Migration/conversion from dBASE III+/dBXL to ?

[FWBOPP]

Have over 200 apps written in dBXL, linked with RTlink and compiled with Quicksilver. Feel it is time to move up but need help in deciding best and least painless path. Have considered dBASE SE but don't understand its' limitations. Can the code be compiled and with what?
Any guidance will be appreciated.
Fred

 

[tviman]

I may be wrong, but from what I've been able to gather, most "point-and-click" database managers are not compilable. Most use a runtime file that allows you to distribute your apps but it's nothing like what you did in dbxl/quicksilver.

I haven't used it but I understand that Visual Foxpro will probably be you "least painless" way to upgrade your dbxl apps. I've read that it's command language is similar to dbase/dbxl and is easier to understand and use than other "visual-type" products.

The task ahead will keep you busy for a long time. I still like to use dbxl but most of my clients want the ability to use the mouse within an application and to choose their favorite fonts for printing - something that dbxl/dbase III+ couldn't provide.

There's always a better way. The fun is trying to find it!

 

[dbMark]

There are more than one or two languages you can convert to. Consider your priorities:

#1 - Do you need to quickly convert from DOS to Windows with little rewriting?

#2 - Do you plan to support these with additional features for many more years?

Question #1 indicates you may want to stay close to the dBase family, but even there you'll probably have at least some conversion issues. Likely none of your programs will transfer without individual tweaking and workarounds.

Question #2 indicates you may want to pick from a wider range of languages, most if not all of which will allow you to write royalty-free executables.

There are recent versions of dBase, beside many other packages (just click on "DBMS Packages" up above just over the title of this thread). I won't mention Visual Basic although popular since it really isn't as database-oriented as many others. Nor do I recommend Access since it is more appropriate for smaller things. I do mention Visual FoxPro because of its power, speed, is based greatly on the dBase "flavor" of coding but enhanced greatly, the "reasonable" price ($500-600 USD may seem steep, but many others are just as expensive), it has been quite stable since version 6, has a huge user base (just look at the busy VFP forum184 here!), integrated with many Windows development features, and there is continuing support and development with version 9 currently under development.

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