VFPCompiler for .NET Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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Q. Are you going to implement the GUI (VFP Forms) in the compiler?

Answer. Yes the GUI functionaly is already available with No Code data binding, Visual Inheritance and powerful OOP Model. You can compile your VFP forms with no change and they look and even more important works like VFP. Read here for more info.

Q. How compatible will the product be with VFP?

Answer. We are working to achieve full compatibility with VFP. You can check the current implemented functionality here. The target of compatibility is VFP9. Preview functionality already includes LOCAL, PRIVATE and more.

Data Manipulation Language, a powerful feature of VFP is also implemented. You can use SCAN, LOCATE, USE, SKIP, and more. This is our top priority for completion.

Q. You mention that you are using VFP language to write the VFP.Runtime. What does it mean? Is VFP runtime module needed to run the thing, or are you just creating a VFP-like language using C# or VB.NET or some such thing?

Answer. The VFP module is not needed at all. Our language of choice is VFP because it is the one most programmers know. You can use C#, VB or other .NET languages. We want to ship the source code of the runtime and what better sign of capability / extensibility than to have it implemented in VFP. We hope their language of choice is VFP.

Q. Do you need the full blown VS system to participate in this effort, or will VS Express suffice?

Well, while VS is very good for debugging VFP Code (yeah, you read that well). If you have it, it's better to use it, because you already know how to use it. If you don't have Visual Studio I would recommend using SharpDevelop, it is very capable and we can even extend it in VFP. A future revision of our Tools will have some of the SharpDevelop controls embedded in VFP. You can read how to debug with SharpDevelop here.

Q. I hear you can use Visual Studio or Sharp Develop to debug your programs compiled with the ONLINE compiler. How Do I debug with SharpDevelop?

Answer. We have setup the instructions to debug with SharpDevelop here. Basically you create a ClassLibrary project and set the main executable to your exe executable. Open your prgs and set breakpoint with F7.

Q. Which program is faster, one compiled with VFP or one compiled with the .NET Compiler?

Answer. While the compiler is currently in alpha status it already shows big improvements when you use the optional Strong Typing. It could run between 500% to 1000% faster than the VFP version.

Some things to keep in mind if you try the Alpha Version. Use memory variables instead of just the variable name. ? nData could be a field or a memory variable and the runtime tries to look up first as a field and then as a memory variable. So if you know it is a memory variable write ? m.nData.

Even VFP Code compiled as is runs faster as long you keep in mind to reference memory variables with the prefix m. (i.e. m.Variable instead of just Variable).