Shift to NEW Versions of Foxpro

[kllick123]

Hi,

I am using Foxpro2.6 for windows (OS=WIN98). I am in the practice to write forms & reports through *.prg files.

Since there is lot of change in the Technology (Both H/w & S/w), Should we shift our applications to the new versions of Foxpro.

If I am planning to shift, is it advisable?


Thanks


Arun Tayal

 

[foxdbs]

New versions of Foxpro (starting from 6 with servicepacks) are stable, very good software.

But automatic conversion from versions <3 isn't good idea.

You should change to object interface (forms) at least. Redesign forms with object controls and then you can copy-paste the old code into methods of objects (.Click,.LostFocus,.Valid,..) and change a few old interface commands (f.e. SHOW GETS -> Thisform.Refresh(), ACTIVATE WINDOW -> something,...)

Take controls not directly from Form Controls Toolbar, instead of this, create in Project a class library with copies of all baseclasses. You can then drag&drop these classes from project to your forms. That way (in code of new classes) you can implement same behaviour for all buttons, textboxes,.. in whole your application later.

 

[dbMark]

Yes, upgrading has many benefits. Visual FoxPro does have a program converter, but I have not used it. While it should do a lot of the work for you, screen and reports will definitely need tweaking or rewriting. Search for and ask for help and suggestions on the Visual Foxpro forum (Forum184).

FoxPro for Windows was a basic port of the DOS version to Windows and does not have the enhancements of the last 10 years. Currently Visual FoxPro is at version 9 released in early 2005 with official MS support to 2014. While we don't know if or when there will be a version 10, there is a "Sedna" project to provide additional enhancements or connectivity.

On the other hand, upgrading and conversion will be more than pushing a few buttons. Some programs, screens or reports may end up being total rewrites to get them to behave just right. I think OOP (object oriented programming) encourages better programming structure while leaving the programmer many ways to do what they want. It will take time and effort but it will be well worth it.