GUI Front Ends - the discussion

[GCC Consulting]

From: filepro-list-bounces+gccconsulting=comcast.net at lists.celestial.com
[mailto:filepro-list-bounces+gccconsulting=comcast.net at lists.celestial.com]
On Behalf Of Richard Hane
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 11:29 AM
To: filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
Cc: Rick Hane
Subject: GUI Front Ends - the discussion

 

I would like to start this as a discussion thread. A couple of ground rules.
1. No one is right and no one is wrong; we are all just voicing our
opinions. 2. Although my O/S of choice is Windows this certainly can include
*nix systems.  Please let's not turn this in to a discussion of operating
systems.

 

I have a couple of large projects coming up and have to make some decisions.
These are the same decisions I think many on this list either have made or
will be making in the near future.  These new applications will require a
"GUI-like" front end for input, updates and searches.  Some MAY involve use
over the web. However, that is not an immediate requirement. Most important
I want all processing to be handled by filePro. We are currently using
fpODBC 1.0.13 on 16 workstations under Windows 2003.

 

The question to be answered: What to use to create the GUI front end?

1. Do we use another database program like MySQL, Miscrosft SQL Server,
Access, Oracle, etc.? If so, which one and why?

2. Or rather do we use a browser on an intranet initially and maybe port to
the web later?

3. If we use the browser what do we use; FPCGI, fpWeb, One Gate, etc?

4. Or is fpGUI a possibility?  What ever happened to fpGUI?  I own one of
the first copies but you never hear anyone discussing it.

 

We are not concerned with output at this time as we have decided to use (and
we own) Print Wizard. Nice program Bob.

 

OK, so there is our delema.  Which way to go.  We really don't want to start
down one path and the later turn around and reinvent the wheel.

 

I look forward to the thoughts of all you wise and noble users of the fp.

 

Thank you in Advance,

Rick Hane,

Controller

Deluxe Stitcher Company Inc

www.deluxestitcher.com 

773-777-6500

 

 

Rick,

 

If GUI like is adequate for you needs, then fpgui would probably be a
solution.  Just remember that this solution id "GUI Like" in putting the app
in a window, adding mouse controls, etc.  However your window size is
restricted.

 

Also, I have been told by fp support, that the app runs on the server with
the front end running on the workstation.  This would require with odbc and
gui a fairly beefy server.

 

Although you can run your present application with no or few modifications
the run the basic fpgui, I would suggest the developer kit to make full use
of what is available.  You are going to run into the license manager when
running fpgui.  Although one of the nice things is you have a more granular
control of who access the application.

 

The other "advantage" is you can have both the gui and non gui versions
running.

 

Ok so much for fp's gui product.  Going be based does not necessarily mean
going internet, it may mean intranet.  There are a number of tools out there
which would allow you to accomplish this.  I am sure that other will chime
in with suggestions.

 

By the way, you should be able to download a demo version of the latest
version of fpgui from the fptech web-site.  Not sure if the developer's tool
kit is available this way. 

 

 

Richard Kreiss
GCC Consulting

rkreiss at gccconsulting.net
  

 

 

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