beckman@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu (Peter Beckman) (12/04/88)
I'm interested in a dbase compilier. Clipper is about $400 and dBFast is $99. Is Clipper worth it? On another note, since dbase IV is comming out, what will happen to Clipper, with users get an upgrade to include the new language extentions? -Pete beckman@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu
mlawless@ncrwic.Wichita.NCR.COM (Mike Lawless) (12/06/88)
There has been an interesting development in the past few days regarding
dBFast. They have been bought out by a company called Bumblebee Software,
which is now distributing an updated version that supposedly fixes most known
bugs. I have tried it and it does seem to work much better that the extremely
bug-infested prior version. There are still some minor compatibility issues
which require minor workarounds.
Also, they have come up with several new products based on dBFast. They have
versions now for Windows, the MAC, and SQL. The Windows and MAC versions
contain integrated editors, and contain language extensions to allow
applications to run under Windows (or on the MAC) with user-defined pull-down
menus, dialog boxes, buttons, etc., and to allow complete application
portability between the two environments.
The principle advantage of the dBFast approach is that they load the run-time
libraries as a RAM-resident BIOS extension (sort-of), rather that linking
all of that code into each application whether it is all needed or not.
The single-step compile/link process is quite fast, and produces relatively
small EXE files, compared to products like Clipper and FoxBase.
By the way, for registered users of prior versions, they have a free upgrade
via a download from their BBS (alas, not an 800 number). Otherwise, there is
a $10 shipping/handling fee. Sorry, I don't have their address or phone
number in available now.
--
Mike Lawless, NCR E&M Wichita, Box 20 (316) 636-8666 (NCR: 654-8666)
3718 N. Rock Road, Wichita, KS 67226 Mike.Lawless@Wichita.NCR.COM
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