Paradox to mysql - what would you use for the front end? 2

[sadgrove]

Hi

I need help here, before I commit to a technology that turns out to be laughably wrong.

I'm not a programmer, just a manager.

I've had a Paradox db converted to mysql.

The question is, what would you use to get info in and out of mysql?

What I didn't realise was that I'd need a whole new front end/desktop.

I spoke to a guy who said VB was the right way to go.

But (and I'm not a programmer), I thought that he'd say php, because I'd always heard that php and mysql are ideal for each other.

But no, he says, it should be VB.

Php, he says, is server-side technology.

Basically, this is a db for three shops. The db handles sales transactions, stores stock records and customer records, and produces reports.

I wanted to convert from paradox so that we could have a single online db that all the shops could use, with no more silos, and have a centralised system, with better management information.

Any advice you can give me would be humbly received.

Thanks

Kit

Oh, and finally, the guy charges €100 an hour. Would I be wrong to go to eastern europe or south asia to get this done?

 

[Kliot]

You can certainly use Paradox as the front end using the MySql Odbc connector. I have done it before and it works fine, if your existing front end is in paradox you should be able to swith the db tables to the MySql tables without too much trouble.

If you need a new front end I would suggest Vb.Net or C#.net not VB. MySql has a good .net connector that makes developing .net applications with MySql a snap.

hope this helps.

 

[sadgrove]

Thank you. I've learnt from this, and I feel less alone with my problem.

 

[sadgrove]

I just read there's a thing called ODBC. Would that let me connect my Paradox front end to the new mysql database?

Regards

Kit

 

[Kliot]

Yes, you will need the MySqlOdbc connector to allow Odbc to recognize MySql. You can download it for free from the MySql web site at

http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/

 

[Kliot]

I should have also mentioned while you are there you should download their Gui Tools, windows based tools for working with your MySql database.

http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html

 

[zilxodarap]

Kit,

If I understand correctly, you have three stores in three separate locations. You want all three of them to share a single database/application. It seems to me, a browser-based application (meaning, one that runs in a web browser (aka a web site)) is what you want.

What programming language to use isn't really all that important. Different programmers have experience with different languages. There's no reason not to use PHP, or any other language suited for website development (though I'd avoid VB too).

All that said, everything you mention is pretty standard stuff. Why not go with an existing application rather than a custom developed application (which is likely to be more expensive in the long haul). There are even quite a few open source applications you might consider (depending on your needs).

FWIW,

Liz

 

[sadgrove]

Thanks Liz.

As you say, I'd rather not get something specially written.

But the existing front end has some slightly unusual functions, including managing short term loans, so I'm hoping that either

1. I can get Paradox to talk to the mysql database, or else

2. I have to replicate the instructions, preferably in php.

Is that the right approach?

Kit

 

[sadgrove]

Also, a programmer said to me that OBDC 'can be flaky
and very slow. sometimes it works and sometimes not'.

Is that true?

Kit

 

[zilxodarap]

Kit,

I haven't had problems using ODBC drivers with Paradox to access non-Paradox databases. But I've never used them for more than importing / exporting and similar short-use purposes. There are others, however, who have and are using Paradox to access external databases and I don't know of any problems they're having.

That said, to use Paradox to access MySQL would not be done in the same way as using Paradox to access Paradox tables. IMO, you should not bind UIObjects (tables and fields on a form or in a report) to MySQL tables, especially if you've got three locations and are using a WAN or in the internet to access data, it would be too slow with Paradox. Instead, you would use queries (just like you would with, say, PHP) to get the data you want and display it on the form (most people use local Paradox tables to temporarily store the data and queries to transfer it back and forth to the MySQL (or other) server).

Finally, PHP will certainly do what you want and I think you should consider either starting with an app (commercial or open source) which does 80% of what you want and tweaking it to do the rest, or dropping the functionality which is non-standard*.

* If the functionality is non-critical and does not differentiate you from your competitors, then it's just a different way of doing a standard practice and you should seriously consider dropping it and adopting standard practices (rather than maintaining custom software). On the other hand, if it is differentiating, then it's worth custom software.

FWIW,

Liz

 

[sadgrove]

Brilliant, Liz. That is so helpful.

Thank you

Kit

 

[sadgrove]

OK, here's my last question; honest.

1. Can you suggest any standard applications that would let my shops interface with an sql database?

I've come across apps for e-shops, but not really any directly related to bricks and mortar point of sale applications.

2. And then, if it was open source, could I modify it to add specific functionality, such as the short term loans we do (kind of pawning).

Regards

Kit

 

[zilxodarap]

Kit,

Unfortunately, I don't work in an industry like yours, so any program I named would come from a google search - which I'm sure you can do more effectively yourself.

That said, POS applications for brick & mortar establishments are numerous (just look at the number of stores one can walk into - all of them have to have some way to record transactions & inventory). I knew a man who made them, but he's no longer in the business.

I suspect a bit of research on the topic would be worth it.

FWIW,

Liz

 

[zilxodarap]

OK, just for fun, I did a google search and this result looked rather interesting:

http://www.wedge.coop/is4c/

FWIW,

Liz