Visual DataFlex 2008 adds support for oh-so-important operating systems: Windows Vista and Citrix. You will also be able to add exciting visual enhancements to applications on any platform with VDF 2008’s Codejock skinning. Developing applications will be faster and easier than ever with new features in the Studio and the framework. Comprehensive information about the new features and technical information for developers is included in the Help files included with the installation.
The are many changes for Microsoft Vista throughout the entire Visual DataFlex 2008 product. The Release Candidate build is being released to get the new changes to developers for testing. Since applications will need Vista-driven changes too, it is also beneficial for developers to begin working with the new release as early as possible.
Download the Full Release build.
A summary of what’s new in Visual DataFlex 2008...
Support for Microsoft Vista
As of Visual DataFlex 2008, the list of supported platforms for development and deployment of Windows and Web applications now includes Microsoft Windows Vista. Comprehensive information about Vista support is included in documentation. Read more about Visual DataFlex 2008’s support for Microsoft Vista.
Citrix Support
Visual DataFlex 2008 will support development and deployment of Windows and Web applications (and connectivity) on Citrix Delivery Center. This support will allow developers to use and support their customers on Citrix along with Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 (SP4) and Windows Terminal Server. Citrix support will include Vista to whatever extent the current Citrix platform encompasses support for Vista. Read more about Visual DataFlex 2008’s support for Citrix Delivery Center.
Client Area Sizing in Applications
Visual DataFlex 2008 introduces "client area sizing" - views and dialogs will now size according to the size of the defined client area. Previously, sizing was controlled by the total window area. Now, when applications are displayed on different platforms, the size of the client area will always remain the same, ensuring that your view/dialog will always display correctly. Read more about Client Area Sizing.
Enhancements in the 2008 Studio
New Tabbed Interface
The 2008 Studio provides a "Tabbed Window Layout" as its default configuration. This layout arranges opened files as tab pages in the Studio client area. Tab groupings are supported allowing windows or groups of windows to be displayed side by side. The traditional "Multiple Document Interface Layout" is still supported allowing users to choose the layout they prefer.
Start Center
The Studio hosts an improved, dynamic Start Center that provides handy functionality and valuable information and assistance to developers. The new Start Center is part of the 2008 Studio’s new tabbed interface. it expands to the full size of the desktop when no workspace is selected and then remains available on a tab after opening a workspace. Instead of seeing empty space when starting the Studio, users will see Start Center’s workspace selector, an informative page of dynamic information and getting started guidelines.
Faster Workspace Loading
The speed of some aspects of loading a workspace will be considerably faster. You will see this improvement mostly when loading a workspace that contains many projects, or when the Studio opens multiple files in the Visual Designer. The 2008 Studio provides active feedback in the statusbar while loading a workspace allowing you to gauge the progress of loading a workspace.
Skinning Support
Visual DataFlex 2008 enables the use of the Codejock Xtreme Skin Framework in Visual DataFlex Windows applications though a simplified and documented class wrapper for the Codejock OCX.
Automatic Precompilaton
The compilation and management of precompiled packages has been simplified, including the Automatic Precompilation of out-of-date packages.
Enhanced CodeSense
Semi-automatic lists now removes the need for typing Ctrl+Space; Enum_List values are now available in the QuickInfo tooltip; enhanced CodeSense with Use statements now automatically enclose the file name/path in quotes; more than 20 different commands have been revised and updated, and additional keywords (Begin, Break, Else and End to CodeSense for Case) and new lists have been added, improving the coding experience in the Studio.
Incremental Improvements
Various areas of the product are being improved by fine-tuning of existing technologies, the implementation of customer suggestions and bug fixing. These changes improve ease-of-use, provide valuable functionality and generally "polish" both the development environment and developers’ applications.
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What's new in Visual DataFlex 2008