May 2007 - Newsletter

We just released the last updated compiler and now it includes a TableLayer 64 bits capable, this means a new era is beginning for programming in your favorite language VFP. With this update you can run your apps without needing any VFP9 runtime files.

The TableLayer has a lot of functionality that makes your Data Access possible in the same style you have been using in VFP for years. See the included samples Test_dbCommandsX.prg for examples building tables with 1300 fields, creating indexes, SETTING filters, SCANNING, LOCATING and a lot more functionality. And you know, all this pure .NET no VFP Runtimes at all.

The current status is available at: http://etecnologia.net/Products/VFPCompiler/TableLayerStatus.htm. Of course this is only a preview, it should not be used in production scenarios, for example it features automatic locks but "forget" to unlock so you will have to unlock manually.

To install this TableLayer you may need to install some assemblies. If you receive the runtime error Exception from HRESULT: 0x800736B1, this means you need to install vcredist_x86.exe available in the setup folder of the zip containing the Compiler May Preview.

The compiler now supports optional parameters and parameters by reference. Now you can pass parameters to functions defined as having parameters by reference and have the expected functionality. See samples test_parameters_x.prg

Also now you can create functions with variable number of arguments like you could in C++ or C. See the included sample test_parameters_ParamArray.prg

To compile the samples run the bat file compile_samples.bat located in the SamplesCompiler directory. To run any sample remember to put the runtime files in the same directory as the compiled exe.

The runtime commands and functions also have improved since the last update and we are now half the way. We are putting a lot of effort into this area, and you are welcome to help us.

Now with all this capabilities in place for the compiler and Data Access expect some cross pollinization between its facilities and those of .NET Extender. The next revision will show VFP forms and controls compiled to .NET and running inside VFP using the .NET Extender. And this is just an appetizer with more to come.

We are very grateful for your support, and we hope you visit our Wiki to let us know more about your wishes and expectatives, right now nothing is set in stone so we can include more functionality and we are open to suggestions.

Regards,

Samuel David