Ot; Old Wish list requests
Fairlight
fairlite at fairlite.com
Mon Mar 26 08:45:34 PDT 2018
Oh, you never saw the source in the past when I posted it in...2004? Huh.
You must have been too busy being a dick, I guess. Here, let me remedy
that (the lack of seeing -any- of my code, -not- the 'you being a dick',
which I doubt can be rectified no matter how much source code I produce):
https://members.iglou.com/fairlite/wayne_can_stfu_now.tar.gz
That's the Fairlight File Sharing System, written in filePro against my
OneGate CGI software. Ancient code, but it worked fine the last time it
was actually in use.
</waynes_leg_to_stand_on>
Never come at me that way with a personal attack unless you are ready for
the consequences, Wayne. In the immortal words of Illidan Stormrage:
"YOU ARE NOT PREPARED!"
Far better and brighter people than you have had a go, and lost. You don't
intimidate me in the slightest, little man.
(Preemptively, because -someone- will undoubtedly whine about how 'poor
Wayne' was treated: "He blatantly -asked- for it, pretty much literally."
I feel zero remorse over this one, nor can/will I be made to, so don't
bother trying.)
Cheers! :)
mark->
On Mon, Mar 26, 2018 at 10:05:22AM -0500, Wayne Smith via Filepro-list thus spoke:
> In all the years I have seen you try to berate filePro I have yet to see
> any examples of what you have written. Why don't you just shut that clap
> trap of yours and let us fp programmers from level novice to expert, get
> our work done in peace without your criticism of which has never been
> welcome or useful in any way.
>
> Wayne Smith
> Port Orange. Florida
>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
> On Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 11:04 PM, Fairlight via Filepro-list <
> filepro-list at lists.celestial.com> wrote:
>
> > In the days when your alternatives were assembly, BASIC, or COBOL, I
> > suppose it made sense as a low barrier-to-entry language.
> >
> > These days, it's a bad time investment. You'd be better off taking the
> > time to learn something proper like Perl or Python, and develop skills
> > which are more or less transferrable to other languages.
> >
> > I've lost track of the times something went wrong in fP because either the
> > engine itself was flaky (record locking comes to mind), or because some
> > obscure part of the language bit someone squarely in the arse. I'm -not-
> > a fan of strongly typed languages, but fP takes it too far in the other
> > direction. Combined with the piss-poor syntax checker and abysmal
> > error reporting, which mis-report your actual issues more often than they
> > illustrate it correctly, the entire combo is just plain aggravating.
> >
> > In all the time I've used filePro, I don't think an error on Index.A has
> > -ever- ACTUALLY been an error on Index.A. Seriously.
> >
> > m->
> >
> >
> > On Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 11:20:11PM -0400, Richard Kreiss thus spoke:
> > > Mark,
> > >
> > > What I posted was written in 1993 well before PCL6.
> > >
> > > I think that the new PDF printing option is their way of compensating for
> > > the inability of their output program to handle anything but PCL 3 or 5
> > on
> > > the Windows platform.
> > >
> > > It is not a perfect answer but it does work. I think that PrintWizard
> > is a
> > > much better solution as it doesn't need a lot of rewriting and can be
> > made
> > > transparent to the user. It also has a lot for flexibility once one
> > learns
> > > how to use it.
> > >
> > > Again, PDF etc. were not options in 1993.
> > >
> > > Also, keep in mind that some of the functions which were added may be
> > > functions that FP Tech needed to maintain their primary client. I have
> > > discussed the implementing the Spell Checker with a few of my clients who
> > > are running versions that have it. None of them wanted it implemented.
> > > However, I did implement the PDF printing for one client who is also
> > using
> > > PrintWizard. They want to be able to have some form letters (with logo)
> > > either printed or a PDF created from input processing with the ability to
> > > select the printer. This seemed to be a good place to use filePro's PDF
> > > creation option.
> > >
> > > I know that filePro is not perfect as it is missing a lot of
> > functionality
> > > that other databases have but it is still a programming language that
> > can be
> > > learned fairly quickly, for doing basic applications. But is capable of
> > > handling a lot of sophisticated programming. The tools are there, one
> > just
> > > needs to work out how to use them properly and when necessary make use of
> > > other programming languages to fill the gaps.
> > >
> > > Richard Kreiss
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Filepro-list [mailto:filepro-list-
> > > > bounces+rkreiss=verizon.net at lists.celestial.com] On Behalf Of
> > Fairlight
> > > via
> > > > Filepro-list
> > > > Sent: Friday, March 23, 2018 12:42 PM
> > > > To: filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
> > > > Subject: Re: Ot; Old Wish list requests
> > > >
> > > > Hell, how about emulation of PCL5 -> PCL6, so people can buy any old
> > > printer
> > > > they want. Finding affordable PCL5 printers has become a challenge in
> > the
> > > last
> > > > decade or so.
> > > >
> > > > You'd think that would take precedence over things like...spell
> > checkers.
> > > >
> > > > Also...regex implementation for processing.
> > > >
> > > > Of course, most of this is moot except for a few select clients who
> > > upgraded.
> > > > The majority of of my clients haven't moved past 5.0.14, nor do they
> > plan
> > > to.
> > > >
> > > > m->
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, Mar 22, 2018 at 06:22:19PM +0000, Richard Kreiss via
> > Filepro-list
> > > thus
> > > > spoke:
> > > > > I came across this letter to Small Computer from 1993. I think that
> > > some of
> > > > the items are still viable requests.
> > > > >
> > > > > Although some of these have been addressed or are obsolete such as
> > using
> > > > WordPerfect print drivers.
> > > > >
> > > > > One Item - having one key and many data records making header and
> > detail
> > > > files easier to handle. I was asked, if memory serves, by Howie how do
> > > this. My
> > > > answer was, "you're the programmers".
> > > > >
> > > > > It might be convenient to have a way of linking a header file to a
> > data
> > > file
> > > > through filePro rather than linking them in programming and using an
> > > index.
> > > > Also, it would be convenient to be able to define an output by
> > assigning
> > > the each
> > > > section to a file. As an example the header could be linked directly
> > to
> > > the
> > > > necessary fields in the header file. The detail section could be
> > linked
> > > to the data
> > > > file thereby allow real fields to be used rather than using temporary
> > > fields or
> > > > vice-versa.
> > > > >
> > > > > Most of us would like to have the ability to update records from a
> > > browse
> > > > lookup. Yes, I have done this through programming but is a pain to do
> > > especially
> > > > getting the popup screen to overlay the browse line properly.
> > > > >
> > > > > I still would like to have the ability to define a multi-level array
> > > similar to what
> > > > one can do in Basic.
> > > > >
> > > > > Most of these Wishlist items have not been added.
> > > > >
> > > > > See letter below:
> > > > >
> > > > > Richard Kreiss
> > > > > 539 Fairway Drive
> > > > > Woodmere, New York 11598
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > March 24, 1993
> > > > >
> > > > > Small Computer Company
> > > > > 41 Saw Mill River Road.
> > > > >
> > > > > Hawthorne, New York 10532
> > > > >
> > > > > Attention: filePro Wish List
> > > > >
> > > > > PRODUCE A MORE COHESIVE MANUAL.
> > > > > Print one index for all versions 3, 4 and 4.1. It is
> > almost
> > > impossible to
> > > > find anything if you don't recall what version it comes from.
> > > > >
> > > > > When new commands are added, give more examples of how
> > to
> > > use
> > > > the command.
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. FilePro's Menu: (@once appears to answer this request)
> > > > > Allow for passing parameters to @pm field by prompting
> > the
> > > > > user for a response. This would be similar to prompting for a
> > > > > qualifier using the -qm option. You might define this a -rm. (I
> > > > > realize this may conflict with -rm command on Unix/Xenix systems)
> > > > >
> > > > > 2. Define output:
> > > > > A. Allow for "Delete Blank Line" control for each
> > section
> > > of an output
> > > > (ie. Header, and each break section).
> > > > >
> > > > > B. Allow for the defining an absolute line(s) for a
> > break
> > > field(s) to begin
> > > > printing when defining the output rather the in output processing.
> > This
> > > is
> > > > especially true when creating a multi-lines form, such as an invoice,
> > from
> > > a
> > > > header file and a detail files or printing checks.
> > > > >
> > > > > C. Allow for break fields to be defined in sort/select
> > > processing.
> > > > >
> > > > > D. Better control of printers when printing boxes and
> > > lines on a report
> > > > or form.
> > > > >
> > > > > E. Allow for the importing of graphics when printing
> > > reports and
> > > > forms. (can be done using print codes)
> > > > > i.e. Logo's etc
> > > > >
> > > > > 3. Processing
> > > > > A. Allow for the defining a specific line for data to
> > be
> > > printed at using a
> > > > print command - @print("47") which would advance the printer to line 47
> > > and
> > > > print out the information to be printed. (This command would be
> > instead of
> > > or in
> > > > addition to 2.B).
> > > > >
> > > > > B. With filePro 4.X's ability to enter 121 character
> > per
> > > line, need the
> > > > ability to send print control code(s) to the printer when printing
> > > processing
> > > > tables. This is especially true if one wants to continue to print
> > > processing tables
> > > > using 8½x11 paper by using condensed type. Yes, many new printers will
> > > allow
> > > > for controlling this function at the printer. However, older printers
> > > don't make
> > > > this that easy and some of us are not necessarily sitting at or near
> > our
> > > printer.
> > > > (Without going to the Printer Definition and initialize in condensed
> > mode
> > > each
> > > > time)
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > 4. Define Files:
> > > > > A. Allow for the creation of a file which allows for 1
> > > KEY RECORD to
> > > > have multiple DATA RECORDS associated with it. This would make it much
> > > > simpler to handle programs which now require a header file and a detail
> > > file,
> > > > which contains multiple records associated with a key field in the
> > header
> > > file.
> > > > > Such programs as order entry and/or invoicing,
> > which
> > > may have a
> > > > large number of line items associated with them would be easier to work
> > > with.
> > > > >
> > > > > B. Have a memo field edit which can be used to add
> > > comments to a
> > > > record. (Finally available)
> > > > >
> > > > > C. Add binary field type for graphics display on
> > screen
> > > (and outputs).
> > > > (available but doesn't allow for display)
> > > > >
> > > > > 5. Updating Records:
> > > > > A. Allow for the updating of multiple records while
> > using
> > > browse. This
> > > > function is available in dBase and some other data base managers and
> > makes
> > > it
> > > > very simple to handle the updating of multiple line items such as
> > during
> > > Accounts
> > > > Payable or Accounts Receivable data payment entry. This would include
> > > doing
> > > > processing on each record updated.
> > > > >
> > > > > B. Allow for full program control of function keys at
> > the
> > > field level
> > > > when using when processing.
> > > > >
> > > > > C. Allow for the redefining of the function keys when in
> > > input processing
> > > > so that when a specific function key is pressed, no matter what field
> > the
> > > cursor is
> > > > in, the action takes place.
> > > > >
> > > > > D. Allow for multi-level arrays
> > > > > i.e. dim array ("1","50") = array(1) to array(50)
> > > defined once or dim
> > > > array ("1", ct) = array(1) to whatever variable "ct" equals, allowing
> > for
> > > variable
> > > > number of array elements depending on requirements. This would be very
> > > useful
> > > > when a header an detail files have been defined and the details are
> > > entered from
> > > > the header file and posted to the detail file after all details are
> > > entered as on
> > > > order entry.
> > > > >
> > > > > 6. DEFINE PRINTERS
> > > > > Allow for the entry in the printer definition table, the
> > > number of
> > > > characters/inch for the defined font. This information would be used
> > when
> > > > "RESOLVING" fields. this would allow for easier alignment of fields
> > when
> > > using
> > > > other than a 10 pitch font.
> > > > >
> > > > > Make a deal with WordPerfect Corporation to use their
> > > Printer Drivers.
> > > > > Modify output programs to use WordPerfect printer drivers. This is
> > > possible as
> > > > they have drivers for their programs running all the platforms that
> > > filePro runs
> > > > on.
> > > > >
> > > > > This will allow for the most flexible report generator
> > for
> > > any database
> > > > program. Full use of all printer functions including printing graphics
> > > would be
> > > > possible. This is especially true of laser and inkjet printers which
> > are
> > > awkward to
> > > > handle now.
> > > > >
> > > > > 7. Create a "PACK" command option which would look through a
> > > file and
> > > > remove blank records. This would be much easier the present multiple
> > > steps and
> > > > large amount of disk space which may be necessary currently.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Very truly yours,
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Richard Kreiss
> > > > > -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was
> > > > > scrubbed...
> > > > > Name: winmail.dat
> > > > > Type: application/ms-tnef
> > > > > Size: 34859 bytes
> > > > > Desc: not available
> > > > > URL:
> > > > > <http://mailman.celestial.com/pipermail/filepro-list/
> > attachments/20180
> > > > > 322/eda324fb/attachment.bin>
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Filepro-list mailing list
> > > > > Filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
> > > > > Subscribe/Unsubscribe/Subscription Changes
> > > > > http://mailman.celestial.com/mailman/listinfo/filepro-list
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Audio panton, cogito singularis.
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Filepro-list mailing list
> > > > Filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
> > > > Subscribe/Unsubscribe/Subscription Changes
> > > > http://mailman.celestial.com/mailman/listinfo/filepro-list
> > >
> > >
> >
> > --
> > Audio panton, cogito singularis.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Filepro-list mailing list
> > Filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
> > Subscribe/Unsubscribe/Subscription Changes
> > http://mailman.celestial.com/mailman/listinfo/filepro-list
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Wayne Smith
> Port Orange, Florida
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman.celestial.com/pipermail/filepro-list/attachments/20180326/1bd61176/attachment.html>
> _______________________________________________
> Filepro-list mailing list
> Filepro-list at lists.celestial.com
> Subscribe/Unsubscribe/Subscription Changes
> http://mailman.celestial.com/mailman/listinfo/filepro-list
--
Audio panton, cogito singularis.
More information about the Filepro-list
mailing list