Visual DataFlex 2009
Data Access still (after nearly 30 years of continual development!) still show no signs of running out of ideas. With VDF 2008 Release 1 barely out of the box, we can already see the promise of an even better "2009" issue.
However, we will be able to tell you more on this after the Synergy Conference in New Orleans in March. Meantime, lots of significant news here for the current product release round!
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Visual DataFlex 2008 v14.1
Now released, and with some significant new developer conveniences that will continue the process of streamlining development. The main change, bringing "data modelling" into the Studio instead of in a separate module is very logical. But more below.
Registration Codes
Please note that this revision does not need new registration codes. Your existing VDF 2008 codes will register this release.
VDF Sig - Saturday April 18th
Agenda to be published later, but mark this in your diary now! As usual, following a Synergy conference, we will be presenting a "Best of Synergy" selection of topics, but you really need to go to Synergy, we for sure cannot compress 2 days of Conference into one VDF SIG meeting!
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Synergy 2009, New Orleans, March 18-20
Synergy is Data Access’s regular worldwide DataFlex conference, and it would seem that there is a cracking good agenda in the making.
- Visual DataFlex 2009, the most progressive and sophisticated piece of software we have ever introduced.
- What’s on our drawing board for the future.
- How our next generation Web Application project is developing.
- What’s new with Electos, and how business intelligence tools can transform your offerings. The conference will be preceeded by two days of training on March 16th & 17th.
VDF 2009 - v15
With VDF 2009/14.1 barely out of the box, it seems that VDF 15 is not far behind. The last presentation at Synergy is
- Visual DataFlex 2009 - Roadmap
What’s that going to contain? We don’t know (other than the hints above!), and currently neither does Data Access! Don’t get us wrong - there is a raft of development work going on but it won’t be until March that the final v15 implementation list will be nailed down. So you need to go to Synergy.
VDF Sig - April 18th
If New Orleans is a bit of a stretch, we will be provide a "best of Synergy" here in the UK at our usual Spring VDF SIG meeting. Looking at the Synergy Agenda, we won’t have much trouble coming up with our agenda! But if there is particular topic you would want, call us (now!) and we will see what we can do.
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So what’s new in Visual DataFlex 14.1?
The short answer is that database management and modeling capabilities are now an integral part of the Studio.
- Table definitions can be viewed directly from the Studio.
- Tables can be modified directly from the Studio.
- Data Dictionaries, the core of your application, can now be viewed and maintained directly from the Studio. Here is how it’s done
Table Explorer
A new panel called the "Table Explorer" has been created. This is the place you go to do anything that is database related. When you open your workspace all of your tables will be listed in Table Explorer in a tree view. Click on any table node and you will be able to see all of a table’s definition information. Nodes can be opened to explore columns, indexes and data-dictionaries. All of the information is right there any time you need it.
If you invoke Table Explorer’s context menu you will see options to do just about anything you want. You can create new tables, edit existing tables, create new data dictionaries, edit existing data dictionary, and more.
Table Editor
The Table Editor, which can be invoked from the Table Explorer, is a view that lets you modify a table’s definition. It acts like any other view (source code view, visual designer view, etc.) in that you can open it, modify it, save changes and close it. It does most of the tasks that Database Builder does, but it is now just another part of the Studio.
Table Editor and Table Explorer can be used with all databases and all database drivers. VDF Studio can be the only tool you need to handle data table definition and modification no matter what the database!
Data Dictionary Modeling
One of the most anticipated new features of the new Studio is the integration of a visual data dictionary building. It works in a similar fashion as the visual designer in that:
- A new type of view has been added to the Studio, which is the Visual Data Dictionary designer. The designer allows you to visually maintain your data dictionary without working directly with source code.
- You can view a Data Dictionary class two ways - a source code view and a visually modeled view. As with all modeled views, you can easily switch between modes and even view the two modes side by side.
- A Data Dictionary class is just source code. No special source code markers are required. This makes it much easier to fix compiler errors and to debug your data dictionaries. It also allows you to see things the way you want.
Don’t forget, data dictionaries are what make your applications "tick", and are the key to VDF’s database independence. The represent a true middle tier in a three tier architecture - Database, Application Code (which we call Business Rules), User Interface. Your application is the set of data dictionaries, the user interface is a matter of choice and which database doesn’t really matter!
As well as these major changes, there are a lot of other enhancements as well. In relation to Data Dictionaries, you can now assign multiple auto-increment columns in a single table. If you wanted to, you can create and model multiple Data Dictionary classes for a single table.
Of real note is that they no longer require special code markers. The advantage of this requires no explanation!
What else?
Enhanced Error Handling
Visual DataFlex 14.1 has new error handling capabilities. We now distinguish between two types of errors:
- Handled Errors: These are the errors that you expect your users will make. When a handled error occurs you want to present them with useful information that will help solve their problem. You also want your user to know that nothing is wrong with your application (i.e., don’t call) and that they’ve simply done something wrong. In such a case, they certainly don’t need to know about the error’s instruction address and they probably are not even interested in an error number.
- Unhandled Error: These are errors that indicate that something has gone wrong with your application (i.e., a bug). These are usually programming errors and when they occur, you want the user to contact you. In addition, you’d like to be provided with as much useful debugging information as possible. You want to know the error number, the instruction address and a whole lot more.
Visual DataFlex has never made a clear distinction between these two types of errors. Now it does.
- When a handled error occurs, a message box is presented with text with no technical information - no instruction address, no error number.
- When an unhandled error occurs, a completely different dialog is presented. This dialog provides a complete message stack dump. If the error occurs at a deployment site, the error stack can be easily copied to the clipboard, added to an email message and sent to you. If the error occurs while you are testing (debugging) your application a "Debug" button will appear in the error dialog. Press this button and the application will break and enter debug mode at the error source
While a little "technical", you should find both of these new features to be extremely useful, and a classic example of VDF’s continual improvement of the whole application development process.
Lots more of course - go read the full story!
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Have you spotted that Data Access are now offering on-line training at very low cost? In fact, the "Getting Familiar with Visual DataFlex" course is entirely free.
The initial run of this was well received by trainees:-
65% of attendees have thus far completed the follow-up survey regarding their experience with the Online Training Program, and every single respondent has confirmed that they would take additional online training from Data Access Worldwide.
Richard Lackey, a 20 year DataFlex veteran, comments, "I thought it was great and look forward to the next session. Doug (Goldner) gave an excellent presentation. My opinion, this is how all training should be done!"
John Vermeer, a 12 year DataFlex developer, spoke not only of his positive training experience, but also of his experience with Citrix’s "GoTo M eeting" as the interface, "The audio and screen quality were good. And you don’t have to go somewhere. That is the big advantage with an online course."
Michael Mullan, a 20-year DataFlex veteran reported "I attended one of DAW’s online training classes last night, hosted by Mr. Doug Goldner, and I feel compelled to report that it was EXCELLENT! The GoTo Meeting setup was easy; the mechanics of how the class was presented were very unobtrusive. As expected Doug’s material was clear, concise and informative. Oh Yes, and I learned a lot. And I didn’t have to travel. And I didn’t have to hire a sitter... And I want more!"
Data Access now have a continuing on-line training schedule, with the latest topics including Integrating Crystal Reports into Visual DataFlex Applications and Introduction to Structs & Arrays in Visual DataFlex.
Class size will be limited, so be sure to register as soon as the classes are announced to guarantee your spot!
Class times are quite convenient for us in the UK - 7:00PM.
In particular note
- Getting Familiar with Visual DataFlex will be offered every Tuesday for free!
The other topics are
- Integrating Crystal Reports into Visual DataFlex Applications Introduction to Structs & Arrays in Visual DataFlex
- Creating Client-Side Validations in Web Applications with Java Script
Introduction to Web Services
Introduction to Using Microsoft SQL Server with Visual DataFlex
- Converting Character Mode Reports to Visual DataFlex
For more details, see the Data Access On-Line Training page.
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Getting Started with VDF v14.1
Chris Hibbert
VDF 2008 /v14.1 includes an updated version of the getting started tutorial, which is based around a real "end user" subject, creating a Music and Video Library. Not having done a lot of hands on development for a while, I thought it was about time I rediscovered what VDF was all about! Besides, it was about time our collection of CDs and Videos got catalogued, as I have a wife who works away for much of the time, and we never know who has got what where!
The data structure is simple enough to understand easily and yet sufficient to highlight VDF’s relational record handling and built in knowledge of what makes an application tick.
Data Modelling
Having worked through it, I am much taken with the integration of the data defining - or "data modelling" - aspects into the Studio, leaving DataBase Builder with just the file maintenance processes. Seamlessly moving between visual design and actual code for the user interface aspects has been a key aspect of VDF 12; now v14.1 brings, data and business rules design all under the same roof. This makes switching from user interface code to data and process definition so easy - checking to see if you got a data type or length right, adding a new parameter, or even a completely new database column (field to "old" DataFlexers!), or developing processing code all intuitive and instantly available.
According to Ian Smith, a long term UK DF and VDF Developer
"having tracked the news group responses the design appears to be well thought out and any quirks are there for a reason....... It is different, but I think development will be quicker. It will certainly be easier to put code in the DataDictionaries".
Well, instantly available when you get familiar with where everything is now. That’s probably going to be more a problem for "old and bold" users than newcomers I would think!
Enhanced Property Dialogues
The next thought of course is the sheer volume of information available in the Property List for every component. Much of VDF development, as with all Object Oriented style development, is as much a question of knowing what switches to set rather than writing reams of code. That question then became one of finding out what all the possibilities were, from the documentation. Now what you need all instantly available and it is more gaining the understanding what it all adds up to! However, Data Access makes a good job of setting everything to provide a sensible and coherent set of defaults, so this detailed knowledge can come as you get into VDF development.
So, where to start with VDF 14.1?
If you are a newcomer to VDF, there is a good set of introductory tutorials, including the old standby of a Customer/Invoice scenario that we all can understand, and which is in fact a good structural basis for many business applications. As well, work through the Quick Introduction Guide - the Media application.
If you are well familiar with VDF 12, but not v14.1 do take an hour or two to figure out where all the Database Builder stuff has gone - and how your existing applications migrate - look up "Upgrading from Prior Revisions of Visual DataFlex" in Help. And read "What’s new in VDF v14.1" as well, as there are some details of coding changes - for the better, but changes none the less - that you will need to know about. It may well help to run through the Quick Introduction guide outlined above just as a guided exercise in picking up on what’s new. Take time to look around while you are doing it. Studio concentrates a lot of information into its presentation.
If you are coming into VDF 14.1 from before V12, then taking a break to figure the new Studio is all about is going to be a real necessity. It is a hugely productive environment, but a long way from manually implementing code from hacked out bits of the documentation, let alone "cold, from inside your head. And, it is such a given that today that I haven’t mentioned the delights of Autocomplete which will write most of the code for you once you need to go beyond the point and select defaults. A product changed beyond recognition from 2 versions back.
Nor have I mentioned the skinning features, courtesy of Codejock. VDF v14.1 brings lots of materials and techniques to improve both your development efficiency, and the features and attractiveness of your applications. And you can go beyond what is in the box with the extra Codejock classes developed in the UK.
VDF v14.1 is a win for you as a developer
and a win for your application users
Developing for The Web
The Quick Intro Media App even takes you on to a web development. I suspect that VDF is only at the beginning of "WYSYWIG" web page development, and there is much more to come with the Ajax library, but even now, it is amazing that with only a few minutes work you can develop a Web page application deployment! Of course, you need more than a PC for such, starting with a permanent IP address and a 24*7 server, but if web application deployment starts to make sense, talk to us, we may be able to help.
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VDF Web Application Server
Change to Licensing Policy
Web Application Server has up to now used the Processor Count to determine the cost of the licence. With the advent of multiple core processors, this has lead to problems in managing the "counted" number of servers where the number of counted CPUs is the number of cores times the number of physical CPU chips.
From V14.1, the licence becomes simply that of one Web App Server per server - or per server image.
The latter is the significant change or clarification. Where multiple virtual servers are running in one physical server, each virtual server needs its own VDF Web Application Server Licence.
This will probably not affect many existing installations, but with the increasing interest in and and practicality of running virtual servers, this is a timely change and clarification of the VDF Web Applicaton Server licensing.
Please contact us if you have any questions, or would like a copy of the full change notice.
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 With Visual dataFlex continuing to grow in scope and features, we hope to see you at the VDF sig or other events through 2008. If you need any advice on what VDF can do, just call us, that’s what we are there for.
e-News from Visual DataFlex in the UK is provided by Asckey Data Services Ltd.
Your individuality drives our excellence.
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VDF e-News January 2009