What's new in the Visual FoxPro Community

Lets give a great welcome to Rick Schummer. He will cover a buffet of VFP subjects. First: the state of VFP9 SP2: it's been wrongfully given a bad rap because of a few bugs despite having fixed over 100 bugs. Next: He'll show us the app he wrote to help with SW Fox registrations that uses the Outlook Nav Bar utility written by Emerson Stanton Reed, a free utility available on VFPx (http://www.codeplex.com/VFPX). Then The FoxChart utility available on VFPx. This thing is really cool and lets you create all kinds of nifty charts in your application. Finally, he will talk about Advantage Database Server by Sybase. The concept is that you write your Fox app, use DBFs, but talk to the DBFs through their ODBC database engine. Sounds like a packed agenda - See you there! Same Time and Place -- 2nd Tuesday -- May 13 at 5:30 pm. Monadnock Building, 53 W. Jackson, Suite 826, Chicago Loop.

Please join us on Saturday, May 10th at 10:00 am for a presentation by Mike Feltman of F1 Technologies. See the GRAFUG website (www.grafug.com) for the meeting place and directions. Collection Iteration and Arrays Visual FoxPro has great support for collections. Virtually all of the objects that can contain other objects have a native objects collection that can easily be traversed to access their members. Object collections provide a great access point for performing the same or similar actions on groups of objects. They also provide the means necessary to locate and act upon objects in a loosely coupled fashion. In this session Mike will introduce some utility functions and classes that: 1. make it easy to dynamically create and act upon collections, 2. dramatically reduce the amount of redundant code you write in dealing with collections, 3. helps you to eliminate object dependencies and write code that is more adaptable and easier to maintain, 4. eliminate drill down code Visual FoxPro also has a wealth of functions for dealing with arrays, however; developers often write very redundant code when it comes to dealing with arrays. In this session Mike will also provide a set of utility functions and classes that streamline redundant array operations and add more power and flexibility to arrays. Attendees will learn... 1. How to easily access objects and groups of objects from anywhere within a containership hierarchy with a single line of code without drilling through the object hierarchy or writing error prone lengthy object references. 2. How to perform operations on groups of objects that are not contained within a single container. 3. How to make single line calls to convert an array to a string, merge 2 arrays, remove specific items from arrays, remove duplicates from arrays and more. 4. How to create loosely coupled object references that won't break when controls are moved or even renamed.

West Wind Technologies has released version 5.35 of its Visual FoxPro client Internet and utility library, West Wind Internet and Client Tools. This utility library includes a wide variety of Internet functionality including SMTP and POP3 email access, a rich HTTP client, FTP client and a basic Socket client. The utility library also includes a lightweigth business object library, XML helper class, a FoxPro based SOAP client, a new wwDotNetBridge class and much more. This update is primarily a maintenence release and provides a few fixes and updates to existing functionality. There are also a number of enhancements to the wwDotNetBridge, XML and SOAP classes to improve usability. As always registered users of version 5 can update for free, and a shareware version is availble to try out the product for free.

Collection Iteration and Arrays: Visual FoxPro has great support for collections. Virtually all of the objects that can contain other objects have a native objects collection that can easily be traversed to access their members. Object collections provide a great access point for performing the same or similar actions on groups of objects. They also provide the means necessary to locate and act upon objects in a loosely coupled fashion. In this session Mike will introduce some utility functions and classes that: 1. make it easy to dynamically create and act upon collections, 2. dramatically reduce the amount of redundant code you write in dealing with collections, 3. helps you to eliminate object dependencies and write code that is more adaptable and easier to maintain, 4. eliminate drill down code Visual FoxPro also has a wealth of functions for dealing with arrays, however; developers often write very redundant code when it comes to dealing with arrays. In this session Mike will also provide a set of utility functions and classes that streamline redundant array operations and add more power and flexibility to arrays. Attendees will learn... 1. How to easily access objects and groups of objects from anywhere within a containership hierarchy with a single line of code without drilling through the object hierarchy or writing error prone lengthy object references. 2. How to perform operations on groups of objects that are not contained within a single container. 3. How to make single line calls to convert an array to a string, merge 2 arrays, remove specific items from arrays, remove duplicates from arrays and more. 4. How to create loosely coupled object references that won't break when controls are moved or even renamed.

West Wind Technologies is hosting Web Connection 5.0 training with Rick Strahl prior to the Southwest Fox Conference again in Arizona this year. Last year's event was a big success with record attendance and glowing reviews. Training will be held on October 15th and 16th at the conference hotel immediately preceeding the Southwest Fox conference. We've just updated the information for the conference including session scheduling and topics covered. Focus is on the new features in the Web Connection Web Control Framework and building an application from start to finish. The training applies to Web Connection developers of all levels provides best practices and lots of practical how to tips and tricks in working with Web Connection. If you're just starting you can learn from the ground up and if you're a seasoned Web Connection developer you can take home best practices approaches and tricks for Web Connection and Web Development in general. Sign up early and save money by taking advantage of our early bird signup options.

The next VFP Boot Camp will be in Kansas City, Missouri, May 12-14, 2008. Registration ends on April 25, 2008 for this highly-acclaimed VFP workshop delivering three jam-packed days of solid, hands-on learning. From the fundamentals of VFP development through the very latest VFP 9.0 features, this boot camp is designed to quickly get your VFP skills up to speed. Attendees will receive a 500-page manual in both print and electronic format. For more information, visit http://visionpace.com/developereducation.html or email info@visionpace.com. To register, call 888-904-7900.

FoxShow #52 is now available for download through iTunes, your RSS feed or right from the FoxShow web site. The show includes an interview with Moxie Data and VFPX's Bo Durban on a variety of topics including GDI+, VFPX and more.

Oak Leaf Enterprises announces our latest .NET for VFP Developers ON-LINE Training Class, May 5-7, 2008, 11am-4pm Eastern. This live, online training class has been completely updated to include information on the new .NET 3.5 technologies such as Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow, and Windows Communication Foundation. It is taught by Kevin McNeish, author of the book .NET for Visual FoxPro Developers, a Microsoft .NET MVP, and an internationally popular INETA speaker. This class has helped many VFP developers climb the .NET learning curve and gain confidence in building well-designed Windows and Web applications in .NET. The class is just $499 with our early bird special (expires 04/30/08) and the entire class is recorded using Camtasia for your later review! Just go to our home page (http://www.oakleafsd.com) and click on the Training link.

The Detroit Area Fox User Group (DAFUG) announces Mike Feltman of F1 Technologies is presenting "Collections" on Thursday April 10, 2008. In this presentation Mike will demonstrate how Visual FoxPro has great support for collections. Virtually all of the objects that can contain other objects have a native objects collection that can easily be traversed to access their members. Object collections provide a great access point for performing the same or similar actions on groups of objects. They also provide the means necessary to locate and act upon objects in a loosely coupled fashion. Lots of ideas and some utility functions. NEW LOCATION so check out the Web site for directions, maps, email contacts, future meeting dates and topics, and other details.

The Philadelphia VFP User Group will meet Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 7 PM at Valley Forge Pension Management, 715 Twining Road, Suite 202, Dresher, PA 19025. (The Oreland offramp from PA 309 Southbound has been permanently closed. The easiest way to reach the meeting location from the PA Turnpike or 309 Southbound is to come through the Fort Washington Industrial Park.)As always, you can bring dinner and arrive as early as 6:30 for some time to mingle. We have a double-header this month. First, member Bill Fitzgerald will do a mini-session on Scoresheet, a VFP 9 report generator. Scoresheet is a tool which allows endusers to customize Financial Statements using data from Accpac Pro Series. The tool uses some of the advanced features of the VFP 9 report writer by allowing the user to create a variable number of columns and formats in a secure setting. After Bill's presentation, Bob Pierce will lead an informal code review. All members are encouraged to bring some Visual Foxpro code that they have issues with or would just like to get feedback on from the group. We will examine the code samples as a group to discuss was to improve the codes reliability, reusability, and maintainability. We will discuss some of the issues involved in refactoring the code.

The next VFP Boot Camp will be in Kansas City, Missouri, May 12-14, 2008. Registration ends on April 25, 2008 for this highly-acclaimed VFP workshop delivering three jam-packed days of solid, hands-on learning. From the fundamentals of VFP development through the very latest VFP 9.0 features, this boot camp is designed to quickly get your VFP skills up to speed. Attendees will receive a 500-page manual in both print and electronic format. For more information, visit http://visionpace.com/developereducation.html or email info@visionpace.com. To register, call 888-904-7900.

West Wind Technologies has released version 5.35 of its flag ship Web development product West Wind Web Connection. Web Connection is a Web development tool specifically designed to take advantage of Visual FoxPro's unique data centric features, while leveraging modern development tools including Visual Studio to create FoxPro based Web applications. This update is primarily a maintenance release that fixes a few issues and provides small incremental improvements to various controls in the Web Control Framework. Web Connection is available as fully functional shareware and registered users of version 5.0 can update to the latest version for free.

Internet App Demo and Project Management Tool Discussion == Mike Hogan will show his most recent Internet Application -- a tool for realtors to track listings, customers, and their preferences. Of particular interest, he says, is a template for uploading data and merging it to back end tables and FTP techniques. == Patrick O'Hara is doing a short demo of a project back up utility. == We'll also discuss favorite project management tools and techniques. How do you use source control, bug tracking, and other aids to collaboration and making deadlines? Mantis, OnTime, Subversion, in-house Wikis, Task Lists. Demonstrate the pros and cons of your favorite(s). Steve Munson of everyware-inc. will show us OnTime. == Same time and place. Second Tuesday of April -- the 8th at 5:30 pm. Monadnock Building, 53 W. Jackson. Suite 826 Visitors Welcome!

Episode #51 of the FoxShow is now available for download! This episode covers a wide assortment of news in the FoxPro community, including what YOU can do with SP2, FoxRockX and how to really tell if your new version is good enough. You can subscribe to the FoxShow through iTunes or your favorite RSS reader - or simply download it right from the web site. Click the link or visit www.thefoxshow.com for more.

Just a reminder that the early bird special expires on Monday, March 31, 2008 for our latest .NET for VFP Developers ON-LINE Training Class, April 7-9, 2008, 11am-4pm Eastern. This live, online training class has been completely updated to include information on the new .NET 3.5 technologies such as Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow, and Windows Communication Foundation. It is taught by Kevin McNeish, author of the book .NET for Visual FoxPro Developers, a Microsoft .NET MVP, and an internationally popular INETA speaker. This class has helped many VFP developers climb the .NET learning curve and gain confidence in building well-designed Windows and Web applications in .NET. The class is just $499 with our early bird special (expires 03/31/08) and the entire class is recorded using Camtasia for your later review! Just go to our home page (http://www.oakleafsd.com) and click on the Training link.

You can now register online for either (or both) of two powerful, back-to-back training events by EPS -- the world leader in VFP to .NET migrations, and a leading developer of advanced frameworks for enterprise .NET software. EVENT ONE: On May 1 - 2 (a Thursday and Friday) EPS Software Corp. will host the first of two unparalleled training opportunities: an intensive course, .NET Development for VFP Developers -- with a special view toward VFP to .Net migration, a task many companies are contemplating, if indeed they haven't already started. The evening of the first day is a Bonus Session on the Strategy of VFP Migrations, with much information accessible also to nontechnical business managers. It will be a detailed overview, based on best practices and real world experience, of the optimal way to transition a mission critical application from any version of FoxPro to .NET and SQL server. EVENT TWO: On May 5 - 9, Markus Egger and Claudio Lassala, both .NET MVPs, present MILOS University, a one-week seminar on advanced .Net development using the Milos Solution Platform, EPS's advanced modular framework and "component store" for building enterprise applications. This training is not just for Milos licensees! Building powerful enterprise applications with Milos is based on deep insights into Object Oriented architecture and flexible, maintainable enterprise systems, so the training provided is relevant to anyone who is interested in a higher level of .NET skills. A free Bonus Event is a penetrating real-world look into where .NET is now, and where it is going: the "State of the .NET Union." You can attend either of these events, or both. "Combo pricing" is available, and special discounts will be offered to EPS software development or consulting services clients. The training will be at EPS's office in the Houston, TX area. Details of the agenda and registration information are provided in the attached PDFs. If you, your staff or colleagues are interested in either of these events, please register at your soonest. Space is limited, and pre-announcement interest has been strong.

West Wind Technologies has released version 4.48 of West Wind Html Help Builder. Help Builder is a solution to produce documentation for end user applications as well as developer documentation for Visual FoxPro, .NET, Sql Server and many other development tools. Help Builder's unique approach to documentation that focuses on easy content creation, makes the job of creating CHM Help files, HTML documentation and Word documents a breeze. This update is mainly a maintenance release that fixes a number of small issues. It also provides a few user interface enhancements including an improved style selection dialog, updated style templates as well as improved export to Word functionality. Help Builder is available as shareware to try for free, and registered users can update to the latest version through the Check For Latest Version option on the Help Menu.

Hey all, It's the 3rd Tuesday of the month, and that means MadFox! Tonight's meeting will start with our usual Q&A (Stump the Geeks), and will feature Stein talking about Cathy Poutney's SWFox Reporting session, Eric continuing to talk about xFrx combined w/ other ReportListeners, and Sweet Potato's VFPConnection.fll.Note that we're doing our semi-annual Reedsburg meeting today, so if you're north of Madison a bit, this would be a good meeting to make. Details: MadFox 5:30 pm, Tuesday Mar 18 2008 2670F E. Main StreetReedsburg, Wisconsin, 53959 Eric

West Wind Technologies will host a general Web Connection chat on Thursday March 20th. Time: 12:00pm Pacific Daylight Time, 3pm Eastern or 19:00 GMT. There will be no specific topic, but rather we'll use this chat as an open forum for questions about Web Connection and FoxPro Web Development in general with Rick Strahl (me). I'll also talk a little about direction for the future of Web Connection and solicit input from attendees what features you are looking for. This is a loose discussion so anything and all related to Web Connection and Fox Web Development can be addressed. Please stop by on Thursday and join the discussion if you have any interest in Web Connection or Web Development with Visual FoxPro. To join go to the link above to our message board and click on the chat link.

The Detroit Area Fox User Group (DAFUG) announces Frank Perez of Complete Computer Service is presenting "The Stonefield Query SDK" on Thursday March 13, 2008. In this presentation Frank will demonstrate how to implement Stonefield Query SDK into your vertical market or custom application as an ad-hoc query/report writer. He will walk through the process of creating the project, defining the data dictionary, setting up security, and deployment. Frank will also show how easy it is for the end user to create their own reports/graphs; and then some of the advanced features such as drill down reports, auto run reports, and more. NEW LOCATION so check out the Web site for directions, maps, email contacts, future meeting dates and topics, and other details.

The next meeting of the Philadelphia VFP User Group will be Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 PM. Bob Pierce will speak about the Guineu Project, one of the most promising solutions to the VFP developer to be able to extend the viability of the language we all love. Being run by Christof Wollenhaupt, one of the brightest minds in the Fox community, the Guineu project is a replacement set of runtime DLL's that run your compiled VFP code in a .NET environment.