mtynan@vax1.tcd.ie (05/23/91)
Could anyone out there tell me what the hell is CodeBase??? I've heard its a set of C functions that let you program in the xBASE style...
ericp@beach.csulb.edu (Eric Pederson CSE) (05/24/91)
In article <1991May22.211044.1@vax1.tcd.ie> mtynan@vax1.tcd.ie writes: > >Could anyone out there tell me what the hell is CodeBase??? > >I've heard its a set of C functions that let you program in the >xBASE style... Codebase is a set of C functions that alow you to manipulate xBase files and index files, and provides screen handling utilities. Codebase++ is a C++ implementation that includes support for dBASE IV .MDX index files. Codebase is available from Sequiter Software, (403) 448-0313. Eric Pederson - CSULB ericp@beach.csulb.edu
tomr@dbase.A-T.COM (Tom Rombouts) (05/30/91)
In article <1991May22.211044.1@vax1.tcd.ie> mtynan@vax1.tcd.ie writes: > >Could anyone out there tell me what the hell is CodeBase??? > >I've heard its a set of C functions that let you program in the >xBASE style... Yes, Code Base 4.21 is one of at least four C libraries that allow you to access .DBF/.NDX/.NTX data from C applications. The others are AccSys for dBASE from Copia, the Apex Database library from Apex Software in Pgh, and SoftC, a shareware offering from a small firm in Minnesota. There is also Code Base++ for C++, which includes a .DLL and .MDX access, but no screen I/O. (Of the above, only Code Base 4.21 includes any window or menuing routines.) Sequiter, makers of Code Base, has a BBS in Canada at (403)437-2229 with some sample source available. Very roughly, Code Base gives you most of what you need to convert dBASE IV applications to C. Missing are .MDX access, .MEM access, TRANSACTION processing, and (maybe obviously) any sort of SQL support. I recently converted a III+ app with this. It was not too hard, but the Code Base manual is very terse. (Fortunately, full source is included.) Date handling is a lot harder, and there is very little direct printer support. Also, be prepared to write little test programs to determine how certain functions work. Although many have names similar to dBASE commands, do not assume they work exactly the same. Before you consider this, understand that string and varible handling is much more difficult in C. For many people, I would reccommend using Clipper or the upcoming Ashton-Tate compiler. However, Code Base would be ideal for porting an existing app in a situation (perhaps governmental or educational) that requires the source be in C. It is also an ideal way to learn C if you have a dBASE background. There are also some code generation products designed to output code to be used with Code Base 4.2. btw, Code Base 4.21 lists for roughly $300 w/source. SoftC lists for $100 w/source. (A small model .lib with full docs is available on many BBSes.) The Apex and Copia products are roughly $800 with source, and I think about $300 for object modules only. Also, the Apex and Copia products seemed to be aimed at slightly more advanced users, and give you more fine control over the operation of certain things, such as memory usage during index creation. (You can control this with the others, obviously, but it would more likely require tinkering with the source, as opposed to using functions that are already there.) I personally feel these products are worthwhile. However, like many things in the computer world, actually using them may end up being much more time consuming than the advertisements may suggest. DISCLAIMER: The above is my personal opinion and is based on work done on my own time. It is not an endorsement by any known corporate entity at any point in human history. Tom Rombouts Torrance 'Tater tomr@ashtate.A-T.com