language enhancements
Windows 3.x and OS/2 2.x. When run the first). I-{N Packs sell for'
dBASE M.0 builds on some of the
under Windows or OS/2, dBASE uses $495 per user.
enhaacements offered in 1.b (see the
the operating systems' virtual memory sidebar, "New Commands and Func-

DATA BASED ADVISOR,/MAY 1993 85


Ll
l
r
t-
(
cl{0{
L'
cirriZw l n"
Now Wrih Wndows* APPliotions
ln the (ipper language You
Aheady lhow with Gip-4-Win.
It vou wont 1o wnie Microsoff' WLndows"
odpllcolions wllhoui slrugglng wrth C or C++
clio4win is the onswen
Crro-4-Wrn 0llows lhe CA-C|ippel 5.0 developer
lo ireote fi'ue Wrndows executobles lhol run
much fosl€r lhon lhose creoled by other
ClippsrMindows conversion ploducts
Clio 4-Win olov des eosv. dlrecl occess lo lhe
wrhdows Apl ollowrnq vou to loke lull odvon
toge of ever!4hing Windows hos to oller
i{o lrlanor linit!
are vou lired of runnrno oul of memoM ll wll
nevsr hoppen wm Clip-4 Wi1 becouse Wildows
tokes core of memory monoqemenl l0r you.
Clrp-4-Wrn mokes lhe trodllonol DOS bofliel
(640K) o dislonl msmory.
W ttY.nt Drivri Soltv..n
Windows users expecl evenl-dflven sotlwore
ond Clro-4 WLn srmolifies lhe cumbelsome
orocess 0r wnnng il Do YoL need CUA supporP
it's eosy with CliP 4-Wrn
3rJ P.rtv Prd".r (orD.titiliv
tt vou hove olrmdvlnvesteo rn hiro portv prod_
ucis lor CA-Cltpger, vou wlll be glod lo know
Itrot vor- con cdrihnue usino lh€se wih Clitr4 Win.
Anv brooucl thol co4lorn-s lo he Clipper Fxlend
S\/idm ouidelines ond does nol occess DoS
h6rdw06 drreclly wrllwolk w h Clip 4-Win
I..rilllttl{t:
reou u cq c pper vmol 5 0 . vr@lwnd# 3 li 0
6-rr-o1.w,r
diruffmh€ xnd (Mn 6 Mi@ell ttsl5li,) {.fi
;;;; r;'oror c cH o"d alsnbe, ond 'oL mnft).Esooc d
i {*hrh shdrd b. l(, windoGdpoble
Rr o oNm onY
AI{NOUNCING
Greo Liefs Ne\tr
Hand's 0n dio4-Wn lraininq
Coll for compleie deloils ond cource schedulE
Start Ulriting Windows Apps lodav!
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Grumpfish, lnc,
SOFTWARE & EDUCATION
2450 Loncqsler Dr', N.E. Suile 206
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TELISO3 588'1815 FAX:503 588-1980
BBS:503 588-7572 CIS: 71064,2543
ats ewDrtsn h attl?tfibqenrd
86 DATA BASED AOVISORA/IAY 1993
FIRST LOOK
tions"). Forexample, 1.5 adiled rudimen-
EI tary mouse support. and 2.0 attempts to
mate the mouse usefirl to developers'
2.0 includes functions to determine
whether a mouse &iver is installed and
to figure out where a user rundng a
ffi The dBASE ComPilet fo? DOS
orland's new dBASE
Compiler for DOS is the
aucceasor to the dBASE
RunTime system that waa
available for Previous
versions of iIBASE fV.
The compiler allows developers l,o
distribute unlimited comPiled
dBASE IV applications as stand-
alone EXE files. The EXE files have
most of the same capabilities as the
applications running under dBA.SE
IV 2.0, including multi-user support.
The compiler goes beYond RunTime
by addi-ng a true, CJike, preprocessor,
a linker, and a make facility. Like
dBASE M.0,
applications compiled
vrith the dBASE Compiler run only in
orotected mode. and therefore require
at least an 80286 Processor and at
least 1M of extended memory.
Compiling ptograms
The compilation Process will be
familiar to those who have used other
compiler products. The source code
(PRG) files are compiled into pseudo-
code object files by a compiler utility.
The resulting object code files are
then linked with runtime library files
by a linker utility and the result is a
DOS EXE file.
6our' The actual compiler is ideutical to
the compiler which is Part of dBASE
i;
w 2.0 that it produces pseudo-code
files rr'ith a DBO extension The DBO
files created by dBASE IV 2.0 and the
cIBASE Compiler are identical. So
program files which have alreadY
Leen compiled using dBASE IV 2 0
need only be linked to Produce an
EXE-you don't have to recomPile
Ditlerences with
dBASE rV 2.O
There are a few language incompati-
bilities between dBASE IV 2 .0 and the
dBASE compiler. The comPiler
doesn't support dBASE IV commands
to creat€ or modifu database (DBF)
file structures, nor does it supPort ac-
cess to the dBASE IV clesign surfaces,
dBASE IV program clicked the mouse'
Also. the niw ON MOUSE commaud
theoietically allows programs to branch
on mouse events.
M.0's mouse
Unfortunately, dBASE
support has a serious flaw. When
such as CREATEi/MODIFY SCREEN,
REPORT, or LABEL. In addition, a
line of code cannot begin with a macro
These language restrictions are the
same aa those that aPPlied to
RunTime.
When taking source code from the
comoiler back to dBASE M.0, the
only incompatibilities that exist
involve the compiler's preprocessor.
The dBASE Compiler supports the in-
clusion ofC-style header files and the
definition of constants using s1'mbolic
names. dBASE IV 2.0 doesn't suPPort
these constructs. HoYr'ever the dBASE
Compiler includes a utility to "pre-
prociss" source code files, which
replaces all the s)'mbolic constant
names with the actual constantB,
eliminating the #includes and #de-
fines that dBASE IV 2.0 can't digest.
Gompilation modela
The dBASE Compiler can comPile
aoolications in two differeDt models.
In'the taree model, the object (DBO)
frles are linked with the runtime
executable code, the DOS extender,
the dBASE resource files, and the
runtime library files to Produce one
Iaree EXE file.
hithe compact model, the object files
are linked with just the runtime
executable code and the DOS exten-
der to form a much smaller EXE. The
dBASE reeource files and the dBASE
runtime library files remain as sepa-
rate files that must be available when
the program is run. The comPact
model saves significant disk Epace on
svstems where more than one
compiled dBASE application is
installed, since t}re same resource ard
library frles can be shared bY all
compiled dBASE applications.
The minimum size of a large model
EXE is slightly over 1.8M. The
midmum size of a compact model
EXE is about 148K (but when You add
in the size of the required resource
anil library files the total disk 6pace
required to run a single EXE is the
same 1.8M as the large model).
 FIRST LOOK
dBASE ry 1.5 first added baeic mouse
support, Borlarld received complaints
beca-use the mouse point€r was always
on the screen. For 2.0 Borland rewrote
the mouse code so that the mouse
pointer disappears when the user began
The dBASE Compiler lor DOS
I know some dBASE users are going
to scream about the prospect of 1.8M
"Hello World" progran. In fact, a
large-model program compiled with
the dBASE Compiler requires more
disk space thar the sa-Ee program
distribut€d with the dBAsE ry 1.5
RunTine system! But with real-world
applications, the size of the EXE
becomes less ofa factor. The EXE file
of a 5,200Jine program I wrcte wa.s
still under 2M when compiled. The
EXE of a 20,000 line accouating sys-
teth was less thar 2.5M.In these days,
wheD it seems that even the most ba-
sic commercial applications arrive on
six or more high-deusity disks, atrd
hard drives of 100M+ are considered
the Einimun for any serious work, I
don't see the size ofthe executable as
a black mark against the compiler.
To aid developers in distributing
their applications Borland provides a
utility to split large files iuto pieces
that can fit on a diskette, arrd a utility
tojoin tbe files backtogether. Thejoin
utility can be freely distributed with
applications.
Gonclusions
At a recent meeting I had with some
repreBentativea from Borland,s
dBASE t€am arld some developers, a
heated debate broke out regarding
whether or oot the dBASE Compilei
can rightfi.rlly be called a "compiler."
It is generally accepted that dBASE
IV is an interpreter. Even though
dBASE IV compiles source code to
pseudo-code, it still interprets and
executes prograEs line by line at
runtime- Except for the presence of a
more advanced preprocessor, the
compiler component of the dBASE
Compiler does what the compiler
component of dBASE IV does, i.e. it
produces pseudo-code which ie
int e rp re t e d, at r.JntiD.e.
There's actually very little practical
difference between the dBASE
Compiler and the dBASE RunTime
system which was available for
dBASE fV versions 1.0 through l.E.
typing in a command at the dot prompt
or a prograE wa8 actively runnins-
The mouse pointer reippears "when
dBdSE returns to the dot prompt or,
wrule runnrng a progr.am, activates a
menu, encount€rs a READ, or runs other
dBASE Runfime had arr executable
program (RUNTIME.EXE) which ran
dBASE IV pseudo-code (DBO) Dro-
grams. The major difference between
dBASE RunTime and the dBASE
Compiler is that the linker component
ofthe dBASE Compiler combiues the
executable code formerly in RUN-
TIME.EXE a-ud the DBO files into a
single EXE.
Because the dBASE compiler is
capable of combining all the compo-
nents that make up a runable dBASE
program into a single EXE, Borland
feels justitred in cal[ng the product a
compiler. Fair enough. Since the end
result ofthe product is an EXE file, I
accept Borlaad's description of the
product as a compiler. But users
should be aware that the dBASE
Compiler doesn't produce rncchine
code executables (like Borland's C++
and Pascal compilers do), and the
EXEs produced by the dBASE
Compiler have no performance
enhancements over dBASE M.O.
Borland intends to sell the dBASE
Compiler as a stand-alone product,
and claiEs that developers don'|, need
dBASE IV2.0 to develop applications.
This claim may be true for users who
have existing dBASE III Plus or
dBASE IV code that they simply wish
to compile for whatever reason. But
someone developing new applica-
tions, or enhancing old ones, will want
to have dBASE fV 2.0. The compiler
has no debugger, no design surfaces,
and no straightforward ]vay to creat€
or modifu database tables. You need
dBASE M.0 to do any serious
development.
The dBASE Compiler for DOS sells
for $495. Owners of dBASE IV can
purchase the compiler for $199.98.
Owners of Ashton-Tate's dBASE IV
Develope/s Edition will be ofered the
dBASE Compiler for free as a fulfill-
ment ofA8ht n-Tat€'B commitment to
provide a compiler for Developer's
Edition owners, a commitment that
Borland has pledged to tulfill.
Veale
-David
Get lloohd 0n
Grumplish,,.
Discover why tttousonds ol CIiDD€r develooers
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BBS:503 588-7572 CtS:7I064.2543
DATA BASED ADVISOH/MAY 1993 87
 FTRST LOOK

commands that cause a pause for user
inout. However, many dBASE program-
me.s *rite their programs to be event-
driven by using ON KEY stat'ement's
i inside a bO wHlt-E looP or a similar
structure. Because dBASE IV shows the
mouse pointer only when the program
pauses ior iuput, ilis impossible to create
event-driven Programs using ON
MOUSE-the mouse Pointer x'on't

I t New Commands and Functions

lllENtFNew. Executes a specified

AT(FEnhaoced. Adds an oPtional ON
in a
oarimeter to return the position ofthe command when certain Pads
Ihis lust irth o""ott"o"" of a string within a meau are select€d.
memvar or fielil, rather thall just the ON lllOUSE-New. Executes a sPeci-
first occurrence as in 1.5. fied command when the left mouse
Anot her lis h Sto ry, tt BARCOUNTfi-New. Returns the button in clicked.
Now therc js o slmple woY lo creole complex nuaber ofbart in the active, or speci- ON PAI)-New. Executes a sPecified
reoorls withoul coding. ll s kue Even youl fied, popup menu. command when a given menu Pad is
eid users con eosily creote their own repons.
BARPROiTPT(FNeW. Returns tbe highlight€d.
The Grumpfish Reporler is o complele stond-
olone leoorl wiler ond od-hoc querY monoger text ofthe specified bar ofthe specified ON POPUP-New. Executes a sPeci-
Our inluilrve inledoce ollows bolh Vou ond Your pop-up menu. fied command wheo certain bars of a
end users lo become ,.
immedrotely prod- "MUCh e0Sief ISMOUSE(FNew. Returns .T. if popup menu are higblighted.
uctive, withoulony t^ lo.rrn dBASE detects an installed uouae ON SELECTION BAR-New. Exe-
driver. Returos .F. if iIBASE doesn't cutes a specified command when a
:':f;P,:::Il!:f ffi',,00". tno"n'[Iii,, find a mouse driver. given bar is selected on a PoP-uP
With tho developer s edihon. *i:?.ii. if
link onv or oll ol lhe Repoder KEYMATCH(FNew. Returns .T. menu.
dirscllv inlo vour own obplicotlons. lnslontly the specifiedixpreseion ie found itr the ON SELECTION MENlFNew. Exe-
odd cuslom iepoding fsotures olong wilh lhe specified inilex. cutes a specified command when cer-
pre-defrned rcporls you creoled fol lhe sYstem
MCOIJFNew. Returns the column tain pads in a given menu are selected.
'(The most user-friendlY ond positioi of the mouse pointer on the ON SELECTION POPUP-New. Exe-
flexible end-user rePorting scree!}. cutcs a specifed commanil when cer-
svslem I hove ever seen:r iIE ORY$-Enhanced. Adds Pa- tain bars in a given PoP-uP rnenu are
-to
Port Sunnes Pob P@l CcFr.LrtnP
rameters retum the amoutrt of selected.
Grumpfish REPORTER E'[n,, memorv avai-lable iu total, in conven- PADPROMPT$FNew. Returns the
Grumpfish Reporler mokos il tional iemory, on the heaP, and being text of the specified pad of the speci-
simDle wilh on eosy lo use
screen Dornler ond rnteroclive
controlled by the virtual memory and fied menu.
orjpul aonhols. Also includes bufrer managers, RAT(FNew. Returns the Position of
exlensive dolo-diclionory,
possword secunlY dolobose MBOW(FNew. Returns the row Posi- a sivin strirg $rittrin a memvar, field,
linkrng pseudo-n€Es, tion of the mouse Pointer ou the or uemo begindng from the last char-
numorous query crllerlo ono
much much more
acreen. actei ofthe;tring being searched. The
ON BAR-New. Exeeutes a sPecified occurreDce of the Etring being
Grumof ish CLIPWKS,!* ** command when the given bar on a searched for may also be specified.
Now suodorb Lotus", Borlond's
OuoflroPioo, ond Micrcsofl Excel6 popup menu is highlighted. SET IBLOCK-New. Chaages the de
r'Just the tool to use if ON EXIT BAR-New. Executes a fautt size of the indexing block that
1lou dBASE aliocates to aew inder files.
sDecified commatrd when the high-
need lo reod ond write doto liiht is moved off the giveu bar of a SET DISPLAY-Enhanced. SdPPort
to ond from spreodsheels, poPup menu. for VGA 50 liae text mode added.
An excellenl product." ON EXIT iIENU-New. Executes a SET LDCHECK-New. Enables or dis-
' Lotry qsen. CUG ot Wslote NY
sDecified com.Eand wben the high- ables language driver I.D. checkiag.
li^ght is mwed off certain Pads of a sET MBLOCK-New. Changes the
IODAY
CATT 3cdoy
NO GrLrmov Cuslomersr monev bock guoronrm
menu. default size of the block that dBASE
FREE Demo Dlsl6 ovoiloble upon requesl ON EXIT PAD-New. Executea a allocates to memo field files.
soecified comnand wheu the high- SET MOUSE-New. Enables or dis-
light ie moved off a Epecified Pad in a
800 357-76 menu.
ON EXIT POPUP-New. Executes a
ables the mouse Pointer.
TIME0-Enhanced. Can now oPtion-
Grumpfish, lnc. specified commaDd when the high-
allv riturn a charact€r string of the
cuient tine to the hundredthg of a
SOTTWARE & EDUCATION ligbt is noved off certain bars of a second, rather than just to the whole
poPup melru. in
2450 Loncoslel Dr., N.E., Suite 206 second ae 1.5.
Sdem, OR 97305 Veale
TEL:503 588-1815 FAX:503 588-1980 -David
ASS:SOS Seg-ZSzZ CIS:71064.2543

88 DATA BASED ADVISORA/|AY 1993

 FIRST LOOK

Enhance Database Applications with

while progra-o is running a DO
.app,ear
\{HILE
a
loop or similar commaadi. Electronic Forms, Logos and Signatures
_dBASE Mnctudes a SET MOUSE
ON/OFF command to control the
appeara-nce ofth-e mouse pointer. In 2.0,
/_(N
Borland should have let developers
decide- when to have a mouse pointer
available in arr application.
On a more positive note, dBASE IV 2.0
I xra;ir-fih-

N*fu
does a good job of making menus and
pop-ups easier to work with and more HP PCL Printer Macros & Fonts Stored in LaserJet
Memory I
powerful. 2.0 includes commands to
execute other commands when pop-up Energize y,our laser printer bv usi rtg M*ro.b.hzb
bars and menu pads are highlighted oi ro process ,print to file output, fi-om
exiled. These hetp greatly whin per-
forming such tasks is displaying help * Aldus Pagemaker * Borland Object Vision * CorelDRarW
text to go along with menu selictions oi I x FrameMaker + Interleaf * Lotus Ami Pro
restoring the screen differently &om the x Microsoft Word * Sigma?lot * Ventura Publisher
default when a pop-up is deaci.ivated. * WordPerfect
and, 8 populqlfoms dcsign products
An addition I welcome is a new set of lor
ON SELECTION commands, which fi- Smaller lile
Sizes Faster Donmbading and Printing and
nally add consistency to the way selec- Automatic Creation of Escape Sequence activation files for
tions-fiom menus and pop-ups are proc-
essed. In previous versions, you hid to casy infttuoration and, antrolof all r.araible data and printer
images.
process menu pad selections by issuing
ON SELECTION PAD commaads foi
each pad. But to process selecLions of E data with forms, report layouts, even duplex
]f-*T:",,-erging.of
( both $des) page printing.
bars on a popup, you needed to issue an
ON SELECTION POPUp command for
the popup as a whole. The ON I8 Multi-page formats can be combined (portrair and landscape),
SELECTION POPUP called a procedure expanding your multi-part forms capabiliry.
containing a DO CASE..ENDCASE
structure to determine what bar was
I
lS fti*inut loading. aligning, bursting, sorting and wasting forms
selected and to process the selection.
i - no more preprinted forms !
2.0 adds an ON SELECTION BAR
command so that individual bars can be
tE IP PCL rasrer graphics are optimized and compressed wirh
processed in the sa-me way as menu Run-LenSth Encoding, Delta-Row;nd TIFF 4.0 compression.
pads. Likewise, an ON SELECTION I
MENU command is added Eo that any
selection from a menu can be processed I I3F Ouptlcate fonb are removed from multiple form file s.
in the same way as from a popup. These fS PCX and TIFF raster graphics are converted to Hp font format.
additions allow you to select ihe best
\ray to procesa selections from menus I
lThis M$Wiadows
"inrelligent tool" even comes complete wirl a Gdd Regi6t-atioD
and popups and, more importantly, to be controller thar allows for ptcise data placement _ iombining downloaiing of
consiste , in the way menus and popups nles, data regrstratron afld merging of data.,on the fly,,for easiest tesdnf.
are handled in your progra-s--aking
i
I 3,
cooe easter to mamtarn.
Platform Independent Implementation
Other important language enhance-
ments are the ability to declare aIr array
to have. memory permitting. up to ) W, Compatible with Xbase and all programming languages
65,535 elements in a dimension, as I E/ Royalty Free !
opposed to only 1,170 in 1.8. Memo field To order call
block sizes can be up to 32K (minus b12
bt'tes). In 1.5 memo field blocks could (818) 906 - 1596
only be up to l6K Ard finally, only six Special DB/Expo '93 Fax (818) 906 - 2070
years after the introduction of VGA, MacroMechanii Price
dBASE IV supports VGA 50 lines text
mode.
$ 9g.oo --+ I

It'a f.cter! sfraEls

* Tin Jutl 30, 1993
Now that the program runs in prot€ct€d Synap6is Corporation Lrd.
mode-w"ith 5M or more of extended add $5.00 forshippinsand handinE
PO. Box 17002
memory-all the dBASE system code Encino. CA 91436
Califomia re(idrnrs aad 8.259. sarci b,
Soti:Iring Elz.tmnic Fffm and MIC,ti ttxer printing cttrtomzrs since 1987.

DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 89

 FIRST LOOK
can be loadeil into memory, eliminating
) overlavs and the need for dBASE to go
L tn""ai"u for svstem code. With less
al thanthat, dBASE needs to create a swap
fiie on the hard drive. But the swap file
system is still much more efficient l'han
the old overlay syst€m used ln verslon
1.5, leading to better performauce'
2 .0 also includes an int€lligent internal
cachins svstem. dBASE no longer
inctudeijr needs-the Hperdisk disk
cache that accompanied earlier versions'
It's a lhink lonk.., The internal cache holds data and
indexes and is optimized to work with
dBASE's file structures. The result is
stellar performance in alata access and
index iearches. I've found (and the
,*,ffim
Poolino the knowledqe of the finesl Clrpper
exoeda in lhe field todov, lhls publicolion
documentation conirms) that 2 0 runs
sliehtlv faster without an ext€rnal cache
suih as SmartDrv.Exe or PC-Cache,
since CPU clock cycles aren't wasted in
double-caching ilata, ancl more memory
or;vidss enliohteninq, tnslrucive inlormolion is left available for dBASE. However, if
bn ClioDer proolomming, wilhout putling You vou choose to use an ext€rnal cache, you
lo sl€€D. The Aquorium's qool is lo moke you ion't have to worry about increased
os orot uclive os oossrble in vour Clipper
endeovorc. Aulhors like Greg Liel. Joe Booth, danger ofdata cormption, as is often the
Kent Kinoeru. Ted Meons, Clolton N€ff ond case when multiple caching systems are
oorren F6[cier will educote ond entedoin you used.
tt
I receive Reference(CliPPer), In addition to a cache for indexes, 2.0
Comooss, DBMS, ond DBA, also allows users to set the size of the
index blocks (or noiles). By default,
ond iind Aquorium to be the dBASE allocates 1,024 bytes per index
most inlormotive."
Ro, Doce, llhnois catnnaTe cann,sslm
block. By using the SET IBLOCK
command, users can increase the size of
w h Aouonum vou con rsod odicles ond the index blocks for a file in 512-byte
occomionVing iource code simulloneously,
seorch bv litle. oulhor, dotes or key words,
increments, up to 32K bytes. dBASE IV
cross relarence our index ol bock issues os index files work by storing key values
well os ihe index of orlicles in olher Clipper and record numbers in an index block,
oublicolions. PLUS, oul unique lnlegroted
calleil a leaf node. When the leaf node
Messooe c,entel ollows you lo sosrlY
conesdond with our oulhors, Clippsr
fills up, dBASE allocates parent noiles,
developers ond olhet experls vio modem which also contain keY values But
instead of containing record numbers,
"lt'slike hoving your own these parent nodes contain poinrers to
reseorch teom. lhonk VouT' the n;des that contain the record
ttnnhto P;tDTDla Coatlal Fenetol
numbers. In large indexes, parent nodes
may have parent nodes. Thus, to find the
If,ff visibte TBrowse recoril number of a key value in art index,
Sove hoJrs Dv,nE.oclrveY deslgnlng cLslorn TBrows€
obiecls ]'hsn'oulomolicoliy g€n6lole fu lly ophmized dBASE might have to search through
CA-CIrooer 5 0 code. Ilis qreol produclivily l0ol !s
yours'FhEE wilh your poid subscrlplrcn
several layers of parent nodes until it
works its way down to the node contain-
ing the record number.
CAI,T IODAY Bv increasing the size of the index
FREE SOMDIE |SSUE
ovoiloble upbn request. blocks, more key values can be stored in
the leaf nodes-reducing the number of
parent nodes. Thus, the time required to
800 367-76 iocate a record number is reduced. The
trade-offis that dBASE must read entire
Grumpfish, lnc. index blocks from disk. If the index block
size is large, and the value for which
SOFTWARE & EDUCATION dBASE is searching is still eeveral
2450 Loncoster t
., N.E-, Suile 206
lavers of nodes down in the index
Solem, OR 97305
{clespite the increased block size).
TEL:503 58&18 t 5 FAX:503 588-1980
dBASE will need to read a large amount
BBS:503 588-7572 CIS:71064,2543
90 DATA BASED ADVISORiMAY I993
of ilata to find the record number ofthe
-kev value. thereby hurting
perforEance'
a"seSn'" documentation gives little
eoid"t." as to how to use theusrng SET
IBLOCK command; it suggests
irial and error to find the best setting'
the best IBLOCK setting for a file will
"h"nr"
ou", time as the number of
recorts distribution of data
changes,"hatge.
and files are used in relation
*itU"otft"t". I recommend you tune the
IBLOCK setting fr equentlY.
You'll probabiy experience the most
dramatic performance improvements iD
Eite. or"otion". In previous versions of
dBASb. SET FILTER TO WAS A
command to be avoided because it could
make a svstem slow to a crawl' espe-
ciallv if th; file was filtered on one field
whiie indexed on another' Earlier
dBASEs tried to reduce the need to set
filters bv allowing conditional indexes
(usine IiIDEX FOR aNd SET KEY TO).
Condltional inderes were a flawed solu-
tion because it often meant maintaining
several indexes used only for specialize'l
queries, a time- and disk-consuming
Drocess.
Borland has heavily optimized filter
technolosy in dBASE IV 2.0. I built a
20-000-reiord database and used SET
FILTER To to set a filt€r on a single
field so that onlY eight of the 20,000
records would meet the filter condition'
The eight records were distributed fairly
evenlv throughout the database l then
tried doins a BROWSE in both dBASE
M.5 and 2.0 to see how long it would
take to find and display all the records
that met the filter condition. Both 1.5
and 2.0 initiallY took about 10 V2
seconds to display all the recorils. I
exited the BROIUSE and then ran the
LIST command to display the same
recorils. 1.5 took the same 10 V2 seconds
to disolav the records because it need8 l,o
the 6lter each time the file is
""o.o"""i
searched. However, 2.0 displayed the
eight records instantly. In fact, on all
su-bsequent acceases to the records,
dBASE M.0uremembers"
returned an instaut
response. 2.0 what recorils
me;t a filt€r condition the first time the
file is accessed after the filter is set. A'6
long as the filter remains in place, 2.0
doesn't need to reprocess the filt€r'
dBASE M.0 is also much faster at
processing filters on indexed files. Using
ihe same 20,O0O record file. I once again
set the filter Bo that the same eight
records met the filter condition. But this
time I indexed the file on another fie1d
(not the field the file was filtered on).
iIBASE M.5 took 50 seconds to 6nal
and display the eight records when I rarr

a BROI{SE. Subsequent LIST and
BROWSE commands also took about E0
seconds. But 2.0 took only IE seconds to
initially display tbe eight records and all
subsequent searches returned an
instant response.
This filter optimization applies in all
circumstanceg wh ere records are
selected based on a criteria, including all
commands with FOR and WHILE
clauses and. ofcourse, when using query
by example (QBE).
The results are most dramatic when
accessing data across networks. dBASE
fV has never been known as a speed
demon-on l,ANs, but 2.0 goes a long way
toward reversing this reputation-. My
colleagues and I tried running several
types ofqueries against multi-user data-
bases on our LAN Server network using
both dBASE IV 1.5 and 2.0. We found
that 2.0 was-at a minimum-three
times faeter than 1.5. The t€st started
with a simple LOCATE FOR on a single,
non-indexed file. In our most extreme
test, we did a SET FILTER ou a 80,000-
record fiIe that was linked to three other
files using SET RELATION. We then
ran a BROWSE using fields from all four
files. It took versioo 1.5 a minute and 45
seconds to display the 20 records that
met the filtercondition and perl'orma)lce
didn't improve significantly on
subsequent queries. dBASE IV 2.0 took
only 28 seconds to initially display the
records. Subsequent queries took less
thar two seconds to display results. One
exception: If a user on the network
chaaged any data in any of the files
involved in the query, dBASE IV kaew
that the data had changed and reproc-
essed the filter condition, bringing re-
sponse time back up to 28 seconds for the
first query following the data change.
!n conclusion
dBASE M.0 is the beginning of the
next generation of the dBASE product
line. By abaudoning real mode and
putting atr emphasis on speed, Borland
has made dBASE more competitive in
the PC database arena and sei the sl,age
for future enhancements.
I have some disappointments with this
release, such as the lack of Borland
t€chnology. The iDtegrated development
environment (IDE) from Borland,s other
language products, a decent editor (yes,
the MODI COMM editor is still here,
unchanged), an API, ald suDDort for
IDAPI were all on my wish list,-but, alas,
I didn't find
them. At the very least, i
expect€d dBASE to be rewritt€n using
the objectoriented programmitog t€ch-
niques that are Borland's claim to fame.
FIRST LOOK
However, dBASE M.0 still
has developers to the t€am. The evolution of
significant enhancements. you need to dBASE may be happening slower than
be far less concerned with available
some had hoped. But dBASE IV 2.0 is a
memory. And dBASE should now lose its great leap forward and confirms Bor_
reputation for sluggishness. This
land's commitment to dBASE.
release gives dBASE a new lease on life.
Borland's purchase laEt rrear of David Veale is Vics prssident ot Veale and
WordTech System's Arago technology Assgclates, lnc., a consultinglirm spgclaliz-
rng in mulllmsdla computsr_bassd tralnlng
grves them access to top notch database programs, Davld can be reachsd on Com--
engine code and adds several excellent puserve 74006,576. O
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DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 91
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 SOFTWABE BEVIEW
. Errcr handling
o Extend system
.
.
RDDs
RDD9 sFciticatton
By John Mueller, Technical Editor
ver see those ads on TV that
tell you a product is unew and
improved" even though you
can t actually see most ofthe
changes? That's how I'd de-
scribe CA-Clipper version 8.2, recently
released by Computer Associates. 5.2 ii
a long-overdue update that goes a long
way toward easirg the problems experi_
enced by those who attempted the up_
grade fiom Summer'87 ana failed. Ea;_
lier 5 .x releases were noted less for their
vastly improved feature set and more for
the Bteep leamhg curve and buggy en-
vironment they provided. Wf,ii" tn"
lea.rning curve is still steep, this new
version ofers hope to those ;ho want to
make the transition.
Bug fixes
_Of course, the big news is bug fixes.
lhts new version offers not only a less
bugBy environment, but more aids for
finding bugs in your applications. For
example, both TBrowse and TBColumn
sport new error handling features. In
previous Clipperversions
lou could send
mvalrd data to either TBrowse or TBCo_
l"-1 . *9 they'd gracetully accept it,
res-ultrng !n aJmost immediate program
failure from some mysterious cause. 5.2
pncl'rdes error trapping that handles in-
valrd rnstance variable values. Likewise,
remem ber-the terrible memory manage_
ment problems in version 5.0 that were
addressed in a somewhat lesa bugsv ver-
sion 5.01? The new release frxes iny of
CA-CIipper:
Newly
Ertendcd
WithRDDs
CA-elbper S"z
Conputer Associates
One Computer Associates plaza
Islaadia, NY 11788
(516) 342-5224
Pricing: 9795
Competitive upgrade: g199
those bugs. ln addition, it provides
tererror messagesthat helpyou find the
source of the problems.
The big new3: a new
language environment
This version of Clipper is uaique in
another way. Previous versions have al_
ways concentrated on improvinqthe lan-
guage. CA takes a different ipproach
with Clipper 5.2 by improving ihe lar_
guage envrronment. This means that
while the language remains somewhat
stable (reducing the learning curve for
those who ve already invested the time
to update to previous 5.x versions), you
can use Clipper in manv new environ-
ments. There are two main areas that
CA concentrated on: repl aceable
database drivers (RDDs) and terminal
driverc-
lf ew!-Reptaceabte Database
Drlver!. (RDDsl
can now work with a variet5r of
-_Clippe-r
Xbase data foroats. CA has improved
the DBFNDX driver to support dBASE
IJ I PLUS_requirements. In';ddition, the
DBFNDX, DBFMDX, and DBFI{IX (na-
tive Clipper) drivers sport anew feature:
multiple record locks. This means you
can. tackle so me of l,hose thorny integrity
problems that plagued earlier verJioni
ofthe product. The DBFMDX driver al-
lows you t access the multiple hdex
htes supported bv dBASE [V. while the
DBFCDX driver allows you to access
FoxPro compound indeies, and the
DBPX driver gtvea access to paradox
data.
bet_
lmproyed terminal drivors
In line with the environment theme of
this upgrade, Clipper now suDDorts a
varie$r ofterminal drivers. you ian use
three drivers in place of the standard
driver for a variety ofpurposes. For ex-
ample, the PCBIOS driver uses BIOS
calls..instead of d irectly manipulatiag
the display qdapter memory and regisl
ters. This allows you to create applica-
rlons tor envlronDents where direct
hardware manipulation is detrimental
or unsupporbed. Want to run your Clip-
per application under OS/2?,Ihis driv;r
provides that additional level ofsupport
you need to make sure thai the appiica-
tlon works on all the systems vou need
it for.
Ihe NOWERM driver provides a com_
pletely different level of support. Some
people have experienced problems run_
nmg their application on non_dedicated
network servers. (One of theee situ_
ations was the non-dedicated fi Ie servers
used by some NetWare 2.x installations;
DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY ,I993 93
 SOFTWARE REVIEW

\r hence the name

or TIGA board bY
loading ANSI.SYS in
NOVTERM.) This This new version CONFIG.SYS. Since
driver allows Your many display adaPter
application to ruD
- ,t. safely in this envi- offers not only a less manufacturers Pro-
{ vide special versions
ronment. of ANSI.SYS that use
The linal driver, buggy environment, the features of their
ANSITERM, allows display adaPter, You
you to suPport some
terminals that may
but more aids can now access these
(ome to 0u Sthool.,l have required You to
features within CIiP-
for finding bugs per. Any ANSI.SYS
Gtumolrsh lnc. Drovides lhevsry b€st in honds-on resort to using the command you ca:r Put
hoinrio ot oul Solem oregon sducofion c€nrcl extend system in the into a batch frle is
w6 ipE"ior,ze ,n cn btippdr 5.0 developmenl oast. For examPle,
I trorniho. ond ouI studenls leove wilh nlgn - accessible to Your
person-ol sotisfoction ond enthuslosm'
ioo use this application.
"un
"rlriverwith an XGA
our lroinino moleriols ole prepoled by our
;rimoN rns'iruclol GIeo Llef. Mr. Liefis co-oumor
k iiibiiii, i
biveabers 6urde (M&T Books)' 5.2's RDDS Detailed
hos dden o feotured speoker ol l0 U.S' ond
rnlernolionol Clippel Developels cofl elences,
ond hos looosd mony lhousonds ol nouE tle Matt Whelan ComPiler Kit (now
oxploring lhe dsplhs of CA Clipper b 0
called the CA-Clipper/Compiler Kit

M' ---
=Grumplrsn
.,
Yi'J,[fJ8'
B Bo'Pt
nl-83fJffi ,,
cd_P'std'dcolo'o'ol'
ior dBASE rV), bui that was the onlY
other RDD they produced. Al1 others
r ere created bY third-PartY
developers.
IN-HOUSE TRAINING with CliDDer 5.2. Computer Aseoci-
S
.ttt tu to c/!-Cilotct
-;;;
.CA.CWN 5 Ob!.ct Ck6sos
(adv)iii'aoreoo €ro"io' at€s hB8 m;de good on the Promiae of
r ld;;l'd;"*
C,oog
nriw lo ClP0.rs lour oDl€cl ooss shipping multiple RDDg with the latl-
"nLie,v
.c!4n,of, 5 tltt ,cnanltr,g 'CrWd afaabd figgnnnkg
/;ftm i' A'r rd o snono vth U'C W s ittcen)
.rr"ee. Vereion 5.2 atso extends the
i iiiiii,i 6n-'i &:crri"i s o L6on'ro 6 sdooi] obrec'o Hrnciionatitv of the origiral RDDg by
;wi:;i^m, wlw)ffi,
trffil,1l"Ll',,1?#""",ffi 3"*fr#F,3"
allowing multiple drivers to be used
concurr-entlv. ln Clipper 5.2, each
,rnprcve o€rcmon@
work area can use a clifferent RDD'
iiitc.hons n cA ctapt
which means that multiPle RDDs
Everv sfudonl leceivos p€rsonol ottenhon, 0
iombrenensive orinteo monuol, numerous cod€ mav be ued simultaoeously. It's even
;iodioles on drdkefle, voluoble CA-CIipperS 0 Dc;ible to set relations between work
,iirirvirooioms ondAquorium M8ssogeThreods areas usins different RDDs.
covdrihg 6wide longe ol clipperlopics. Drivers for delimited and SDF Eles
ttBest volue for lroining l've l
are also ilcluded, but theY can be
used only forimporting and exporting
seen, lhe documentotion.. I
data, not for anY data EanagemeDt'
DBFNTX is the default driver, and
exist€nt. is included automatically unless Clip
NaDtucket eveDtually Produced a per is told to use another default
;rrrriiseffiifr.,"#l
No hme for school? Now studY ol youl own
dBASE IV RDD. which shLiPPed wit'h

I ooce wilh lhe ofliciol Grumplish course norcs'

In-inexoensue option to lroining, includes oll
I moteriol covered ln our courses. b Dool(s Clippor S.2 shlps wlth the lollowlng drivsrs:
ovorloble in oll - qreot r€ference moleflols'
tormat
I DBFNTX DBF witr Clipper index and memo files
outlines ond (Vsrsions Summer '87 and 5.2)

DBFNDX DBF witt dBASE lll PLUS index

and rnemo fil8s
I !
DBFMOX DBF with dBASE lV index and memo files

Grumpfish, lnc. DBFCDX

(Versions 1 .0 and 1.5)
DBF with FoxPro index and momo files
SOFTWARE &
EDUCATION (Versions 2.0 and 2.5)
2450 Loncosler Dr., N.E. Suile 206 DBPPX Paradox dab and index lilEs
Solem, OR 97305 (Version 3.5)
rLL 503 588-1815 TAX.503 588-1980
ees'soisaa 75i CIS: 710642543 2
'!993
94 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY
 SOFTWARE REVIEW

..1

l{ew APls effort) to direcdy ac-

I t[
Speaking of the ex- Version 5.2 also cess parts of the Clip_
t€nd system, this new per enyironEent that -ffi_
version of Clipper extends the you couldn't get to in
contains some addi- the past, (Of course-
tional files in the IN- functionality of the Clipper hackers have
long accessed these
CLUDE directorv-
The filee contain "C original RDDs by portions of Clipper,
header files that are but now CA proyides
fully documented in allowing multiple the tools required to
the Clipper Norton fully use these fea-
Guide. You can in- drivers to be used tures.) One offour new F*-ffi-**;xtffiL--*ffi
clude these files with APIs is the Extend
your C modules (as- - concurrently APL IT's really a re-
named EXTEND.H
Clippe\ FoxPro, dBase, an.t C Use^ _ add
sembler w.ith a little plcfures and documents to youldatabases
with
with a few standard C the T-BASErV library. Jusl add our routines
ro
your code - and you have instant
imagesl
5.2's BDDs Detaited T-BASE acceprs mosr popular image formats
,ncluding PCX. GIF. IF, TCA- DCx &
BMP. Create rhese imag€s with color or
&iver. can ru-o existing Clipper a
black & white scanner, ora video diSitizer.
.You.
code usirg this driver withorit ch ange.
To,r-tse on-e of the other RDDe, you
need to make some minor chaDces to
your code. At the top ofevery pro-graar
rrtai wrlt acceas the RDD, add a line
that iocludes the new REeUEST
statement. In addition, the RDDmust
be specified as part of the USE
comraa:rd-, The followiag code opens a
alq createa a Foxpro index
llr with
rrte two tags stored in
CLIENTS.CDX:

FEATURES:
Rlot Esl! DBICDX O Super-VGA, VGA, EGA, CGA or moDo
fuactLon EAlJi( ) O Display one or muldple rmages in any
Iocation wilh/wilhout exisring texl
ur. CLfE*Tg vl. TDBFCDXi E B O HP Laseier ll4lt printing
lEd.r. o[ !|lIE tag mtGg to , NEW
CLfBITS lot l/e6ion 3.4!
Lad.x oD ID tag ID to CIr:BrIg O Hicolor 32,768 color suppon oD SVGA
O TIFF Group 4 and DCX suppon
r6lura (Dll ) O Direct scanner suppon for Hp scannen
O Store images iD Foxpro 2.0 memo fields
O Auromatic Sa,{Z/VG ofimages - fil imaees
you've opened a table r'ia an !o a window. rhen zoom to full size and
NDD, you carr use all of the standard scrol I for closer inspec tion
commaods on it. SKIP, REPI"ACE O Automalic color correclion for multrDle
REINDEX, etc. all work with Fox.ho, VGA rmages with drfferenr Datenes
Paradox, aad dBASE IV files just as O Uses software fonts for lexl re-disDlav

they do with Clipper's file formats O Aubmanc scaling ofprint imaEes

Unlortuaately, frleJockirrg compati- O ChromaTootsrM. rhe premrer graphics
converter, bundled FREE with T-BASE
bility is provided for dBASE lV only NO ROYALTIES - Dstribule your
this means that while Cli pper aup- Dicture
database application ro any number ofuseE!
port6 conpatible file formats for the
other database engines, you'll likely
have problems sharing the files vrith
their parent progTama in a networked To order or for information
applicatioa. You can uge , create, and
Eaintain Paradox and FoxPro files, Davld Rlchardson la a Ssnlor proqram-
Catt(800) 9A-V|DEO
rnor/Anatyat rrhh tntet CoDoraflo;.
butyou calr't rurr a networked Clipper
c8n io ,olched tk VIDEOTEX SYSTEMS, INC.
application while sharins the files on Compusorv€ at
with Paradox or Foxpro. 8499 Creenville Ave.. Suite 20 5
Da as, TX 75231 IJSA
4 3 43 -4500 f=;:,
BB a:
348-3 82 1 Gd
4 34 365

DATA BASED AOVISOB/MAY 1993 95

 SOFTWABE REVIEW

I
le StarClass'
@ tt (CA
tvoedefs added for good measure
, ho $ a[lIners t}t" file t; API for
N eu class es fo I c A c Il' e r
p EXIEND
"i,lr-"a with the other APIS; cApro-
consistencv
the flrst fiue class l[, rae 5 for refer-
yo u beyond the fix ed C lasses lnto one of fmBI'fO.H fite which
$arcla55i
prograrn merS wh o rxant to apPly ooP to
th€ll real -llfe "iJ." tt"" SXIEND.API file for compati-
CA-CllP pel 5. $archs5 ls td eal fo ooP """"" " p.."ir"s versions of Clipper')
Programm lng prob
em5 and for progialnm€ is lust l€amlng ii'ui, #tn
The ltem API altows You to create'
gOBE -odif* u."""", and retum iteos
be-
Full ifyou
t*-*"'itipp". -a C tor assembler allows
,""iI"
't" pirip* techniques) This
- ra€lass is one of the first true class IhG Glasses
,"" pi"at* structures or nested ar-
)tibraries for CA-clipPer 5 oI lt
lt
Sta(lass is a User Interface class library' that You can use in both
classes with mouse The most important as-
provicles new classes for CA-Clipper Drovides event-driven
suooon for windowing. browsing edidng'
";;";fa;i"
",iriron-ents.
oeci of this API is that it allows you to
programmers who want to move ,
sciolt bars. background processing and
much iiJut" ed extemal modules
bevond the fixed classes Provtoeo ""1.f-"o.rt"it the extend system'
ihat don't rely on
wiin Cn-ctipper' Srarclass is suPPlied more.
provides access to ar area
The GT API
as stanclalone classes that you iust thai iust about every Clipper developer
link in and start using as you now use "Stalclass is a Steat way to stafi using
r.^." Jr""t"a to use: the 'general termi-
TBrowse, GET, etc... OOPs....l've found it vetY easY to nal" module of Clipper. This area ma-
merge its obiects into existing nioutates ihe displiy and allows you to
applications." Al Acker' in a sftctacular way The
the Progtammer new to 5.01
tol "r!*"ia"t.
I-iife.ation of tttlrd-party libraries that
Refcrcnce (CllPP.r) 'ritow vou to display the data in diJIerent
The Dowerful classes allow you to use the
CA-ilipper fixecl classes withoul needing to "l find Starctass to be a very well *uv""ontv to underscore this
know all the inlricacies. Powerful browsers ooint. With ""tt"i
the GT API You can now
designect and implemented libtaty"'it
is
yor. own low-level display rou-
of code
can be created with iust a fuw lines " "r"ut
a Srcat OOP leamins tool iiries ihat ultimatelv makeyour applica-
Darrcn forcler, fhe Aquadum tion look unique
t0r thc CA'Clipper 5.01 P]oglammel The \/1\,I A-PI Provides the means for
"Staolass is a solicl libtary of clxses for using the Extend
Sta(lass provides full source code' -"tiput"tirg -"-ory prob-
Programmers will have examples olan Clipper 5.0 t . Any developet wanting
to svste^m. tneie are many memory
extensive class hierarchy Application learn more about obiect-o ented
ii.tl"ith t "nt "pplications that sim-
ol" "t
di"upp""t orr* i6e programmer has
development time will be greatly reduced programming woul(l leam a great deal [il""i .ii,""" to tfie memory routines'
" C module to the end
from the classes Provided fo.
tor the AdYanccd User Paul Plko, Melbourne CIIG Cllpplngs oi uoot appii""tion and call it repeti-
"*a*pf",noof "

Although Class(y) is not required to use the

iirlU uuli-tt".ttv vou'tl end up either
use
exhausting system memory or corrupt-
Starclass classes, Class(y) owners could A tull demo (SCoEilo'EXE) is auailable 0n ins CIipPe;'i memory. The solution to
them as a foundation and inherit ftom them ComDuservE in DBADVISoR lorum
0[6' i't i oi66t"- i" to ttave vour application
same method
into their own
"tU"I"t"
-"-oty
""ingihe
In this wav Clipper
specialized
irr"i bUppu. d6es.
can keeP [rack of sYstem memory as a
classes.
StarClass L,O. E 3 .G .E'tl whole. The result: fewer memory-
r"i"i"a p"ott"-" when You use the
Software, lnc extend system.
1712 Avenue Road, Bor 54505
Toronto, ON, Caflada M5M 4N5
But walt' thele's mole!
Several other improvements in this
Iel. (416) 784-3618
version of Clipper fall into the nlce'to-
Fax (416) 784'3768 have category. For example, Ullpper
afrtS version 4 0, which
ooP oBItcrs BBS (416) 784-9712 ""* ."""":.tJ
itiut yo" access up to 32M of
Compu Serue 74326,1174 -""tt" "*
your application usrng a
-i1owith
memorv
CLASS ilrrvr driver. The bad
LIBRARIIS CLASSES "o.i"tiule
news for network useB is that you must
a" gMS puge fiame in order for
CA-CLIPPIR $1s9 lJs (US &
"itoc-at
Clipper to recognize the EMS memory'
PlLssl andnadfing
PPing
Can $15 US; olh.I courtrira, Plaase
with the ever increasing use ot upper
col act Loesg6nsolh al. Gdlt' memorv to load TSRs and device drivers
orde6, phasE add anDlicatle lar6' high, you may find that creating a page
iiimJ the conventional
vlSA, astocad'
An*x,
Ciect, Isonet odcr memorv"ould-t"duce
available to run applications
a brarv publshe'r bv Oqecrech rnc
MeG Slalclas includes a tunlne veEm ol clais(y)
arlrEdema*s are th€ popedv or $en rcs'sr6@d

96 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 SOFTWARE REVIEW

lmploved suppott for obiects experience with the product very minor
-a
Object o-rientation gained little
-i
il!"1!pr',.".!tff :Eiti:*i}""tj.,iTj'.H,i::IIii*0.*",*," ,
fTS f:l|;X"Jffirf,f;ffi,;T I*
.a""*.ic"ri#i]dlJ',, tr," .igr,r or
sreadorpeJormi,,fal;i"#i;iJ,l,',fi :L:HlXtJirr"l",#,"Jrtrlff""t
wrthin- a DO..WHILE ioop, the. new
tu..itt,iSsiE
ff :
method lorces ar entire stabilization of - gor," .*"y *a
Ca nu" "r.o.l.t "ul
1il'L."l.,irrg
the TBrowse obiect. Essentialty this "{r;;; ""-"-"i""j on""
Eeans that inst.ad of srabilizing the ";;;-b*iji.ro.". l.o.
pl;:-;;:,, #;il1i#.'l-o.y "*u__
p.out"." let Our lthool
separate-step, you
::J-T11".,. as part now
"an mes-
i""r" *itr, . i*t'.i" l,g wh"r,
ffi::HJ:
or a compound c^l
^dal
;;;"";'";;r "p^"".
the preproc_ (ome Io
You,,.
"*;,'ff;"i1ffiT'Jf
jlH""xr*:fr
pr uBram- may:i:fi!tH#x#&:fl
experience
::ft fi H
more problems with ap_
ll your progrommers ore slymisd byCA CltDDer
c.u IVouhove progrommers newlo Clipdei or
mer,s life ; bt ;;#. i#- smpry wonlto getyour mon€y s worlh oiliofthis
powedut developmenl lonouobe hen vorr
snoutd co on Grumplish inc tur mislion is lo
to determiae if
allows you
rg1iilffift";;;;; r
Ttre result: fewer memory-
pro.r/roe,he very beslvolue rn speciol,zed
rrorntng tn yourwork environmenl
t'A
Cltpper

fr,lii:,,tstii.if;lfS related problems when you use must for onvone

::":t"11
you're
to determine
attempting to oDen a
tr the extend system
serious oboul CliDoer S.,,
rrto rue Cotr ro t
pow€r ordo 8 L Lh Co

table with an ;tias-that "Slff ff

doesn't exist. Finallv. the
EG_CYCLICA_I, consiant tells you when
you ve made a circular reGrence,
for ex-
a-lnple, rI a work area tries to set a rela_
tion to itself.
lmproved documentation
A major complaint about earlier 5.x
releases was that the documentation
casionaUy gives you the wrong iiiorma-
uon. tt also won,t allow you to display
iltTf fl l..,1Tfl.'60'r"i"r,,,,1.,,!,0.ilS;r*.
urumptrsh closses. Our lroinino moleriols orc
prepored by ourprimory tnstruciol
plications that use a lot of strings in Greo Lief
rvlr. tret is_co oulhor of Cljrpel S A
Devbto\e|s
variables. g,u/oe (M& I Book)
los been o feotured aDeoker
0r ru u s. ond inlernolionolClipper Devslobor,s
,lems. debugger also still has a few prob-
The
It still experiences problemi dis_
playngcoDrplex variables. In the case of
by-relerence variables, the debugger oc_
[',I-,riff't'*'*'ffii'-
oN-stiE TRA|NtNG:"*j*D''
1

never reflected the true state ofthe prod_ Con be .nodrt6d ,o it voGr compony,s spocific ,loeds.
uct. To ge-t ar idea of what the product the total number of records in a t;bl; t-
.-Uy .Dot J
wou-rd reauy do, you always had to refer when that number exceeds 1.000. ,* ooP wo*ea E, thd 6Er systen
wf,ggi,o
to the Norton Guide supplied with it. -Likewise, ifyou were hoping this was 'rH^'o r*u
u ortun-ately, it wasn,t always conven_ tle^long-awaited object_oriented version f":.ffilfitr EP'*
ol Uhpper for DOS (vs. Visual Obiect for
"*"
(rExcellenl!
rent 1,o relbrence this online documenta- Eveffiing lhot
l,ron, nor was it always up to date, This UlipIer, which is a Windows product),
youll be.9isappointed. That won,t wos so hord to understond
new version of Clipper contains much ap-
pear uatil what CA is calling "8.x" before the closs is now
lmproved documentation. CA went so pears. The company hasn,t oFered
ap-
within grosp!r'
lar as to be-ta test it. They literally gave a re_
lease date for that. ceq Ande6an
a group of beta test€rs . copy ALTA N6!1th Slrolelios

qocumentation and asked theE ofthe

to tear !n conclusion
rt apart. As a result, the errors in the
new documentation should be few and . Even wi-th the remaining bugs, Clipper
tar tetween. rs ready for prime tiEe. fuir[ the ;ddi_
tion ofthe RDDs and new terminal driv_
What got loft out ers, you have a product that's ready to go
ilflfll3S,n8l'No,,sf,ffi-
No hme for school? Now studv o, vour own
poce wrh the offictol Gr!mprish course
noles
An lnexpenstve option lo trojntno. lncludes
moEflot covered in our courses: 5 books
o

Even the-best updat€ can't hope to fix wnere you need it. Add to that the casy_ ovort0bte tn oll - greol relerence moleriols
every probtem or incorporate every new to-understand. complete docLrmentation
leature. There are a number of ways that Eyeatly reduces the leamhg curve
where 5.2 falls shortofthe goals that iA or lru,s pncduct. lfyou already use Clip_ CAI.I. IODAY
stated Ior the origiaal release of the per, I
recommend that you upgrade. if
d9,l'!, perhaps t}le comperitive pric- ..fr 3fl BBIB,'."rtB?.'.,'1l$'i.oi3.t
product. While the current version pro_ IoY
l'rdes the long awaited RDDs and many lng wrll be a compellng enough reason
much-needed bug fixes, there are a few
mrnor problems that CA still needs to
to consider adding
ment arsenrl
it lo youi develop_ a I 0 67'.76
address. (For exaople, the current re_
lease_uses a diflerent implementation
John Mueller ls the technlcal editor lor Data
Based Aduis.or, the author ol 15 computer
Grumpfish, Inc.
of SOFTWARE & EDUCAIION
the LastKey() function that breaks boot(s, and also ownerot Dalacon Servlces,
many, developers, code.) Overall, you a conaulllng ,lrm speclallzing in Novell 2450 Loncosler Dr.. N.E.. Suite Z16
should find most of the problems you,ll networt(3 and databage manaqement Solem, OR 97?,05
syatems,O TEL:503 588-tgl5 FAx 503 588-1980
BBS:503 588-7572 Ct
 o a

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 lilSlDE TBACK: FOXPRO 2.5
. FoxPto lor DOS
. FoxPro lor Windows
. Meking the migration
. Windows application
development
By Mohsen Moazami and
Larry Kostmayer
T;t:lii:H3Hff::t?:tili
r'
!{ without the
inherent overhead
;1;'YI;I:i::"ltra*l
menus, pushbuttons, pop-ups, radio but-
tons and check boxes, scrollable lists,
etc. On the other hand, FoxPro for Win-
dows givesyou some di,stinct advantages
over the DOS version.
In considering the move Lo FoxPro for
Windows, ask yourself these questions:
I Are you currently using other Win-
dows applications?
I Does your application need to com-
municat€ or share data dynamically
rvith other Windows applications?
I Do you want or need a ,,sexy,'
interface?
I Do you need to use icons and/or
graphics in your application?
I Do you have enough hardware horse-
power to get good graphics perform-
ance fiom Windows?
In this article, we'll help you fiEure oul
whether making a move to Windows un-
der Fox Pro 2.5 is worth doingby explain-
ingwhat FoxPro for Windows offers that
the DOS version doesn't.
Gomm,r.rnication and
integration
One ofthe most useful features ofFox-
Pro for Wiadows that doesn't exist in the
DOS version is its support for Dvnamic
Data Exchange (DDE) and Objeit Link-
ing and Embedding IOLE). ln simple
terms, DDE is the mechanism by which
fs FoxPro
forWindows
aReason to
Switch to
Windows?
Figure l-This i9 an application
under FoxPro for Dos.
c{iF!, lEl.rt }rh! tcB
Jo! Irt l.: h*iitrr
Ibm lrvtrHa Iq: xtl{r{x.
$l.r: 15.711.55 (siL.
' l5r;;.-.
YID )
cLtr,.,)
lJt rla*b r.ri- rxl
t/'BlB lrt.! E At Ga. LrrL.L r.r
n/rrr l.r. L f,r art aio tr rr;r
a( Lc )( ,irl )(l*., ) (Lne...)
Windows applications communicate be-
tween each other. OLE is a suoerset of
DDE technology that allows oLiects or
documents created by one appiication
(knowr as the server application) to be
stored within the documents of another
(known as the client application). The
difference between linking and embed-
ding is this: When arr object is embed-
ded, a copy of it is stored in rhe client
application: when an object is linked, a
reference to the original objecr is stored
in the client application. In either case,
you have the ability to edit the obiect in
its native application. lf the obiect is
embedded, you edit a copy: ifit's linked,
you edit the original.
With FoxPro for Windows,you can now
store data iiom any application that can
act as ar OLE server in a Fox table. The
ke-y to doing this lies in a new freld type
called "general," which can store any
object created by an OLE server. ThL
possibilities for using this type of func-
tionality are virtually endless. You can
clesrgn environmenk that truly use the
right tool for the rightjob. For example,
running Figure 2-This is an appllcation running
under roxpro lor winiiws.
@
__-
E
E dffi ttr_-_-_.l r.EdiriE
5o* t-___EB
( ttrh ). t .
one ofthe tables in your company's inte-
grated database applicar,ion could store
all thetemplates foryour business forms
(letterhead and memo templates for
lvorcl processrng, expense report tem-
plates for spreadsheets, and multimedia
presentation templates for business
presentations). Using a FoxPro for Win-
dows interface, useis could select the
template needed, creat€ a new document
in the native application, print or e-mail
it, and go on about their business; all
without ever effectively leaving their in-
tegrated application.
Screens that say, ..Uso ms!"
An appealing feature of a GUI is the
inherent good looks of the interface.
With FoxPro for Windows, you have the
ability to create eye-catching interfaces
with three-dimensional effects, icons,
sounds, pictures, wallpaper, multime-
dia, etc. You can control fonts and font
characteristics, as well as screen
positioning of all objects. For printing,
you now have WYSIWYG print preview
and the ability to create stylized output.
Continued
DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993 101
 INSIDE TRACK! FOXPRO 2.5

Hard-core DOS-heads will undoubt-
edlv arzue thar pretly screens aren't
*"'r tr th. overhead incurred bv a CUI
("Who needs proportional fonts. any'
way?"). But as more powerful hardware
becomes the standard desktop worksta-
tion, that argument won't stand uP
The event-driven model
The user-centered design requires the
use ofthe eventdriven model, where the
user is in complete control of the pro-
gram, rather thin the other way around'
The user can perform any action and can
navigate from an)"*,here to an,'vhere
without havingto traverse a certain pre'
determined path. To handle the creation
of the event-driven programs, at a mini-
mum, the GUl-based application devel-
opment environment should support:
I The main event IooP. This enables
applications to let users do whatever
tiev want at any time The aPPlica-
tion is in a constant look out for user
actions, such as clicks, menu selec-
tions, drag and droP, and double
clicks. Theie is no one right path The
widest range of user activities should
be allowed at all times.
I A modeless approach to Program-
ming. Most traditional software ap-
plicitions make extensive use of
modes. Although modal Program-
mins is easier to do. most ofthe time,
mod"es don't have a Place in GUI-
based event-driven Programs. AP-
ple's Hurnan Interfau Guidelirus (a
iood resource for Ieamingmore about
eUI characteristics and approaches)

Clipper Tools by ChYDale So ftwue Ltd.

dBxStore
DBT
II
Memo Field Alternolive
ffi Mouse Driver
Mouse Supporl with One line
o Perlormance TiPs

'7hile the database en'

- -
E lminates the ffle bloat Problems
associated with memo Iields.
ol Code! \A/nilsi"T"l,fin:#;
Mate3 it easy to pror'lde mouse Y Y yi"td similar
tit Per-
"ty il data malipula-
formance results
Storage of atry t!rye of data support to Clipper 5 aPPlications
including: Clipper Memos: single. without having to rewrite Your tion operations, Lhe perceiued Per.
multi-diirensional, and nested programs. Siniply qdd I his line of formance of any apPlication is
arravs: screen images; PCx and code to your .Prg liles: closely tied to lhe speed with which
othei qraphics formats: printer the int€rface responds. When com-
fonts ;rtd drivers: as well as #lDclude "mlckey.cb" oarins identical FoxPro aPPIica-
SuperClass and Class(Y) objects: -running on identical hard-
iions
ard Character Data tlpes. Mouse support is Provided to all ware, where one version is rulning
CliDDer's user inter[ace walt states: under FoxPro for DOS and the
Written in Asa€Ebler for faster RE.AD. DBEDTI ). MEMOEDIT( }.
reads and writes and lightning fast MENU TO and ACHOICE( ). other under FoxPro for Windows,
compression. the DOS application will aPPear to
gulctly add DouEc furctionality run faster. How much faster de-
Ef8cieDt DiEt Maragement without the complex coding oends on the ratio of data maniPu-
svstem reuses available disk space
ahd needs onlv 6 bvles for the first normally associated witl mouse iation to interface manipulation
bne of data vdrsus-S12 bytes wilh drivers. The overhead involved with using
Ciipper memo liles. a GUI is unavoidable, and without
Mouse Driver also supports a reasonably powered hardw are
Flexible teld searching capabilities comolete set of User Delincd and./or accelerated video, we don't
and Advatrced Netwolk Locklng Codmands for adding Mouse recommend usilg Windows for anY-
functions. support to your custom interfaces
thins. let alonJ FoxPro for Win-
do*s-. Ho*urer, there are tricks
\ that can help increase performance
SuperClass III @ when developing for a GUI PIat-
form. Here are a Gw ofours:
Obiecl Oriented Progtomming I If vou have screens with lots of
Provides t}le Programmer with the capability of creaun-g- User Defincd stiticobiects on them that are
bi""""" tft.t Message Send commald exacuy like Clippers 5 never uidabd (lines, boxes, la-
Classes. ""."the bels, shadows, graPhics, and
icons.), vou can sPeed uP screen
SuDerclass lets vou write hlghly mahtahable code with reusrble repainting by Putting all static
obllcta ro increise your productivity and code reliability'
obiects into one bitmaP and then
ls fully compatible with other Add-otr Librarie8' putting that iII the background
One way to do this is to coPY
Includes 27 Predeflned Base classes , complete with Source-Code. them as a grouP to the Windows
ready to be incorporated into your pro grams. Base Classes also offer Clipboard, Paste them into a
excellent OOPS learning toola. graphics program such as Paint-
Brush that can create Windows
bitmaD (BM P) files, save the en-
dBEST I $ 145 ", $295
eacn for All rhree
tire imaqe as a bitmaP, and make
,4. FIALLoGRAMPublishing that BMP frle the wallPaPer for
your screen. Don't do this until
I r3o3l752-2086
Fa-x: {3O3) 752 1646
153 2 South Da$sbn, Aur5ra. CO 8OOl2

102 OATA BASED ADVISOR,/I,{AY 1993


states, "With few exceptions, a given
action on the usels part should al-
ways have the same reault, irrespec-
tive of past activities." Certain
modes-such as alert dialog boxes or
open and close file dialogs-are still
the preferred way of doing certain
operations in a GUI application.
Although FoxPro's event model has
room for improvement----es pecia lly in
the area of the foundation READ
("getless' READs) and multiple window
management-it provides enough flexi-
bility arrd power to produce true GUI-
based applications.
Perrormance ?ips
the screen is in its final form.
Also, make sure all static obiects
are aligaed perfectly with your
live objects (GETs) that will lay
on top ofthe BM P before creating
it.
Ifyou have lots ofmemory, it will
help considerably l,o load your most
graphically complex screens into
memory at start-up time, leaving
them hidden uatil needed. Then,
when they're called, they're simply
made visible by the screen program
with the SHOW WNDOW com-
mand generated by the screen
builder.
I Ifyou have many GET otrjects on
your screens, don't use SHOW
GETS unless you really need to
redisplay all or almost all of the
objects. Whenever possible, use
individual SHOW GETs to re-
paint only those objects that
.eed to be redisplayed. You can
write a procedure to selectively
SHOW individual GETs, passing
to it the parameters that t€ll i[
which GETs to SHOW. You could
even maintain an arrav contain-
ing all the GETs, along with
their current state (enabled or
disabled) for a particular screen
and a mask indicating what ones
need to be changed at ary par-
ticular time. Your user-defined
routine to SHOW GETs can then
process the array and mask in a
FOR..ENDFOR loop, knowing
exactly what GETs need to be
SHOWn and what their state
should be-
1',,ohsen Moazamiand
Laffy Kostmayet
INSIDE TBACK: FOXPRO 2.5
In a GUI ervironment the concept ofa but users and developers will select and
READ is obsolete. The application standardize on tools that accomplish
should always be in a read mode waiting that functionality much more
for user actions. To programmatically productively.
manage READs and keep trackofnested
READ levels is unnecessary and unpro- Cross.plattorm
ductive. In contrast, multiple windows
in products like Access are much easier
considerations
to open and manage. FoxPro requires A widely anticipated feature ofFoxPro
significantly more work to handle a
2.5 is its cross-platform compatibility
multi-window situation. Eventually, all among DOS, Windows, Macintosh, and
tools will allow the same functionality, UNIX (versions for the latter two mak-
ing their appearances Iater this year,
With fie PCX Toolkir and GrF
Toolkit, you can create applications
small.
to display, save, scale, Qpture, and manip- out
ulate PCX or CIF lmages m conventional. check out the PCX ot OIF Develope/s Pak5
expanded, extended, and disk-based mem- hich consist of either the PCX Toolkt or
ory. And since they include rhe cX Kemel, ctF Toolkir, cX Graphics, GX Effects, GX
1'ou ha\'e pou'erfirl imaging functions avail- Text, and GX prinrerl
able like Puycetlrnage, palette manipulation,
virtual display, plus VESA support. The GIF
Toolkit aiso includes tull ctF8ga supporr.
Se\.eral utility progams are also proyided for
image manipularion withoul any progam-
.tr"F,i
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slideshows, capture and conveft screens ftom
Yilii
other programs, sllale images, inspect image
headers, translate text screens into pCX or
GIF images (gleat for documentation), fix
older fues. and more. A unique library man-
ager is also provided which allows you !o
EEF-:ilI=@-
group all ofyour images into a single library
file, or dfecdy into your EXE progmm - with Scre€n shor from acnral dalaba* cre:lfd usrng rhe pcx
Toolkr GX Crdphrcs, CX EtreG, al]d cX Tela ClDDer 5.0
no extra code or data overhead. source avaiable on fie cenu5 aas. (zlrt
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DATA BASED ADVISOFYMAY 1993 103

Image toolkit
Add ilre visual imPact of
picturcs to your Plograms,-
hnd save hundrcds of dollars!
.ar.
u to use, how to use screen real estate, and
I ind those that do will likely require a
Suoshow, the breakthrough image
roolkir fiom Pinnacle Publishing, makes
it easy to incorporate lill'color pictutes
into your FoxPro, ClipPer, and dBASE
programs. And you don't have to spend a
fortune to use itl
Get the pkture
Sunshow gives you all you need to build
images into your applications:
. Full sqport for four image formas (GIF
PCX, PlC, and Targa), with convenion
routines that let you use 10 othet formaa
. Lighrning-fast display routines "snap"
images to the screen
. Edit images easily-scale, flip and
rctate, scrcll, sharPen and "smooth,"
even zoom and pan in real time
Sunshow's image editing utilities make it
easy to get the exact picture you need
104 DATA BASEO ADVISOR/MAY 1993
INSIDE TRACK: FOXPRO 2.5
TM
according to Microsoft). As the Mac con-
tinues to make its way into corporat€
America ald as Windows continues to
grow in marketshare. it will be more and
more important for you to be able to
provide solutions on both platforms The
iross platform issue will no longer be PC
vs. Mac; but character-based vs. GUI
Right now, you can open uP a FoxPro
for DOS application and run it under
FoxPro for Windows unchanged. How-
ever, what you'll see is a poor imitation
of a GUI. When desigaing a. screen for
the GUI environment, you have manY
more design decisions to make than
when desi[rring for a character'based
environment. There are decisions about
what fonts to use, what types ofcontrols
l' when and how to use icons, souads, and
pictures. Many such decisions don't ap-
ply in a character-based environment,
different approach. However, once these
decisions llave been made, most (if not
Sunshow lets you disqlaY images all) will apply to ary other GUI environ-
atongside text from your data files ment.
Porting a FoxPro aPPlication from
. Windowi to the Mac or vice versa will
Functions provided as BNs and LlBs
likely be easier than porting from either
you build into your code, as well as
CUI to the character-based environ-
stand.alone EXF-s ments of DOS or UMX and vice versa.
. Display and enter characters in
graphics mode
. 256-color support for more than 40
ln conclusion
SVGA carls (including \ESA), Plus As a developer, you've probably frgured
out that the biggest growth area and the
VGA, EGA, CGA, and Hercules
larsest investments are in the GUI-
. Print to HP LaserJets, HP PaintJers,
and Epson dot matrix printers
basied application market, specifi cally
Windows. Very soon, most ofyour cl ients
will want to take advantage ofthe pow-
And compare the price . . .
erful capabilities under Windows, such
At lust $199 (royaltl,free), Sunshow as OLE, DDE, and user-friendlY soft-
gives you more power and flexibility than ware products. [t's therefore better to
other imaging tcxrls priced hundreds of vour manv vears ofinvestment
leverage -and
dollars higher! in Xbaie learnio use and exploit the
GUI functionalities of FoxPro for Win-
dows. This program, while maintaining
its DOS capabilities, has expanded the
Sunshow is priced
60.DAY Ianguage and power tools to a Point
at $199 and comes *hJre vou can start building real Win-
a 60-day
with dows aoplications using the tool you al-
maney-btck guarantee. ready linow well. The time to begin this
learning process is now
To oder call
80()/78&19q)
206/251.5057
Fax
Mohsen Moazami Is p.esldent and Larry
KostmEyer is senior proiect englneer al
Stanlord Business Systems, lnc., in Los An'
Rsler to code ESA geles. They can be contacted at (310) 215-
Pinnacle Publishing, lnc.
8444 and ComPuServe 76'167.3463. D
18000 72nd Ave. S. #217
#h Kent, WA 98032
206/25179OO
 *
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 SOFTWABE REVIEW

. Alpha Fout
. Application development
ADeveloper
. End-user tool
. Xbase
Evaluates
AlphaFour
By Todd L. Gould
Figure 1-Alpha Four sample program.

A
/|f
;;,l"izl';t ;:::l["if,::::1"1,':#]i*: l#;
claims to be able to replace me and my colleagues.

4, lRelational
rs one o, those programs: ,The Fully
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t2rg2
s7,211.74 #*re
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Mtr antroduction to Alpha Foul lzi,

M_y firstexperience with Alpha Four was to open the package
and install it on our system consisting of 286 and 886 work-
stations on a Novell network with two file servers----one run-
ning Netware 2.15c, and the other 3.11. The installation was
$23.m S6e,e
l
amazingly easy. However, when I accessed the first sample
table,I received an error
message pertaining to
access rights on the net- So it isn't a speed demon
work. Since I'm a "Su- I began^b,y conductin€ some not-so-scientific tests tocompare
pervisor Equivalent," I version 2.1 ofAJpha Four to compiled Clipper S.0l routines
LAN have complete access to and dot prompt commands using FoxBASb+. I ran each test
everything on the net- on the same 40MHz 386 clone configured with 4M ofRAM (3M
30-user, work. It was time to call used as XMS memory). I created a f;irly large table of I03,200
Alpha Software's tech- records (roughly 4.5M) and began the t€sts bysorting the data
nical support line. on a 2S-character field with each application. I never sorl in
As it turns out, the any applications that I develop, bu1 I thought it would give
company was over- me a feeling for how fast Alpha Four can access and write d-al,a.
whelmed with response Clipper and FoxBASE+ completed the sort in two to three
to their new release of minutes; Alpha Four lorcked up after about two minutes,
2.0 (since upgraded to requiring a warm boot ofmy computer
2.1) and unprepared for I then put all of them to the intex test. Each successfully
dpha Software Corp. the onslaught of techni- creaLed an index file for this table, wirh Alpha Four beins bv
168 Middlesex Turnpike cal support calls. After I far the slowest. I then had each perform ipproximately iOtt
Burlington, MA 01803 made several calls and random seeks into the indexed table. The Clipper appliiation
(617) 229-2924 sat on hold for a very Look 16 seconds. FoxBASE r- required 40 und elpha
long time, a friendly and tour took 2 minutes 31 seconds. AJthough """ond",
far from irue
benchmark tests, it appears that Alpha Four is no speed
sentative apolosized ror the deray anJ#I,i,""t$:iiji#i#; demon when compared to the other products.
the problem. After several rounds of phone tag, he lelt a
message for me that the problem was a bug in the Alpha
product and a fix would be sent out. The bug fix disk arrived,
On a netwolk
installed easily, and made the error message disappear. I was The multi-user version ofAlpha Fourclaims towork on most
offand running. |iilPl95 network operating systems including Microsoft
LAI Mqlgg"L Banyan Vines. and Artisoft Lanta"stic, as well
Not knowing exactly where to start, I decided to skim as Novell NetWare. A separate licensed copy ofAlpha Four is
through the tutorial. It was fairly basic and easy to follow. A required for each simultaneous ,se. on iL" network. This
non-programmer may be challenged by the iniroduction to substantially increases the cost of implementing a multi_user
database concepts, but a seasoned developer will find the application on a large network as compared -to a Clipper_
tuLorial a quick way to learn Alpha Four's philosophy. (Why compiled application.
is it that every database demo,/tutorial is for a hypoihetica-l The program automatically handles DOS 3.1 record and file
video store? See fig. 1.) I also found the files in ihe DEMO locking protocols. Multiple Alpha Four users can work in the
directory created by the installation program helpful. same tables with no problems. However, users running differ_

DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 107

 SOFTWARE REVIEW

first Ietter of field upper, the rest unchanged; first Ietter of

ent programs that use the DBF formcan't work concurently'
each word upper, the rest unchanged; etc
For example, two users---one running AJpha Four and the
Additionul' iul"s can be applied in many combinations
otfr". *niti"e a Clipper application-could read the same ni"irf" b" frU"d by user input or automatically calculated
a"i" ni"", ur. .di, edit,-oi delete records simultaneously' "a" tieta". femplates ind masks are assignaile, with
il;;;k;* ""t
mechanisms for each program is different; they i.om olfre.
o. *itt o"t the allowance of input exceptions Fields can b-e
won't ackn-owledge each other's locking On some networks
DOS SHARE program may be needed'
au.t"a "required" and also auto-incremented for such
-'al*.
the
t1"*u." tt at-when you're installing the LAN version lf,ing" ""invoice numbers. Default values and validption
you have the option of allowing each user to
"" are assignable and ranges can be indicated'
oi e.tpiu foo., ".v"tem "*orZ""ion.
Double entrv can be required oflields to verify correct inpul"
fr.""'f.i" on the ierver-including the tutorial'
".n"iand demo applications' The drawback to this is
..-.i" a.t". Field entry may be skipped based on a logical expression'
if,rri".t, ."i-"p.un take jp to 4M ofspace' My advice: Make C,rsto- irelp piompts ant look-up tables are assignable to
each field. Als;. vanous messages can be predefined for each
them share.
field ifany ofthe above rules aren't followed.
tt can still build aPPlications The tables (DBF) are dBASE iIl PlUS-compatible and Iim-
To really test Alpha Four as a non-programming tool, I tried ited to 128 fielcls. Alpha Four allows newly created MEMO
fields to default to dBASE IV----ordBASE llI Pl-us----compati-
to u" appiication using only the menu system-and
".*t" macroi. I wantcd to see how far I could get without
kevboard bility; however, existing dBASE IV MEMO frelds are handled
projerly, no matter whit the compatibility setting (provided
using "scripts," Alpha's euphemistic way of nol saying pro-
srammine lanzuage. thev're 128 frelds or fewer in size)
-
lr,lv wlfeieceitlv ooened a iewelry business and asked me to Database design is simple and straightforward While set-
dev"elopaclient-tiackingsysteM t feltthiswould bethe model ting up field rules, the only problem I came across is that the
small proiect with which i could put Alpha Four to task' tab'ie name wasn't displayed anywhere on the field rules
Onu Gat,rte particularly like is Alpha Fou:'s - ability to
I screen, causing me to often double-check that I was in the
create a data dictionary. Atpha calls them "Field Rules " right table.
ihev'r" po*erful, although only accessible through Alpha frext, I used the Set functions to define several relational
fo,l'a u.r,i not norn other database management programs A Iinks between the tables. From this point on, I accessed these
comoletc list ofdefinitions can be attributed to each field in a Set definitions instead ofdirectly addressing the tables' Upon
t ahl; Mv favorite rule is "Case Convert." which can force
one openingthe Set, all necessarytables and indexes were opened
ofanuniberofconversions: none; all uppercase;alllowercase; and table linked.

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I08 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 SOFTWABE REVIEW

Each Alpha Four Set is limited to a total of 10 linked tables. of each type. This limit comes by the letters of the alphabet,
A parent table is linked to the child wia a dBASE III PLUS, A-2, being assigned to each choice.
compatible index (NDX) file. However. the index won,t be Once the database information, sets, and output options
compatible ifit isn't case-sensitive. Each link can be a one_to- were in place, it was time to create the actual application.
one or one-to-many relation. To handle bi_directional links,
Applications are created with the,,Applicatio"""';o;;;;;
you have to set up separate sets, since you can't refcr to the lrom the l\lain J\4enu. {See fig. 2.) Thi; i. a u.".-d"uelop"J
same table twice. menu that displays sub-menus. execules keystroke macros,
I found the screen form design intuitive. It's menu-driven calls another application, or transfers to other applications.
with many shortcut keys. After desigring the screen. I went Various parameters can be set to control the appeaiance and
back ser _up inpur and display options field by field, function of each menu. The menus can be furiher enhanced
-and
incl.uding window size. lormat, and coloi. My only criticism: I by a full-screen editor that allows boxes and color.s to be
couldn't test the form without backing all the wiy out to the painted on the screen.
main menu to view the table with the form, then all the way
back out to edit and make changcs. And. when viewing a
linked table, the original table didn't always rcmain ihe Figure 2-Alpha Four main menu.
default when returning to rhe main menu. Ii also rook mc
awhile to understand when a form was attached to the set or
the individual table.
Mailing labels, reports, and form letters were just as easy.
All screen and printed report designs are very WySIWyG. -
.

The form-letter function is one of the best I've seen. While .t:b-/A bio
most table management systems can export files for creating
lail-merqe letters with third-party word processors, Alphi
Four's built in word processor and merge functions should be
able to handle even the most advanced mail-merge needs. lotrl (,a.a./&ratt
It's notable that every user-created filo {table, index, lorm, ,@ LaL.-/*l.
report, application, etc.) can be tagged with an English de-
scription that's used for all menu prompts. DOS file names
are only uscd for defining and selecting tables and sets. Alpha
Four limits most user-created files and references to 26 aciive

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DAIA BASFO ADVISOR I\,4AY 1993 109

 SOFTWABE REVIEW

DO CASE
How scripts wotk CASE howhumid s "102030{0"
Kevstroke macros are where actual tasks are carried out As huridity =
.i#il" tft.rnu"ral, "scripts" and "macros" automate Alpha CASE howhumid S "so5o7o"
i;;tasG. Macros are executed by selecting a menu.item' busidity =
and scriDts are named and can be called fiom any locatlon ln CASE holthumial S "8o9o1oo"
sim ple macros can be lea rned by record-
humiality = "Humid"
ef on" n[rt if," ^ost OTIIERWISE
i"i--tft" rcy"ttot"" .r"""i"".y to execute various routines' humiitity =
ii8*"""., iit" o"ty *ay to incorporate any level ofsophistica- RETI'RN
iion i"to'tfr" uppli"riiott requiles calling scripts and using ENDCASE
uJrr.rr""a scripi commands and functions from macros'
Here's an example ofan Alpha Four CASE statement: I know which one I would rather debug. Normally, in this
example, I would use a numeric variable; however, Alpha
Four icript variables can only store character data. It's nec-
(sET tliATtrE[rllrD, iE" )
essary to'use type-conversion functions to storc other data
(clsE types. Surprisingly, most of the functions are the same or
Ar{tBowEIJttrD,' 102030a0" ) 0
( tsEl tln urDrfY, "Drv" ) (sET tt{ArcEn'}irD' "T'}) similar to those found in Xbase.
AT ( trrowEutll D, "5050?0n}0
( {aET *III,UIDITT, rNorDrI" } Developer help
(sET tu rcxEt ttID, 'T') ) AlDha Four is prosressive in that it has a strong event-driven
rr(tllorrln !lrD. "8090100" ) 0 nature Lo it. Many events can trigger scripl s such as when a
( (SET tIIUI{IDIrI, "EuEia') {SET *liATcExWID' "T' } } field is entered inbhange or Enter mode; when a field is exited
) (before or after); before, during, and after printing letters; and
{IF *UATaXEITHID=iE', at other appropriate
-tha[ times. There are also a number ofsystem
( {SET trIm|IDITY, "UakaorrE} ), variables store system-related information, including
{ (crNcEL} )
current field name and last key pressed.
)
A nice feature for developers is hidden near the end of the
Xbase, the same piece of code could be written more
In Aooendix in Lhe Rc[erence Manaal: the Alpha Four documen-
anrtleeiblv ( the RETURN statement inside the CASE ta'tion utilitv. Accessed lrom the DOS prompt outside of the
"imoiv
statement is iheri only Lo emulate the Alpha Four code): main program, the A4DOC program documents all file struc-

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tures and field rules, indexes, set definitions, applications,
and scripts.
Another key developer feature is the ability to prevent
alterations.to
_reports, labels, forms, browses, rarrg"r, urrd
search-es called from an application. Each type of frle can be
individually flagged to prevent or allo* us"i
cha.rges.
,Alpha^Four com-es with a large array of predefinied printer
drivers formost ofthe common printers. iniluding posiscript
It's a simple task to modify or create a new driver de6nition
for an unlisted printer. You modify drivers using the
"Create/edit printer configuration" oplion via the,,O"ther,'
option fiom the Main Menu. You can maintain up to 26 printer
configurations at a time. The configuration information in_
cludes a descriptive name, left margin setting, top of form
delay, printer port selection, form advance command, lines
per page, printer initialization codes, print style codes, and
print density codes. Each ofthe various codes is entered using
the decimal equivalents of the control string. you,ll need ti
know various control string sequences for the printer being
configured. There's no built-in support for network printeri
that must be attached before starting Alpha Four.
Havingevaluated Alpha Four using a VGA monitor, the first
thing I noticed is that the screen wasn't displaying the usual
palette of colors but rather consisted of pleasing sof colors.
Unobtrusively tucked away in the configuration menu were
the set-color routines. I discovered a wide variety of prede-
fined color settings, mostly with descriptive pictuiesque
names such as "Bermuda," "Las Vegas,",,North Atlantic,,,
"Twilight," 'Autumn," and "Purple Haze.,, One was called
"Pete's Favorite." I have to agree that it was mine too.
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SOFTWARE REV!EW
The file mystery
.If I yanted to use Alpha Four for developing client applica_
tions. I.wo.uld need-to-figure out exactly wh"ere Alph;'F;;
stores atl t he relared files. Although I ser up my u.ife.s files
in
a unrque subdirectory. l ve noticed a number of relared files
in the Alpha Four application directory. If these are temfo-
rary files that aren t-being cleaned up. then rhey need to Le;
rl they-re necessary, I need to know that too
ln conclusion
So, is Alpha Forlr going to put the professional developer out
of business? Although a non-programmer could easilvcreate
sim p)e_ applications. I believe that p rogra mming skills are still
needed to unleash Alpha Four's power.
. Overall, I find Alpha Four to be a relatively complete data-
base management application. It has a number oi excellent
features, such as the data dictionary, that I rvouldn,t mind
seeing incorporated into other Xbase products. It lacks the
depth to create a full-scale, mission-critical database applica_
tion.(ofcor.rrse, the company doesn't market the program that
way), and lLs not-a-progrdmming-language is iwkward and
limited. Alpha Four is ideal for the imaleur who needs to
create basic applications.
Todd could is president of Loten Data Corp., a Los Angeles-based
custom sottware developer and network service burear. Gould has
been developing Xbase applications since 1982. He can be con-
tacled at 800-745{736 o. (81S) 226-5500 and on Compuserve at
7050'1,320 or MHS: TODD @ LOREN-LA.f
!
FROM O]IE PROTESSIOI{AI. TO AIIOTHER
UAR MAIIAGER:
SERIATIZATIO]I
GAPABltlrlES:
. Automatically assigns serial numbers
lo your soft\iare. -
. Tratk serial numbers as assiqned
to dealers and then to end uiers.
. Tracks serial numbers of
components received.
I
ul
I I
DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993 111
 SOFTWARE REVIEW
. Alpha Four
. Applicati on develoPment
.
.
End-uset tool
xbase
By Jim Mortlock
a sales representative for the
I craffs division of a elobal textile-
-'m
I rclated comoanv. Ilravel north-
I m."Jl" l*lli.' ?:lll "'l' ff I
occasionally cottage industry manufac-
turers.
Working on the road has Provided
some interesting challenges, mostly con-
cerning information-how to get it and
how to use it. We constantly receive
bulky printouts from the home office-
monthly sales report by dollars and
products, accounts receivable informa-
iion, customer analyses, etc. The infor-
mation I want is buried somewhere in
these various reports. Once received, it's
up to individual members of the sales
staff to analyze that data and use it as
best suits their needs. To stay ahead of
our competition, we have to find ways to
sort and manipulate that data and con-
vert it into timely information.
The company I work for is in the first
operating year of a major corporate
merger. The resulting changes from the
mer:ger have almost quadruPled the
amount of data sent to the sales force.
Therefore, the need to seek out the re-
quired information and disregard the
extraneous detail is critical. Time is also
in short supply, so any automation of
tasks is a great help.
My introduction to database
management
I was given a small project a short time
ago to seaich for a computer program
that might easily be used by sales repre-
sentatives who had no computer experi'
ence and who might even be hostile to
learning how to use a computer as
sales tool.
My decision was to use Microsoft
Works, an integrated program. It works
well but is very limited in capabilities,
specifically in the area of merging and
automating database, spreadsheet, and
112 DATA BASED ADVISOFUI\,4AY 1993
AL]ser
T?ies
AlphaFour
word processing functions. Hence, the
need for some power and flexibility.
One day I received a brochure in the
mail advertising a program called Alpha
4. version 2 that sounded terrific. The
brochure said the product was flexible,
fast, and-most importantly--designed
for non-programmers. "Hey," I thought,
"That's me!"
What I wanted was a Program that
could take existing data and allow me to
customize it to my needs. Since sales
people don't all use raw data the same
way, the program had to be simPle to
understand and flexible. Alpha 4 ap-
peared to ofer the ability to create cus-
tom scripts for beginning users to work
from, yet flexible enough to let end users
design forms and reports to suit their
needs.
Being totally unfamiliar with database
management. I posted somequestions in
a number of different CompuServe fo-
rums seehing help. Soon after posting
the message, I was contacted bY Dola
Based Aduisor with an invitation:
They'd place a copy ofthe product in my
hands if I would take it for a test drive.
Trying out Alpha FouI
When the package arrived, I was in the
midst of my busiest part of the season
with our product releases for the Fall
and Winter, but I forged ahead with it.
I ran into major problemsjust trying to
get the program installed. It turned out
that the copy I receivedwas a fairlyearly
version; a later version installed very
easily. I was disappointed to see that
menu-driven program like this didn't of-
fer the option ofusing a mouse.
Next, came the tutorial, which I also
had problems with. Yes it is very com-
plete, but afier completing it "several"
times, I believe it would have been much
a easier to work with as an on-screen tu-
torial. I frnd it most dilficult to switch my
attention fiom the book to the screen
andback again. The book is far too heavy
for my text holder, and the small print
made it dimcult to find my place again
in certain chapters that required my un-
divided attention, thus causing eye-
strain from my having to constantly re-
focus. On the other hand, the reason for
putting the steps only in book form may
have been because the program and tu-
torial application already took a lot of
space on my hard drive. I was pleased
with the video store application for the
tutorial. As a former retailer I felt it was
very realistic.
I did find a number of "typos" in the
Iessons but found that I created many
more typos myself in data entry, which
led to hours of backtracking or simply
retaking the tutorial. These were my
errors, yet I found the program very un-
forgiving when I goofed. I didn't find the
help key all that helpful, though in fair-
ness it did help me out of several jams
later. Alpha Software may want to heed
the advice ofsomebody with onlylimited
experience: Buy a copy of Microsoft
Works and run the tutorial. It doesn't let
you make an error, and it can be run at
almost any time within the application.
Now to the program. I found it blind-
ingly fast and highly flexible. Too flex-
ible. I constantly revised my intentions
as I traversed the tutorial, coming up
with numerous additions and amend-
ments to my initial requirements. To be
honest, in certain areas I overdid it
Even the limited work I've done so far
has been constantly revised and up-
graded. The biggest problem I have with
this program is simply deciding what to
do with it.
My first real project: to automate a
a small pricing table (called "database" in
Alpha lexicon) and merge it with a cus-
tomer table into order forms. Wow, is it
smooth!
Unfortunately, with all the territorial
changes and changes in product lines
and the handling ofthose lines going on
within our operation because of the
merger, I've had only enough time to
scratch the surface of this program's
capabilities.
An associate and I have discussed cre-
ating a system to enter data via barcode
and to maintain price lists from one of
 SOFTWARE REVTEW

+t tN

ItrING
]]n
our suppliers pulled from Wordperfect
files. We're also hammering out a stand-
ardized customer table so we can
exchange information.
* FASInSI DavEloPED I

I can't say enough about the flexibility

of the product. The scripts (akin to pro-
grams) I created are understandable by
non-computerJiterate people. (I know,
l\rlosr llAY
because I showed them to a fi-iend, who
said they looked "sensible.") If someone
without experience can follow the
1b G TAT Youn
scripted directions I set up, that's a suc-
cess in my book. I did, however, have
problems writing expressions. To quote
i5'I*: ;:3::;'il,. CmpER,,i:",'i::':i::[1::
from Todd Gould concerning the writing
l1',:t:J,".'J.lil:T:'.
ofexpressions: "No matter what you call
it, it's still programming.'
I'm impressed with the program,
though I rhink the tutorial could be im- It's lean. You can run it
nms "tfru*t*iif:give Clipper users simple
proved to make it even easier for neo- on a 486 or a laptop. ins!ructions over the phone to
phyte database designers.
It's mean. In a recent user follow. No more emergency plane
I'd certainly recommend this program
to anyone who needs some muscle, survey conducted by Data Baxl trips, or long-distance modem
though at this time I believe that the .Adaisor, our product left FoxPro@ hook-ups.
person should have more experience in
programming than I do and, in particu- and Clipper well back in the pack Imagine running a command
lar, experienceworkingwith multi-table But if you re a developel or and seeing what it do€s wlthout
databases. Although the advertising use a Clipper-based application, going through cumbenome
states that this progTam is for non-pro-
grammers I believe that even limited there's a more immediate way to Vrite-Compile-Link steps.
programming experience is certainly an appreciate Shark'i Even reports and subsets that
asset, possibly a necessity.
Let me filI you in on my progress to- Try changing a Clipper f:le weren't anricipated in your original
date. I've created two tables: one for ac- structure, or index expression for Clipper application are easily
count information. the other for prices. instance. accessed through the Shark
These link into an order form. It has a
pop-up window for account information, Until now, you'd have to do interface.
which, when selected, automatically fills extens;ve rewriaing. But with Shark. It transforms huge
in the territory (l share some areas with
Shark in your Clipper toolkit, you Clipper problems into sleek, agile
other reps), shipping and invoice infor-
mation, as well as shipping preference can make edits on the fly. Shark solutions.
and the current date. l've also included Intenctively. It devours them.
an incremented order number for my
reference. The filled-in fields skip to That's because Shark is
speed data entry. Next is the order entry compatible with Clipper dara and To TuRH CLrpprRs hrro SuRrs,
form with an optional pop-upwindow for Cnu |-800.59-5HARK
indexes
quick fill-ins. An extension field calcu-
lates the line total.
I know all this probably sounds tame
to those ofyou who do rhis for a living.
but as a user I'm most impressed. Be-
sides, I've gained a newfound respect for
what programmers do.
W
What's to come? At the present, I have
to make a hardcopy and fax information
into the office, but I hope to be able to
send the form directly from my fax-mo, ,

dem in the fulure. Am I finished? Not

even close. Am I impressed? Very. :

Jim Mo.tlock has worked 13 years as a re- Shark should ser this years
tailer and has traveled northern and eastern BEST CLrfftR ADD.OT a$ard "
Ontariothe lastfiveas a rep for the company
that had been his malor supplier. He can be
conlacled on CompuServe 7't62'1,271 6.:l Tnr FuLr Dnualsr Llucuncr Tunr UNrocrs CuppeR Dnre
DAIA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 113
 The UNIX
Database Leader
NowDoes
Netllt{aJ€.
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 CLIENT/SERVER
ADVTSOR Develop
DEVELOPER BEPORT
. Application deve lopment Groupware
. ClienUServer development
. Development teams
.
Appswith
LotusNotes 3.0
Groupwarc
. Version control

By Eric Rayl Design Templates- Sharing code between multiple torms and applications

Lotus Holes
tt t's been a long time coming, but frlc Ylcw gril Hclp
! Lotus Development Corp. is fi-
q
Ev4/.y

4
I
I
nally shipping Lotus Notes ver-
sion 3.0 (referred ro as Notes R3 by
Lotus). Not many soff.ware prod-
ucts can endure a 16-month lapsl be-
tween versions, but L,otus appears to
EB
S*3
r'-;
i

,{El{s
tsiH;i C
-
Ds&=]-,9{!!"e I
S!&l;
\

have made it, especially since rumored

groupware competition ilom Microsoft
SIFE i ,
ffi a,{ r6-
ills H€b D€d*
g: .0
and Borland has failed to materialize. Nc,v*wiE 1991 Ftrq9I1i
Notes R3 is packed with new features
I
and enhancements for users, adminis-
trators, and developers.
-.tr
Te.t olos, Sl
8i- HH -. lll
Fn-i
ni e
Notes is one of the few products Schedlc
available that lets developers develop a
program in either the Windows, OS/2, or
Macintosh environment and instantly
G 0
d/tl
G'l
E*.orive l
U a ffi J-ir--
run it on the other pl^Lforms uithout B'i6rhor i

mod.ification. (Lotus plans to release a

UNIX version in the future.) ClienU
server-based workflow and olfice auto-
mation applications can be rapidly
v I EH ,'
tu**rA"*
i
i Y*r,,lP?pr.
:

prototyped, developed, and deployed in

Notes, and these applications will inher-
ently allow both remote access and be
mail-enabled.
Workllow applications and
background macros
Building workflow applications to
automate paper-based office activities is
one ofthe main reasons many compan ies
consider using groupware. R3 workflow
capabilities have been bolstered consid-
erably by the addition of Background
Macros. You can design macros that run
periodically (hourly, daily, or weekly) on
a server that runs oncc against a given
document. This feature can be used in
many ways, such as automatically esca-
lating the status ofproblem reports that
have gone unresolved or automatically
pu.ging or timing-out workflow re-
quests. When combined with the new
@MailSend() function, notices ofnew as-
signments or activities can automat-
ically be sent to users.
New functions
The majority of the new application
development tools come in the form of
new functions that improve a devel-
oper's ability to create applications. The
most powerftll new functions are in-
tended to be used in Notes macros (pre,
viously called "filters" in Notes 2.x). In
addition to @MailSend0, @ommandO
will become one ofthe most widely
functions because it
can execute Notes
menu commands from within a formula
or macro.
Another addcd, and much necded,
function is @Prompto, which causes onc
ofthe many typcs ofmodal Windows 3.1
dialog boxes to appear. Developers can
choose from a simple information win-
dow with an "OK' button to more com-
plex multi-value combo boxes complete
with default values.
A shortcoming of pre.rious versions of
Notes was its lack ofrelational capabili-
ties and its inability to read and write to
standard databases such as DBFs and
SQL databases. Lotus has given Notes
designers two new functions,
@DBtookup0 and @DBColumn0, which
will help provide relational capabilities
used between Notes databases, allowing in-
formalion such as customer lists, de-
partment numbers, and cmployee infor-
mation to be maintained in a central
database and be easily used in multiple
Nolcs applications. This is particularly
useful in keyword fields where the
selection list can be dynamic and not

DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 115

 DEVELOPER REPORT

hard-coded into the field. Unfortunately,
Notes still doesn't supportdirect reading
and writing to other database formats,
but this support is rumoured to be close
in the form of ODBC-compliant drivers.
Fotmula evaluation rules
Under R3, lotus has imPlemented a
too-down execution sequence th aL
miles iteasier to predicr the outcome of
a formula. There are several new Iunc-
tions that will help ensure that correct
statements of a formula are executed:
@ReturnO will cause formula execution
to stop and return the specified value;
@Do0 witl allow a developer to not only
specifu multiple statements in a formula
but will ensure that the statements are
executed inthe orderwhich they appear;
@Set0, @SetEnvironment0, and @Set-
Notes lros and Don'ts
on't dwell on the cost-Per-
license for Notes; at a re-
tail cost of approximatelY
$495 per user, Notes is an
extremely good value
when vou consider that your organi-
zation won't have to Purchase elec-
tronic mail, word processing, and
relatively few communications solt-
ware licenses, not to mention exPen-
sive application development sys-
tcms and their associated run-time
licensing fees.

Announoin g Don't try to run Notes concurrently

with an established e-mail
Do plan your implementation with
system.

the goal of eliminating your current

DB.h++ E-mail system within a stated period

of time. (Unfortunately, you may also
have to install and supPort Lotus'
CC:Mail since it has some gateways
Errend your client/server system to mail systems that Notes doesn't
and Notes has a gateway to
wilh a dirsbose inter{oce ilrot your CC:Mail).
Don't be discouraged when it be-
Ploglunmer olreody know. comes apparent that Notes will not
completely meet the needs of a Par-
ticular application. Do focus on how
C++ Access io Doioboses Notes can be used to quickly develop
a variety of distributed applications
that have a common user interface
.Data obieals defined a{tomati- and easily allow remote access-
DB.hl'l i, u po.'".tu una
calty. Obj.,ct definitions can be Don't think that because applica-
portable altemahve to develoPinB
D&.h++
your applicatjon using EmHded
automatically derived from Your tion development under Notes is so
suprls fot/o,rd,, SQL or a proprietary APL It
RDBMS data dictionary easy that end-users should be en-
Recompilation is not necessary iI couraged to develop Notes applica-
od <ttont enables RDBMS and ISAM devel-
l4krosalt, the data dictionary changes.
oDers to extend thef slstems urth tions. Do develop policies and proce-
ronfihrs. tlie benetts of C++ and object- .support for BLOB (Binary targe dures for helping end users create
Ccrr4rrdl/ewith oriented Fogramming. O8iect) datt DB.h++ contains Noles applications and make certain
l,l9DOi, Whdows 3.x,
special classes that rnnlrc it easy to that MIS approves their applications
DB.h++uses operator overloading i;corporate compler data, stored in before they are allowed to be placed
tu1o', NX, llP-UX to help your C++ prograrnmers do the database as BLOB dat4 into on a Notes server.
database develoPmmt without your application.
od OS/2. in-depth knowledge of SQL. And Don't think that handing a user the
your DBMS developers get lndudes turorblwith Lotus Notes documentation will con-
iumpstarted because the objeds
exomples. Otiect qnd source stitute adequate training. Do plan on
in DB.h++ - cursoE, rows, tables, wrsirrs ovoihble. training users on general Notes tech-
etc. - are alrcady familiar to them niques. Your initial training costs
rliilfr .Ponability aqoss dahb53e plat'
will be higher than normal, but as
you create more Notcs applications
DB/t)(PI S3 forms. DB.h++ has be€n desiSned
that users can use without training,
from the 8round up to be Portable
aooss databases, oPrating
you will reap the benefits of lower
systens, and compilers. overall training costs.
Boorh #1616 Don't exclude DOS users from sub-
mitting Notes documents to a Par-
ticular database- Do create simple
iOR IAORI IN]ORTIATION RO G UE DOS lronl ends for applications us-
WA VE
CAII ROGUE WAV: TODAY ing the Notes API so that DOS users
have a quick way to enter informa-
1.800.487.3217 ioirwaRE tion such as help desk requests.
RaYl
,.O. r.r ,!2a, a.rudlL, Or.gqr 9r!39 ' Itoll 75a'231I ' l x: lSOSl 757'6610 -Eic

116 DATA BASED ADVISOFI/MAY 1993


.I\ Y ::""",,"'; o,:,"1:iJ;"0:,?:-
I \ ! oase sysLem thar uses the
| \l clienti;server com pu r ing
! model. Currently, Win-
dows, OS/2, or Maclntosh clients ct.rm-
municate with Os/2-based Notes serv-
ers. Notes users and servers are inter-
mittently connected, so that the data-
bases on the various servers can be
resynchronized (replicated). Notes
supports many major network operat-
ing systems, including Novell Net-
Ware, Microsolt Lan Manager, IBN{
Lan Server, and Banyan \IINES, and
you can use Notes servers as an inte-
gration tool for linking dissimilar
LANs.
Building upon this platform of dis-
tributed databases that are automat-
ically updated, Notes provides:
I A platform for creating CUA-
compliant mail-enabled applica-
tions that are intrensically net-
work-ready, have remote-access,
and can r-un in the Windows, OS/2,
or Maclntosh environment without
modification.
FieldO are all equivalent to statements
that were available under vcrsion 2.1
but are now available as functions and
can be used within @lf() statements.
Design templates
Notes database designers have always
had to fight with the problem of how to
reuse their code. Fields can be cut fiom
one application and pasted into another
application, but this approach quickly
gets unmanageable when it comes time
to update all ofthe same fields in multi-
ple applications. Lotus has solved this
problem by modiflng the way Design
Templates are used-by defi ning shared
fields. and adding the Refrcsh Design
option. Unlike Lhe version 2.x "Redesign
Database" option that basically sychron-
izes a databasc's form, views, and fields
with it's design template, the Refresh
Desrgn option allows fields to be selec-
tively shared between a design tcmplate
and a Notes application. Furthermore,
these shared fields can be read-onlv so
that they aren't altered by the design
reliesh. Fields can now be shared fuom
multiple databases. This new template
system allows corporations to create
pseudo data-dictionaries of the fields
that cre used wilhin their applications,
DEVELOPER REPOBT
What is Lotus otes?
I Word processing capabilities that
include full supporl for compound
documents that consist of text.
numbers, and 'rich text" fields that
can contain not only formatted text,
but imbedded OLE objects, such as
graphics/images, sounds, and
videos.
I protect data from unauthorized access.
The ability to extensively modifiy
how information is entered, organ-
ized, and presented. Additionally,
Notes R3 offers the full-text search
capability, which can be used across
multiple databases.
! Comprehensive security measures
including selective restrictive data-
base access control, down to the re-
cord and field level, using RSA data
encryption technolog-y.
Lotus has made Notes a secure envi-
ronment lhrough a combination ofda-
tabase access control lists (ACLs) and
database roles (formerly called "privi-
leges" in version 2.x) combined with
encrlption keys. Each database has
ar ACL that controls which default
rights a user or group has in a given
which allows for not only a single point
of maintenance for multiple databases,
but for a common "glossary" ofdatabase
fields
Some care and thought must go into
using shared fields, however: In pre-
vious versions of Notes it was common
practice to use the same field name in
multiple ways, but this can cause prob-
lems when using shared fields in R3. For
example, in v2.1 a field called "Depart-
mentName" in a main document and
defined as Editable could exist with a
field with the same name used in a re-
sponse document with a field type Com-
puted (to inherit the department name
fromthe main document). Under R3 this
will cause a problem if the field is a
shared field from a design template
since the automatic dcsign-refresh proc-
ess will try to reconcile the field's defini-
tion to the design template's dofinition.
Form and view design
One ofthe most noticable form changes
is the ability for a developer to put but-
tons on Notes forrns that cxecute a com-
mand or macro. While this functionalitv
can make an application more intuitivl
for users, the overuse ofbuttons for com-
mon Notes activities, such as those that
database (No Access, Reader, Author.
Editor, N{anager, etc. ). Database
"roles" can be assigned to people or
groups. bur unlike Notes 2.x rhev
aren't limited to the fi\e different de-
fined privileges per database.
Notes uses a combination of single-
and dual-key encryption algorithms to
Dual-key. or public-key encrlption, is
a technologlr that Lotus Iicenced from
RSA Data Security, Inc. Irs purpose is
to protect Notes mail documents. You
can also use single-key encryption to
protect individual fields within a docu-
ment so that the data can be seen onlv
be users who possoss the encryption
key. Additionally, you can encrypt
data as it is sent across a LAN or
modem connection.
Combining Notes multi-platform,
distributed database system lvith it,s
rigorous security measures makes
Notes an excellent platform for devel-
oping powerful, secure, distributed
GUI applications with a minimum of
effort.
Rayl
-Eric
are available as Smartlcons or from the
Notes menus, should be discouraged.
Notes forms have much improved ob-
ject linking and embedding (OLE) sup-
port, and a form can be designed to auto-
matically launch an embedded object
when a form is opened, in either com-
pose, edit, or read mode, and hide the
underlying Notes form. Document li-
brary databases that consist offiles cre-
ated in OLE-server applications such as
Word for Windows or Ami Pro will bene-
fit greatly from this approach, athough
care must be taken in multi-platform
environments to ensure compatibility.
Another important document manage-
mcnt capability in R3 is "automatic vcr-
sioning." A new form attribute is the
ability to save changes to a document as
responses to the document or for prior
versions of a document to be saved lrs
responses to a document. While cer-
tainly not a full-blown version control
system suitable for source code. this fea-
tures allows rudimentary versioning
systems to easily be written.
In Notes R3, ficlds in forms can now be
refreshed automaticclly, wit hout hnving
to press the F9 key as in previous
versionsof Notes. This will help com-
puted fields be more useful since they
DATA BASED ADVJSOR/MAY 1993 117
 DEVELOPER BEPORT

can now be automatically calculated as
soon as the data is available for the cal-
culation.
The last major enhancement to Not€s
forms is the ability to create sections in
a Notes formand control the access tothe
section. Sections are special areas of
forms that can contain static text, fields,
Data Junction@ Converts
Your Data Files
Use Data Junction to get your data where
you need it. Quickly and efficiently.
Convert to and from dozens of popular
databases, spreadsheets, accounting &
statistical packages, and other applications.
There's no better tool than Data Junction
for converting, manipulating, modifying or
defining your structured data files.
Accounting Paclages
buttons, popups, and OLE objects. A
form can contain multiple sections, and
users can specifically be made "owners"
of a section. For users listed as owners,
these fields will behave normally; for
other users, these frelds are read-only,
even if they're listed as Editors in the
databage access control list. In workflow
applications, sections can be especially
o No programming menu &iven
- tion formulas. This limits documenk to
tr Selects/rearranges records, fields, chars
tr Reads/wriles memo fields & dictionaries
tr Instant script file creation for total batch
processing
tr Also converts any ASCII, binary,
EBCDIC or packed data hles
sOL DBs
DBs
useful since they can protect a routing
list from being modified by unauthorized
users.
One major disappointment in R3 form
design is that Lotus didn't improve the
table capability within forms. Designing
a table in a form is tedious at best and
there are some serious limitations. For
instance, a table's column width mustbe
at least wide enough to accomodate a
field's name in design-mode, which can
cause either columns that are too wide
or use ambiguous field names.
While the design ofNotes views hasn't
fundamentally changed, the ability to
make views more astheLically pleasing
has been enhanced. Now views can use
a variety of font styles and sizes. A new
view type has been added called "Private
on first use" which helps developers use
the @UserName function in view selec-
particular user. The developer also has
a
more control over how and when a view
is indexed, and when the index is dis-
carded. This is especially important in
Iarge databases since unneccessary re-
indexing wastes time.
Views still have the curious limitation
of not being able to display encrypted
fields. even when the user has the appro-
priate encryption key. An examPle
where this feature would be very useful
is a human resource application that
contains encrypted salary information.
It would be very useful to be able to
display this data in various views that

v
Data Junction
^
perform calculations such as pa1'roll to-
tals by department, salary averages by
job grade, etc.
One additional new feature common to
forms, views, and macros is the ability to
create sub-menus. This feature will help
desrgners group similar forms. vtews,
and macros beneath a similar menu
M.inlrame & Mini Data selection.
"... a powerhouse.'' Lotus Magazine Security enhancements
"... more than worth its price.' PC Magazine rtfus. zeei\ Notes 2.x had the ability to create up
''.,. a surelire winner." Computer Language ffil
\bel
iffi,ftbal
\trb!6.L./
to five database "privilege" levels that
allowed database designers to hide cer-
"... an in!'aluable integration tool." Byte vz-/ \.14-l
tain forms and views from unauthorized
"... olle of those softs'are gems." UN Times users. Notes 3.0 has changed the notion
1 2-3, o&A, Enable, DlF, asksam, & merge liles
of privileges to "roles" and has dropped
Standard Edition convens dBASE, Ascll, the limitation on the number of roles
$99 tor WodPerfect. Word & Wordslar
that can be defined (databases created
Protessional Edition Convens Standa.dformats plus Binary/EBCDIC, SC4, SYLK' Paradox c_t.ee,
$199 R:8ASE, Clarion, Excel, DalaEase, DalaFlex, Magic PC. Btriev€ & more with privileges are still supported under
Edition Converls Sld & Prol. lomals plus lnlormrt. Xdb. Oracle. Nelware SQL. Xlrieve.
R3-they're a subset ofroles). Roles can
Advanced
$299 SAS. SPSS, S.Plus, Platinum. Solo.non. Progress. ALcPAc , Raima & more also be used in many more places than
privileges, such as in controlling access
LAN 1-4 users converls alllormats. UNlx & XENIx v€rsions available
to particular form sections and even spe-

BT
$499 for 386/486, Sun Sparc, RS6000 & HP. call lor pricing
cific documents.
Cal/ 800-580-4411 (Ext. 97) Lotus has still not improved the secu-
or 512 459-1308 Fax: 512 459-1309 2201 Norlhland Drivs rity of "local" (versus server-based)
AMEXoVISA.M/C.COD Ausrin, TX 78756

118 DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993


ACL/Reportet
Distributed Systems Solutions
International, Inc.
31255 Cedar Valley Dr., Suite 207
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 991-0200 fax: (818) 991-4606
Summary: Designed to helpcontrol the
many Access Conirol Lists that existin
an installatior that has a numtrer of
Notes databases. Provides a Notes
Server Adminisl,ral,or or a workstation
user with a way to observe thecontents
of the ACLs. l,ets users {ollow the
changes that take place to ensure that
they meet any special constraints.
Price: $995 for first four Notes servers;
each additional server is $395. DSSI
also provides enterprise licenses.
DSSI Database Utilities
Distributed Systems Solutions
lnternational, Inc.
Summary: A suite ofdatabase utilities
that allows periodic maintenance of
databases without the need to do so
manually from within the GUI.
Price: $495 for each Notes server.
DSSI also provides enterprise licenses.
Foresl & Trees
Channel Computing, Inc.
C)ne Harbour Place. Suite 500
Portsmouth, NH 03801
GO1) 427 -0444 fax: (603) 427-0385
Summary: A desktop decision-support
tool that lets users collect, combine,
monitor, and act upon information
from a variety of sources. Users can
create a customized "electronic dash-
databases. One ofthe main loopholes rn
Notes database security has always
been that when a database is not on a
Notes server, encrypted fields are the
only means of security. Shared encryp-
tion keys aren't easily administered or
maintained, and it seems that there
should be some easier way to protect the
databases on remoto users' laplops.
Other new leatures
Notes R3 can create full text indexes of
databases, so users can perform full text
searches, across multiple databases, us-
ing boolean logic.
Developers can also print a "design
synopsis" of their Notes database which
creates an ASCII text frte thatfully docu-
DEVELOPEB REPORT
Add-On Tools lor Lotus J{otes
board" ofkey business indicators, with
graphs and reports, that automatically
monitor the status of a trusiness
operation.
Price: standard edition, $695;
clienUserver edition, $?90.
lntoPump
Channel Computing, Inc.
Summary: InfoPump is a data router
that offers a complete development
environment for building and
implementing dara routing appl ica-
tions. ?he Notes API provides SQL-
like access to Notes data, making each
form a "table definition" and eachdocu-
ment a "row." Using the InfoPump
Script Language. you can develop sim-
ple scripls that move documents into
and out ofthe Notes database.
Price: $25,000 for two datat,ase
interfaces ald two dalabase
managers-
LighrShip
Pilot Software
40 Broad St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 350-7035 fax: {617) 695-7265
Summary: A data-driven visual
information access and analysis tool. A
graphical front end that provides
access to text, numbers, images, or
graphical data.
Price: LightShip single user, $795; 25
users, $27,500; LightShip Professional
(includes LightShip Lens) Developer,
$4,000; each additional developer,
$2,000.
ments all of a particular databases
fields, forms, and views. This feature
could be much more useful, however, if
Lotus would creaLe a Design Synopsis
database that could document multiple
databases in one location.
Conclusion
Companies looking to develop cli-
ent/server applications that allow re-
mote access and support multiple GUI
platforms should take a serious look at
Lotus Notes version 3.0. While it may
not be able to meet all of a particular
applications specification, a company
gets many more benefits fiom using Lo-
tus Notes R3 than having to use some
combination ofa database back end liom
Q+E Database Editor
Pioneer Software
5540 Centerview Dr., Suite 324
Raleigh, NC 27606
{919) 859-222O fax: (919) 859-9334
Summary: With Q+E, users can ex-
tract pertinent information, perform
ad-hoc queries and reports, and inte-
grate data into other applications.
Supports DB2, Ingres, Oracle, Sybase
SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Server,
SQLBase, NetWare SQL, XDB, OS/2
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files, and text fi1es.
Price: $299
OIE Database Library
Pioneer Software
Summary: Collection of DLLs that
provide a common call-level interface
for database access flom any applica-
tion capable ofcalling a DLL.
Price: $399
Application Programming
antedace (APll
Lotus Development Corp.
55 Cambridge Pkwy.
Cambridge, MA 02742
(617) 577-8500, (800) 343-54L4
Summary: A set ofC subroutines, data
structure, and mail functions that
allows you to write programs that
access Notes databases.
Price: call company
one vendor, a Windows-based develop-
ment system liom another vendor (com-
plete with run-time fees), a Macintosh-
based development system from a third
vendor, remote-access software from a
fourth vendor, and an e-mail system
from yet a fiIth vendor. There will al-
ways be the transaction-intesive appli-
cations that Notes cannot support, but
most any company can still benefit fiom
implementing Notes R3 for at least one
of its application development needs.
Eric W. Rayl, a panner ln Alison, Rayl &
Associates, has implemented Notes al a va-
riety of sottware developmenl companies
and tinancial institutions. Hecan be reached
al (818) 363-3575.1
DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 'I19
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 CLIENT/SERVBR
ADVISOR.
CASE STUDY
. Downsizing
. Forest & Trces
. ClientEeruer
By Linda L. Briggs
\IY Y
lil*t}"un"1ft:Tx
;a*r"Ti":fll*1T*#-
agement honed in on Channel Comput-
ing's Forest & Tlees. (At press time, Palo
Alto, Calif.-based Trinzic Corp. an-
nounced plans to acquire Channel Com-
putitrg.) But Release 2.0 had problems-
problems that would have precluded the
firm from using the product. After meet-
ing with Channel Computing, the com-
pany became a beta site for Release 3.0.
This article explores the process the
firm went through to select Forest &
Tlees and how they plan to use it.
Forest & Tlees is a data access and
reporting tool that runs under'vVindows.
Its SQL query engine ofers a single in-
terface to a host of data sources, includ-
ing dBASE-compatible files, Paradox,
R:BASE, DataEase, Q&A, Novell
Btrieve, Lotus Notes, ASCII, and binary
flat files. It supports a number of data-
base servers, including Microsoft and
Sybase SQL Server, Oracle, Gupta
SQLBase, Novell NetWare SQL,
INGRES, and Quadbase. The program
also offers links to Irtus 1-2-3, Sym-
phony, ard Microsoft Excel, and sup-
ports the Windows dynamic data
exchange (DDE) method of real-time
linking of information in different
packages,
Forest & Trees includes such user-
friendly features as automatic query
generation and a clean, graphical inter-
face. Prograrrmers carr use it to build
attractive interfaces with features like
'hot spots" and "drilling down"-graphi-
cal ways of allowing the user to select
and focus in on specific data. A hot spot,
Forest &
Thees Gives
GUIFace to
Mai
Data
like a railio button, is a location on the
user's screen. When the user clicks on
the hot spot, a designated action takes
place-printing a report for example.
Drilling down is similar, but allows us-
ers to click on a location to focus in on a
particular piece of data. A dollar sign
might represent sales figures, for exam-
ple, and could be set up so the user can
extract more detail by clicking on the
dollar sigl. The system can be pro-
grammed to expand on that piece of
data, drilling down to more detailed
sales information.
Fane tuning
Programming is done in Forest &
Tlees'script language. It can be pro-
grammed to build queries "on the fly" as
users are making selections. According
to consultant Adam Lebit, "that makes
it relatively easy to program. Scripts can
: vl.t'a!D.& (&trtgg.rror&,2
-=
-l
Product Sales Tracking
E ham, Mass. firm to develop a prototJrpe
EE EEE
e
access other scripts, scripts can acceas
queries, and they can retrieve data from
queries." Lebit also explains that the
scripting language is "very user-
friendly, very easy to understand." This
formula, for example, creatcs a dialog
box that prompts the user to choose 6:om
a list of items:
DlelogrD(
List" )
This query prompts the wer for an
item code and returns the descriptiou of
that it€m:
SBITECT dlascrlDtl6E
ltd_trbl.
FItOti
yh€rc lt.!d_cod.r - dlial,og(,E[tcr
It.n Cod. to Id.rEtify, )
This formula sets the variable drill to
the yalue of the last triggeted row of
column 2 ofthe last triggered view:
.6t.trlEg (,thi11,, &tELggcr-
))
This formula opens the group All Sales
and calculates the view PROFIT:
GrouD ('AEolI" ,AtI 8a1c., )
VI. T(C,IJTT,L. I|E,, , PROEIT, }
Lebit is a software conaultant who was
hired in August 1992 by the Framing-
of the executive information system
they'd conceptualized. By late Septem-
ber, he'd produced a simple protot5rpe.
"They wanted something fast," he ex-
plains of the four-week turnaround.
"They were still considering other tools
at the same time."
Before Forest & Trees, sales and mat-
keting data was downloaded to the local
DAIA BASED ADVISOR/I\,AY 1993 121
 CASE STUDY

IBM RS-6000 computer from
across the country (it still is). Oracle was
then uEed to manage the data and sreate
tables- To extract meaningful data, us-
ers had to print batch files from the
mainframe-a long, tedious Process.
A good fit
According to l,ebit, the 6rm was look-
ing for an on-line tool that enabled them
offrces to view and manipulate information
quickly. "They wanted lbothl reporting
a selection process.
tool and a query tool." Management
want€d the ability to create meaningful
reports, and to drill down on critical
data, extracting the information needed
and discarding the rest. Unlike Oracle,
Eorest & Trees is solely a query tool.
Users can view but caanot change any
data-an important point during the
Data extraction is now done with
Forest & Tlees residing on the PC. The
product sends its queries to the Oracle
engine, and Oracle perforrns the query.
Forest & Tlees then presents the infor-
mation in a tabular or graphical format,
depending on programming.
Speed was a problem at first, Lebit
explains, because "we had one big table
in Oracle" with as many as five million
records. He's now working with in-house
programmers to design ditrerent kinds
oftables in Oracle. Speed is now "not as

Check into dotomol's much of a problem, but [the system] still

doesn't satisfu everyone's request. We're
redesigning some more tables." Except
Business Monogement for that glitch, Lebit says working with
the Oracle tables went extremelY
Tools smoothly.
The company chose Forest & Ttees af-
t€r looking at several other producta,
Power, Performance and Security including Pilot Corp.'s Lightship, Oracle
Datamar's Eusiness M anage ment Library olfers Jeatu res lound only in top Card, Asymetrix's ToolBook, and Power-
accounting packages. Each module otfers multi-levei logon and password Builder. Ed Orton, Information Tech-
proteclion , and special functions onlylor supervisors. Allthis, plusthe capability ot nologies Manager, was instrumeutal in
posting to prior periods, 3-year comparison s on a single statement. and much more the selection of Forest & Ttees-and in
hiring Lebit. He says Lighkhip had been
Maximum Compatibility selected when a team member saw For-
Our Business Managemenl Tools a.e fully com patible with arrm4or dBase est & Tlees at a Windows conference,
e interpreters and compilers, including dBase lll Plus (v.1.1), dBase bought a trial copy, and showed the
oxpro, DBXL, Clipper, and Quicksilvef product selection team. Although the
team had seen other products with nice
Free, Unlimited Tech SuPPort graphical interfaces, the demonstration
\obody oeas Datana/s suppol seryrces. We provide Iendly. expert tecnn cal sLpool by of Forest & Tlees proved crucial. After
phone lax. 01 Conp,lserve in the Dala Baseo Adv'sor Forum. and on our ow l e leclrclic seeing the demo, and with some urgiog
bu let n Doard And rts all aGol"tely \ee Peiod \o subscription tee. no trme inil. from Orton, who especially favored
Chaanel's product, the selection t€am
VARs Build on a Solid Foundation chose to go with Forest & Trees.
Each ollhe Datamar Business Toolmodules operates independently or Orton then brought Lebit in to develop
together. Buy whalyor.r want, when you want, and expand when you choose a prototype before proceeding further.
Every module is designed for multi-user environments o, up to 255 users on a Lebit had a background in Paradox and
standard local area network. Each one reatures easy to read and modify source an IBM product called Metaphor with
code, so you can tailor it lo meet your cuslome.'s specific needs. And don't forget to
ask about our dealer p.ogram. some rough similarities to Forest &
Tiees. At the tiEe, he knew nothing
about Forest & Ttees.
Datamar Business Management Tools
Payroll Accounts Payable Order Entry We do Windows
Sales Analysis Purchase Order & lnvenlory Job Costing According to Orton, product cost, in-
Eslimating lnvoicing & Accounts Beceivable Bill of Materials cluding associated fees (such as up-
General Ledger
grades, licensing fees, maintenance
$198.00 per multi-user module. $15.00 Demo available (cost applies costs, and so forth), wasn't a big factor.
toward purchase.) FREE Menu system with 3-module purchase.
Source or executable versions available (Forest & Tlees is priced at $695 for the
Orders received by noon (Pacific Time) shipped same day. Standard edition; $790 for the
ClienUServer edition, with access to
dotqmol systems host-based environments an additional
$195.) What was crucial was the Win-
dows interface. nlt was very important
6969-D Corte Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 921 21 that we pick a tool that ran in the Win-
(8q)) 223-9963 Calif. (619) 4s2-oo44 . Fax (619) 4s2-oo88
. dows environment. We picked Windows
as a strat€gic direction lwithin the cor-
Producing xBase accounting applications since 1981 porationl , going with tools that are much
' Al s pEc.ny d .osp6cll@ mef&tutoE
cooyngftB
more intuitive." With Forest & Tlees,
Orton explains, 'lve're trying to cieat€

122 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993


Flgure 1--+orest & Tr€es'alarm triggers
lnltlate acllon based on specilic business
condlllons.
---!,.1
.3--l
--r--.1
--L-l
i-9=.!!! E !:!l
an information utility that lets the users
do their own thing."
In early October 1992, Lebit and
resentative from the company visited
Channel Computing. They talked with
Channel about the upcoming release of
a rep-
Forest & Tlees 3.0, which was still in the
development phase. According to Lebit,
"we brought up some of [our] concerns
Ibased on 2.01, and they took care of
them. They showed us a demo of 3.0."
The firm's main concerns with 2.0 were
the reporti.ug tools and the graphical
user int€rface-ironically, two of the
program's strengths now, according to
Lebit.
In version 2.0, for example, the report-
ing tool could handle only simple calcu-
lations. "It couldn't combine calcula-
tions, it couldn't do multiplication and
division." In addition, programmers
could use only a limited number of for-
mulas predefined by Forest & Trees, and
'ltwas a one-pass report tool." In 3.0, the
reporting tool is enhanced so that it can
now do complex calculations. Program-
mers can also write formulas. Perhaps
the most important improvement, Lebit
says, wErs that the report writ€r was
changed from a one-pass to a tn o-pass
tool.
The graphical user irterface was sig-
nficantly improved as well. Hot spots
were added, so thatwhen users drag the
cursor over a particular area of the
screen, the cursor changes shape and the
area can be selected. Version 3.0 added
lots ofvisual touches, such as on-screen
buttoDs and a bett€r drill-down capabil-
ity. In 3.0, l,ebit says, "you can do all
these complicated things. You can actu-
ally customize the way your window
looks, Iandl how l,he wiew inside the win-
dow looks." Vereion 3.0 also added the
ability to import bit-maps and to custom-
ize the menu bar.
The average user at the company is a
sales or marketing manager, who relies
on the functions programmed into For-
CASE STUDY
est & Trees by Lebit. Orton expects time this article appears. The firm is
other, more technical users, such as data making some firal changes to the Oracle
analysts, to build their own applications database. Eventually, there will be more
and create their environments. He than 30 users. For now, fewer than 10
maintains, though, that uanyone who are using the new system. All users will
can use 1-2-3 can use Forest & Tlees. run PCs oo a Novell LAN.
With Powerbuilder, for example, you According to one user who's tried out
need more of an apptcations person." the new system, speed is somewhat ofa
The Forest & Tlees system isn't en- concern. Michael Borgos is manager of
tirely in use yet, but should be by the sales and marketing information re-
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DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY
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 GASE STUDY

sources. Borgos, who describes himself
as the "techie computer guru in sales
and marketing," conceptualized the ap-
plication before Lebit created it.
"I!e been playing with [the new sys-
teml to learn it," Borgos says. As a user
with a technical background, he finds
some aspecta of Forest & Ttees tedious.
"I find it somewhat clunky and slow com-
pared to what I'n used to $'ith PC data-
bases," he admits, professing a prefer-
ence for R:BASE. But Borgos concedes
that the Windows interface is important
for most users, and says he Iikes the
product "because of its ability to make
[data accessl very easy for the user."
But he can't resist adding that
"R:BASE just zips through this [kind of
data manipulation.l There's a trade-off
in favor ofease of use. You give up speed
and a snappy response." Although the
software's not as fast as he'd like, Borgos
Bays Forest & Tlees has "come a long
way from 2.0. fThat version had] many,
many limitations."
Figure 2-With For€st & Trees' two-pass
reporting, summ8ry lnlormatlon can be
incorporated lnto an sxecutivs summary
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.on-screen damage anallsis reports.
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How maintainable is Forest & Tlees?
"It's very maintainable," Lebit says, al-
though he says a prograrnmer will still
need to get a feel for the application and
'lvhat you're going to look at." He will
train one other person, the in-house da-
tabase administrator, to support his ap-
plication once he leaves.
What does l,ebit thin-k are the main
strengths of Forest & Trees? "It's very
user-friendly.' The graphical interface,
he thinls, is perhaps its strongest fea-
ture. Ofequal importance, though, iB the
support he received during develop-
ment. "I have to say, Channel Comput-
ing has great technical support. They're
still very helpfirl.'
Orton says that the only drawback to
Forest & Trees is tbat there's no Macin-
tosh version. "It's an issue because sen-
ior managers in this division mostly
have Macintoshes. I have to satisfy
[their] needs as well-" For now, Orton
says, the company is once again looking
at Oracle Card as a front end for the
Masintosh users.

c€t fte
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On his part, Lebit thinks the introduc-
tion of Forest & Ttees has been a success
so far. The package has been "veryfavor-
ably accepted. I think people have been
the problem. waiting for it for a while now." In fact,
Dotr't wait until your
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1993
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 CLIENIYSERVER
ADVISOR
DATABASE REPORTING
. PowerBuilder
. Report writing
. sol
By Michael Horwith
l co[lmon comDlaint as-
,l sociated witir Power-
/ I g"lld". is its lack of a
F{ *riter. While it's
4 lt.,i""eportthat PowerBuilder
doesn't have a full-featured report
generator, most of the capabilities
required for reporting are available
and accessible in PowerBuilder
with minimal effort. There are, of
course, some reports that require
custom programming-especially
if they have to mat h an existing
form-but standard, tabular re-
ports are easily created and format-
ted using PowerBuilder's DataWindows.
A DataWindow is a PowerBuilder ob-
ject used to int€rface with data. Gener-
ally, this data resides on a clienUserver
back end. The data used in this article's
examples is ourcompany prospect track-
ing system, which sits on Microsoft SQL
Server. DataWindows are used for in-
teractive access to data, allowing updat-
ing, deleting, or inserting, or for query-
ing, retrieving, and formatting.
Creating a DataWindow
In PowerBuilder, programming is ac-
complished though painters, a Power-
soft term for the icon groups that are
used to develop and maintain applica-
tions. DataWindows are created by
clickingthe DataWindow icon, and pick-
ing the New control button. DataWin-
dows are available in one of three gen-
eral formats: tabular, freeform, or grid.
For most reports, tabular is the obvious
choice. T'l-re developer is then presented
with a set of windows to construct the
Using Data
Windowsfor
Reporting
with
PowerBuilder
h @
# tr
? tvn
lvt-
T-
Jor Srown
data source statement, generally a SQL
SELECT statement. One of the great
features ofPowerBuilder is the way this
stat€ment is constructed. PowerBuilder
has avisual programming interface that
painlessly coDstructs SQL statements.
WHERE clauses can be added to select
statements by clicking on the join icon,
and joining databases based on key val-
ues. All this is accomplished though
point-and-click programming.
After the SQL statement is con-
it may be edited by choosing
structed,
the Rows.tEdit Data Source menu option.
if the back end
T'l-ris may be necessary
uses s3mtax-based optimization to fine
tune performance. One warning: Power-
Builder compiles a positional relation-
ship between the columns selected and
the DataWirdow that is set at the time
the DataWindow is created. This rela-
tionship is not dynamic; therefore, col-
umls should not be deleted fiom the
select statement, and columns should
only be added at the end of the colurnn
Iistjust before the FROM clause. There
is some diecussion that the next
version will make this relation-
ship d5mamic.
Grouping data
Once the SQL SELECT state-
ment is generat€d , the report may
be formatted, once again using a
point-and-click programming
style. DataWindows are con-
structed in the general form of
header, detail, summary, and
footer areas. Within each area
there are typical Windows-style
formatting capabilities regarding
text, fonts, colors, and graphics.
More importantly, there's a capa-
bility in the Datawindow to cre-
ate groupings. Groupings are sets of
data that are logically reported together.
For example, to develop a report ofcon-
tact history in the prospect tracking sys-
tem, the data is accessed from three ta-
bles: prospects, contacts, and con-
tact_history. These tables are accessed
through a SELECT stat€ment. The goal
is to present that data by prospect, fur-
ther grouped by contact, in the dat€ or-
der ofthe contact. This is accomplished
by creating group 1 on prospect_name,
and group 2 on contact_fname
+
contact_lname.
Sorting and tiltering data
The data reported by the DataWindow
is usually a result ofthe SQL statement
associated with the DataWindow.
Therefore, the data may be selected and
orderedby the back end to exactly match
the groupings and requirements of the
report. Not€, however, that the entire
selected data set will sit in memory
while the report processes. If the SQL
DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993 127
 DATABASE REPORTIl{G

Flgure lJnteractive construction o, an soL SELECT statement. Flgure 2-Grouplng in the oalawindow Palnter'

Contrct ort
n
c.rr.tyl Q-r.-c

cdb( 6nr.{rr.6.

stat€ment is too broad, the report will
blow up with a memory error. If a large
amount of data is required, the data
should be gathered into, and reported
from, cursors.
DataWindows have the ability to sort
data by columns in either ascending or
descending order, and may also be used
to filter data. Filtering is accomplished
by building the frlter expression though
the *speciff filter" window. This allows
the developer to visually program the
logical expression for the filter.
The ability to sort and frlter on both the
front end and the back end is a nice
feature. It allows the PowerBuilder de-
veloper to take advantage ofthe coopera-
tive processing nature of client/server
systems, and decide which processor is
most emcient for any particular r€port.
Fomatting the teport
At this point, the report is furctional,
but not quite finished. One of the nicest
features of the DataWindow painter is
the Design/Test menu option. ltris op-
tion allows the developer to test the win-
dow as it's developed by retrieving data
and formatting it to the DataWindow
specifications. In a typical session, the
developer tests the DataWindow dozens

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128 DATA BASED ADVISORA.4AY 1993


of times to get the final look arrd feel.
This is particularly true during the for-
matting stages. Each piece ofdata may
bg formatted by providing a mask.
Masks are extremely flexible, and can be
construct€d to format data into almost
any appearance. PowerBuilder comes
with a wide assortment of default
masks. I'or example, the mask for a
phone number is "(@@) @@@@C@'. If
the data refers to a bit map, PowerBuit-
der can be told to retrieve the bit map,
rather than the name of the bit map.
Assuming your printer can print the
graphic, the report will include the
picture.
DataWindow also includes a series of
drawing tools to embed bit maps and
create line, rectangle, oval, and rounded
rectangle objects. These are tlpical Win-
dows drawing tools, and although they
don't compete with dedicated graphics
packages like Microsoft Power Point,
they're nicely integrated into the
DataWindow painter.
Adding calculations
Although this report doesn't require it,
it's simple to add calculations to a Data-
Window report. Clicking on the 'treate
computed column" icon generates a
screen that allows the developer to inter-
actively build a computation statement.
The computed column may be placed in
any section of the report, just as SQL
data may be placed in header, detail, or
footer sections. One obvious application
of computed colum-ns is for page num-
bers. ln fact, PowerBuilder provides
functions for Page0 alrd PageCountQ,
making it simple to format "Page 2 of12"
in the footer section of the report.
Calling the ?eport from the
application
This is where the real elegance of the
DataWindow becomes clear. DataWin-
dows are accessed from standard
windows as a control, just like a single
line edit or a drop-down list box. A
Datawindow control is placed on a win-
dow, and is populated with a s
DataWindow object. The control has a
number ofattributes, one ofwhich is the
visible attribute. In order to send the
report to the printer, make the visible
attribute false, and use the PowerBuil-
der functions Retrieve(dw_Control) and
Print(dw_Control). Ifyou wish to give
the user additional control, you can call
the PrintsetupO function, which acti-
vat€s a standard Windows Print Man-
ager dialogwindow. That's all there is to
it. The data is retrieved according to the
DATABASE BEPORTIIiIG
SELECT statement you provided in the
DataWindow, and the riport orints to
the Windows print manager. Since the
DataWindow control has a visible attrib-
ute, the report can come to the screen
instead of the printer by making the
visible attribute true, and just issuing
the Retrieve(dw Control) function. ln
this case, you maywant to also make the
HScroll_bar and VScroll_Bar attributes
true as well. In either case, the whole
process includes fewer than a dozen
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DATA BASED ADVISOH/MAY 1993 129
 CLIENT/SERVER
ADVISOR. Set-oriented
CLIENT/SEBVER DEVELOPER
. List management
List Boxes
. PowerBuilder
. sol Worth IO,OOO
Words
By Dave Menninger FlgurE 1-The PowerBuilder selection screen

I recently developed a data-entry appU- frl. Edft

t cation, and was reminded ofthe stark dif-
ferences between row-oriented and set- Sh tldodr Pon Opade. Sueg. t t.
oriented databases. This lesson was G, Pitrhd
driven home when I tried to use my stand-
ard list box routines for a list box that T
contained approximately 10,000 items.
Naturally, I mairtain the list of items in a o9..1 drai potio! ELd
tr@,
databaae table on my server. Eve4rthing worked fine for my o
smaller list boxes (with less than a few hundred rows), but the a
bigger list boxes (with up to 10,000 items) took more than 30
seconds to load.
In row-oriented databases you can quickly-almost
instantaneously-position the user anywhere in an indexed
set ofdata using a SEEK. However, even SQL databases that
support scrollable cursors require you to FETCI1 and evaluate
rows one at a time. Every row that must be examined by the
workstation implies increased network traffic and additional
workstation processing time. One pot€ntial solution is to
restrict the result set returned to the workstation. / I aat !9 .61.cts stat@Ets udirg Dr.!6dl DarEat.rl
Included below are descriptions of the objects I use in my !.l.ct-.tr.irg - TSEITEC!' + coljarE +' EROI( i +
library of tools and how I adapted those objects to accommo- talrlrrraa
date large lists. PREPIBE sqlsa PROIi :.c16ct-rtrlBg ualDg sqlce,
Background DECIARE ilya_curlo! DYtrAtlIC CD:RsOR FOR a(I1ra,
I was developing the application using PowerBuilder 2.0a
accessing Microsof[ SQL Server 4.2. In my suite of applica- OPE!!Drluttlc alf.D curaori
tions, I frequently selected one or more employees from the lf .qlca..qlcod6 < 0 tb.n
list of all employees. In fact, I had several lists from which I llossagcBox ('DataBasc Erro!', aqIcr. aqlorrtcxt)
ratura sqlca. aq].cod6
needed to pick one or mor:e it€ms, but the employee list was cEtt if
the largest. To present the user with a simple interface to
make their selection I designed the screen in figure 1. ll \rrn off r.dr.i, uatLl all ch.rgct hav6 b..a rrfl.
T?re drop-down list box on the IeIt displays a list of items. g.tRc&aw ( ildtlblrela, Flr,SE )
When users double click on an item on the left, it's added to
the list on the right. When users double click on an item on ll i@v. .Ey it6t fr@ tha &oI) al a litt bot
the right, it's removed from the list. Once users are satisfied Rca.t ( ftit]'blrrrE )
with the selections theyve made, they click on the OK button.
During the opening of the window, a function is called that // f.tch laatlviatur]. Ll@r aad aald to alroD tloxa Ltlt
populates the dropdown list box on the left with the appro-
tto tlhl]'c sq1ca..qlcod. - O
Fct.ch a!.rr_cur.or iuto :aaLl_striagi
priate items from the database. The function takes tlu'ee if sqlca.6g1cod. - O th.E
parameters: the table name that holds the items, the column Addtta (datlblrattn,
to be retrieved, and the drop-down list box to be updated. aail_atrlag )
Originally the script looked like: .Ir.lf .qlca.lqlcodc < 0 th.a
/ /poDu1at6 dal].b
ll6aaag6B6. ( iData8aac
strlng ailtl_strirg, a.I.ct strlag Elror", rqlca. aqlarrtarrt )
irts69.r !R.tVa1 - 0 aIlcwaI - aqlca. rqlcod.

130 DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY .I993

 CLIENT/SERVER DEVELOPER
a1a6
DIatVal = Eqfca. sqlcoalB
caal lf
LooP
// Not, w€ can r€d.ral' tsb6 obj.ct.
getR.dllarr ( aillblraB, IRUE )
Cloa6 alf.d_cursor i
rstura D.B.atval
The problem
If enough iterations are made through the loop above, the
performance of this window becomes unacceptable. Whether
that point is at 250 or 10,000 or 100,000 doesn't really matter.
The pointis some Iists could be large enoughto cause perform-
ance problems. Ifthe Window can't be presented to users in a
few seconds, they become liustrated. In addition. we don't
want to push 10,000 rows of data around the network
unnecessarily.
I tried several things before arriving at the final solution. I
considered loading up the lists or windows in advaace, and
retaining them for use through the entire session. The advan-
tage ofthis approach is that I only had to incur the overhead
of loading the list once, and it could be used as often as
necessary during the session. The disadvantages include the
coosumption ofWindows resources to maintain manyofthese
windows--one for employees, one for inventory items, one for
invoices, etc. In addition, the amount oftime necessaryto load
this Window became unacceptable. Finally I was concerned
that the data would become stale if other users made changes
to the items in the lists.
A variant on this approach was to Ioad the drop-down list
box only if necessary. While this approach could reduce the
initial load time, it would still require an excessive amount of
time anal could result in stale data. I considered alternate
means ofinputting the data, such as direct input by the user
with validation after the userwas done. Validating a few lines
of user input against even a very large table could be done
rapidly, but this approach offered the user no guidance or
assistance on the selection of the items. For instance, if the
user yi/as unsure how to spell an employee's name, they would
have to tr?e in their best guess and see if it passed the
validation test.
If I could find a way to get acceptable performance regard-
less of the size of the list, I could present the user with a
consistent interface for large and small lists alike.
The solution
With some relatively minor modifications I was able to
continue using the standard object I created. The key was to
limit the number of rows included in the drop-down list box.
Basically, I present only a subset of the list at any point in
time. However, if I limit the number of rows in the list, then
I need to provide the users a way to easily change the portion
ofthe list displayed at any one time.
To limit the number of rows, I imposed an additional con-
straint on our'fetch loop." I declared a new instance variable,
nRow_Count, and I limited the number ofiterations through
the loop to nRoLcount. Actually, I only limit the iterations
ifnRow_Count is greater than zero. Since zero is an unrealis-
tic value to use as alimit, we assume that zero is an indication
to list all items. Zero is also the defaultvalue for nRow_Count,
so we cai continue to use the object without modifting the
calling routines (unless we want to take advantage ofthe new
feature). Now our DO WHILE looks like this
Do Wbil6 sqlca.sqlcoits = O alral i <= rRofl Coult
Fctch. ..
If ERot, CouEt, > O th6tr
i=t+1
Eaat if
looD
The limit on the loop enables the window to pop up much
more rapidly, but it only contains the first nRow_Count items.
In addition to the limit on the loop, I now simulate a portion
of the behavior of a staadard drop-down list box. If the user
t5rpes in one or more characters, I reposition the list. For
instalce, to locate "SMITH"the user might tlpe in "SMI"" and
we select those rows greater than or equal to "SMI". Again,
we retrieve only the first nRow-Count items that meet this
criterion. To accomplish this repositioning, I modified the
populate_ddlb function to accept a parameter for the WHERE
clause.
sc16ct Btlitrg - .SELECT DISTII|CT " +
coljara + n EROII' + tablrarE
If awt6r. <> "tr .Irh6!
a616ct-atriEg = .€16ct_string +
tr!|IIEREi+elfh6!6
EEdl If
To trap the user's keystrokes, I use the Keyevent.
Ifthe user
t3,pes in
some characters that cause ddlb item list.text to
change, the populate_ddlb function is called:
aliub_it@_1i.t. t.nt + "' "
populat._ddlb ( acolN.!., BTabL., datlb it@ 1ist,
aWb.!G, E.Rotr Cou1t, )
Concluaion
Use the right tool for the right job. The Iist box control is a
powerful userinterface mechanism that's easy to understand.
It offers the user much more information that a post-processed
validation routine. Users gets an immediate response, and
can generally learn from their initial entries. Rather than
abandon this tlTe of user interface, with a few simple steps
you can overcome the performance limitations of using it in
its native mode. First, Iimit the number of rows processed.
Second, provide the user with a means ofnavigating through
the list. Ideally, you should try to accomplish these functions
in such a way that you can use the object in its native mode
as well.
These techniques aren't limited to listboxes. Any object that
involves a large number of rows from the database could
exhibit performance problems when accessing large tables.
For instance, you should also consider a similar approach
when using PowerBuilder's datawindow, SQlWindow's table
window, or other tools'browse mechanisms.
Oave Menningsr managesthe Boslon offica ot Flnancial Dynamics.
Financial Dynamics speclalizes in consulting and tralning ,or
clients whg requirg custom appllcation development. You can
contact him at (617)246-9551 or on Comp|Iseve 70274,2502- A
DATA BASED ADVISORA4AY 1993 131
 Memo To Management
RDBMS Vendor Update:
Who'sWw?
By Jeanette
Sill-Holeman
When shopping for
database servers,
you have a lot of
choices. Let's look at
r/ ,, six vendors-Infor-
mix Software Inc.,
Ingres Business
Unit of ASK Companies, Oracle Corp.,
Sybase Inc., Microsoft, and Gupta
Corp.-that have dominated the rela-
tional database server market. All of
them are well-established, artd all are
making strong moves into the
clienUserver arena. There are differ-
ences between the companies that can
help prospective customers decide which
one is best for their particular needs.
These are not the only players in the
game, but these may be on your list if
you're shopping for a server.
Tune in to lnformix
With revenue ofnearly $I80 million in
1991, Informir Software, Inc. is the sec-
ond largest RDBMS provider (after Or-
acle) in the IJND( market. Informix has
concentrated on UNIX since its founding
in 1980, and UNIX-based products still
contribute more than 90 percent of its
revenue. Historically, Informix has
focused on the low end of the market,
targeting companies Lhat were downsiz-
ing and selling largely through the
reseller channel-
The current version of the Informix
RDBMS, INFORMIX Online 5.0,
shipped in January of1992. INFORMIX
Online 6.0, a faster, multithreaded,
database targeted at the high end ofthe
information systems segment, is due out
this summer. Initial platforms will be
H ew Iett-Packard, IBM R5/6000,
Sequent Computer Systems, and Sun
Microsyetems machines. INFORMIX
Onlioe 6.0 is targeted to compete tech-
nically with market leaders Oracle and
Sybase.
Future releaaes include Online 6.1,
which will include a parallel data query
(PDQ) option (due spring 1994) and On-
Line 7.0 with both PDQ and support for
loosely coupled multiprocessor systems
(due early in 1995).
132 DATA BASEO ADVISORiMAY 1993
Informix is placing increasing empha-
sis on tools and applications, The
company is planning to optimize its tool
sets for building open systems applica-
tions, but has no plans to create CASE
tools. Informix is one of the first compa-
nies to offer links between its RDBMS
and object databases.
What's up with lngres
Ingres is a contemporary of Informix
and about the same size, with reported
revenue of $180 million in 1991. The
ASK Companies acquired Ingres in
1990, a move that slowed Ingres's com-
petitiveness in the RDBMS arena as the
company was assimilated into its new
parent. Ingres is working to re-establish
its position in the marketplace, but the
company is only now beginning to climb
back into the public eye.
The INGRES Intelligent Database 6.4
has a strong technological reputation,
and is known for its ability to integrate
object and daLa management. Ingres is
committed to achieving a broad platform
base and open connectivity for its
RDBMS, working to provide the tools
necessar-y t allow the RDBMS to in-
teroperate in heterogeneous environ-
ments. The INGRES Intelligent Data-
base was released simultaneously on
UNIX, VMS, and PC platforms.
INGRES/Gateways provide accesa to
data on IBM'S IMS and DB2 databases,
Digital Equipment's RMS, Rdb
databases, and Hewlett-Packard's
ALLBASE/SQL on HP-UX and
MPE4(L. Nevertheless, marketing prob-
lems have kept Ingres among the com-
puter industry's best kept secrets.
A look inside Oracle
Founded in 1977 ard with 1992 reve-
nues of nearly $1.2 billion, Oracle is the
oldest and largest ofthe relational data-
base vendors. Oracle isjust beginaing to
recover from product and maragement
slips in 1989 and 1990 that caused the
company to report its first-ever loss
(1991).
Oracle initially targeted the high end
ofthe RDBMS market, supporting Digi-
tal EquipmentVIUS platforms aswell as
IBM mainframes. Today Oracle's
RDBMS runs on platforms ranging liom
workstations and low-end aeryers to
mainframes, and is gaining strength in
UNIX. Oracle is beginning to acknow-
Iedge the existence ofother dalabases in
its environments. In November 1992 the
company announced ORACLE Glue, an
application programning interface that
allows ORACLE to interoperate with
DBMSs ransing Aom IBM DB2 to the
Sharp Wizard and rivals such as Sybase.
The company's latest version of its
RDBMS, ORACLET was late to market
and about 18 months later than Oracle
originally announced, giving its com-
petitors time to add some of Oracle's
pre-amounced features to their prod-
ucts. In addition, tools to support
ORACLET are several months behinil
the RDBMS engine, and ORACLET
doesn't yet support objects. Neverthe-
less, the RDBMS is proving to be a for-
midable contender in the marketplace
because of Oracle's size and reputatiou
and because the RDBMS is setting TPC
benchmark speed records.
Oracle is meeting increasing competi-
tion fiom the smaller RDBMS vendors,
most notably Sybase, and will likely con-
tinue to lose market share as the smaller
vendors increase in product strength
and marketing expertise. The company
is fighting back, however. In addition to
its continuing technological ilevelop-
ments, Oracle is taking advantage ofits
large resources to build its consulting
business and develop applications,
move6 that can help compensate for its
slip in technological leadership by
providing the adjunct serwices users
require.
Sybase
Fouaded in 1984, Sybase is the youag-
est ofthe top RDBMS vendors. The first
commercial version of its SYBASE
RDBMS shipped in 1987. At about $160
million, the compauy is now almost the
same size as Informix and Ingres. This
upstart company has become the one to
beat in the RDBMS market. It s making
Oracle especially newous, as is clear by
Oracle's frequent focus on Sybase in both
ads and intergiews.
Sybase is directly targeting the
client/server arena, with products
specifically designed for this segment's
 THE
I lUllt I
I I

WAITEI! Tll BUITD

32-BtT

The Microsoftu SQL Server take advantage of SQL Server for

Client-Server Development Kit for
Windows NT- is now being served.
Now you have everything you
YtlUR WAIT need to develop applications on
today's most powerfuI platform for
IS llUEE.
client-server computing. Use rhis
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32-bit architecture, high reliability, syrn-
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The development kit contains a
powerful new mulriprocessing version
of SQL Server thar offers dramatic
increases in scalabiliry and perfor-
ItG dsvslolmenl mance. Completely integrated with
lit imlud8s E the lJTindows NT operating system,
conpleb version
ol S0l. Seryer lnd this new 32-bit database features
I iet o, rutust distributed management tools for
mamgemenl t00ls.
increased usabiliry and control.
SQL Server for lTindows NT
is fully compatible with all versions
lWindows NL And over 150 front-
end tools are available to help you
get new applications up and running.
'u(/ith
new direct support for
TCP/IB SQL Server offers seamless
integration wirh your UNIX" envi-
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NT are available for many important
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\I7ith its increased power,
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SybaseP Already, thousands
existing corporate applications can
of Itlkxwtt
Making it easier

sybise s 3 rtEiskrtJ ad.D Loisrbae,lnc.UNIXr:rcsNrerc,lridem kDtUNxsysetut bonbc,1*iolly oM.n i[ridi4 oiNovdllx.


Run Your Text Based
Database Program
Tfansparently In
Graphics Mode
mu n
wirh IMAGIN. atl of the functions of
your FoxPro, dBASE, Magic PC,
gC++ applications continue
Ctarion, and
to operate in graphics mode. The text
screen, including the blinking cursor.
is completly emulated for all screen
resolutions! Text emulation is so fast,
you may not even realize you're in
graphics mode - Thatis, until you see
graphic images placed on the screen
with blazing speed!
Check out these featul es:
. suppo$ most SVGA, VGA, EGA, CGA
aod Hercules mono display udupt"r. *,tti
re'olution'upto 1024 b) 768b) 256color\.
. Zooming andscrollingofall supponed image
types.
. Automatic high speed dithering,
images, when required.
. Automatic scaling of images lo maintain the
proper aspecl ratio regardless of lhe curent
graphics mode.
. High rpeed paleue oplimi/alion and fitlin8.
. ing the low end but moving increasingly
Super fast decompression of GIF, PCX,
and BMP file formats.
. Automatic command suspension by keyboard
activity allows for quick scaning of database
records.
. has the largest installed base and sup-
HP Laserjet lI or compalable printer suppo(
. User defioable coordinate system allows for
consistent r€sults across all video modes.
. Mouse suppo(ed in all video modes.
. EMS, XMS, alld UMB memory supported.
. Operates in as little as 9.5 K ofconventional
UMB memory.
dBs., claio., rc, And Larr.r
FoxPrc, Magic
m ftdcmorts of $eir r.spetirc mnpmi€s
Imagine Sofiware
Solutions Inc.
7136 Summit Ave.
',$s;r^ Cincinruti. OH 15243
1-800-453-4722
i513) 9E4-9E60
134 DATA BASED ADVISOR/I\,AY 1993
MEMO TO MANAGEMENT
needs. SYBASE
System 10, actu-
Oracle is meeting
ally version 5 of its
RDBMS, is a fam-
ily of server soft-
ware products due
increasing competition
from the smaller
in 1993. Syst€m 10
is designed to ad- RDBMS vendors,
dress distributed
database needs most notably Sybase.
with its Replica-
tion Server, and in-
formation syst€ms
control with its
Control Servers for
backup and recovery. The SQL Server 10
database engine supports multigigabyte
databases and faster processing. Ship-
ment ofSYBASE System 10 will roughly
with ORACLET, keeping the
coincide
two top RDBMS vendors in fierce
competition.
Sybase was late in offering ilevelop-
ment tools, but the company has been
-
working to fix the problem. In October
1992, Sybase created a Tools Technology
Group to expand the company's toolkit.
Most of the current offerings, both
& graphical and character based, came to
the company with a series of acquisi-
tions, including Gain Technology in
1992 and Deft, Inc. in 1991. Unlike its
chief competitors, Sybase doesnt offer
applications and has expressedno intent
to do so.
Maghty Microsoft
of color Software giant Microsoft is a signifi-
cant contributor to the database server
segment, primarily through its develop-
ment and marketing relationship with
Sybase. The relationship began in 1987
when Microsoft decided to concentrate
on the networking needs of RDBMS us-
ers, rather than on the PC database
market. Microsoft turned to Sybase for
its distribut€d database expertise. The
result was SQL Sewer, desigaed to con-
nect users' PCs to their mission-critical
corporate ilata. SQL Server runs on ma-
jor PC LANs, including Novell NetWare
and IBM LAN Server, and is available
from both Microsoft and Sybase. Mi-
or crosoft SQL Server runs under DOS and
OS/2, while SYBASE SQL Server runs
under UNIX and Digital Equipment's
VAX/VMS. Microsoft has announced
plans to make SQL Server available on
Windows NT, and released the SQL
Server Software Development Kit (SDK)
for Windows NI in July 1992.
SQL Server has captured a large share
of the PC database server market. Mi-
crosoft and Sybase claim that the prod-
uct supports more than 150 Windows-
based front-end tools, which the compa-
nies say is more than
all other database
servers combined.
Gupta
Gupta Corporation
is a small but uP-
and-coming partici-
pant in the database
server arena. The
company had reve-
nue of almost $33
million and net in-
come of nearly $2
million in 1992. It issued the prospectus
for its first public offering in January
1993. Gupta was founiled in 1984 bY
Umang Gupta, former vice president
and general manager of Oracle's Micro-
computer Products Division. He contin-
ues to lead the company as chairman of
the board, president, and CEO. The com-
pany's stated goal is to be the leading
supplier of clienVserver system sofirware
for PC networks. Sma.ll hs the company
is, it's one ofthe few to offer a complete
line of clienUserver tools, includhg a
Iiont end (SQlWindows), a back end
(SQLBase), and middleware (routers
and gateways for its own and other ven-
dor's database servers). Gupta has over-
come early problems, and is gaining in-
creasing recognition in the industry.
Gupta is in the market for the Iong haul,
and is a company to watch.
Concluoion
Although these database server ven-
dors offer technologically equivalent
products, they do present distinguishing
characteristics. Informix is strongly fo-
cused on the UND( marketplace, target-
into the IS shop, and it has a good tool
set. Ingres has a technologically strong
RDBMS product and iloes not favor any
particular hardware platform. Omcle
ports the most platforms. and is begin-
ning to put strong emphasis on support
functions such as consulting. Sybase has
the strongest clienUserver focus, but its
tool set is primarily a collection of ac-
quired products and it ofers no applica-
tions. Microsoft is a key player in the PC
arena, and Gupta is a total solution
provider.
It's up to the users to determine their
needs (consulting practice8, tool sets, or
internally developed applications) that
differentiat€ one vendor over the others.
Jeanette SllFHoleman ls a computer indus-
try markel analysl and consultant based ln
Woodslde, Callr. You can r€ach h€r al (415)
3694671. O
 SYSTEMS INTEGRATION TIPS
. Field Report
.
.
SQL Seruer lor NT
Windows NT
By Kelly Gillespie,
I
ClienUServer
Technical Editor
Ever wish you
could hob nob with
! the product man-
ager ofyour favorite
Microsoft product?
Ho\fl about giving the company head
honchos your two cents on where the
product should be heading? Microsoft's
TechEd conference held March 9-12,
1993, at the Disney property in Epcot
Center, Orlando, Florida gave attendees
the opportunity to do just that. TechEd
lived up to its name by providing con-
densed classes on 17 majorareas includ-
ing FoxPro, Access, Visual C++, Visual
Basic, Word Basic, and SQL Sewer.
The Disney setting gave the four-day
conference a relaxed atmosphere and
made up for the approximat€ly 3,000
attendees who stood in long lines while
Microsoft personnel thumbed through
printed invoices. Who forgot to enter the
attendants in an Access or FoxPro data-
base? I don't think that mistake will
happen again!
Even so, those who made it in were
thankfirl as over 1,500 weren't able to
register. One attendee called in every
hour on the fir6t day just to squeeze in
on the second day ofthe conference. Mi-
crosolt never expected this avalanche of
interest.
Bill Gates, in his opening speech, em-
phasized the direction of Microsoft soft-
ware as supporting OLE 2.0 and WIN32.
Readingbetween his lines, it seems well
see the firct implementation of what Mi-
crosoft internally calts Object Basicbuilt
into Excel this fall and in other Microsoft
products soon thereafter. ObjecL Basic is
a comrnon macro language that is object
oriented. Regarding futur:e releases,
Gates indicated Microsoft will release
the new Chicago windows interface in
1994 along with DOS 7 and Win 4.0. In
1995, we should see Cairo along lvith
Windows NT 4.0. Other news is that
Microsoft will enable the Windows layer
to run under IINIX and license other
third parties to distribute it.
Ifyou're up to your ears in supporting
Microsoft products, Microsoft r'eleased
TechEd News
and
Windows NT
their new monthly TechNet CD-ROM.
It's packed full with Microsoft's Knowl-
edgeBase, resource kits, training mate-
rials, and conference notes. Cost is $295
a year for 12 CD-ROMs. Call 800-344-
2121, ext.026
The overview that Ron Soukup, Prod-
uct Manager for SQL Server for NT,
gave was outstanding. Beta II of SQL
Sewer for NT comes with new tuning
tricks, like being able to move Tempdb
to RAM. and additional DBCC perform-
ance options. Integrated security with
Windows NT is a big plus as well. The
multiprocessor support in SQL Server
for NT will allow for stiff competition
with Sybase on UNIX as well as OracleT.
Windows NT sessions were very popu-
lar. Fortunately, the fire marshal didn't
poke his head in because the Windows
NT for Support Engineers session was
packed with more than 300 seated and
50 or so sitting on the floor.
LAN Manager took on a new identity.
Its new name is Advanced Seruices for
NT. New features (like support for up to
four processors) and a new environment
may be enough to turn l,AN Man into a
real contender to NetWare! If nothing
else, it lets the product leave LAN Man's
past behind and get a fresh start riding
the NT wave ofenthusiasm.
Not all the sessions were put on by
Microsoft personnel. Novell, in their ses-
sion on NetWare for NT, pulled a rabbit
out of their hat by announcing that any
32-bit ODI driver written to the March
22, 1993 ODI (Open Data link Interface)
specification would work with NetWare
4.0 and as a Windows NT client! Even-
tually the same driver will support OS/2,
UNIXWare, and 32-bit DOS. This sim-
plifies work for network card vendors.
Other non-Microsoft personnel ses-
sions included one by yours truly, along
with Brian Butler, ofClient Server Solu-
tions. We addressed a die hard SQL
Server crowd on Benchmarking and
Tuning Your Database Server. Some
preliminary tests I ran indicate that
moving Tempdb to RAM doesn't help in
index creation but it does help when
doing JOINs and GROUP BYs when an
index isn't available. I surveyed those
attending and the majority plan to use
Windows NT as their database server
operating system.
Ifyou've been looking around for some
unique test data for large database t€sts
to bring your server to its knees, here's
the source. CSRA will cut a special ver-
sion for database tests. It comes on a
CD-ROM and has 40 million unique
rows and uncompresEes to almost 3G.
It's a database for most deaths in the
U.S. from 1961 to 1991. Among the
things it lists are first name, last name,
social security number, state the SS#
was obtained, date of birth, date of
death, and the zipcode of the ar€a the
person died. Another table lists zipcodes
and the state and county for that zip-
code, soyou cantestJOINs on extremely
large tables. There's a special utility to
extract exact number of rows ofdata in
SQL Server format ready to BCP into
your server. The CD-ROM costs $245
and you can obtain one by calling CSRA
at 1674) 432-6400.
The overwhelming response of atten-
dees to Tech Ed was very positive. Ifyou
missed out. then you might want to sigTl
up early next time. Ifyou live in Europe,
you can look forward to asimilar confer-
ence being planned by the Microsoft HQ
in Parisl
Database forecast
Forrester Research, in their report
"Server Data Bases On The Move,"
found that 68 percent ofthe 67 Fortuae
1,000 companies they interviewed have
a server database installed. This is a
higher percentage than suspected.
How popular will Windows NT be-
come?If the '92 Fall Comdex was any
indication, almost every major database
vendor was showing their database
ported to Windows NT. Expectations in-
side Microsoft run high. Dwayne
Walker, Microsoft's Director of Windows
NT and Networking Products,'1 e will
sell at least a million copies of Windows
NT in the first 12 months ofshipping. It
is the hott€st opportunity at the high
end."
The database market is moving over
quickly to Windows NT. Combine that
with the growing European markets
thanks to Unicode support and you have
a potential hot cake. Make sure you're
not left out in the cold!D
DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 135
 . Benchmarks
dBASE DEVELOPEB
Goding for
. Condensed code
. Direct rcferencinE
. File UO
Speed
By Malcolm C. Rubel, pt_t!. a - tL4(1)
7
r Contibuting Editot
Dt_tllffl - ttso!(Dt_tLD2) - tstot(9t-th.1)
Dt_dLff2 - tlo.(Dt_tLDa) - ttor(9t_tb.3)
, To improve the speed of applications,
you can atart with the structure of your DITIIB lfl![mw tL$rs tRola 05,15 ,
data tables, ensuring that they're firlly ro 15,65 ,
normalized (or in certain i.nstances, no, PTIXBI,

fully normalized). You can then move to rctrvtTE wrNDow t i.ur

application structure, modularization of
e 01,10 SAY 'B.rchalk Re.ult.'
e 03,10 SAY 'ODtIor 1! ' + t
code, and to the different options for cod- ,.trLD(.tt (Dl-dlff1,10,2 ) )
ing single elements of your prograrrur. Let's look at how you e 04,10 gaY 'oDtLoD 2: ' + ,
can tweak small sections ofcode. I'll evaluate the diferences ltrle ( rtr 9t_allf f2 , LO ,21 |
(

in the execution speed ofalternative coding methods for tasks. e 05,10 SAY 'A b.tt.r tha! B! ' + ,
One note on speed: Remember that speed of execution is ltrLD(str ( 1- (Dt_dtf f 1/Dl_attf f 2 ), 10, 4 ) )
important in applications, but only when viewed in a larger e 07,10 slY 'B l)ctst6r tbaa A: ' + ,
context. Above all else, code should be readable, debuggable, 1trls(str ( 1- (Dt_tlLrl.2l9E_drf.fll ,70, r, )
?
and maintairable. It's not always the best thing to pull every
WrIT
last ounce of speed out of a code sepent if it means the code RELETSE tENDOt{ tlar
becomes incomprehensible for both the person who wrote it
and for the person who has to maintain it. Il .Dot. Dt_cur_aac
SEr BSCIPE off
Building a benchmarker EIDTE
Before you can run benchmarks, you have to have a bench-
marking program that will let you measure the diferences in
RETT'RII ( " )

speed between diferent optioas. My program, called TIMER

is shown in listing 1. The program is simple. It puts two alternate pieces of code
Llsting 1-The TIMEB program (or full programs) inside identical timing loops and rurrs the
loop a specified number oftimes. It calculates the time for each
FITNtTION tlD.r option using the starting and ending times recorded and then
PISI IETERE nui-Ita presents the results.
PRrvlfE D!-cur-..c, Dt-tlul, Dl-tt42, Dt,tlD3, t Notice I'm using the dBASE IV TIME tunction with its new
I,t tl!.l, Dt-:o. (version 2.0) "1" modifier- This gives us time to the one
hundredth of a second. I'm using a fiDction called TTOS to
BaacbDark lb.E DrograD convert the character string reported by TIME(1) to a number
Eui_lts = llf (DcoultO - 0,100,8u!-itr) representiag the number of Beconds since midnight. Once
9t_cur_6.c r SET('ESCTPE') !'ON' we've done this, we can make the necessary subtractions.
gET EACA.PE OA A problem with benchmarkiag is accurately measuring the
time it takes a piece ofcode to execut€. How do you measure
9t, ttr.1 = tsiE (1) it properly when the code sepent may execute in one thou-
Dts-:(x=1 sandth ofa second? The answer is to run the test ilside a loop
so it will be run enough times to give w a reliable reading.
rc aBILI Dt_D. <- Eiro_ltr TIME(I) is a great help when you run benchmarks. It allows
. ...ia!.rt fir.t cod. .rq)l. h.r. us to reduce the number of iterations we need to perform on
our test code by a factor of 18. We don't need to rurr a thousand
pt ,o. = Dt-to( + 1 it€rations of the code, vre can now run one hundred ozd be
BIIDDO more accurate. You should sdll be careful because, even
Dt. ti-E 2 - tl-E (1) though TIME(I) returns the time measured in one hu!-
Dt tta.3 = lt-D. ( 1) dredths of a second, its value is only incremented approxi-
9c-rc. = 1 mately 18 times a second. This is because the PC system clock
DO WIIILE l)t_:o. <- aus It. iE incremeDted at this rate and TIME(I) depends on it for its
r ...Iaa€rt lccoBtl coda aaqrla h.!a value. You must still speciff sufficient iterations to achieve
'With
test results that are at least four to five seconds long.
DC_ro.-9t_ro.+1 anSrthing less, the system clock behavior can inlluence your
EIIDDO results too much. Listing 2 shows a stripped-down version of
my 1TOS (Time TO Seconds) functioa. Continued

136 DATA BASED ADVISOR,iMAY 1993

 Advonce to o HIGH ti PLANE t-=

of Progrqm Devel opment

ond
IM
]M

I lr
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I
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Mlll]+git is the,best progrommeas editor on the morketl lts eosy customizotion, longuoge sensitivity, mouse
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 dBASE DEVELOPER

CASE in the DO CASE structure executes twice as fast as a

Llstlng 2-Strippeddown version ol TTOS lunctlon.
value in fifth position.
EI'NCIION tIOA
PATTIIETER Dt_A!T Speod aipa Put the cases that will evaluate TRUE more
RETSRN (vrl, (LE!T (pt-slt,2 ) ) r 3500 oft€n up front. Put the least lilely CASEs at the end ofthe
vlrJr (sIrBsTR(Dt-stt,1,2l ) ' 6 O+, structure.
vAr, ( suBaTR (9t-4tsr,7 )))

All this function does is parse out the time string returned
!mmediate lFs
by TIME(1) and convert it to the number of seconils from Some people really like the IIF0 function. It's easy to use
midnight. The programs work well as long as you're not and reducei code size from five lines to one. The following liue:
benchmarking around midnight. If the test runs over mid- st'var - Llf (tsligg.r = 1. 3, a)
night, you'll h-ave to ask, "lVlat am I doing up at this hour of
the night runnlng benchmarks when I could be sleeping?" does the same work as:
Armed with these two functions, we can go forth ald inves-
tigate some interesting differences between code options. I'm IF trj.gg.r = 1
going to give examples from different areas that have different
impicts on code execution speed. I hope these will inspire you EIJgE
to use your new benchmarking tool to run your own tests. The
key here is to look at your code and start saying "I wonder..." EIIDIE

DO CASE sttucture You'd probably assume that it would execute faster (one line
We all use the DO CASE construct to branch program ofcode instead of five) but it doesn't. The two examples above
execution based on the value of some variable. Processing execute at the same speed. What happens when you have ,Loo
INKEYO returns with CASE m-key = <n> is one common DO variables whose values are determined by the value of the
CASE example. It's a good one for us because, when process- TRIGGER variable? With immeiliate IFs the code would look
ing a single keystroke, the user can see the results reflected like this:
on the scieen quickly. The order that you place the possible - llf(trigg.r
m-key values in the DO CASE structure really makes a
,rryzvar1 = 1', 3, 1l
slrvar2 r tlf(trigg.r - L, 6, 7l
diferince in program execution speed. Avalue that's the first

Clippcr Developersr Clipper Developersr

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138 DATA BASEO ADVISOB/MAY 1993

 dBASE DEVELOPER

The code for the IF..ELSE..ENDIF would have tv/o extra
lines of code (one for MYVAR2) in both cases. Which runs
faster? The IF..ELSE..ENDIF code. Why? Because the value
ofTRIGGER is only evaluated once. With the immediate IFs,
it has to be evaluated for both variables. As a consequence,
the great€r number of code lines executes about 20 percent
faster. With three variables, it executes 40 percent fast€r.
Speed lip; Be careful about where you use IIFs.
I can do it in one line ol code!
There are (unfortunately) many people who are proud ofthe
-
fact that they can put more code into one line than anyone
else. The following line is a simple example ofthis:
one line ofcode? The answer to this is that it originally uas
rlTitten as I
described it above. I rewrote the function and
tested it thoroughly before changing the code in my library.
Since it performs like it should, it,s unlikely that I1l ever have
to look at_it again. I knowingly traded offease for speed. Am
I happy that I did this? Yes... sort of.
Speed Trpi When it's absolutely necessary, condense the
number oflnes ofcode. You should pay particular atten-
tion to the code inside the innermost loop in a DO WHILE
structure because the code will be called many times. Stay
away from cailing UDFs in this situation-the repeatei
calf ntns much slower than inline code. Outside ;f this
case, wdte code so that you can read it.

rt'var - uDp6r (l.ft (trL!(rtrt!(Ey!tr1ag) ),2 )) Day ot the week

I have a program that calculates ifa date is on a weekend or
This is great and it does run faster than splitting the code not. The code goes{ike this.:
up into four separate lines. In my test (on a 486 2SMHI
machine), it ran three seconds fast€r_for 10.000 iterations. IE Dow (Eyitat. ) = 1 .or. mw (qaaat6) = 7
While there's a benefit, I'm not sure l'd want to sacrifice the kir..kEtl - .t.
debugging capability and code readability for 0.0008 seconds EIJgE
in speed improvement. Improving program speed must in- isn!cr.!t[ - .f .
clude the ability to go in and modifr code when necessary. ENDTP

An excellent example of code that's difrcult tp read can be

Someone pointed out to me that this could be reduced to this:
found in this article. Just look at the TIOS function. I could
have parsed out the time string into three variables, converted -
the strings to values, multiplied them the number ofseconds
iswcck:rtl t{OD (mw(Errdatc),5 ) = 1

in an hour or a minute, ard then added them together. It The code was terrific! Too good to be true, I thought, so I
wouldn't have run that much slower, so why did I write it as benchmarked it. The single line ofcode was about 20 percent

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DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 139

 dBASE DEVELOPER

faster except when the date passed was a Sunday. Wheo the
date passed was Sund ay ,lhe langer code ran 20 percent fa8ter
thsn the siugle line. Ifyou look at the code, youll quickly see
why: Sunday's the first day that gets evaluat€d in the long
code so the second part ofthe condition doesn't get evaluated,
saving the second DOW$ function call and the comparison.
matlf I took the DOWO call out of the IF statement and put
it above like:
4ydal.1 - Dow(EtiArt6)
rE qiihyl - 7 .or. qd.t.l - 1
<ctc>
SEI'ECT 4rdbf
Macro expansion runs six times slower than direct refer-
encing ofthe nane. Ifyou say, "I know it's slower, but I need
to use macro expansion because the name of my file's in a
memory variable. There's nothing I can do about it." Wrong!
In several cases, there is something you can do about it. You
can use indiect referencing. "SELECT (ftrane)" runs half as
fast as direct referencing, but that's still three times faster
than macro expanding the nalle. Where does this work?
Uaa (fa!r.)
SELICI( fals )

If you do this, the speed advaatage of the single line of code
ilisappears. Ttris doesn't suggest you should immediately go
out and chatrge all your code. It does mean you should pay
carefirl attention to the number of times you call functione.
Speed tip.' Avoid extra calls to dBASE functions if possi-
ble. Avoid extra calls to your own functions at all co8ts.
lf,acro expand lor molasser
Everyone's beea told to avoid macro expansion. It's slow We
all know:
SBf ORDER rt) (tE!r.)
lRrsE (f tI€n&.)
IIODI COOa (Drgn!i.)
are commands you can call with indirect referencing.
You can see an example of this t,?e of coding in my TIMER
program. Notice that I SET ESCAPE ON (so you can stop the
program ifyou have to go to lunch) after I store the current
value to a memory variable. Aft€r the program runs, the
program resets SET ESCAPE to its original value. I could
have done this with fewer lines of code with a macro expan-
sion, but I chose not to out ofhabit.

far4 - 'qdb!'
SELICT &fa!!. Speed tip: Use alirect or indirect referencing instead of
macro expansion wherever possible.
doesn't run as fast as

If it
doesn't fit )

Force it I a

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140 DATA BASED ADVISOFI/MAY 1993

 dBASE DEVELOPER

USE AGAIN to this problem work at about the same speed. On the other
The USE AGAIN conmarld is one of my favorites. It allows hand, if the table is open, the three lines of code take aboui
you to open a data table in more tha-u one work area by adding tuenty-fiue tiE,es longer to execute as the eleven lines in the
the modifie! AGAIN to the commaad. This means vou cai second- alternative. Why? Because you sufer unneceasary
wfite some very coEpact code when it comes to usitrg data DOS file operations to open and close the file.
tables. The code snippet that follows shows you what I;ean. Plalng devil's advocate here, I must admit there,s a good
argument to open and close files all the time, Ieaving them
USE q,Ioy.. AGAIN IN SEIJECT ( ) lrrrr.s .2 open for the shortest period of time. Open files do invile data
SEIECI c2 corruption in cases ofpowerfailure or other natural disasters.
< tlo your codc > While the.case has some merit, I suggest you look carefully at
usE your application to see if it makes sense for you.
You no longer have to worry that the table is already open
alrd, if it's not, setting a flag to make sure you close it wlen
Speed llp; File VO is one ofthe slowest things a computer
you're firished. Compare these three lines of code to the does. Stay awayfrom itifyou can. Openyourfiles and iea.,e
them opea unless you have a specfic reason to close them.
alternative shon n next-it looka very attractive-
Do np, use the USE AGAIN command unless you really
IE SELECT ( 'qrloycc, need a second copy ofa file open and are willing to pay the
) 0
,aloDaa - .f . speed penalty.
gErEcI ETBLECI ( )
UgE qrloyao Gonclusion
EI,S3
qrlotroe We've barely touched the surface. I've talked about it in the
SELECT
r .t. past when the subject ofspeed directly affected the code I was
rraaoDcn
EIIDII writing and I'll continue to do this in future articles.
<aloyour coda > Malcolm C. Rubel is president ol Perrormance Dynamics Associ-
IE .rot. raao96n algs, a buslness applicatlons consulting ,itm located in New york
usE City. He is the author of several books, including dBASE tV powet
ENDIT Ioors (including Clipper code) and Foxpro 2.0 power Tools, bolh
available trom Bantam. His latest book, dBASE tV powet Toots
Three vs. eleven lines ofcode and one less memory variable (Revlsed lot Verclon 2.0,), is due soon after 2,0 ships, Mr, Rubet can
to boot. If the table in question is no, open, both approaches be reached at (212) 972.2330 or on CompuServe 71441,3362. o

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DATA BASED ADVISORA/AY 1993 ,I41

 HABDCOBE CLIPPER
Build
Subclasses to
. Browsing with lill€.rs
. Ctass(y)
. FOR, WHILE
. Obiect-o ented prcgramming
. Superolass
Simplify Filtered
. TBrowse
Browses
By Rick Spence, Contributing Editor Table l-Slmulated instance variables o, TBrowse subclass.

Reusable code can surely make life eas- Element #translato name Type Purpos€
lrja. €rs ier for hardcore programmers; you just 1 Block WHILE scop6
writ€ a routine once and call it as often as 2 Block FOFI condition
you need to in your program. Block Move lo first
I The TBrowse program I showed you last CANDIDATE record
time could be used to browse a subset of Block Move to last
records in a database using FOR and CANOIDATE record
WHILE conditions. That program also al- 5 Block Move lo nexl record
lowed users to switah to an append mode; the TBrowse dis- 6 Block To move to
played the record at end offile for the user to append records. pr€vious recoad
I also showed how to implement the code for reuse. All you 7 Logical Display end ol
had to do was call a function that returned a TBrowse object lile record?
that was already configured.
In esseuce, I programmed a special kind of TBrowse, a
TBrowse configured so it only displayed a subset ofrecords. Naturally your subclasses will define these as new instance
In object-orieDted prograD.ming t€rms, this is the principle of variables.
infuritance . This special kind of TBrwse infuited from f}re Table 2 shows how the ftnctions that n'orked with the
basic TBrowse class. You didu't rewrite TBrowBe; you just simulated filtered TBrowse subclass were defined.
programmed it to behave a certain way.
Since the code needed to store additional information about Table 2-Functions worklng wlth slmulated TBrows€ subclass.
the browse, you stored this information in the TBrowse ob-
jeclls cargo inata[ce variable. You used TBrowse:cargo as an Funsllon Purposo Parameters
array, but rather than accessing the array using subscripts WHILE scop6
Creates and reiums
like: TBrowse objecl confi gurad FOR Condition
lo browse subsels of rocords. goFirst block
ollbr:calgo[7] goLasl Block
llll!.! () Callod by TBrcws€:goTopBlock TBrowso object
to move lo the fiEl record matching
you defined lltranslat€ directives so you could refer to these the FOR and WHILE scopes.
alata elementa using a more readable syntax: tBr.rrt {) Called by TBrowse:goBottomBlock TBrowse object
lo move to tho last record malching
**tflrnrlat. : aplrD.dxod. -> : ca.rgo\ [7\l lfie FOR and WHILE scopes.
lBN.*t ( ) Mov6 to lh6 nexl record matching TBrowss objecl
FOR and WHILE scope.
This way it only lools as if you've defined new instance rBP!.w () Move to the provious record TBrowse object
variables for the TBrowse class. matching FOB and WHILE scope.
As I promised, I1l show you how to use two thid-party DbghrLDBlock Function used by TBrows€:skip TBrowse objecl
addoos-tIALLoGBAM Software's SuperClaes and Objec- Block to skip in lh6 dalabase. # lo skip

Tech's Class(y>-to create real subclasses. In this case, you

really do add new instance variables to the basic TBrowee
class by subclassing it. Interestingly, you can use almost the
same source code to test the real subclass that you used to t€8t
the simulat€d version. In the real version, you simply don't
include the header file which defines the #tranalates!
Filtcred browse subclass
Table 1 shows the information stored in TBrowse:cargo of
the simulated subclass.
In the subclass you'll creat€, these functions become new
methods. Except for TBrowseFWO, all the functions receive
the TBrowse object aa a paramet€r. This is because they need
access to the simulat€d instance veriables in Table 1. When
you rewrite these as methods, you won't have to explicitly pass
the object as a parameter; methods automatically receive a
reference to the object that was sent the message through the
predefined SELF object reference. Contnued

142 DATA BASED AOVISORA/hY 1993

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that users of the class can't eee these instance variables; the
Subclass declaration with Class(y) *a"ift"t ,ccess these instance variables are methods
Listing 1 shows the class alefinition using Class(y) syntax "J, """on the class.
defined to work
Listine l defines the class name as TBfu To create new
Listing 1-TBrowse subclass delinitlon using Class(y)' i;hnc;s ofthe TBfr^, class (to creat€ TBfiv obTects), write:

CREATE CLASS TBfw trROU IBEolt.. oTbr :- Ebfwo lEcn(bwhl1c, bFor, bEl'r't, bla3t)
EIDDEN:
VIR goNoxt This is differeut from the simulated subclass in which you
VIR gloP!.v simply wrote:

IIETXOD TBPr.v ollbr := TBrow!6tr1f(btlb11., bEor, bEtrst, blrrt)

ITETEOD TBN'Xt
To make the two compatible, you define TBrowseFlV as a
EXPORT 3
function that calls TBfwO:new0:
VAR l'hi16 // fho WEILE aco96
VAR for // fh. FOR acoDa EUmTION TBrow66Fw(btgb116, bEor, bElrst' bLast )
vAR a9D.Bdl!{odc I I C.:n 'uBai aDP6nat r.co!da?
RETITRN TBfn( ) :Na?(bwhtl., b!or, bElrtt, blatt)
lrIR goFLr.t // codt. blocki Eov6 to flr.t rccortl
vl8 trolaat // coda block, Dova to lest rocotdl
Class(y) initializel
uElflOD tAElrat In Class(y), when you call the new0 class constructor func-
NBTEOD llBlra.ts tion- it automaticallv sends an initialize message toyourclass'
XETEOD DBgkigBlock The message is calied init{). tL's here that you perform any
initialization your class requires.
IIE|IIOD IEit
Listlng 2--Class lnitiallzatlon ln Class(y)'
END CI.l.gS
IIETHOD IDit (blgbil., btror, bFlrst, bl,rdt), ()
Listine 1 declares two methods and bwo instance variables .61f:ttli16 :- bwhllc
as HIDDEN-users aren't allowed to see them This means

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144 DATA BASED ADVISORA.4AY 1993

 HARDCORE CLIPPER

a.lf:for its parent class, which is TBrowse. This MESSAGE LOOKUP

scLf:goEirst != bFilst
aclf!gola.t continues in parent classes until the send operator either
finds the message it's looking for, or it."u"h""ih" .oot oiih"
aclf: go![€!.t (ll a.1f rIBr€r.t ( ) )
cl_ass hierarchy without finding the message.
!cIf:goPrcv {ll ..1f:IBPr.v() ) In the latter- ca8e it produces the .T{on export€d Instance
ial,f : aplr.Bdxoatc .l.. variable / Method" error. Youte probably seen tnis .r"or i"
your existing Clipper code when you miispell either an in_
..If:goToE Block I a6lf !TBFLrBt ( ) ) stance variable or a method!
aclf: goBott@BJ.ock I B61f:TBIJast() ) Note the extra set ofparentheses after the definition ofthe
a61f:sklDEloch E I 6.lf :DbsklDBLocr.(a) ) init method:
r61f:goTolr( ) UEIiBOD ltrits(bwhi16, bEor, bFilst, bLast), ()
REIITRII galf
This is how Class(Y) initializes the parent class, TBrowse.
Class(y) passes the same parameters t :initQ that users of
the class pass to :new0 (irr this case, the WHILE anrl FOR Subclass declatation in SuperClass
scopes) and the code blocks to move to the first and last records .The class definition for SuperClass is similar to the Class(y)
in the scope. This initalizer uses these parameters to initialize definition:
the instance variables ofthe subclass.
Llsting 3-SuparcIass subclass def inition.
The initializer uses self, the reference to the object that was
seDt the mes8age, to initialize the instance variibles. Notice Cli.gg TBfw INIIERTT FROU gcEBror.s.
how the initializer can directly access the instaDce variables
ofthe class it inherits fiom, TBrowse. For example, when the RESTRICTED
iaitalizer performs: vAR goN.xt
vlR goPrcv
a.lf: goBottcoBlocX := (ll .61f:TBLasts() )
UESSAGE TBProw
the send operator doesn't find the goBottomBlock instance MESSAGE TBN€Xt
variable in the TBfin class, so it searches for the variable in EXPOR?ED Continued

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 HABDCORE CLIPPEB

// rh. WBII.E 3colr. d.1f r for := bFor

VIR t hilc s.If:goFirEts := bEirEt
VIR for // fh. EoR rcoD6 := blriat
vAR apD.ndllotlg // ca! urer .DIr.Edl r6cordla? .cIf:golaB!

// cod. bl'ock, !ov. to f:[r.t r6cof'l E61f:goN.xt := ( I E.If:TBN.*L ( ) )

vlR gotrlr.t 661f!goPrav := { I sclf:TBPlcv( ) )
VI.R golJ..t // coala block, Evo to last t6cold E.1f : al)p6rttuoala := F

UESSAGE TBEir.t := (ll 661f:TBFirBtO )

EggACE TBLaaE
sclf:goToDBlock
xEastGE DBskiDBlock(a)
6olf: goBott@BLoch : - {ll 361f:TBLaEtO ) (a
s6lfc6ki9B1ock :- { ltrl s61f : DbshigBlock )
I{ESAI(iE Inlt(b$hi16, bEor, bFirst, blast)
END CI,ASS
EcIf:goTop( )

RETI,RN S€1f
There are minor syntactic ilifferences in the way you define
tne cfass. but the biggest difference is that you must define
p^tu-"t"is"when you de6ne them (See lnit()and
-"1"ue";' The only difference between the SuperClass and thdlass(y)
DbSkipBlockO for an example.) version ii the way you invoke the parent s initializer function'
SuperClass initializer Wlth Superclass you must explicitly invoke it by name, as in
Listing 4:
Listing 4 shows the initialization function for the Super-
Class version. // E*!r1lcit1y call au9€rclass'6 (fBROwgE)
// colstructor fuDctloE
Llsting 4-superclass subclass initlalizatlon' E.If: iritNcw( )
ltErEoD Init (bwhi16, bFor, bFirat, bl,adt)
Glass implementation
// Expl,lcitlY call suDclcla.a'a (TBROWSE) 5 shows the implementation ofthe methods defined
Listing-class.
// coEstructor fuaclioa for the Its basically the same coile as I showed last
sclf ! laitNor( ) month. exceD[ here the methods don'L receive the TBrowse
661f:wblI. r= blrhil. object as a parameter like the functions did Rather. they

"t u,as FAxtNC lro nJ o|9ncode the

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146 DATA BASED ADVISORA.4AY 1993

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", ' "
 HARDCORE CLIPPER

access the object's instance variables through self, which all ll llraE aaaa rGcora Doittar ao I,! ca!
methods receive automatically. ll t.rEore it. if wa caE,t Dovr -
IOC.f,IJ EsavcR6cNrr! :r Rocrlo ( )
Listing Hlass implementatlon. LOCAIJ Uiov.at ,= .f.

// RoutiD. ca116it bfr goTogBlock. It eust Eov6 to rF Eof o

// Ebc fLtaE r.cord iE tb. datrbas6 tblt Datch.s UiovGa r= a
// botb th6 FOR aDat WBIITE sco!,c8. Th.so arc stor€d EIJSE
ll aa (joira blocka in tb6 TBrot s6 objcct. If th6 gEIP
// rouliEo do6aa,t fl.Dal a latchlag racortt, it Eust DO WHIIJE !Eval(6c1f:for).AI{D. Eerl ( 361f !l,bl,1.) ,
// position th. rccora poidt€r at.rd of fiLc. .AND. !Eof ( )
SKIP
IIETEOD AUNCTION rB?Irats () EtvDx)

// lfhla takc. us to tha fLrst oro IF Eof() .fND. s.1f. apDcadttoda

Eval (a.It: goPlr6ts ) I / Ela.a ..,
BIJSEIE ! Etral (e.If:rrhiLc) .OR. Eof()
// But ya Dust aEaura thia also ,Et.chas th6 FOR rE lEe.I (sclf :rhil.) .AND. s6Lf :aDIr.EaIUodo
ll acoDt , nitsbout Dovilg outsgiat. tbc rGcorils coto 0
// EetchiEg thG WEIIJE scoDc. EI.SE
DO IIXILE lEofO ..lI{D. Bval (s61f:nhiL€) t ltlov.at := .E.
..l!lD. l Eval (aalf ! for) G|OTO EgavaRccNn!
sxrP EllDIA
EIDI)o EIIDIP
ETIDIP
// If r. .rc!, t or a r.lld E.corat, rnov.
// to .!d of fil.. RETT RlI lliovcd
Ir EofO ,OR. I EvaI (a61f:vbi]c)
GOrc 0
BIDTE ll o1'c to Dravlous rccord auglrortilg FOn
// a\d YIEALE colditl,oBs rlat aDDold uod6
RETI'RN NIIJ
UETEOD FUXCTION ,IAPrcv( }

// noutiDc call6a hl]' EoBoltdBlock to rov6 LCIIJ Eg.v6R.cnuD :- RccEo ( )

ll to th. Iaat rGcord iE th6 d1.t.bas6 latscliEg ,JOC,IL ltlov.d :r .T.
// thc AOR ald lilBILB coodLtior, ald takirg a9D6aA
// Doda latso accouDt, // TahG aD6cial car6 !t Eof() - a gtrIp -1 iE
// Dots rufficiclt b.c!u.c of th. ftlts.r.
IiEIEOD EUNCAION TBIJA8I ( } rF Eof o
Eval ( !.If rgola3t)
ll lf. a99.DA ed. is oa, !ov. to aEtl of filc EI,SE
gf,rP -1
IE .6lf : alxr.Ed[od.
GCI|IO O ENDIE
EI,SE
// Irri6 takcs us tso thc last r6cortt DO IiEM lEval (..If : for) .ttfD, Ee.l (sclf :-LiI.),
Eeal ( B.1f: gollrt) .llD. lEof ( )
sxrP -1
// t'h:k .Bsur.s tsh. rccortl E!tch.8 trotb !h. BlDDo
ll l.oi .nd. l,bil6 scoDc
DO wErLE l8ofO .rND. Eval (..1f:rbl,16) , IF lEe.J.(a.lf!rrbil.) .OR, Bof()
.tND. I tlv.l ( ac lf : for ) GOI$O DgavcR.cNlri
sxrP -1 ll(ov€d r= .8,
ElfDDo EIIDI!

ll lf aa at. aot o! a valltl r6coral, BETITRN Lllov6tl

// go to .rtt of f11.
IE BofO .OR. lEv.I (aclf:yhi]..)
GOrO 0 // SkiDbloch routLl. for iht.5a!. brows.s. N..its
ElDTF // auDDortLEg codc blockr that rcv. forrrarat oa.
al[Dtr ll i.co,rd aid tov. brckrarat ot6 rccordl. fh.y suat
// Solb r.tura loglcali rblcb iEilic.to rb.tb€r thcy
RETI'RIS NIL // aucaaal6d or Dot. fhia fu.Bctlon raturas bor EAEy
ll ,raco,rde it !kl9I,.tl, .r rcqulrodl b!'
// TBror'a.: aklpBlock.
ll ,.dr. Eo a.st r.cordi .upDortllg EOR ..uit WBILE
// coadLtLons .ad apD.[d Eod.. R.tuar .!. lf XEIEOD EIrItf IOf DbslrLDBlock([]
// .ucc.!tful. .r. otb.rrLr.. If lt c.!'t Drr.,
ll tE do'.n. E cL!.ug! th. r.cordl Doht.r. IACTTJ agl.lDrrod ir 0

TTETEOD FUNCTION TB}I.xt, ( } // Idll,o.ylcra.y for ihtnbear .klDD.r

IEr'0
SXIP 0 Continued

DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 ,I47

 HARDCORE CLIPPER
FILE RECOVERY
for compiled applications
Disassemblers

DECODE, for dBASE II, Run Time $149.95

ELSEIE E > 0
dCRYPTR, for dBASE +, Run Time + . . . ' $149 95 DO WEILE EskIPDctl .rND. EeaI ( 6.1f : goN€xt )
aAkigpoft++
deFOX, for the early FoxBASE ll $149.95 ElIDDO
ELgE
OutFOX, for all FoxBASE + $149.95 m WHILE agkiDlratl .LND. Eval (aelf rgoPr6v)
EakipD6at--
OutFoxPro, for all FoxPro 1.x $149.95
ENDDo

ReFox, by Off-World, for all FoxPro 2 . . . . 5299'00 EI{DIE

A.ETT,RN ESKiI)g6d
Valkyrie, by CodeWorks, for Clipper S'87 ... $345 00

UtrClip, by Aladdin,for CliPPer S'87 $245.00

Summary
DBF fi.le recovery and rePair In this article I showed you how to use Class(y) and Super-
Class to implement a TBrowse subclass for filtered browses.
HeadFix automatically rcpain DBF headers . . $ 59.95 You've basically rewritten the function-based code you wrote
files ....$ 59.95 last month anil used a real subclass created through inheri-
QuickFix-2 repairs damaged DBF tance. Since it's reusable, I'm sure you'lI appreciate it even
more in your endeavors as a hardcore programner. Just write
it once, then call it whenever you need it.
HILCOsoy,*o,,
ll26(r ll.rrntt \rlle1 l{o.td
Rick Spenc€ is contributing edllot lo Clipper Advisor and Dala
Based Advisor. An origlnal member ol the Clipper development
Stb.rsnrpol. ( A 95J7!-9255 (707)829-5011 team, Rick is a partnet in Bullding Blocks Publishing, lnc', publlsh'
ers ol CLTsxl, CLReport, CLGraphED, CLwlndow, and CLTools.
Add $5.00 shiPPing and hmdilg for .ach order. Rick is currently writlng CliPpet s.2--Powet Prcgrammer's Guide,
Ov.rs airmail add 95.00 for each ProSram ordercd. to be published by SYBEX. O
Califorda r.sidenls add 7.5% sales L.i. vis & Maslercard acePted

\r', rrr',lirrg to l)( | \lu tzl llr' . P(l \\ olll \url the.e trrir','- in, lrrtl. all ltat,lrrar..
Don't Buv
lnlin,,r'lJ. l.r rt rr" \lit llllll]\ .rrlttale, rlulrlr.. alrl , rrrrrrerlur'- irr a kit
"ii*.,,,rrt1
rrrtel r'"lirti,l pet i,r,lita 1.. 1x, r
to ;rer Lrx ',rl \r't.:r \r'trrolks lL\ \- ) ale
lrrrl(rx rottlirltrcrl t, rorrr',,llicl . \ll
r,,rr rree,l t,r J,, i- 1,ltr;l it all irr rrrtl t tttt Novell.
nx P alllrrrrrrrliatl than \rrrr'[[ fotr small the [\ST\LL 1,r',rgllrn.
l,rr.itt,'""r'" tlrat rlrrn't rreerl t,, hrlrlk iuto a
\rrrl il tlrirt i.tt'l etr,rtt:th. rre lrett;rire
aa
rrraittliirttte. Thr'-r' Lrrr r',rst. leatrrlt it
li.h 1,1\r orrlinrizt r,rrk llo*.
r,rorlrrrtir ilr'arrrl llolit lrr gir irr;l cath
6(l-Dar lluner Balk Guaranlee itttrl
rurlirniied fi'ee teclrnical sul)pot'l (m all Th IS IS a
i,,,rru,rrlel iti r,rrrr',rllir', aire.. t,, lll Bl)l) rrrrrrrlrer'. (|rrl rrrrrgrutntttet'. till .lar
1,r'inier'.. haril,llir
,l,rtal,.r.es.
".. ",,ftrrlr',
:rn,l ,,n th,. lirre li,r'a. Lilg n. il lake. trr.olre
1 ll.lrlent. anrl te ll'irnrrrcrlialelr lelirn,l
r,irrl lirll utttcha.c rrt'ilt il rrrtt'r'r'
local Area
ita,,tt lillrirr
\\ e ,,llel trrrl-user . arr,l rlet el,,;,.r'. thr'
rn,r.l rrrrtrttlat lrt'ar rrI artrl trrorlelr of;x'er
t,, r,r.,ll ir, tl,,r'k. I ike l,,lNtastic urrrl
irrr"atiJiell li,r'arrr
rlav lret iorl.
llre hll
Network
turl *e'll sourl rott ottr li'ee
Tlr',. Irn i.ihlt' Net rork at rlislount
Itli,, '
ir,,l,.
t'rrngittg ftr, rrr sil) lo
(,l.p,
Si')i lrtr'
rrrlinir, ,rr th.."rreerl aurl
S,,
lll.rrugc
rrow
"all l. \\ Erultrati.rt hil att,l att'rct'
attr'rtitr.ti,,n' trtt lturl itlr,ttl l,\\. arr,l
offer that
nretlr,rll,rf ralrlirrll. h,,,, ih.r ,'un li.l1, t,rtrl l,rr.irr,''s.
w0nrt cOst
a

lnEE D IAI I.BOO.C()NNECT

l)nrrl'tl< ln (lilr. (l \ 9tll)I II; ;;:i.;;:lti
ialrirs. i6-r'lrinnlarl. lintt r'
]0U...
'...ururh lirne or utoneY.

'148 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

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 rHE FOX FILES
FoxPro
Tips & Tricks
. FoxPro 2
. Power tools
. Prcgramming efficiency
. Rushmore technologv
. Tuning Pertotmance

By Yair Alan Griver The unoptimized expression can be optimized by slightly

changing the expression to:

Ttris month, I've asked the Flash Crea- LIaT POR cgtat6 + cclty - "CA"
tive ManaseEent professionals to help me This will return the same result as the other code but much
out toeetfier a slew of commonly used
r
\r
cks t"hat you mightfind usefirl for speed-
ing up developmenL-and speeding up
your apps.
more quickly.

SOL SELECT and DISTINGT

In SQL SELECT commands, using DISTINC'I c31!9 d"Y
if vou'ie selectins more than one field. DISTINCT will
Loading FoxPro everv freid in the selection list to make sure it picks
"nio.."
a unique item. If the number of key fields is less than the
From DOS, using the -v switch after "fox" like this;
number of selected fields, use GROLIP BY to make the
fox -v SELECT run faster. You may have heard that GROUP BY
can't be optimized, but remerhber: unless you're indexing on
This will show you the hardware settirgs of the comPut-€r
everv 6eld selected, DISTINCT is also un-optimizable.
vou're usiue (pr-ocesso" and memory configuration), all the
iifferent veisions of FoxPro (LAN, standard, extended. etc ) Fr.ther-ore, GROUP BY witl only check key fields in the
in your path, and which one of those versions is loaded when teoporary tabie resulting Iiom any WHERE clause in the
nfox'. SELECT command.
-vou iust tvpe
tr vnr'"" ,sine a batch file to run FoxPro, typing "fox -y'
returns an erroi code of 1 if you could run FoxPro extended' SOBTing for speed
This is useful in setting up applications for LAN users A Using the SORT comnand to SORT your tables into the
sample batch file to take advantage of these swit'ches could most commonly accessed index order will enhance the speed
look like: of commands like BROWSE and SCAN that use that order.
EOX
SORTing on your most frequently usecl JOIN 6elds will en-
IF EBRORLEVEIJ' 1 GOAO ExfElfD hance the speed of multi-table SQL SELECT statements.
ICEO 'RuDEiEg R.gular xod."
FOXPRO SET ORDEB TO before Ruahmore
GOIO EINIAE
! EXIB|D Rushmore works a lot more efficiently ifyou have no index
order set. Before a SQL SELECT, it's a good idea to:
ECEO "Ru!.BlEg E E.aalcdl [od.'
EOXPROX gET ORDER To
:FINISE
and reset it afterwards if necessary.
Ifvou're usins FoxPro 2.0, change FOXPRO to FOXPROL,
and change FolPRox to FoxPRoLx You can save as much
as 23Kof memory ifyou do this instead ofruaning FOX.EXE. Shading with the Beport Writel
Another benefit: All the network users will be able to point to A neat little trick when doing reports in the Report Writer
the same batch file, no matter what workstation they're run- is to shaale important summary data.
ning on. To create this shading effect, first creat€ a line over the obj ect
you want to shade using the Box option on the Report menu-
lweaking Rushmorc Then double+lick on the line to bring up the Box dialog and
Rushmore uses the index key to determine if something can change the radio button from Single Line to Character. Ttris
be optimized. For instance, given the following two index allows you to specifu any ASCII character for your line.
expreaaioDs: Choosing characterc 7'16, 177, or 178 creates three different
types of shaded boxes one line in height.
rttDlx cr,tstlillu Tlc claatHr4
otg
Now higNight the line object and choose "Send to Back fiom
INDET oll cgtat. + ccltsv ttg cgl.t.Cltv
the report menu. Though it doesn't show up on the screen,
the following statement is optimizable becauae it exactly when you print the report, the object appears shaded Note:
matches an index expression: this only works for printers like Laserjets which priat in
absolute positions.
LIST cl...tN.m ' 'G"
EOR

However, this statement won't be optimized because it Closing all snippets

doesn't exactly match the index expression: Wlen working on a screen in the Screen Builder, FoxPro
trsl l.oR c8tat. ' icf,' allows you to "Open All Snippets" to view all the code snippets

150 OATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993

 THE FOX FILES

attached t,o the screen. (It,s the second option

on the Screen Stub code tor llenu Builder
menu). Once you have all the snippeLs open, t
qown whrte accessing the Screen ota tl" Siln f.l,
menu; the .,Open prorotyaing for your clienrs and you k.now
.Jt:n,rgdl9tha.t
pets",pro:hpt w"ill change ro "Close All Siipp"t".""V., All Snin"- must be developed. you
all
i"i"jJ. ::: llTules
comprele
,"rully
use rhe shortcut key Shift+Ctrl+S to close ill
snippets.
process
menu loryoursystem. However, "url ".u"t "
as the develoomc.r,t
you
begrns. eenerallv work on one module at a time.
Scrolling fields.+utting down on errors and.addmodules one at a rime. Then wh""
d;;;;"i;"li;;i;
application tbro-ughout rhe development process
you can show them the menu with the coDplet€d theclient
One of the problems with some Foxpro dialogs is for
that thev
rely^-on scrolling fields for your input. F;;;;t;;;;,";;; The problem lies with unfinished modules.
modules.
PROMpT FtEr,DS option foricroltio! li"d;;";;;;;
area to t1pe what could be a long exp"ession. ,ifri"
;_"ti You dont walt the user to click on a menu
option and have
-ut "" nothing occur. You'd probably prefer to have a window o.,.,-,,.
entcring the expression dimcult ant hLorious.
a little trick: Open- the tables you nuea to aisptav ln
thar states that rhe moduleis
""r
y"r i;pi;;;';;'{;I#
.,Hereh
l,he ll6t. Go to the command window and do:
than tipe wAIr wrNDow NowAir
mented" into the COMMAND of every menu option,
"M;a;[-il;t;il^-
advanLage ofwhat I call ,.stub code.,,
take
GEIEXPR to lcBrDr A& Alloys tou to sroatc thc To use stub code, place the command WAIT WINDOW
&t c*E rGalioa uaiEg !h6 -
NOWAIT'Module not yet implemented" in the orocedurc
tE ars,relalon bui 1al6r. code sruppet ol the Menu Bar options. This way,
_cllDt.r.t - lcg.Dr l& Placas thc €r.Dr6sslot you anv ool,ion in
your menus that has no code attached will exe;ute
&& crarlad irt th€ cllpboard. ihe'cod; i;
the procedure snippet from the stub code att""h; ;;h;
Next, go back to the screen and open up the dialog for the Menu Bar option.
scrolling list. Move into the field *t tfr" t . The nice thing about this is that the WAIT WINDOW goes
go arrd press CtrJ+V. The expression "." in one place and execut€s only lor options that haue no c.oJI
that yo"""p..""io-r,
ci"ated *ifh""io
itre attached to it. Th.is way, as you add modules and the
expression builder will be placed in the fi;ld. code to
You cart also use this tip with the menu builder,s command execute them, you don't have Lo remoue any code since the
specific code,related to the option erecutei insread of
option. You carr tSrpe the firll command in the commanJ the
procedure code snippet.
window, then copy artd paste it into the menu builder.
Continued

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DATA BASED ADVISORA,ITAY 1993 15,I

 THE FOX FILES

IE flPE ( nlcl{.dvartr ) = trcn

llouae only fields
Sometimes youll want to have an object that can only be
. -ouse. To achieve this effect, simply put the
"J*t"J*itf,
following code in the WHEN of the object:
will alwavs return false since the TYPEO fuoction returns
ifthe current variable
values in i.rpper case. Ifyou're checking
in your READ is jcName, youl code must say:

xDot{N ( ) IF vraREr.D( ) = ''rCNN{En

FoxPro will then allow entry to the fie1d only when the mouse
button is pressed. Not€ that the WHEN snippet must be set
to EXPRESSION.
Programming tiPs
You orobablv klow that to close the currently selected work
area yLu simply issue a USE command. Instead ofSELECT-
ing a work arei, issuing USE' and returning to the work area
th-at you were workitg in ta close another work area, you can
simpiy issue a USE IN with the name of the alias of the work
ih"t uou *"r,t to close. The work area is closed without
""."
.hanoins ihe currentlv selected work area This method is
esoec"ialiv useful in eliminatine CURSORS that have been
created.-since closing the work area with the CURSOR
removes it.
Checking vatiable namea in upPet case
Functions such as VARREADO, all the window functions
(WONTOP0, WVISIBLE0, etc ), ALIAS0, ORDERO anil the
like always retuin results in upper case. Ifyou have code that
relies on any of these functions, make sure that you use the
UPPERO function or always use upper case. Fol instance:
Concatenating $tlings
When you concatenate strings in FoxPro, you g-enerally use
the + operator. Ilowever, you can also use the - sigr to
concatenate two strings. Not only does the - operator concate-
nate two strings, it also does a right trim of the left string'
This is especially usefiJ when you alon't want any spaces in
your Dew strirg.
A eood example of this is adding file name extensions to
-eriorv variables that store file names. For instance, say the
jcDBF ;ariable stores the name of a table and you want to
check for its existence by using the PILEO function. Since
FILEo requires the file name extension appended to the file
name, you could say this:
EILE(JCDbf -,.DBE')
which is much cleaner, instead ofthis:
rII,a (RTRrt((JcDbf ) + '.DBtn)
VARREAD(I' SYS(I al, and Parametera
Wakh your parameters! Here's an interesting little pitfall
to be aware ofwhen using parameter" dth GET".
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 THE FOX FILES

Then, do the GETs to jcVarl and jcVar2. On the way out:

Take this situatiou: Call a screen with two para&eters
tcvarl - jcvaEl
m 6craan.s9f !lIT! D.1cvar1, !'lcvar2 tcv.r2 = JcV.r2
and in the screen, accept the parameters: The new values will be sent back to the referenced variables'
PIRT BTERS tcvarl, tcva!2
PUBLIC vs. PRIVATE
Then. do GETs with these variables As you're doing the-
tt" DEBUG window and wakh the value of Pitfall: Using PUBLIC initializes a variable as a logical type
CtiJ, "p* *fttf, has the name ofthe variable lving behind with a valoe ol.F. But using PRMTE does no such thing; it
vaniir.{oil. merelv 'trides" anv previously created variable of the same
V",i'it notice that VARREADO, as well as SYS(18),
"-C-ef shows the name ofthe current GET variable, shows
nameio the current program This is critical ifyou decide to
which
iCtARi"lsoarrd LCVAR2 as opposed to the variables used in the test whether a value-was assigned to a variable by checking
GETS, TCVARI, TCVAR2.
to see ifits TYPE is logical or not.
Under this circumstince, the variable's TYPE would be
The reason that you might want to use parametersin a GET Undefined ("U").
is to take arlvantage of the fact that variables passed through This is also true of arrays. After using the name in a PRI-
to p.o""d-" ard passed through by lgference As-a result, VATE command, be sure to initialize any array with a DI-
on.,"ih"rrn". made io TCVARI and TCVAR2 are reflected in MENSION or DECLARE command.
iii.r.;.]UI"s sent throuqh on the calling line, LCVAR L'
LCVAR2. Array te$ting
However, since VARREADO returns the names ofthe origi- Here's a simple way to test a variable to see if it s an array'
nal variabies and not the parameter variables, writing reus-
abie code this way is difficult. DISABLEing and ENABLEing
GETs won't worl if they refer to the GE18 by the parameter TIPE ('rErayrlr. [ 1] " )
versions of the variables.
As a workaround, do this: will return'U" if arralmame is not an array, anything else for
PI!.N{ETER tcvu1, tcva!2 a defined array. Furthermore, if
icvarl = tcvarl AI.EN ( arrayaaE ,2)
jcvar2 E tscvar2

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154 DATA BASEO ADVISOR/MAY 1993
 THE FOX FILES
XBASE Data Entry
returns 0, arraJmame is a one-dimensional array. Any positive
number will indicate a two-dimensional array of that
many
columns. So
TYPE ( 'arra!rE!.E [1]") <> "U" && iatlicat6s arr arlay
and
TYPB (
".rrat'[r.Ea [1] , ) <> nui t}ID - I 9 F1 F2
ALEN (arratant!..2 ) <> O && 2 Di-usEsiors
Conclusion 4 6 F3 F4

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DATA BASED ADVISORA'AY 1993 155

 .
PARADOX PROGRAMi/IER

Event-dr iven P rog r am s

Posting
.
.
POSTRECORD command

POSTRECORD event
Records
. WAIT

When users co-edit a table and add or change a record, therc

By Brian J. Smith, Contributing Editor
are three ways they can cause the record to post:

qx Of all the events you can monitor during

WAIT. the most critical is POSTRECORD'
The POSTRECORD event is triggered
J just before a record is physically written
io disk. Since the primary purpose ofdata-
entrv programming is making sure that
data is written ro the disk without violat-
ing an application's integrity require--
ments, the POSTRECbRO i" tt e right site for much of
pll code. ln "Chain"r"nt
of Events, IDBA' February) l
".,,"
""*olained how WAIT events work. I'll continue that discus-
sion by focusing on the POSTRECORD event'
Posting a record
Suooose vou're writing a program for entering recordsinto
. p,iiROif- table. You've designed the multi-record form
o" the left of fig. 1. In addition to the usual validity
"iro*"
checks and data-entry management provided by Paradox'
,rour PAL orosram his a number of tasks One task is to
i,paute tt pay" field in the EM PLOYEE table
Gio*n o"""'v"]u.+o-date
tt .lgt t in fig 1l to reflect any new entries in the
"
PAYROLL table.
Figur€ 'l-PAYROLL data entry is on lhe left. The EMPLOYEE
table is on the right.
scottl.rr[
32s2Aliciaf,r
It's essential that the PAYROLL and EMPLOYEE tables
alwavs remain in balance; an employee's'YID Pay" value
musi always equal the sum of the "Pay Amount" records.in
ih" rMpl-trysb tuble. In the data-entry session, users add,
change, and delete EMPLOYEE records Your PAL program
must"intercept each change as it's written to the disk and
uodate thc PAYROLL table accordingly.
In Paradox "CoEdiL" mode, a Lable on the disk is updated
record-by-record-while you're typing in the field-s with-in a
record, Faradox isn't writing the changes to the disk - Wficn
vou're r/inisied with Lhe record, Paradox writes it to disk This
"posting the record," and it's thc event trappcd by Lhc
is called
WAIT command's POSTRECORD trigger event'
r Moving to another record by pressing a cursor-movement
key orinsert key, or clicking the mouse Paradox will post
the old record before moving to the new one.
r Pressing Alt+L, the "lock" key. Wlen you prcss Alt+L on a
new or ihanged record, Paradox posts and unlocks it'
o Pressing F2 or sclecting "Do-it:" hom the mcnu to end the
co-edit iession. Paradox posts the rccord bcfore switching
from "CoEdit" rnode to "Main" mode.
Two other user actions can cause changes to records on the
disk, whether or not you're on a new or changed record:
. Deleting the record by pressing the Delete key
r Undoing the most recently postcd change by pressing the
Ctrl+U key or selecting "Undo" liom the menu'
As you write a PAL program thatrequires catching all record
posting, be sure to account for all five actions. The program
must either respond to each action or disable it.
A PAL program can post a record by issuing a command that
oerformi anv oflhe fivc useractions listed above' In addition'
ihere's one oiher PA L command that posts c record: POSTRII-
CORD. This command posts a new or changed record to the
disk and can leave it locked or unlocked.
The POSTRECORD coMMANd ANd thE POSTRECORD
event are two separate PAL features. Both relate to the
oostine ofrccords. The POSTRECORD event is how the WAIT
notifies your program that Paradox is abouL to post
"om.ind
a record. The POSTRECORD command is a PAL command
vour program can use to post a record. regardless o[whether
i'aradoxls about to post iL. Somctimes, as you'll see. iL makcs
sense to use the two ofthem with each other.
A PAL program using the new WAIT command typically
begins by viewing the necessary tables, picking the data-entry
fo"--, ittitiutiring a menu using SHOWPULLDOWN, and
switching to co-edit mode. Then it issues a WAIT TABLE or
WAIT WORKSPACE command:
wai.t T!b16
Proc "Wai't Proc PaY.ol1"
K6y "A11n
ltouaG "411n
ucssagG "A11'
Triggcr "4I1"
Erdw.it
This command traps for all the major events Since it's
probably slow to trap every cvent, you'll refine it to trapiust
ih" yor. p.ogram is interested in. Certainly, the'Trig-
list will include "PostRecord "
ger"".,".,t"
Most record posting occurs when you move the cursor to
anothcr record. Paradox fires thc POSTRECORD event as
part of a cycle consisting of six events, beginning with the
user's keypress or mouse action (fig. 2).
This means that in response to a user action that will post
a record, Paradox fires offa chain ofsix events. On thc detail
table o'f a multi-table form, a DEPARTTABLE and
ARRMTABLE might also bc part of the chain, making an

156 DATA BASED AOVISOB/MAY 1993

 PARADOX PROGRAMMER

eight-event cycle. The WAIT command calls its WAIT DEPARTROW firing. One such way is to press Alt+L.
procedure as many as eight times, once for each evcnt. How_ The
event cycle for Alt+L is a short one (fig. 3).
cver. you donl havc to worry about I hat ifall you rc interested
in is the POSTRECORD event. By writing code rhat wctches
only for POSTRECORD, you can ignore the other events in Figure 3-The Alt+L event cycte.
the chain. That's one ofthe beautiesLfthe cvent-driven WAIT.

Figure 2-An event cycte with pOSTRECORO. XEY event

(a[-L) POSTRECORO

XEY or
M0USE avenl

I showed the WAIT command a little earlier. Let,s continue

writing rhe code that implements the PA\BOLL data entry
ABRIVEFIELD
OEPABTFIELD
snown rn Itgure l. starringwith the WAIT proc:

Proc Wait proc payroll(t, 6, c)

DEPARTROW ABRIVEAOW i P.raa.t6ra:
i t = triggGr typ.
i e = €vGnt rocord
; c = cyc 1c nutlrbcr
POSTRECORO Switch
Ca6. .,. 6tc -..
itch
Eatlst
R.turD 0
EnaIProc
_Jls1 b! careful to hang your record-orientcd code on the
POSTRECORD cvent and not on something else like tiie
Whenever an event occurs for which your WAIT conmand
DEPARTROW event. There are ways to post a rccord without
is trapping, Paradox calls this proceduie and passes it three

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DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 157

 PABADOX PBOGRAMMER
r-to tell you what
oarameters-which l ve namr:d /. P, and
lvent has occurred.
The WAIT procedure tends to be a large SWITC-IVC-ASE
statement, ;hich identifies and responds to each of the
various events. So all ofthe action happens wherc for now I'm
showing "Case ... elc ..." Ifthe PAL program rcviews-the,ev-ent
and ac&pts it, program flow drops down to the RETURN 0
command at the end ofthe procedure Errors are handled by
performing RETURN I wilhin the SWITCIUCASE. and pro-
gram terminalion is signaled by RETURN 2'
One critical CASE;tatement is the one trapping
POSTRECORD event:
casG t-"PoSTRECoRD":
valiClat. Payroll Rccold( )
If !ct-vt]<>O th6r Roturr r.!v.f Endif
B6for. Po.cR.corit PaYlolI ( )
If rctval<>O th6n RlturE rotval Endif
Po.lR.coral NoPost igott tbc
If not !.tva1 tb.D ... .tc .,.
lft6r Po6tRGcotal Paytoll ( )
If r.twa1<>O !hG[ R6!u!a r.twal Endif
This PAL code fragment calls three procedures: Vali-
date,Payroll-Record, Before PostRecord-Payroll, and Af-
ter-PostRecord-Papoll. They perform the various tasks as-
*ith posting a pa1'roll record, such as validating it
"o"i"tud
and updatinglhe related EMPLOYEE table record' These
.r.o""du."s terminates with a RETURN commcnd to set the
ietval variable: RETURN 0 to indicate success or RETURN
1 to indicate faiture. Each procedure call is followed by:
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If r.tval<>O thG! Rcturr r.tval Endif
Ifthe oroccdurc rcturns n'tval l. the WAIT clso te rminaLes
with (ho codc l, tclling Puradox lo canccl tho event' This is
how crrors Itaradox catches before an event is executed'
Note also that thc I'OSTRECORD command is executed
*ithit the POSTRECORD event handling You'll need towell do
this when thcre's processing that must take place oferas
asb"fo." thc.""oid is posted. Updatingthe EMPLOYEII table
rcquircs this techniquc.
the In a multi'table program using WAIT WORKSPACII, Para-
dox will fire the I'bSTRECORD event for a record posting on
anv table the usor is ullowed to visit. This isn't the case in the
cule nt example , since you're using WAIT TABI'E But if it
were the case, the CASE statement would need to be more
specific, testing not only the event but also the table:
ca3c t="PosTREcoBD' adit tab16( )='P'vrol1":
In the PAYROLL program, you'll want to requirc that each
bc fillcd in before
of the three ficlds i.t th" PAYROLL
"ccord Check built into
it is Dosted. The "Required !'icld Validity
l'cradox has always beenjust about usclcss for this task For
the "Required ValCheck" to occur, you m"st move,the cursor
into the field and move out ofit, leaving the lield blank But
there are plenty ofways to frll in a record without evcr moving
to a given ficli, which means the "llcquired ValCheck"-has
loophol"". For similar rcasons, testing for a required field
using the DEPARTFIELD event won't work You must use
lhe POSTRECORD event.
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 PABADOX PROGRAMI,IEB

The code.to test for required fields, in the Validate pay- How do you write the PAL code to handle the EMPLOYEE
roll_Record proc in the sample program, looks like: update? If all you had to consider were new pAyROLL re-
Proc Vallalatc payroll R.coral ( cords, you might do something like this:
)
If lEbla.trk( [pay Da!61 ) rh6n
Bcap Proc B.fo!. PoatR.colal payrolL (
lL.aag6 "Tb6 PAy D TE is r.quircA" Dcwjay - Ipay rDount I
tlov.'To [Pay Dat€, Gq) ! [EEE). *l
R.tura 1 lrh - G.rwiaatos( )
EDdif Uow6To "EIE'1oy.."
rf isblaEt(IE. *l) thca ...atc-.. uovGTo IEE). {+l
If isbLe.Ex( [Pay reurt ] ) tb.D . . ..tc _ . .
Locat. qr
R.tun 0 isucc..sful coq'l.tioa lf Dot !6tva1 th.r ...6tc R.tulr l Enalif
EralProc LockRGcord
If trot lGtval th6tr ....tc Rcturn l Endif
Winalot g6L.ct r,rh
The first IF/THEN/ENDIF takes care ofthe .Pav Date,,fielrt. Rotuln 0
The other two, which I've shown only partially, handle the EadProc
other fields, "Emp. #" and "Pay Amount." Note how RETURN Proc AftGr PoErRecold plyl.o1l ( )
1 is used to abort the record posting
ifa required field is blank. Uov6To "EnDIoy6c"
There are other types ofvalidation you might want to do on IYTD Payl = IYTD payl + ncwl)ay
a new or changed record before it posts, besides testing re- unlockR6cord
quired ficlds. The programmjng for these tests belong right winalon S61act !.tr
here in the Validate_ Pay,roll_Record procedure. R6turl1 0
EadProc
Updating a Belated Table The Before-PostRecord_Payroll procedure is called just be_
Any change you make to a PAYROLL record must be re- -
fore the program posts the PAYROLL record. It ules the
flected in the EMPLOYEE table. You'll want the pAL pro- "Emp. #" from the PAYROLL record to locate and lock the
Bram to update the'YTD Pay" field in EMPLOYEE based on related record in the EMPLOYEE table, i.e., the record for
new entries, changcs, and deletions to the ITAYROLL table,s that employee. This should be done before the pAyROLL
"Pay Amount" field. Updating a relating table can be one of reco.d is posted. Aft,er all, if for some reason EMPLOYEE
the most challenging tasks in a PAL data-entry program. record can't be located or locked-for example, if some other

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DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993 159

 PARADOX PBOGBAMMEB

network user already has locked it-you certainly don't want

What if POSTRECORD fails? In addition to executing
RETURN 1 to abort the user chain of events, you must also
*ti"Dost the new PAYROLL record to disk' calledjustafirr
to
unlock the EMPLOYEE record you're holding. Otherwise
in." PostRecord Pawotl procedure is other users would unduly be prevented fiom gaining accessto
tfr"- peinOf,f, recordluicessfully posts lt updates the
EMPLOYEE record and then unlocks it so other users can
get it. So here's the POSTRECORD command again anil the
u."""" to it. This work must be done afer the PAYROLL error-handling code that immediately follows it:
oo"t". After all, if you update and unlock the PoltRGcolt[ NoPoBt ,9os! lt
"."".a
bI,IFLO'ySg t".o.d before the PAYROLL record posts, what If aots rctsva1 th6a ,lt fail.tl to poats
if the oostine fails?
--t" Eai1.dl-PostR.cord-Pay!o11 ( )
itiut yoo've already changed EM PLOYE-E- to reflect B.Gp
g th"i t u"n't really happened to PAYROLL, and the
"r""", ltcrsagG olrorEasaago ( )

i"Ui"" *ol"la be out of balance. You'd have to change the

"o-"thit Rctula 1 ,rctuE! a f.ilu!' flag
fft4pf,Oyng record back, which might be impossible on a Eniti.f
network since another user mighthave locked you out by now'
There must be two separate procedures, with the PAYROLL Failed-PostRecord-Payroll is a procedure that unlocks the
record posted in between: EMPLOYEE record without changing it. The proceilure is
identical to the After PostRecord-Payroll procedure, but
Ca.. t-"POSTRECORDi, without the command that changes the YID Pay field'
Bcfo!.-Post.Rccofal PaYrol'I ( )
Completing the Program
If r.tval<>o th.n R.turE r6tva1 Eadllf
PoatRocolal lloPos! t9o.t gba I've shown pieces ofthe palroll data-entry program that you
If not rctval th.E . -. .tc ... could assemlle into a completed whole. A number of issues
Aftcr-Po3tRccord PaYloII( ) still need to be addressed, such as deletingrecords and dealing
If r.!val<>O tb6tr R€turl r.tva1 ErdIf with memo fields, "field views, "and how to handle Ctrl+U, the
"uado" function and F2, the "Quit" menu choice. I plan to take
The POSTRECORD command gives you a way to try to post up these issues in the future.
the record, and, since POSTRECORD sets retval to TRUE or
FALSE, a way to identify whether the posting is a success ol Brian J. Smith is a contribuling edilot lo Data Based Advisot and
iailure-'If POSTRECORD returns retval=TRUE, you can call the p.esident ol lntormalion Centet Associates, a Paradox devel-
After-PostRecord-Payrotl to update the EMPLOYEE that opment and training tirm in Los Angeles. Brian can be reached at
you've already locked. (310)374{15'l or compuServe 75530,332. -l

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160 OATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993


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 G/G++ DEVELOPER
Using FoxPro's
Application
. API lunctions
. Library Construction Kit
(LcK)
. Library routin*
Programming
lnterface:
Adapting
Existing DOS
Programs
WTCOLINT.C for FoxPro, so I''ll show just selected
portions'
By Michael L. Brachman The entire listilgs are available fiom Compuserve and ou
the
May program disk.
r n orevious articles, I showed how to create a FoxPro
I iir,i"* fiie and ho* to improve performance within an Defining variables
I """ii"Lti", usins the API-. 'Ihis article shows whal' it Most C programs written for DOS begin with a procedure
I tif"" to "aupt u".ordinary DOS program to make it work called main. The word couiter starts the same way:
"ivn" FoxPro.
within
i"t" at all? First off, FoxPro is very possessive l,!t
""*.s
aboul svstem .""-oot""" aad takes control over all memory'
"t liala(lBl .rgc, cb.r '.!gvIl ]
memory allocation functioos such as (
i"" *. FII' .fD, /. ?llc PoiatcE (.tructure) '/
"#'t "t""clard
;;l*(;;" crJ a block of memory' second, FoxPro controls
ItL considered ill-mannered to writ€ directly to the
most UO.
The arsc variable holds the number of argunent's, argv is a
or
-*oL * t" low-level file VO such as fopeno
"r" "t""aard
i*a-t"fl t" -."ipulate files. Finalty, debugging facilities are list ofpoi-nters to the argurents. TDically, argv[0]is a pointer
to the name of the program and argvlll is a poiDter to the first
more limited inside FoxPro should a program not perlorE as
areu]I.ent. iD this case, the frle.
exoected.
--forr" -fritfti" it" API, I call the tunctions directly, using the
oi ttti" i" for concem. Though there are certain
"uuse
functions that areD't permitted in API routines, in every case' Foxinfo structure. Therefore, in the FoxPro vemion of this
I Dass the name of the file to be counted using the
*t""""* f*p." takes away a function, a sulstitute is avail- "io**.gik
F"r-"- The fol lowing code shows how to convert
.tf". i" -""t cases, it's simply a matter of callingoneanother
or two "tt""t*e.
p^"""d Yia the ParamBtk structure into a stand-
function. Inthe worst case, it s a matter of adding "i.tgr-""t
ard, null-terminated string:
e*tra Unes of code. Let's explore a function that was written
io. OOS u"a the steps t eiessary to make it work within volal far
Foxho.
- vcouEt (Pat.!B1k FtI r9r )
i^r, to" t urr" . *ord counter originally written for DOS IT's {
loosely organized into two parts. The 6rsl' part is a ftont -end cba! f.!D trol ,
whict'reais the nle into memory, catls a word-counting "en- i,rt fil.nt
r,i ne " then reDorts the results back to the console l'he engrne
t* il*. *.iit"" t" work in both FoxPro and DOS This isn't ftlaE ! I,atE->D [0] .va1..v-lcEglh,
(la.!., EaaalBoPtsl
ur, ."aa""t. Ttti.s is the preferred technique for developing -t(@ttovc (parE->D tol .vaI.6t-haad1') , ftl6a) ,
oroeramB to work withU [he aPI. Ob.'iously. this isn't always
fn.!6tft1.rl . O, /* adtal au11-t6!D:lDrtor r/
oosiiUle. especiallv when databases or event-loop processes
li" inroir"i. on ihe other hand, there are many debugging This is a two-step procedure. The ParamBlk structwe
aicls ;vailable from the DOS environment which aren't avail-
doesn't contain the itring, It only contains a memory haadle
.Li" *itUio fo"p.o. We try to take advantage of them when which is an index into a table of pointers. The -HaadToPt()
we can.
''f1-isn't
practlcat t present the entire listing of the- word function converts the handle hto a real pointer. -MemMove0
p"og.u-, c-alled WXCOUNT C for DOS aad iB used to copy over the nurober of b]'tes iDdicate'l in the
"orrrl",
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 C/C+ + DEVELOPER

Summa?Y oI FoxPro's API Library

a SKIP nnn in work area specifled'

-DBskipQ-Does io the
l,Illemory ,OAS""ki)-Oo". . SEEK using the etpression supplied
work area specilied
Memory Management a GO BOTTOM in work area specifred'
meoory if possible and retulns -DBUnwind$-Does
field specifred wiih new expression'
-AllocHand(FAllo€at€s -OBneplaceQ-Replaces
M}IANDLE. an RLOCKO or FLOCK0 in work area
MHANDLE and returns memory to pool -oaLoct{Fp""to"-"
-FreeHand0-frees MHANDLE to ordinary FAR pointer.
specified.
-rUnatoRi0r-Coo.'erts number of usable bytes' an IJNLOCK in the work area specifled'
-DBunlock0-Does
-GstHandsize(I-Retums size of MIIANDLE if possible'
-Ss$tandsize0--Changes Memo Fields
MHANDLE' file handle of MEMO field'
-HunLock()-UElocks rcquest to Alloclla'nd0 will succeed' -Memoohano-R€turns specified number of bytes in MEMO
,t*lemnvaiiiFr"U" if
blocL of space oa steck -atncaUemoll-neserves
-Alloca(FA.Uocates frle.
MIIANDLE to prot€ct contents' FindMemoo-Returns pointer to first byte in MEMO
held'
-Hlock(Fl,ocks numb€r of bj'tes free on the stack' size of MEMO field'
-StackAvam-Retums -Memosize0-n€turns
Memory and Strings
a Dull-t€roi!atrd string 3. uo
-Strcpy(Hopies [ull-tcrminated shing'
,Strt-en11-net rms teogth of
Low Level File UO
two null-t€rminated striEgs'
-Stromp(Hompares a length-speciied b}ock of memory' FOpen0-{pens file and returDs 6le handle'
,MemMove{FMoves new flle and retums file handle
two length-specified blocks of memory' -Fcreate{)--{reates
-MemCmp(f-Cornpares flle.
a block of memory wit}l specifred byte -Folose(Hloses
-MemFill(FFills size of file.
-FCHsize(Hhalges
a logic true ifendof-file is reached'
Memory Variables -FEOF0-Returns
Iast frle eEor'
a variable or aray' -FError(FR€tums
-Newva(Hreates vadable or array'
all buffers out to disk'
-FFlush0-Flushes
-Rel€ase0-Reteases single line as t€rminated by CR'ILF
result into memory variable' -Fcsts0-R€turns
-Store(Fstores Incator structurc t,o point to out a single line and terrniDates with CR/LF
-Findvar(Flnitializes -FPutso-Writ€s number ofbltes'
in specified
vaiiable. -FRead0-Reads
of variable' FSeek(FMoves to arbitrary positiotr in frle'
,Load()-Fills Locator structure with contents out specified [umtte! of b]tes
inforlllation about dimeasioas of an -Mrite0-Writ€s
-Alen0-Returns block of eharacters from o[e file to another'
al?ay. -Fcopy(Hopies
NTI of nam€ supplied
-NaneTablelndex(FRetulDs Console UO
Return Routines PutChr0-9ends single character to current output window'
output
r! s character string ,Putstr(F-Sends trull-terminated string to curtent
-Retcha( I-R€tu int€ger.
-Retlnl0-RtturDs value and sends output to euEent window
floating point number' -Putvalue(FFormats
-RelFtoat0-Returns
a date as striDg'
-FletDatestr(FR3turns
logical T. or 'F' 4. Window$
-RetLogical(FRetums structurc which can be any tlpe'
Value
-Retval0-R€turDs Properties
WIJANDLE of point specified
2. Databa.e -Findwindow0-Returas
WHANDLE ofwindow on top'
-WonTop0-ReturDs scfeen-relative coordinates to
Database -GlobalTolocal0-Translates
record number ofspecifted work area' witrdow-relative eoordinates.
-DBRecNo0-Returns screen row for top ol window specified
Same as RECNOo. -WTopfl-Returns
total number of records in specifred WBottomll-netrrrns screen row for bottom ofwindow specilied'
-DBReccount0-Retums screen colurnn for IeIt side ofwiBdow
$rork area. Same as RECCOIINT0. -Wleft0-R€tums
status flags for work area specifred' specified.
-DBstatus(FR€turus record pointer to the record rcquested in ,WBigtttl;-n"to-" colurna for right side ofwindow
the "creen
-DBRead0-Moves
the workarca specifred Same as G0 nnnn' specified.
DBF. Similar to a GATHER MEMVA-R ,WHeightQ-Retums height of witrdow specifred'
-DBWntE(FUpdates record similar to APPEND Wwidtho-Retums width of window specified'
a new
-DBAppend(Hleales of window specified'
title
BI-ANK or INSERT INTO -WTitle0-Returns
a GO TOP in rqork area specifred' WFootero-R€tums footer of window epecified'
-OBBewind()-Does

I64 DATA BASEO ADVISORA'IAY 1993

 C/C++ DEVELOpER

Summary of Foxpro,s Apl Librar v

_WAttr0-R€turns attribuie blte for eolor pair specifred.

_Getltemlext0-ReturDs prompt ofmenu bar or pad.
Creatiory'Modilication _Setltemlext0--{haDges prompt ofmenu bar or pad.
Wopen0--{reates window and retums its \41IANDLFI. _GetltemomdKey(FReturns keyboard shortcut for
specified item.
_WClose0---Closes window and releases its memory.
_WHide(FHides window specified. _SetltemcmdKey0-Sets keyboard shortcut for specifi ed item.
Countltemso-Returns number of bars or pads.
_WShow(!-.Shows wiadow specifi ed.
_Wzoom0-Zooms window to new state. _Getltemld0-Returns id of item iodicated.
_Wselect(FBrings window specifred to fiont and makes _Activatel\renu(FDisplays menu and makes it active.
it _l\renulnteract0-neturns information as to which item was
active.
selected.
WsendBehind0--Sends window specified to back.
_DeActivateMenu0-R€moves meou fiom screen but does not
_WMoveo-Moves witdow specified to new coordinates.
release memory,
_Wsize(FR€sizes window to aew dimensions specifierl.
_Onselectjon(I--Spe.ifies routine to execute ifan item is
_WSetTitle(f-Changes title.
6elect€d.
_WsetFoote0--{hanges foot€r.

vo Active Processes
ActivateHandle.o-Attaches new process to event handler.
_WcetPort(FReturns WIIANDLE of curre[t output wiadow.
_DeActivateHaodle(FRemoves process from event handler.
_WsetPort0-Selects window as new output window.
_WClear0--Clears window specified. ldle-time Processes
-WolearReca(Fclears section of window specified. _Aclivateldle-Attaches new process to idle-time event handler.
_WPoscursor(FMoves cursor to coordinates specified. DeActivateldle-Removes process from idle_time event handler
_Wceicursoa0-R€turns current position of cursor.
_WsetAtt0-{hanges attributes of speciied color pair. Environmental Events
_WPutchr(F-Sends ooe character out to window specified, _GetNextEvent0-Returns next event in queue.
_WPutstro-Seods nult-t€rminated string to window specified. ,DeraultProcess(FProvides default pmcessing of neit eveDt_
_WScroll(|-Scroils window specified.
-MousePos0-R€tums coorditrates of mouse and status ofleli
,RefreshDisplay(Fnedraws entire screen including all windows mouse buttoD.
,lnKey(Fsame as INKEY0,
5. Event Loop Ptocessor
Menus 6. Miscellaneous
_Menuld(Ffuturns id of specifred pad or popup. Dialog Box Creation
_GetNewirenuld0-Returns unique id for new menu. Dialog(FProvides elerneDtaqr dialog box serviees.
_GetNewltemld0-Returns ulique id for new metru item.
_NewMenu0-Creates new menu ofspecified tJpe. Call-back to FoxPro
_DispgseMenu0-Releases menu ar]d its associated memory. _Ex€cuteo-Execut€s IIull-tcrmitrated stdlg through rnacro
Newltem(FAdds item specified to menu specified. itrterpreter.
_Disposeltem(FReleases item specifled and its associated _Evaluate0-Evaluates arbitrary expression and returns result.
memory.
_SetirenuPoint0--Specihesupper left hand coraer of menu.
Error Handler
_SetMenucolo0-Sp€cifies color scheme for an eatire menu. _Error$-Forces FoxPro error handler with error number
Setltemcolor0-Specihes color scheme for a specific menu item. speciied.
SetltemsubMenu(FAssigns a submenu to a specified item. -UserEnor(FForces Foxpro error message s/ith text specified.
*BreakPoint(Henerates Ily! 3 for use vrith extelnal debuggem

ev_length element. Strings in Foxpro aren,t guaranteed to be these #defines in your DOS ftont end to reduce the number of
n ull-termin ated. You must supply the nlull-te.-ination changes required later:
explrcltly. #defi ne _MemMove memmove
The functions _MemMove0, _StrCpyO, and the like should #define _MemCmp memcmp
-
be used in place oftheir DOS equivalints. These ApI librarv
#define MemFill memfill
routines pro\ride better control over memory boundaries ani #define _StrCpy strcpy
reduce the likelihood of transgressed (memory) hanclles. i] #define _StrCmp strcmp
your common routines use these functions, simply include #define _Strlen strlen Continued

DATA BASED ADVTSOB/|\,jAY 1993 165

 C/C+ + DEVELOPER

illf,o. siz' ) ,
t6b - ,A1l'ocHaaal ( fr)-Ha
Low-level file l/O buff = (char fa! taoPlr (!'Eh)
'
To oDen a file in a DOS program, you define a
file pointer
aoi uie iopentr to gain access to it For example: AllocHand0 returns a memory handle, which is an integer
to a table, if it can grant the number of b,'tes re-
EILA rf9' /r Pi1. Poinlct: (.tructur.) '/ "oi"t".
I"""iLi. H"natoPtr() converts a memorymay handle into a
iointer. Ifs important to note that EoxPro reorgaruze
fD - foDoa(erg!'ll], "rb" ), ffi;;;;;i;;;alls to API rouLines Therefore' vou should
;;;;'";h; each time vou enter the API' or use the
In an API routine, I use file channels (FCHAN)' which
are ';I;;lii tu.i"iir;
";;r to lock a block of memory' wren vou're
t"il" ilinaG, ana use a trnction called
-Fopen0: E"i"ir"a'*itft ft"ck of memory, you should Ilee it up using
"oi#.rJ r/
" furction (along with
iir" Ji."uiu"aO -HUnLockO
if neces-
ECE I fht /i !11. H.a'l]6 (tEts) on resources'
sary) to prevent excessive ilrain
( fa!r.,
fh ' -EoD.D
FO-RBDOIIIIJY )

For every low-level VO routine such as freado' fuT ite()'

etc lnvoking the engine
tfrl* "epf you should use You could use a If thinss have gone well, you can now invoke your engine
"* ia1n"& to handle the function traDslation here'
"qrllt'"l"ot" *r,l"ri.houtd be'unchanged Admittedly' it's only
il;A;;';;h;-Fopeno and -FWrite0 are identical to the
""i"-" "? ".i#.""a"
undei ideal circumstances that this works 'l hrs partrcular
ana ine file handle numbers used are can always be
ilil;;i;i;"Pr;, ."ia-""""t". """"^es that the files examined wolld
compatible with those used in the API' iraa ii -"^..yll*at doesn't work, the input stream
;;;;-;, b" ;*'"-*ed using low-level file Vo The #define
ilemory management i.i'fr"i*" .igftt "till preselie l,he code in this case The point
As mJntioned, you can't use malloco to $ab a block of
I i--"""-*"rf'u, a" as'much of your testing as possible und^er
t""t".a, you wouid use the following to creat€ a ;b6;h;;;i;d. iools are available fordebugging
debugging lt's diffi-
-ILon
pointer to a block: i*r.""ible-to do s,'mbolic unde-r Fox-
"'"iliiih;;;;;;
il;. "oi ; few API functions such as -BreakPointo
IGNIDIJE } h' 3 tlap, but you have
i"to the processor's INT
*-fri"n ftoof.
cher fa! 'bufft "u"

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166 DATA BASED ADVISORA,IAY 1993

 C/C++ DEVELOPER

to manually align- the segment and ofset ofyour symbol table

ttom within the debugger. This isn,t pleasint. you may find
yourselfr-esorting to the old printflt (or _putStr(
method ofdebugging.
Retuh values
..M.anf DpS
prggrams use functions such as print() to send
their results to the console. In Foxpro, you sho:dd s;m;;;
your results in nuubers or strings or codes and return those
to FoxPro using one of the
maintains the Bcreen exclusively-RetX)OO(( ) functions. Foxpro
and doesn,t know about
values printed to Lhe screen. Ifyou need to return multiple
vafu€s. one t€chnique might be to send down an array using
call by reference and use _Store0 to enter your retum valuesi
I in this'casej
struclion Kit to facilitate creation of these routin€s. These
illlude
Ioop. andleqrorr lanagement, database, *irjr;ro, ;;;;;
other miscellaneous routines. your librariei could
include functions to do Instrumentation, D.hi;g;&, il;;:
ess control, Robotics. Music. Bar code re"a".Zg"""-.-ut"?,
Splif
checker/fhesaurus, Text search, and more.
-Ihere are even routines you can use to call back to Foxpro.
'l'hese include Execute( I for launching
- a UDF and Evalu_
ate0 for evaluating any valid Foxpro Ixpression. if,"." .."
special codes you can use for call upon ioad and cali upoo
unload for initialization ald clean-up procedures. you co'uia
even ndte an API routine that,s called upon load and never
returns to FoxPro, treating it as a #ant li blary via Execute0
.

If you must return results to the screen, you should use and _tivaluate0 in.stead. There's no limit to what you can do
functions such as _PutChd) and _PutSt() to print to the with FoxPro once you've mastered the ApI.
currently active window or screen. The ApI also contains all With the release of FoxPro for Windows, the ApI is even
the functions necessary to create, select, maintain, and close more important. It cau be used to access ihe Windows Api
windows. You h-ave complete control over their size and shape, which has over 700 functions for font maaipulation, grafhics!
and you can poll the API about window characteristics. Tiis etc. Future articles will cover how to yor.6OS Api
should provide an adequate substitute for almost any console routines to FoxPro for Windows FLL format"orrrrirt
and how to access
UO you want to do in DOS. Windows DLLs and other resources.

Summary Mlchasl L. Brachman, ph.D., ls Sr. Systems Anatyst wlth Micro

Wete explored what it tales to create and use library Engg?vo_Js:
lnc. His ar ctes hav€ appeared in DBi, roxTattq Dr.
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routines from FoxPro's API. In the sidebar, you,ll see that otAmerlca, Blol. Cybernetics, Chsmlstry, and others. youcan rsacfi
there are over 130 fuactions supplied with the Library Con- him at (21 5) 449.4680.0

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DATA BASED ADVISORA,IAY 1993 167

 . EXE size
CLIPPER BASICS
Developing
. GLOBAL variables
. Macros
Faster GliPPer
. PreProcessor PertOrmance
Apps
By Dan D. Gutierrez, a symbol table look-up is required for each loop iteration'
Hoiever. no look-up is needed in:
Contributing Editor
*acfiao coNSTtlsT 7
, As vou srow with CA-CIipper, youll un- LCICAJ, ucourt, Eval
doubiedli push the compiler further and 8OR acourt := 1 fO 10000
rJ further to its limits. To reach that point, of EVaI := CONST |T
'.
j-.'.,' course, you need to keep in mind some of
the development techniques that can
make you more productive. This month,
NE:Xf

since CA-Clipper replaces a manifest constant with its value

l've provided some generil developmenL tips geared towards
the novice.
ctippet tip #r-EXEs: Smallet is Better
When you prepare your final EXE for distribution to users,
be consciousoftire EXE size. Duetothe RAM resident require-
ments ofmost network operating systems, a smaller EXE size
is always better, especi;lly if the application is designed to
work on a network.
To miuimize EXE size, remember to aftuays compilewiththe
/l comoiler switch. The,4 swikh eliminates all line number
references embedded in OBJ files The savings may seem
small, but when you're dealing with large, multi-module sys-
tems, every little bit helps. In a large multi-user application
I once wroie, I reduced the size of the EXX by 68K using the
/l switch. This was enough to compensate for the resident
network software.
There's one drawback to using /1. Without embedded line
numbers, you won't get an error message like:
Erro! BASE/1097 AtguD.at c!ro!: LEN
ca11cd f!@ uArN(5)
at compile tlrnp. not runtime This example runs faster than
the 6rst. This is another tradeoff-performance vs. program
size. Although the performance increase is slim, you should
think of this optimization t€chnique as just one of many in
your arsenal.
Clipper #3-4anilest Code Btoat
',p
You should shy away from manifest constants equated to
long character string constants or pseudo-functions that.are
overly complex ifyou use them often in a program. Consider
this:
iltlcf,in6 PAGE-TIaLE ,
"CcmbiE€d IEcdlr/E.I,cEs6 Quart.lly RGport"
There's no problem with such a manifest constant if it's
referencedin i few places inyourprogram. On the otherhand,
if you use it in 100 places, the constant becomes part of the
code 100 times, a prime waste ofspace in the EXE file
To reduce program size, store the string constant in a
variable.
In the case ofa pseudo-function, this:

when your program aborts with a runtime error. The line at *il€f iE. OPEIiATIIIG INCOUE (actualaw, braak€won6v,
whichihe erroi occurred is indicated by the number in paren- Dric.Pu, vcpu ) t
theses. Instead, you'll get: IIE(Dlic.Du-=0, O, (act,u!Iav-br6akGvorrEv),
r (Dric€Pu-vcDu) /9!ic69u)
Error BAaE/1097 l.rgnr[.Et arlor: LEN rActsualsalcavolum. := 1500000
Call.al frc6 UAIN( 0 ) LOC.IL
r,ocE EBr.akEv€Dgalcsvolu.E6 := 3?00000
The tradeoff is program size vs ease of debugging Then LOCAL rsal6sPric.P.rurit := 74.75
again, bythe time you place your program into productionuse, LOCI! lvlrcostsP.rurit := 59. O0
mlost ofihe bugs ire fixed and you won't need line numbers
for error references. ? OPEITITING INCOIIE ( lrlctualgal6avolur., i
aBr.akEv6asal.svolun,
Cripp,er tip # 2-4OQ PrcptDcessol Petto.mancG naal.BPriccPcruEit, ,
avarCoatsPcruait )
Use the paeprocessor to increase program performance. In
this code: ? oPERAT ING-INCOIiE ( nActua lsal.8vo luna+ 10 0 0 0 ,
rB!.afta1'6da.1.Bvo1trEt,,
PRMTE ncoEataat := 7 rlt.16.PricGP.rUtrit,,
LOCa.I, trCourt, nval rvalcoa!BP.luai! )
FOR acount := 1 TO 10000
aval := nco[ataEt Continued
IIE'(I

168 DATA BASED ADVISORA,IAY 1993

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 CLIPPEB BASICS

calcula- EXE 6le. A PLL works by allowing the runtime support

results in "code bloat," since the code to perform the routines from CLIPPER.LIB to be mergcd from a separate
tion is Dlaced in the program for each occurrence program
oI
itinte *itn yo". "xecutable code at runtimc To take advan-
iipiriafluc INCoME Thii can affect the overall (hc
(if it's refercnced in numerous places) You i""" f'l,f-. vou must first link it using BASI:50'LNK
ir"-at.-ut"uffv iilt"."fu
nf" incl;dcd with CA-Clipper' You should also includc
might be better Lffrewriting this as a UDF' for
SEt PI-I,=", t"tipperS \ pll l)OS environment variable
t-Ir.
ll4-l,,aclos' ba gone! the linker.
CIiPPet Tip To use a PLL. invoke the tinker with:
To improve performance, make every attempt to eliminate
*;;;'lio- you. cod". CA'Clipper offers several provisions RTLINT EI Prognam. /PLL: DASE5o
*fri"f, tft" for maclos, such as extended expres-
"UlriutJ
CUrySef blocks and code blocks in general Com-
"eed
"i""",
pare this old-stYle "ode
aPProach: In addition to the considerable savings in link times, the
resulting EXE file will be minuscule compared to the one
r S'87 nathoil vorr'll normallv generate.
fil6 E!!a - "cuatoo.r' " Nor.e: once voicreatc the production L;XE lilc. get rid ofthc
USE &fllc-[aD.
PLL. The wh;te idea behind using Clipper is to have a stand-
alone EXE file.
to the new style, which you can rewrite as an extended
expression:
Clippe t tip #Hrcm a GLOBAL P6rsPective
/. cl-cliDDor n thod r/
cELlaNa.Da : = 'cuatdar' When vou first moved to the CA-Clipper environment' you
usE (cFi16N!.8 ) // usc .xton't6tl 'lg'rcsslonB l *"." p.obubly told to use LOCAL and STATIC scope variables
instead of PRIVATE and PUBLIC variables.
For the most part, this works out fine However, you'll find
Ctipper tip #5-{uick Link3 that STATICs are the "widest scope" possible, visible from any
orosram module inside the PRC file in which it was definod'
' Ofren this scope isn't wide enough- a PUBLIC is necessary'
During the development cycle. you should use a prelink
library iPLLr to avoid lengthy link times when generating an Unfortunately, unlike LOCALs and STATICs, PUBLICs (and

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170 DATA BASED ADVLSOR/MAY 1S93

 CLIPPEB BASTCS

PRIVATEs) use thc symbol tablc. Symbol table acccss aErITRrl (IIE(walu.
requires l,ime, thus such accesses should -- NtL, aclobat, tEEle.rrl, ;
fc avoided whcn actobat! [rE1@.at ] ,
possible.
: _ vvaluo ) )
You can.awoid using the symbol table through GLOBAL
scope variables. Clipper doesn't oflicially support such a
scope, but you can easily create one. You'll necd two forms of the special CAccess(, UDF to both
CET and SET thc globals. A call to GAccess() with;" ;;_
The basis ofa GLOBAL is the STATIC array aclobals. This
rametcr does a CET, or retrieves, the value ofu gfofrui; iro
STATIC contains the valucs that the program modules in y;;; paramcters does_a_SET, or assigns, a value to a global.
application will access. You can keep trick of the indiviiual I n a separate PRG file you should
CLOBALs held in this array with a special CH #include file have this codle:
containing manifest constants used as array subscripts.
Here's how to create a CLOBAL scope variable: r TESTA.PRG - Corrai.aB
r by uaino of TEST.PRGrt}*/rDp() which is callld
r TEST.PRG - Uairr progr.n fo! t€sr suit€ usiDg .Liac1ud6,slobals.ch,
GLOB& acop€ vari!.bl€s #dcfin. GLOBA! PAGE LEN 1
*dGfin6 GLOB& SCR EEr-DER 2
r l,l1ocat6 loom for Ld6fin6 cLoBAL Trx RATE 3
1OO globally scopaal v.liabl6s
STATIC aclobals [100I !'gNcTroN uyuDE
FUNCTION Uain
LOCA! nLiracat := 1
uyuDF ( ) // CaIl UT.UDF ( ) ,hich
// eETa and SErs globals /r SET thc global !.port p6g. hDgth
RETI'RN NIL to 55 r/
G.f,ccc8a( GLOBAL PAGE LEN, 55 )
/r tb. global alata orrtry scr66r b6attG! r/
SET
r Glcc.s8( DEle.rt, GACC6SA( GLOEAL SCR IIEA.DER, iDATA ENTRY SCREEN"
vvalu. ) --> vclobaLvaluo /r SET th6 glob.I EalGs tax rat. ./ )

GAcc€sB ( GLOBll. TAX RATE, O.OB25 )

EUNCTTON cAcc.rsa ( nElecnt, WaluG ) /' Exa.q)1.: cET a g1oba1 r/ Continued

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 CLIPPER BASICS

o torn ono t.L td

IE nLin€Crt > GAcces! ( GLOBA! PAGE LEN )
r Enil-of-Pag. cod6 goGE horc

arIlr
ENDIE

IT
lr
l.
I
b REfI'RN NII.

This code shows hot'r' you may GET/SET GLOBALs You

.;'t-;i;.;; the aGloLds ariav directlv, since a 6le-wide
iie-tld * a"r,""a as a variable whose scope is ollY in the
file in
rrl I"""iio""o. p-""aures physically located in the PRG
ll rl r r- which it was defined.
t)
fir" Uitt"* line with GLOBALs implemented is a philo-
tr Twice the SPeed & Half the Size' . "nohi""i
1."r". To avoid symbol tabte access you must write
of Engine a funcrion call to GAccess{ r. This turns out to be more expen-
in terms ofPerformance
tr Chosen bY Microsoft for Access sive
-
fii-i"uti"e P-UBLICs is good in another u'ay, however'
tr Windows(DLL),and namely
i*.iiinl
in t"hat GLOBALs (file-$'ide static plus
ut"
an-access
in one central place, u'hereas P-UBLIC
VisualBasic SuPPort be squirreled away in the depths. of lower-
"o.t.olled
a"nnii,o"" may
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 .
PARADOX BASICS
Forma
Manipulate
. obiectPAL
. Tcur€ors
. Ulobjects
Your Data
By Tim Colling and Rick Kligman
r r anioulatirg data is one ofthe mo8t important tasks
[ll:l*""1"*'$'ffi "xl'*1f ff",'*'"'T*1"d"ff ]]
I UI it i;d; paradox for !!-indows'
u"ioe oujectpe'L,
'orogramning language.
Thie most cimmon way to manipulat€ dats in Paradox for
Windows iB through forms. Parador providee a simple, yet
powerfirl form genirator. You create a form and attach tableo
io it. It fle"ibti because you caD iDsert a fielil tom a table in
any form " you waat and change its qualities, such aa gize or
color.
Once vouVe defined a form, you can manage table data from
*ithio it it several ways, Tbe principal approaches are to
manioulate either the UlObjects on the form or TCursors
attacled to tables ou the form. We'll discuss both choices and
offer advice on when to use each. You'll find code examples in
table l.
Tap the powet ol tho data modol
The Paradox form generator, at its core, uses the data model,
one of many erciting features in Paradox for Windows.
Select thi table oi tables you wart to manipulate. If you
select more than one table, you can optionally set up relation-
shiDs between tables that Paradox will theu maintain for you
in tire form. The relationships can be two or more levels deep-
one-ta-one, one-to-many, one-to-maly-to-many, etc. To desig-
aate joins Letween tables, draw a line between the two tables
where the relationship resides. Paradox will try to det€rniue
the lhks for you by mitching the first fields. Ifthe tables have
the salre field name and field tlae, the program will make the
liak. If Paradox can't make the lin} automatically, youll be
pronpted to Belect the two or more fields that comprise the
liot.
Ifyou're designing a new form, Paradox then cooes up with
a best guess for the design layout, that is, how the form's
tables are to be laid out. Ifyoute set up a one-to-many link,
atl the fields of the Easter table will be displayed, and the
detail table will be contained in a tableframe. A tableframe is
a spreadsheet-like control with rows anal columns to show
marry fields and records. You can adjust the desiga layout
-you don't like what Paradox proposes.
Finally, finish the form by making it more aesthetically
pleasing and saving lt. Now a user will be able to bring up the
lorm ant move through the master records, and Paradox will
automatically maintain the detail rccords.
fanipulate data yia the form's Ulobiects
Everything on ttre form is an object ofthe UlObject type. All
ofthe objects that you manage in ObjectPAL belong to one of
the varioua object typee defined for Paradox, ard UlObject is
one ofthose t5rpes. An object s tyae defines its default behaYior
in that t,?e's "built-in methods.' UlObject provides us with
methode to give functionslity to the object, and some ofthese
methode will madpulate the data in the object. Each object
,I74 DATA BASED ADVISOB/MAY 1993
on the form also has properties and each object's properties
are itB data-not just ttble data, but also data about the
object. An object's properties include its size, position, the
t Ll" it'" lir,k"d to, oU5ects it contains, and many others too
nr:merous to list. Thiiarticle focuses on the manipulation of
the table ilata and the methods uaed for such manipulation'
There are several t,?€s of methods in a UlObject that can
do something with tbe data in a table. I classi$ them as
informational, movement, action, and processing methods.
uaction" that can also afrect most
There's also a method called
ofthe actions described in the following discussion, albeit with
more work on your part. The actiou method takes a constant
that is oft€n similar in wording to the corresponding specific
method name.
U.G rclervcd ObiectPAL vatiablcs to
r.prcaent UlObicct.
When a method is called, there may be many fitrerent
UlObjects involved. Several ofthen may be relerred to Yia the
ObjeciPAL variables Self, Subject, Active and Container. An-
other, the Target, may be determiaed by using the getTarget0
method.
. Sell-the object to which the method belongs.
. Sublect-the object which is the one the method should
operate upon.
. Target-the object which received the current event.
o Actlve-the currently active object, the last object to receive
a moveTo. Normally, the object will be highlighted.
. Container-the object that contains self.
The advantage of using these variablee instead of speciEc
object uames ii that it carBes your code to be generic and
reueable, since the object that is referred to i8 determined at
runtime.
lnformational methods
Informational methods involve reporting the state of a
UlObject in respect to the table. The informational methods
are:
atFirst atLast
if isEdit isEmPtY
lockstatus recordstatus
nFields nKeyFields
nRacords
All except lo€kstatus and recordStatus work the same way:
Call the method witlt no paraDeters and it returns a logical
value. IockStatus and recordStatua are diferent in that they
take a const String parameter for the tlTe oflock you're asking
about. The logical value returned will be Tlue or False, which
is why I call these informational.
llovcment methods
Movement methods involve moving around a table. The
movement methoda are:
 Break out the formalware...
It's time to get Class(y), w
It's a formal invitation. Our nen. r'ersion of Clnsshl extends the
horizon tbr Clipper programming, makin (I tt eris ier than ever to
ll
write reusable , maintainable corie. And Cl n s s 0i intt grates seallt-
lesslv into Clipper 5.01, ailor,r'in g user-createrl classes kr tre treated
just like Clipper s existing classes. C/rrss(y) pror'ides true
inheritance,
including inheri tance from Cli
*re1's TBrorvse, TBColumn, Get and
Error classes. Clnss(y) objects can even be saved to and loatled fronr
disk using G anahl Softlvare's FlexFile libr anr.

otf eiif 4Tf'n1 :. "r'1-u

c*
Cl a s s (y) 2,fr
powerful new feafures including:
r Metaclass support {great for data dictionaries)
-r Ability to treat built-in data types as obiects
,r Type checking of instance vatiables
r Support for multiple inheritance
r System-defined object class
,r Enhanced object inspector
r Automatic delegation . , . and morel
Class(y) has become the standard {or class
creation in Clipper, "Classe) easily exceeded 0 ecTech.Inc.
all my expectations. It supports seiious obiect- 1.800-8-CLASSY
oriented programming and provides some'
leafures not available in other OOP languages.',*
* Dave
Duchesneau, Data Based Arhisor,Feb.g,
 R'S

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 PARADOX BASICS

end home skip

. postR€cord
locate locateNext locatePrior . unlockRecord
localePattern locatePattem Next locate None of the action methods take parameters or return a
PatternPrior moveToRec moveToRecordNo logical value. edit puts the table into edit mode. Unlike Para-
nextRecord priorRecord dox DOS, where you have edit anil coedit mode, Paradox for
Windows only has edit mode, which is actually the same aa
End, home, nextRecord, and PriorRecord take no parame- r-'ocdil mode in DOS.
ters ard move you as you'd expect in the table- MoveToRecNo
and moveToRecord both take a record number and move ta Putting a Ulobject on a form into edit mode doesn't put aIIy
that record in the table. moveToRecord can also take a TCur- other form into edit mode. In Paradox for Windows, each form
sor as a paramet€r and moves to the record the TCursor is a separate entity. endEdit closes out the editingsession and
contains. The locate set of methods take one of two sets of attempts to post any record that's in the middle of being
paramet€rs. The first set is field number and field contents, edited. cancelEdit closes the edit session and won't save any
and the seconcl is field name and field contents. Both sets can record in the middle ofbeing edit€d. postRecord att€mpts t,o
be repeat€d within a single locat€ method (for example, when post the record being edited and won't end the edit session.
you're locating on multiple field criteria but can't intermix the lockRecoril and unlockBecord lock and unlock the current
two ilr the same method call). skip takes the number ofrecords record.
you want to move forward or backward from your current
position in the table. Processing methods
Processing methods involve changing the data in a table.
Action methods The processing methods are:
Action methods involve performing an action against a table . deleteBecoril
that may or may not change data. In this context, you should o empW
not confuse what we're calling *action methods" and the . insertRecord
specific method called "action". The action methods are: o insertAfterRecord
o edit . insertBeforeRecord
. cancelEdit None of these methods take parameters or return a logical
o endEdit value. ileleteRecord deletes the current record. empty deletes
o lockRecord all records from the table. continued

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 PARADOX BASICS

called ..customer.',
Tablg 1-samplg codg Manipulation ol customer table rocord dlsplayed in a lo]m ulob|oct

By Ulobiect Sy UObi.cl By Tcu6or

Via dlrDct netlodg
actiY6}lome0
1. Mov6 to firsl record
via aclion method
aarive.aclion{dataB€gin) val tc tcursor erdYar
tc.open(active.tablename)
lc.homeo
active.movoToReco.d(tc)
aclive.resync{tc)
tc.

actrve,end0 active.actbn (daiaEnd vat lc tcltlsor €ncl\,el

2. Move lo last record tc.open(adive.lablenam6)
tc.end0
active.moveToRoeord(lc)
active.Gsync{c)

active.nextReco.do aclive.action(dataNextRecod) var lc tculsor endval

3, Move to nex recold
tc.attach(acliv€)
rc.nextRecord0
aclive.moveToRecord(tc)
active.resynqb)

active.action (dahPdorRecod) v,rr lc tcrnsor erd\rar

4. Move to pdor rscord
aclive.pdorBecordo
tc.attach(activo)
tc.ptufiecold0
aclive.movsToRecod(tc)
aclive-rosync(tc)
lc-

customer.home0 var tc lcuGor end\rar

5. Chang€ lcusiomer-namel
.ustomeredito tc.open( 'cuslome/ )
!o upper case.
numberToDo = cusiomer. nRecords0 tc.odno
for countertom 1lo scan tc:
numberToDo tcname = tomat( 'cu" tc.name )
name.value = lormal( endscan
'cu',name,value ) tc.endEdito
cuslom€tskrp(1) tc.cbseo
endFor
customerendEdito

The iasert methods are a bit tricky: insertAfterRecord and
insertBeforeR€cord insert a blank record before or after the
current record-that part's pretty obvious. But insertRecold
inserts a blanl record before the current recoral generally-
but not always. You have three choice6 that come into play in
two circuEstances:
o The first is ia an unkeyed table. The Before/A.fter methods
give you total control over where the record will appar. In
a keyed table it won't matter because the record will 'fly
awa/ once it's posted. This means the record will automat-
ically be moved to it's correct position in the file according
to its key value, and tJre cursor will move to the record
immediately after the one that you vrere editiDg.
o ltre second circumstance is in a detail table. If your intcn-
tioa is to add detail records to the elrd ofthe set, moving to
the bottom aDd usitg iDsertAfterBecord places the record
ia the correct position. This latter method prevents the
record from flying away when post€d, saving some time in
not having to repaiat the detail table,
How to,manipulatd data with Tcursors
There's an alternative to using UlObject methods to ma-
nipulat€ table data on a form---+a11ed a TCursor. A TCursor
iB a pointer to data in a table, which enables you to manipulat€
data at tbree levels: table, record, and field. It's not necessary
to display the table when you use a TCursor.
Given a choice of using a UlObject method or a TCursor,
usually you'd probably choose the UlObject. For the most part,
the metfiods available for manipulating data with the TCur-
sor tl/pe are similar to those available through the Lllobject
type. You'd use a TCurBor rather tha! a UlObject in cases like
these:
.
When speed i8 an issue.
Example: Wll,en you need to iterate through every record to
do some sort of processilg. The screen redraws while you go
through each record are very costly in performance t€rms.
For example, in the sample "Customer" table that comes
with Paradox for Windows, containing 56 records, changing
the case of the Customer Name fie1d took only one second to
carry out with a TCursor approach, while the Ulobject ap-
proaches each required over ten seconds to do the same job.
o When the needed table isn't included in the data model.
There may be times when you need to read data from a table
you don't wish to include in the data model. Doing so with a
TCursor is simpler than trying to do so with a UlObject.
Resyncing UlObiects w:th TGursors
Ifyou've moved to a UlObject with a movetoRecord(tcursor)
method, then you must resync0 the UlObject to the tcursor
as well, in order for Parailox to display the linkiag data
correctly. For examples, see the code in the TCursor column
in table 1.
Toursor scoping lules
Ifyou attach a TCursor to a Ulobject thats involved in a
one-to-one linl between two tables-for example a single
tableframe-the TCursor will only get the Etructure and data
of the mast€r table. If you attach a TCursor to a UlObject
involved in a one-to-many link-such as a multi-record object

180 DATA BASED AOVISOF/MAY 1993

 PARADOX BASICS

Paradox 4.0 Accounting

that contains the master table arrd a tableframe that contains NFORIVANI
Beceivables o Payables . lnuenlory
the detail table-and you're attached to the master table, the
TCursor will only get master table structure and data. Ifyou General Ledger. Financial Reportel
attach the Tcursor to the detail table-the tableframe-the
TCursor will only get the structure and data ofthe detail set. 17/ Sales 0rders. Purchase Ordels
Job Costing. Bill 0l Materials
The TCursor will only be aware ofthe data the user can aee
(the linked detail records), not the rest ofthe table.
Superior accounting functionality and the effective
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Paradox for Windows provides ObjectPAL programs with
Adapta the leader in Paradox accounting since 1987.
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He'sthgChairmanoltheSoulhern CalirornlaParadoxUserscroup,
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OAADVISOR (ll CASE a Sotwa€ Eng )
Just as you did before the change,
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DBADVISOR {6lib6. Addo.s. T0016) the 'Xbase" category in Section 2 (Data-
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If you need technical support on our
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a message, download VIPLST.TXT from
DATA BASED ADVISOR/MAY 1993 183

Expand the power of Cl
Fullr ove ar-able
Compatible with
all netvorks.
Professional CLIPPERTM deaelopment library
SCREEN,IMAGES
Modify screen images directly; cut,
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boxes, etc.. Create images of any size.
Create "exploding/imploding" win-
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build stunning visual effects with "cur-
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TABLE
IIANDLING
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Try cx DBHANDLE,
performence
truly the most powerlul
altemative to both
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VALUE
Take a look at just a few
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CX DBHANDLE:
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. Index based pal]tialtahle option.
No conditional indexing or sub-indexing
is required. Simply pass key value boun-
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. Work\ wilh borh darrbase: and arra) s.
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it, pan it (with lockable display fields).
. The builFin dyEa4ielcalgb option lets
you instantly zoom-in upon the required
key by simply typing one or more of its
characters. Watch the matched characters
automatically highlig,hr right in the bar!
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Iields across the table.
. Individual .e//s and even indi!idual chal-
acters within cells can have colors based
on anv values or exDressions.
. All parametels are redefinable (rr-lre-l),
i.e.. unlimited transformations can be
applied to the table during its operation.
. All options can be enabled
and disabled
on-the -J'lt .
. A great deal more!
184 DATA BASED ADVISORA,IAY 1993
DB CONNECTIONS
roith
TM
Library 1 (News & General Info) for the
answer. \rIPLST.TXT contains a cr-rrn-
(, plete list ofthe vendors participating in
the Vendor Information Program and
all products supported in the Data
Based Advisor Forum. It also indicates
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and, where applicable, the Vendor Ab-
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oX_DBSEEK instantly finds the first, Library changes
next, previous or last occurrence of a
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The libraries have been rearranged,
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matching key values. (Windows & Graphics) have been moved
cx_BARMENU handles 4-directional into Library 6 (Libs, Addons, Tools).
matrix-style option selection. Files from Library 2 (Database Prod-
String functions (format, justify, search, ucts) that focus on Access have been
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either numeric or
character values-
filesjust for FoxPro have been moved to
Library 16 (MS FoxPro).
system, printer,
Library 1 (News and General Informa-
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leases. You'll find technical information,
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much more!
product demos, and utilities in the other
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Thoroughly is still in Library 13 (DBA Source Code).
documented. In- You can obtain a complete listing offiles
cludes a printed manual and a complete
in the Forum libraries by downloading
onJine guide for Norton GuidesrM. DBAXDL.EXE or DBACAT.EXE from
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extensively commented code samples. TapCIS 5.3, but you'll find it useful no
matter how you access CompuServe.
Price: $295 + shipping/handling: $10 air Holly Covell, a DBADVISOR sysop and
mail, $25 ovemight in USA & Canada, member ol DBA'S technical statf, has con-
$35 intemationaVcotier. US funds. centrated on PC database programming
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. C€neral l-€dc€r Accou.Dts Psvable. AccouDts R€-
ceivable, Ssler & IDvoichg dorder Ertry, h-
vertor, e/PurEhrs€ Order:PaEou.
. Modifable soulce cod€ prosraE for your vertical
m._arket. ForPro V2.5, FoTBASE+, Clipper.
dBa8e Iv.
. DeEo Guided Tour dEanual. ss.EDle Bource
code, report€ atrd liceme asr€eEeDt. t2S.
. CoEplete Accountios Pac}ase with Source Cod€
ajrd T{O ROYALTY liceD.s€, $99s.
INFORMATION DESIG},IS CORP.
ru1 Dclla Dr., Ste. 25O
Orlrndo, FL 32819

Elocllovelua lndultlal, lnc-

2eO Glrd.n SL
Business/Accounting
[ornliown, l(, (If960
zJ1-2f,:t-1117 Modiliable Fund-Accounting Softwarc
ForF\r.Accounting is firll-featur€d BoftwarE for
govemneDr and nonprofit orsanizarions. FUUV
GASE Tools-
docunented murce and ru.Dtiois Ea-k€ it Derdl
lor VAR9, consukants. and end-user6. Modules i.E- CASE Tool fot $199!
clude GL, AP, AR, FA, Payrou, a[d Utility BiltitrE.
loGp€rceDt c.ril.ten i[ FotPro crith dBriSE an?
.Etrtity-relationship Eodelitrs.
R€cital vemion8 available. Single.user ard Det- . ScIl€Ea g€treratiod.
wort€d licen8e8 availabtr . . dBASE, Fox-Pro, Parador, o. Access
Bar Coding . DatabaBe desigr with lthhins speed!

Atlodable Bat Code Readerc

Mirasoft, Inc. .
.
Originator ofthe ER app.oach.
Other products (separately priced):
Rtver3e-ensiDe€rhq
Compuworld ofrers a coEDlet€ lhe of bar code ll.sofl,lnc. 30 DBMS8
read€rs, including laler, CCD, etaid€ls gt€el waDd, 2791f t{- Teri! St, St€. 16{ Data-flov diaeraEner
q.ud card readerE. Available in all ht€rfacesi F.i.li.ld, CA 9it5:i3 Nor$aliz€I lildusl.B bcsrr r
RS232, Leyboard emulatio4 and wsrd emulation. 7cr.|l291513 Phone & F.x Clien/Server Suppo"rt
qur rcadeE hterface vith PC, XT, AT, PS/2,
Macint!6b, alrd ms.ry olher6. Dealer and disFibu- Specify DOS or Whdoes veEion. gH: i l0 (DoEes-
tor i.nquirie6 welcomer tic) or $25 (ForeiF). Cr€dir Cad! acaept€d.
CompuWorid
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it v-!,-
Gbrd.lc, CA 91203
8't &5494't 5t
800-SBRCODE
- I=JI
L-r r
Oak Rivet Accounling Soltwarc &Associates
Accountlng programs wiflen ln FoxPro2: Chen & Asroclat*, lnc.
. G€rcral ladse! Module, ExE Version. User 4884 Con!$hnion Ave., St . t E
mMtrel:.q25 Baton Rouge, LA 70808
. Accourtr Payable, Accoult! R€c€ivable. lDvorc- 50+9285165, Far 5tX-92&9371
ins Modules, EXE Versioo, User Earual: 999 Fr 800-448-CHEN (2436) (orders only)
Bat Code Beadlng & P ntlng FotYout PC module.
Our bar code rEad€Is arE desigDed for fast, rctiru€,
cmt-etrective dats enEs. They emulata gmr key-
. SouEe code versioD, ROYAITY FREE UnliD-
it€d Diltrilutor of EXE, APP, EXP: Ueer ou-
board eo ssnned bal ddes l6L t i,--* ual: $195 per modute (ForPro2 R€quiEd).
just Iike they werE ffi 'o* stalders
itr! Choog€-froE
steel wand, CCD, las€r gutr, csrd 6lot, aad magretic RFL Solrwrre
stripe scaDner. Add our powertul Bar Coda and On. Gellerla ghrd., Ste. 912
T€npriltiry loftsarE for a coEpler€ syBtem! crerr flet i.i., LA ?mot
warrarty. G.nerous les.ll.r discounts. 30day 5{X-A:r66551
DoDcy-bilcl srrart€c.
Seagull Scientlf lc Systems
15127 ll-E 2,aO! Ste. 3ir3
Fodmond, WA 90qi2
a)G75&2q)1, Ab-{fl -a966

DATA BASED ADVISOFUMAY 1993 187

 DATA BASED ADYISOR

Gommunications ,la*eting & Conbca anager

Glipper Library Market your pmduct! a.nd s€ryices efiectivelv UBe
the oowerftn Querv Svslem to zcro i.n oD yotll
NEW! LANLIb v1.35 lor CliPPer FaxForward Volce ResPorse Systerr tarqit. Clio-Base Matketiry ard Cotrtact Ma.nage'
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shered Resouce Cotrtrol. and mole. Other librar- ren scdDt temDiat€s available for wide ra.Dge of
idustrii,s. Ne&ork alrd dBAsE coEparible. Infor- 399-5.00 Clipper Developers buy Eodula! 5.01
ies mav ofrer NETBios compatibilitv, or pur€ Nc'reU Source code iid cu*omirl your syBtem Huse di!-
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CUP-BASE SYSTETTS
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Consulting Speed, Siop city, Satislaction
Add the powet ol SOL to CA-CliPPet Curreotlv used itr Bweral Fonune 500 corpora-
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SQLBas;. Oracle a-tr o!-Microsoft SQLServer' lve erform Xlase Droiects ofi-site. All we need t[orooratri: automate-d sal€s, centraJ6eld updat-
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allowine EultiDle clnDectims to oultiple DBlrlSs and a Iittle Eoney (very little). Our rates ale low. ini, word-proceraing, auto-disling, sc.iptirg,
aindtmerulil Writ€ fa.st€r aDd Eore Dowertul We'Il set back to you wher the proj€cts are com_ ti.Ee-bilins, crcdit c{]d captu-rhg, activity sched'
aDolicstioD.s with less pIosra-EEiDg. Call now fu Dlere.-Ihat's wh€[ you pay us. Tberc are lots of ulirg, and deEler locating.
deEo a]rd more informatiotr. idvaDtage€ to outsourciDg with TechDoson:
. We have vour bale covered- DealervDpv.loDers wereo' Start vor ow! buBi-
Softwate.Centrlc
ForPrc ' ParadE Orade ness todav. Tu; vour mnsulrhq 6rn int a highlv
zx}l Goibcr Ave. orofitabdbusinds. Off-the-sh€f or OEM pmduct.
Sacrem6ino, CA 95817-132{. USA.
FaTBASE dBASE ClipPr
. We have lot! ofp€ople tn do the work.
Powertul Developers Kit sva.llable. Store Cop,
91 5-4ru031 , Fax 91 6-{544223 DeDo costs $I49. Nothins rlse is aen close
. Our code is l,e[ sEuctur€d and ealily dodified
(by youl
. We Drovide doormetrtation.
If vou'6re on vour way boo Xb6!e to t'he A9400,
wi catr help, iitl Synilng ifyou prefer. we also do
coavercims off-site. E
EE
TechnoSott Corp. ege E,na d
750 Bate.y St, 6th Flr. EE!B 6H:A,B'-
S.n Frarlcirc!, CA 94111 Nationwlats Cornpuler DYn mica
415-98660fl), Te.rl or r-32 17:]0 S. El Camino Rc.l, Sb. ma
ErEinltr!, CA 92oi2,H957
Clipper Gonditional 81,0.3,16-1200, 51 9.9&1 8(x)
lndexing Lib?aly
NfX-RAP Gives True Condilional Gontact ilanagement
lndexlng Powet to clippet
NTX-RAP library npidly genemtts conditioDal BFD-A the power of FoxPto 2! Copy Protection
NTX irfea dn€ctly'Go;r DBFa, BuDports any c@di- Bis File Diawer taL€s tuI ad!'artage ofthe sp€€d
lioMl erDressicn wh.ile Eai,tai-aiDs iDde! intesritv ari oows of FoxPro 2 md i.s the EoEL powe rl Copy-Safe
foT APPEND. REPLACE. SET: NDEX, ORDER, busdeEs idomation sy6teD. Many coDsider it
RELATION. LINIQUE coomatrds. NTx- RAP 8ur' Prevert unauthorized copyiag of resalable
bett€. than ACTI BFD combi.nes cotrtact marage- aDDlicatiors! This irnovsl.ive soflwa!€ copv
oa.sses colv€DtioD;l irderins speed for r€$rd3 3e- ment, teleEsrketirs, saleB lrackitrg. follw-udre-
iec,t€d <<RECCOUNT( ). VarEioDs 5.01: $?5(US), oi6tectior utility sives develope's the abilitv t!
call cotrtrol. Eail list, and word proc€dsins ID ooe ili"r'ib,rtr their?afubas€ aDD[catioD3, vPt main-
Surmer 87: S75(US) DIus yH: doEe6tic 510, for- orlffi. SE the oc,'!,er of BFD for vomell Catt n .ontml over its istsllui ba!e. Your veBioD of
eiF $20: \4sa/Mast€rcard sccept€d. lFlorida redi- io'Fnee n ttv *oiti"g demo. ODly $395 or $8e5
ta i

deb add tar.) Copysa-fe is compl€t€ly utrique! Ilsert€ esilv ilto

LAN; dealer pricing ar€ilable. dBASE, Fo ASE, or Clipper appticatioD source
H I S Syst ms, lnc. code. MC orvisa accepted.
P.O. gor 190970

tr
tliaml Be.ch, FL 33119 SylEm Solwr., Ltd.
AJ}sill 6?34, Compus..vo O03(x24m) Smdl Buslncss 30685 Barrlnglon Ave., Sle. lm
adbon H6lght3, Hl {4071
Far 30ffi-r4-2134 Computer Systems! Ino. 3135'8&7400, F.r 31358&7170

Small Bu.in*s Compute. SJsGml, lnc.

809 N. gethlehem Pike, P.O. Bor 385
spring Hou8e, PA 1 947/
2t$.5424639

188 OATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993

 DATA BASED ADYTSOR

Database Mailing Tools

t,

Force Programming
tttE Fox Ex p tes s-The al lti mab Fox pro
Ptoductivily Tool 9495
MAIL FOP LESS! Ellective Force FoxExprFss is aFofrospeci6c appticaiion gener-
ator that lers you crpare ivent driien, multi-uer,
. Dq Msiler-Full lst and 3rd Cl"ss presons,bar- The Force Power Programnins Joumsl. Epand multi-reialro_nal apptcations with lirtie or Do pro-
codinq, reDorts. etc. for Xbase frles.' your capabilities by r;sdins tlie oDty educaiional
resou'ce lor !'orce propramDers, Rerrular colums graDnmg. ForE*press a ut omaticallv creat es @s.
. BAR LITE 20 provides lnsrant barcodes La- a,d anides by Force ei perts like Bu_k;sld, Holmes, loEizable browses. search distosE, reion fmnt+nd
bels, ilvoiceg, enveloDes, lF,rters. etc. Jusr load Minard. and morel Corers e!€r1lhins froo basii screens ard more-..
BAR LrIE and run your printjob! to ad!€Dced topics. Quarterb^ subscrior'oo w/di.sk
. ZIPA, Other Barcodes, sld Products. Wlat Ea-kes FoxExprpss stand oul hom all orher
$g0/year. Special introductorv rare- S69n€a! + application geoerators E it integrar$ seemlessly
.
PGtaI Cetfications. FREE iasue! wrth FoxPm, by at tachirs itseIftoithe FolPro Eeou
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Rrseller ProglaE. Sariech Communicstlon! and runiug from withh FolPro. Everlrhins se.
1'142t Lockvrood Or., Ste.353 ated by ForE:press (screeD!, menus, rejrons, pro-
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SilverSpring, MD 20904 lects) iE cr€ated in a lormat mGistmr with the
2731 S. Adam3 Rd., Ste. 102 FolPro Powerfools, allowilg Eodification t"h rou gh
Rochester HiIs, Mt 4830$3103 301-593-3236, CIS: 76020,444 FoxPro or FoxE x press Aad becauee Fo'-Express i!
800"8795820, Fax 313-2996052 FoxPro speci-6c, theleh no templare larguage to

For more hfo.mation or a demo contact us at:

Fox Add.ons
c
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Disassemblers NEW powet ,or FoXBASE+! 3332 W. k8key Rd.
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Disassemblers for €ncrmted snd ulencrvDted Fox- LESSLY INTEGRATED €xtemat oroerams in C _
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PIo 1.!, loxBASE+, F;;BASE, dBAsdirr+, aod lnclude€ VCEWIN.LIB library, otheiuBetul .BIN
dBASE II for only 9149.95 each. ReFo: for all file!. a fuI featured baclup aod restorc pro.
Fo:Pro indudins j\PP and E)(E ffle6 only $299. grams. lfyoudon twanttospeda a fort uae ,p6'iaa -
Valklrie, by Cod;Work!, disassenbler Su o'mer'8? ing to ForPro, heres tle answer: Dealer and
Clipper programs for only g3a5 California resi- distnbutor inquiries *,€lconel $149.95+S/H.
dents add ?.5% ta.jr. bclude $5 S&H per order. vcE FoxPro 2.5 Training
HILCO Software 16 Darllng Bd.
11266 Barnett Valley Rd. Dudley, MA 01571 FOXPRO 2.5 CLASSES - WNDOWS &
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707429-5011
Leam to develop coEplete appucations fast
with Fo,Pro
. Conuads for Widows and DOS
. Po\rer tools: scre€m, .eports, Eenu!, projects
. Multluser techDique!, UDF8
. SLructured S,€tems Desim & CASE adaoted to
ForPm
Document lmaging fhe appltcatlon lrumework that's . Hands-on instruction coverinA rcal spplicatiom
Toolkit developer l endly! . Manuals and diskettes
TEMPEST 2 0 coebhes ForPlo's mwe!tuI t.m. Call about classes acloss the country.
plat€ langurge wit}l
Add Document lmaglng to any -rcady,tGru-n m'odules to pro- THE GUTTING EOGE
vide a complete developEent eoviroDEent. P.O. gox 1258
Dos-basect Applica on . EveDt driven Lllle,lL 60532-1258
Pap€rl,e3s FilerN DocumeDt lEasins T@tkir al- . SAA"/CUA d€fictr. 800-892.102r, 708-1204296
low3 develop€rs ofClippcr, Fofro, and orher ap- .
plicatioD programB to add complete documeDr Network r€ady.
imagirg to thei applicatioff. . Pid( Ibt!, dq
. Scans and coD presses do.u ment iEaged on over . Rur-tiEe error hackitr&
. DOS/WiDdows i'ersions availabl€.
. HiCh Speed software compress/decorupres6. . Free Eource code & tech support!
. DisplarE document iEags ir sraphics Dode. . No rcyaltie€!
FP2fGlipper to Oracle
. Prints DocuDent images oD Laser PrinterB. . Many oth€I featurer!
. Elports/IEport€ TIFF, PCX, ard DCX imases. . ODly $199 + VH. BlTotl-The CliWet
. Fu[ Netmrk Bupport srd Fite sharirg. MicrcSaerch Aagoclste3 & FP2 Oracle Connecaiotts
. Include€ Clipper and C saaple p.oglams. 5m S.E. 44th Ave. BITON, t.he Ubrary rhat opeDs up the world of
. Only $995 complete. Ocala, FL 34471 -3242 Orade to your Clipp€r a,d ForPro2 applications.
Allows acc6s to Oracle oa any approved platform.
PeperLeas Corp. 90+694-4294, Fax 904694-1869 version available for FoxPm2. CUDDeT S87 & 5.01.
1750 N. Collins Rd., Ste. 104 Cost: Clipper 400.00 Srerths, FP2'800.00 Sterling
Rlchardron, TX 75080 {6Ek shntrt VAR.tatn.t
800-658{4a6, Fax 2t {-,$0-5408 BITON
4't Burnham Rd.
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(lnu +44): Tel G727{50654, Fex &727+18853
CompuServo ('100012,600)

DATA BASEO ADVISOF/MAY 1993 189

 Health Care
DATA BASED ADYISOR
,,

Manufacturing
tltE Add,oB lor PandoxS and 4l
ParaDate CaleDdarpro$am
Medlcal Pactice Mdnage$ Manulacturlng & Cost Management Parsstat 1.4 StatttiG pmglam
M edlc aU De nta llAn es thes lalc I in ica I Sgftwarc ParaTmI 3.4 Script docueentatioE
Wittr more tha-D I.200 installatioosa-nd I vears . Itr!€ntory Cortrol Paravie'x 1.4 Table, field, form, ad report
erperieEce, tbe "ManagEr' series haE become the . Bill of Materiab/Routing documerxtatioa
sta-adard for dBASE.
. Estimathg 4
AP Form Form ad repott editor
Medical ard Dental omce software. Verv fle:ible- . Order Entry
in ue bv s[ sD€cialti€s. Electronic claiE!, sched' . PurchasinC Convet4 Paradc 4 Table con\€rter
ulins. I;-k! with SBT. a.nd other accoultina. Joi.n
our iuctegetul dealei network. Source coie ir- . Shop Floor CoDtlol PairtPAL Dialog bG cr€ato!
clud€d. FoiPro, DOS aDd Macinto6h. . Pmduct CfftinC SiDsle-user aDd retwork padrs available.
. R€quir€Eent! Plaldnc
. FiDancialE

A vrnsoFT;
V
Reduces manufacturiDE costs by giving
measeEert suD€rior cotrttol ov€r Dateriah ald
orodu;tioD. Provides vilibilitv hto shortase! a-od
;loduction bottlerecls beftre c sis occurE. UBeB
MRP ald CRP technolosies to plan and evaluate
Pacltlc M6d3olt, lnc. Dew orders. Cust-omiration, inslalstion Eervices, FMS,lnc.
P.O. Box 7049 (925 N. Leke Blvd-, Sre. 8-301) xoodeD suDDor(, and manufacturing coBultiDg
available. \{ritteD in FoIPro. Souce code ava'l- m27 Leesbu€ Pik , Ste, 410
Tehoe City, CA 96'145-7049 vl€nna, VA 22182
able. Ilstallatioru natiouwide.
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Fax 916-593-'1532

MAGI
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Caledonia, M|49316 task+wit'chins caDabilitics of Microsoft lryi.DdoPs
Xbase Uset Liat 616.69&2880 in a character-based enviroDEent.
Don't walte precious hous keyirg 6I the naEes FormerlyThornapple Sollmre, lnc. . Each task runs in it6 owD Paradn 4.0 wiDdow.
foud each Eonth i.! the User CrouD section of . Table driveD. TaskE defned by etrtri€€ in the
DATA BASED AD\iISOR| Now available the coo- setup table.
olete. erdusive Eaili!{ lirt of Eore tbsn 900 Xba s e . U6er su ide provide€ clea-r and concise d escdption
iser !rcups, ircludiae contect name. addr€rs, ud ofthis modulsr approach to applicatiotr develoP
phone. This lisr will put you i.n touch with over
i0.000 Xbas€ end-usere, proEraEEers, analysts, .
and ma.nasers for onlv $150'Available oD 5.U4" or In.lud6conDletesourcecode(20.000+li[es)for
3-U2'di,[ O"d€" tro;l Conta& Rebecca Hitchcock. task mansqer and ut ities, itrduding sp€edbar,
Califomia resideDts add 7.75% 1al€! tar. toolbor calculato!. calendar and dock.
Caradia.n resideota add 7% GS tat Paradox SuDDonB;insle- and Eulti- us er applicatioos, wiuh
ru-nti.e Ucmse. $149.06+S/H with 60-
Data Based Solutions, lnc. -liinitea
day Moneyback Guarart€e.
4010 Morona Blvd., 516. 200
S.n Dl6go, CA 92117 AdaptAccounts 4,0 Gra93 valley Technologies, lnc.
glxl Pacific Avo., Sl.. 305
80G336S060, 51 9'4836400 Field-Dmr€tr adaptable busi!ese applicat ioE! since
-Receivables.
1987. Palables, CeDeral Ledse!, Fi- Santa Cruz, CA 95060
F.x 6l$4834851 nancial ReDorter, IDventory, Sale3, Pu'cbaEing, 80G335{560, Far 4O8426-52rG
Job Co6tirt. Bill of Materials, aod more. Effiy to
adapt ald iniegate wilb your applicatioD!. Fully
. o-borted. hisl-o€dormaDce single- and multi-
iirli comoletc PAL soure code avail-
""ii,enidna
able. De mo dis k.a, Re€eler p ricing, ald Develope/s
Lic€nE€s available.

Loan Accounting and Printer Support

Servlclng
Loa n Se'y ic i n glAc co u nti n I
LOANbase III PLUS borrower logl] payments and
ilv€stor servici-os/accounting. Provide€ DanagP-
Eent reportils on loar portfolio, tran8actiotr activ_
ity. investor disbu rsements, projections,
d;linquencies, iEpouDd/escrows, auditing,
FHLMC-FNMA-CNMA. Aulooatet lette!8,pay-
Ineat coupolrs. stateEeots, receipt6, dep6it3,
ter/.redit lemrtins. lmDorts froE loatr orisi-Da-
tion.lockboi expo;s Io SbT accounr rng or spiead-
sheet, word pmae6si.Dg/repon writiry. Written in
FdPro 2- VAR6/CoGultant! welcooe.
Lender Support Systems, lnc.
2565 Crmlno Del RIo S., SL. I(}2
S.n Dlogo, CA 92'108
6 19-291-7172, Fax 619.291-s554
A EZ_PRINT 3.0IIAKES YOUR PROGRAMS
COiIPATIBLE WTH 80o+ PRINTEBS!
SuDDons text mode features. locludes a stand-
Adapta Software, lnc. alooi utrlrtv. wjth foreiE lansuasP suppons, for
4608 Cliflwood Plecg irsr sllins, modi&rg, and creatiDg printer ilriveru.
Great for laser Driltere. DriveB in super coE'
vlctoria, BC voY 185, Canada orgsed Binarv a;d DBF format. Source for tunc-
60/H58-048{, F.x 604-658-2108 iroB included: No Ror€lties. $129 + S&H
Pogoda Sy3tem3 CorP.
P.O. Box 2055
Boulder, CO 80305
303-442-1t80 Phons & Fax

190 OATA BASED ADVISOfuMAY 1993

 DATA BASED ADVISOR
t.

Programming Tools Salon and Day Spa Xbase & Paradox Libfaries
Management HUGE Iibrarid ofALL PD/Shareware utilitie Bpe-
cifrcaly for Xlase alrd Psiado!. 2,637 Xbs!€/315
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 "lf only FoxPro supported the
seamless encryption of data..."
Announcing

Ctyplo,.l
Data encryption / unencryption "on the fly"
No program changes. Simple operation. Absolute data security
Authorized users can still access encrypted data files interactively
Works with any file that FoxPro opens . Supports a// FoxPro commands
Cryptor, the FoxPro API Library that provides seamless, integrated data encryption. Cryptor transparently and selectively encrypts
/ unencrypts "on the fly" by intercepting the it moves from the disk to FoxPro and vice versa - so the data on the disk is
data as
always encrypted. You may encrypt one or all of your files. At the start of each FoxPro session, call Cryptor with the password and
the list of the llles that are encrypted - thaCs it! Unauthorized users will see a completely scrambled frle. Cryptor can selectively
encrypt ar?-y file that FoxPro uses including: dbf. fpt, txt, and any file accessed via FOPENQ, FCREATE0. Too good to be true?
Call now for a demo disk or download CRYPTOR.EXE from FOXFORUM.

CfyptOf'" for FoxPro 2.0 & 2.5 $99 single user, $299 6-pack multi-user
Fox Decompiler FoxPro/Oracle
A universal source code recovery system True Client/Server operation with Biton
designed to restore lost or damaged source (PLB) - the communications
code from both unencrypted arul between FoxPro applications and the
encrypted FoXBASE+, FoxPro l.x. Oracle environment. Biton acts as a
FoxPro 2.0, and FoxPro 2,5 .FOX. .FXP, "router" for SQL commands and data
.APP, or.EXE files - all in one product. aimed at the Oracle environment. Biton
Refox will reconstruct the source code. allows full cursor manipulation, DML and
including the original names of variables, DDL statements. The use of SQL Bind
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split .APP and .EXE files into their selective reading, and conditional updates.
separate components. Data files, reports, I I ' sQLrPme ]
queries etc. hard coded into an application It':
I ni'..[ ' sQL*\ct i
[',tlr [ ,-sorrr,"" r 'o-.t";
can be recovered and modified. ReFox
can also brand applications to protect t_J '_ryj
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Link Memo Indexer
Memo IndeXer (MIX) for FoxPro 2.0 is
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for a word. or a combination of words.
instantly. MIX gives FoxPro the ability
to perform proximity searching, find
phonetic matches, and use complex
Boolean logic to create a powerful text
engine. Words can be searched
I phonetically using the same index with
I no loss of speed. with the ability to
J exclude the indexing of common words
such as "a" and "the," MIX creates an
extremely powerful text retrieval
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ReFox'"$zgg Biton'"'$gso MIX'"su $99 MU $299

All prices + S&H For fact sheets and additional information please call:
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Cryptor, FeFox, and MIX are rrademaAs ol Xitech, lnc ForPro s a trademark ol M crosoil. Al other producls are trademarks ol lhen respecl v€ companies.
 ADVEBTISEilENT INDEX CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
corD talEs
Ad.pa.sot'G,I!.... -.... I3 PliEt6 i6d6 -. . .. . .. , ,.
SonrE '........
LM
,/!tr.O............,.....,,.
a&irtrc@Dun d@..,,,. Fie PUDU.[in!, rnc. ... PEeltrdr P.!ili- .., . -. .- DB/EXPO '93-The world's largest da-
ALr.CitCmnto...,,,... Fld cErdv. M:nr.. , , Wr-L D... ,. , ,. . ,, . ... tabase, clietrUse*er, and iflformation
ArioCrtd.d6......-. Fo:Pr! U-E
Gu@,h...........
Cdup orMN 1,I9 PiosonB..._........... .. 160 technology exposition alrd confereoce,
lPPtitrd.S.oiu.......... Qu6.r.Srrt&.. -........ .,, 45
AltadApFe-da,...,.,,... 6.r.Il Sohe .. . .. . . . n R.dirdccmgd.iccE,.., ., n0 featuriDg eight tracks of tut rials and
Bl!.lb.rtD.t ............. Caa l6rad8tuint t03 RoCE.Wm..,.,,..,,.....
Blirl I&.. . -.. . ... .. .. ... . CCCIDFT.STIt@!,.... R6t 66Solud@,.. -.. -... user case studies, alrd more thad 500
D@lodlldL.,..,,,,, S.tr... ..... ... ... ... ... ,. exhibits. May 3-7, Mosmne Conven-
D.r.t{6ai cds
Bolrr.,Eb ,, 11 SDPII hDLd-.........,. .., l5
BddnrBleb. ,.. . ,., ,.. , ,.
Etl,,.,,,.,,-.,......,...
,.
,.N
lB
SoftrE ,. ... ,., ,., ... ... 151,161
- tion Center, San FYancisco. Contact
NDN Enterprises, Inc,, 800-232-3976.
C.nins.trd...........-. .. 66 , ,., ,., , ', , 186 Sihrwm .. 1,!6
cDbtn ................ Soo..i!! r!d., ,.. -........
Cid.Wdlr..............-.. .1r, .&,9r.r02ir63t166,167,170,171 S.it.[S.Fi6l,tri,,...... ,,. 4
Coer.r.. ,., , ,., ..., ,., . ,., . . ltE HII-aOSolt'u ,. ... . .. . trreret.!, .... ,.. -. . ..
cdEecdtrlbnvE...... ...Ial Solhr&S.iad,In. ...,.,.. ,. 155 - Software World and Client/Server
Copf S.fr ................ IE4h. SoirE SoludoE .... llra Sdhr.ll lLv.L!6ar C-p.. . - . .. 109 World-Ihird a.nnual Software World
C@lrrtd Aud.a.. , ,. , ,., , , hnd Appli66m. -...... ,,,, r52 SE lnwm................
C@pirta DLaut W.t bou , Ilt.fi6T*Ituloei...... sti t snE*! .. .. . .. . .. . ,. . ,., 2t adds ClieDuserver World tlris year
coMtufmPN.. , ,. ,.., , , . tr6 IlllLLlorobl....-...... StIWE. .. . ... -. . -. . .. . .. .
C@t .hh!&ii.a. . .. .... . . ,UA JE.C@Eunadd..... SlbRd.Prl,Ii.Li,a, b.. ..... ,. 1ul
for a compreheDaive sofur rare evenL
c66tri. D.r. srrtor. -.... . l?3 x!*L4!waln...... s[ wD s0, hc, .. ,., ... . Teo ia-depth ses,sions cwer
c..tlu6 c,up _.......
I.lr xEs..,..,..,,....,,... Srnri.Frd, Ir.........,.., ...11
Co!i.r!d.!d,...,,.....,,. , t12 IAddo..,I!. . .. .. . . .. .. Srt4d. . .. ... .. . ... ,. . ,. . , .,, 39
application dwelopoe[t, from OOP,
Cud@ uniCoc@.,.,.., . l3l riqln SoCuE, ,. . .. . .. ,,,,,96 Srnc8/.. -. . -. -. . .. ... . ,. . , .. L4 to Multi-Media DBMS DanageBeat,
D.lin -. . ... . ... . ... ... ..- L.anWorL.,,.......... 31,41 Sr*erD.danCup. ..,,..., _. L7'
Mrdh C6eni.g. . .. . .. . 136 L'drr. Ourl@ solt'ft -.. - and more. May 4-6, Meho ToroDto
E trpi6............
ftoLeft.briqq..,.,,.... .. lu Convention Centre, Toronto. Contact
1a{t . 163 lPAS.tr6St6t@...... -. .. 111
UiE0.Crs,It.d,In.. .. Md.ot rsr.raEaIn.......... Digital Consulting, (508) 470-38?0.
MiEln418............ . ta6 WAl[!]dPidut:, L.- ... . ..
Ui@,tCdD....... .2,3,9,133 W_Eclidt1lclnolod-. .. . ,., ,. ,jl6
Th. Ned SLa. . .. . .. . .. . Woodboh Lf@.66 SFt@
objdrr.b, ,... ... ... .. . . t15
,., 61
1,(
On t-S.nru,,..,.,,
Xit&n . -. .. . -. ... ... . -. ... . .. tg) - Fourth Annual Borland lnternational
P.a!T..h............... z.dE S.frru. . .. . .. . .. . . ',,13
aa
P.tf,5nd.r Dlt. Srrt.a ..
conference-M@e thatr 200 sesioDs
16A
l4 will cover the range ofBorland
PubliAilg,.-..-....... ltx prcducts. CustoE cooference "tracks"
will be offered for beginning,
intermediate, and advanced u8e6,
May 16-19, San Diego CoDvetrtion
PnoDUCTS Celrter, San Diego. Cotrtact Borlatrd
Ern-I!t-.................... . 154 Iote.aational, (408),{{}9-4872.
51 E.rShD........,...,.......
Eealdl.r,..,.,,..,,..,.,,.
131 8 b....................... 31,tl
Eait,,,..,..,..,..,,.,,..,.
Erh... . ... ... ... ... . .. . .. , ,. . !s7
,a
31
.- Spring COMDEx-Offers new prod-
E,-Ld.11,...............-.... . 110 ucts, educatioo, and t€chnological
. 171 rrttns..t f, ,., ,. , ,.. ,., . ,. solutions to coxoput€r pmfeesionals
. 163 F.dlrrl6rrdlro. -........... . 171
.19 rruf@,,..,,,,..,,.,,.,,.. 135 and corporate information s,'steEs
FAtud,_......,............., . It8
executives. Includes major confereoces
rltdpdt . ... . -. ... . -. . .. . ... RDDBir. .. ... .. . ,.. . E2
.t% rr.iFiL ...... ... ... ... . -. . .. . with ove. 90 sessiods. May 2427,
,, 3a rriDp.r ,., ,.., ,...., ,.. ,.. ,.. .
,, 3a .llo 52 Georgia World Congr€ss CeEt€r,
,. 38 FarColE.. ... . ..... . ... ... . .. . . l?1 l,l5 Atlanta, GA. CoDtact The Interface
. 175 FCAILII . .... ... -. . . -. ... . .. . . lr3 15
fo,:fia.,.,,,.,,.,..,,..,.,,,.. Gmup, (61?) 449-6600.
FOIlI.d.. . -. . ... -. . . -. . -. . -. . . t:23 t4a
FuPr. 2.5 ...........-....... . . 2,5 r39
PdPmA.h'io .. ... . -. . .. . .. . ,,51 r13
Cljlrr.E ...
Cliqp.t
. .
Nlirt..,.,..,.,.
-.. . -.. .. . ...
.61
roiPr. D"r.lo!.d. Cot . , . , , , . ,
FdIE1lmt .-.............. . t35 1,15
rt Toronto FoxPro Oevelopers'
Cl!?cEn@6o. ,.., ,. , ,.. FcPEl}rnitra. -. ... . .. . .. . .. . Conlerenc e-Database develop€r8
CIi!p../As Tt6a Irlr.a FP-E3!C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l6t) will Deet for two days of seEinat3,
FtNCI,II,,..,,,,.,,,.,,.,,., .,76
cE!6Q!..... . ... .... ... _... . . Cain s T.Dd.tn ., . .. . ,, . ,., workshops, and paDel discus8ioDs. Co-
ctg. -.. ... . -.. .... .. . . -.. . - GIrTolE. ... . .. ... . .. . -. . .. .
.l(D sponsors include: Micmsoft Canada,
C.d.8.t 6,0, .... ..., ,., ,.., ,. GnptB SE Ll. -. .. . ... . .. . .. .
Cod.Ard.... . -.. ... . -.. .... . . G6L.lE dCD.t b.- Iiir.', . 135 Doh Ba.sed Aduisor, snd FuPn: Ad,oi-
CoilDD.., -.. -... -.. -..... CnE96l!&uiu , ,., ... , ... .. sor. June 11-12, Sheraton East Ilotel,
C@6 CdEr@Edrt ,.., ,. C@!6.L[jt ur ............. ,,al .
11
C@FtrC6u:6oEeC.d.,. C Dp6.Ln4ort&............ -., ,, ,., -., ,, , ,, .. 3l
136
Torolto. Cootact The Matiaon CoDBult-
c\rr,r& .. ... ........ ... .... . . Gud,[ rrri,ng... -....... .
STAGE
St rct!-.. -. ... -. . -. . .. ing Group, (416) 256-4495.
CUr6..,.., ,... , -., ,.. .... .. GXEi E . ... ,.. ... ... ... , .. . S@Shn............. -. .l(x
DitrJditn . ,., .... ... . -.. ,. (XG pf,i:... , .. ... . .. . -. . ... ,I(B
hrhr!61itt. . .... ... . -.. . - c'(Prnt t. ... . -. ... . .. . .. . .. . SrFrt r.2.0. ... .., ,. ...
dlt.ED@€lttool.. ,.., ,. GA&at ..,.., ,., ,., , ,. ,.. , ,., SUFICL-m. -..., ,.,..
dah..,...,...,..,,.,,...,, Infmilc.nnnio .. ... . .. . ... lll SFSdira . . . ...... ..... Dalabase World/Client Server World-
ila tjl-. . ... . -............... 8 GDr............,.........
.
T'B SE Idnt Lrtf, . . .
1tdw;br .. ... ... ... -.
- Both Databas€ World and Clieat/-
iIBASE.. . -.. . -.. -.. . -. . .... . Lh.lxe{u, ....., ,.. ... . ,. .
ttl.Fdr. . -. ... ... ... ..
iBE!'IB.TC.&............... LarNota.........,.....,... T.l.pr6, . .. ... .. . ... .. .. {t Serwer World ofrer comprcheBsive
iBESIPi t TDmr.......... M.E rrdri. . .. ... . .. . .. . .. .
ToF ..... .. ... ... ... ..
ilBEsaft.llc-...-......-.... MrEi.S.irc................ _ 155 conferences covering database issuea
Df,B+-. . ... . ... . -.. ... .... . . trininA for Fq?E ......
iIBrShlI...-............... xiduc S(&sffi -. . ... ...
. .
Ita.t.E.............. of today and toEor:iow. June 14-16,
dclip ... . ... . ... . -.. ... . -.. . . Mtiq lir PFtu iour .. -..... uxt. ... ... .. . .. ... ... .. HJmes Conventiotr Centcr, BostaD,
D..idP!n-.. ,... ..., ,., ,... MDC.. . ... ... . .. ... . .. . .. . ... . rsz t dut FcP!.n bEn6
D.r.liDd N.t'.dL -....
CD. . . . .
,
LdDDrne......-.....-..... ... .. . .. ... . .. ..
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vlM .. ... .. ... ... . _. ..
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VrM,.,tE............
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Dolavrt ....-...-......-.... 35
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126
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de"-r... ... . -.. . ... .. . . -.. . .
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ilsal,vacE.. ... . .... .. . .... .. x2c ,.. ,...., _.. ..
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DriMd, ,.., , -.. ,.., .... .. _, . .
..
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D TA BISED ADI'EOn OSSN 0?,(}5200) i puHih.d DDtIt t, D.t Br.d Sohrd-r, L.., a{ro Mdar Blvit,
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DATA BASED AOVISOB/MAY 1993 193

 Database Gonfidential
By Buzz HunteL
lnvestigative Repofter
Say what? The buzz around Microsoft
Tech-Ed in Orlando, Florida wasn't
what Dr. Dave said but what he didn't
say about how SQL Server fits in with
the future direction of Microsoft data-
bases. The mumbling in the crowd
afte rwa rd-worries that SQL Server
may be walking a two- or lhree-year
plank.
Have no fear! The secret Buzz Spy
Transmitter revealed that the SQL
Server group isrlt within Dr. Dave's do-
main. Seems Microsoft doesn't like to
merge groups when they're in the middle
of a major release, like SQL Server for
lrII. Elsewhere ilr the Kingdom of Red-
mond, the Foxes finished up a connectiv-
ity kit to allow FoxPro to work with SQL
Server data. SQL Server is far fiom
dead!
*****
Meanwhile, the Buzzy Orbital Camera
Array Satellite (BOCAS, for short) spied
Borlands Philippe Kahnjoy riding in his
Waco biplane. Not to be outdone, a
Microsoft development team code-
named the Access engine Jet! Don't
expect Jet to be tied down to just Access.
Word is, youll see it in Visual Basic 3
sometime this Bpring!
*****
In February, Buzry was hanging out at
the Software Publishers Associatioris
conference in San Diego-hone of the
fish taco, DB,{, Padres baseball, arld a
world-class zoo-and bumped into a ven-
dor of a Windows-based report writer
intent on out shining the others. The
compaay prez sez his strategy is to bun-
dle his gem with other company's data-
base products in addition to selling it
staad-alone. The prez also sez the reporl
writer market will be blown wide open
as a result of clienuserver, since allnost
all corporate user€ create reports. The
key: Makethe reportwriteran obiecl (to
s)ide right into Borlands Object Class
Architecture, or BOCA to the database
cognoscenti) that developers and MIS
guys can plug and play with their apps.
Souatls like OOP to me.
r****
FoxPro upgraders, watch your back-
side! The 2.5 upgrade offer is tor a release Force version 8-with index
194 DATA BASED ADVISOF/MAY 1993
single-user copy. ltre problem is that drivem, a mouseable GET system, and
you might own FoxPro/l-{N 2.0. Send- user-deEnable report/label system-in
ing in the upgrade offer doesnt get you the near future. A match made in... eh,
FoxPro/LAN 2.5-there's no such prod- Germany.
uct. Instead, you get a single copy of2.5,
*****
with a slngle license. Thus you convert
six licenses into one! Suchadeal! Dont What's in a name? While Microsoft
fret, there is a good deal on upgrading lawyers are trying to get a trademark on
the LAN version to multiple 2.5licenses, the name "Windows," Microsoft had
but it's not mentioned in the upgrade Tech-Ed attendees scratch out a trade-
offer. If you bought a copy of Fox- marked name they inadvertently used,
Pro/LAN 2.0 after June 1, 1992, ard Seems Windows NT handouts men-
registered it, you can get one free 6-pack tioned a part of NT called "flexboot."
(one copy of FoxPro 2.5 licensed for six Unfortunately, another company has
users), with additional Gpacks at $199 rights to that term, so attendees had to
a pop. If you bought your copy before pencil in "bootloade/' in its place.
then or want to upgrade from
FoxPro/LAN 1.x or FoxBASE+/L{N, it s *****
$199 (no free 6-pack).
Whal's more fun than tee.ing off with
Ifyou're still suspicious that Miqosoft Microsoft Golf on your PC? Try M$
isn't truly dedicated to FoxPro, try this:
Donkey Kong for Windours. With my
Microsofi, sales people have been given Pocket Protector Spy Camera, I marl-
additional incentives ($$$) to sell Fox-
aged to click a few shok of t,l.is arcade
Pro. Melhinks any reluctance is caused classic in the Microsoft usability lab. Mi-
by a salesperson's lack of Xbase crosoft claios they dont plan on usurp-
knowledge, not MS corporale strategy. ing the video game market, but you
never cart tell with these guys. Ifyou're
***** ever invited to MS HQ, don't forget to
Buzz loves an orphan story with a pack some quarters.
happy ending. If you've heard of the
Force compiler, you probably krow that
it s had a mller-coaster history. Force
once again has been sold to KRS Un-
lernehmensberatung-EDV GmbH, a
key Force and addon distributor in Ger-
many.
Back in 1991, Sophco, which originally
developed Force in 1985, sold KRS rights
to distribute Force in Germany. (There,
Force is klown as FCO.) At the same
time, Mke Ceranski, one of the original .-.;r4
developers of Force, created Athena
Software and obtained "all othel rights.
Athena tried to go it alone, but soon had
to find a publisher, Dvorak Development
and Publishing Corp.
ln the meantime, KRS was developing
and enhancing the product independent
of Athena. KRS felt that further devel-
opment would soon suffer if the C,erman
and U.S. versions went "out of synch."
According to Ceranski, Athena sought a
home lor Force that had enoughlinanc-
,lllll, ry
ing and a "commilment to Xbase" to
keep lhe product alive. In Februarlr, *****
KRS approached Mike aDd Athena with
Do you wantto be recognized as a Dalabase
the idea of buying out Athena for full
Conrldentlal lnvestigative Reporter? Eam
world-wide rights. Athena has agreed. you. cr€dentala and a shlrt wlth a good tp.
(As of this writing, terms for the buy-out
aren't firmed up.) For now, Dvorak will
Call Buzz at 800-33ffi060 or (619X&r6400,
send Compuserve Mall to 72410,3223, MCI
hardle U.S. distribution. Expect I(RS to mail lo DATABASED, or a lax to (619)48+
9Tt6. O

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