Assosiated fields

[Nancy Palmquist]

Christopher Yerry wrote:
> <shortened>
> -I have seen many companies try to duplicate a filePro application with
> -another development language or try to replace a custom application with
> -a canned program just to be very disappointed, much poorer, and often
> -unsatisfied.  I have had my own customers fall for a sales presentation
> -and empty promises and call me back when it all fell apart.
> 
> -Now I don't say that filePro doesn't have its problems, but development
> -speed is great, bugs are limited and the application is stable in most
> -environments that I use.  Windows tends to be my most difficult
> -environment, since it has issue with networking, client-side processing,
> -  and I/O that tend to make any problem in those areas cause problems
> -with the data.  I have many customers using Windows and only a few seem
> -to be able to keep the basic computer system working so the database app
> -can work correctly.
> 
> -Now I have finished standing on! my soapbox.  Sorry, but I think the
> -customer is better served by building on what they have already invested
> -instead of tearing it down and starting over.  My company grows and I
> -add a wing to the building I don;t knock it all down and start over.
> -Custom software is like that, you upgrade hardware, add new integration,
> -add a wing but you don;t need to start over just because you can.
> 
> -BTW - Associated fields are cool and no other data structure can do the
> -same thing.  It can offer a lot of cool tricks.
> 
> -Nancy
> I believe that when the new wing is built. I would put in fiber (not 
> cat5). Air conditioning (not fans) and new thermal windows.
>  
> I can put a asp.net application on the web using SQL server. No 
> distribution disks (its on the web) and allow the user to <tab> to the 
> next box for input (aka old dos input).



> I can also do data validation, no record locks, and produce a great 
> report on the screen (not on paper). and download it to EXCEL (they can 
> even go home and work on it ... its on the web). What networking issues ????
>  
I can generate reports to the screen.  I can create files that can be 
loaded to Excel.

> And I can do all that in under 1/2 hour (with web security)
>  
> I have used filePro for 15 years and I have to work with it instead of 
> it working with me.  I have writen many systems in filePro and others. I 
> certainly don't hate filepro
>  
> I also belive I have met you once many years ago (in the westchester 
> office).

I was only at the Westchester office for a meeting once and some Windows 
Training back in the days.  I never worked there. I ran an office in 
Pittsburgh for 10 years for SCC.

> If anyone would like to have a non personal discussion ... please reply

I did not notice any personal attacks, that is the only reason I added 
to the discussion.

I would like to add that there are many uses of associated fields that 
do not really require header/detail design.

1) associate fields for building an index.  For example, PHONE NUMBER, 
LAST NAME.  Build an index with the length of the sortest field. Then 
you can type the Phone number or last name to find the person.  Uses 
only one index, makes a quick way to provide to find people.  Works best 
with very different data types, numbers or letters.

2) Associate fields for programming simplification.  Associate all the 
fields required or involved in an arithmatic calculation.  Then in the 
programming just say @wlfM1 - do this calculation.  It elimiates the 
need to catch it as each number is changed.

I best stop here.  I really need to get back to my work for today.  It 
has been great discussing this.  I get that you are not bashing but want 
to open our minds.  I do want to add that if I was just starting out my 
career I might make different choices.  There are a great many of 
options in the world for what I do.  But I have many customers 
established and they are happy to use filepro and continue to use 
filepro.  My career is established and my customers can support my work 
for many years to come.  My destiny has been written.

Nancy

-- 
Nancy Palmquist 		MOS & filePro Training Available
Virtual Software Systems	Web Based Training and Consulting	
PHONE: (412) 835-9417		   Web site:  http://www.vss3.com