Applications designed using the Application Express module of versions prior to R:BASE 7.x will work as they did, provided that the command syntax used in the file(s) is correct for the V-8 version. However, the R:BASE V-8 Application Designer will not open prior Application Express projects for editing.

You will need to use the source code of your existing application(s), usually files with the .APP extension, to recreate the application in the new Application Designer. The source code within the APP file contains the main menus and menu actions of your custom application. The APP file may be located in the "Command Files" menu within the Database Explorer Group Bar. Based on the R:BASE version you are upgrading from, there are additional steps needed to upgrade your application code. The older your application is, then the more steps will be needed. The application may be one large APP file or several smaller files; usually with the CMD file extension.

When converting from DOS to Windows, there are command syntax changes that may or may not require your attention. Here is what you have to look forward to:

1.

You may find reserved words (i.e. PROJECT, TIME) in the table and column names, which then must be updated in the command syntax as well as within the database. Using the R:BASE Editor's "Search and Replace" utility for any reserved words will make this much easier than it seems. Use the RENAME command in R:BASE to handle the table and column name changes. The RENAME command will automatically update your forms and reports that are using the table and/or columns. However, any variables that are defined within your forms and reports which may be using that column or table that was renamed will need changed manually be you.

You will find the list of R:BASE 7.5 Reserved Words within the chapters above.

2.	You may find obsolete commands (i.e. SET POINTER, CHANGE) which need replaced by their new SQL standardized replacement. Based on your R:BASE version, there may not be many obsolete commands, but you should double check, just in case.

The list of obsolete commands and their replacement are also within the chapters above.

            

3.

DOS users will positively find DOS screen message commands which need replaced by their Windows counterpart (i.e. FILLIN to DIALOG, WRITE to PAUSE). These commands send prompts for data entry or simple messages to the end user. Your time involved in this step depends on how much user interaction is in the code. To assist you with these replacements, R:BASE V-8 for Windows includes syntax builders for the DIALOG and PAUSE commands. They can be accessed from the Menu Bar under "Utilities" > "Plugins".

You may have this:

FILLIN vdte USING 'ENTER DEADLINE DATE: ' AT 12 10

and will replace it with this:

DIALOG 'ENTER DEADLINE DATE:' vdte venke 1 CAPTION ' ' icon info

4.	There will also be commands whose syntax has been enhanced for your benefit. Most of these commands will not require mandatory changes other than for an enhanced display (CHOOSE), but the PRINT command is an example of a command that has been enhanced 20 times over.

You may have this:

OUT PRINTER

PRINT bulletin SORTED BY poscl

OUT screen

and will replace it with this:

PRINT bulletin ORDER BY poscl ASC OPTION PRINTER

or even this:

PRINT bulletin ORDER BY poscl ASC OPTION PRINTER +

|SHOW_CANCEL_DIALOG OFF |TRAY 2 |COLLATION ON +

|COPIES 2 |ORIENTATION LANDSCAPE |PRINTER_NAME HPLaser1345

Right about now, you may be thinking that this is too much. But, there are two important tools included with R:BASE V-8 that will make your command syntax changes more pleasant that you think.

The new R:BASE Editor & R:Style!

The R:BASE Editor is an editor specifically designed for creation and editing of R:BASE program and application files, command files, recorded scripts, and text files. It offers these special R:BASE features:

·	You can specify settings such as the font, tab stops, and text wrapping. You can also search and replace text, and print files.

·	Any number of program files can be open simultaneously.

·	Command files are shown with syntax highlighting with the option of displaying each syntax element in a different color text.

·	Safe tabs -- the Tab key inserts spaces.

·	Block commands include block indent, block outdent, block comment out, and block comment in.

·	Seamless integration with the R:Style, R:BASE code styler and checker.

·	And more...

What is R:Style?

R:Style provides structural error checking, and spelling assistance to help debug your code prior to running it. R:Style will tell you where in the file to look, and what error to look for! R:Style is not a full syntax checker, but it is an excellent structure checker, with some syntax checking thrown in as a bonus.

R:Style will find:

·	Mis-terminated lines (= instead of +)

·	Illegal or ambiguous commands

·	Missing, unmatched, or incorrect quotes

·	Unmatched parenthesis

·	Missing RETURNs & ENDs, adds them

·	Missing or out of place structures, IF, THEN, ELSE, ENDIF, SWITCH, ENDSW, WHILE, THEN, ENDWHILE, BREAK

·	Duplicate block names in APP files

·	Illegal use of command words in code or block names

·	Ill advised RETURN from within WHILE or SWITCH

·	Illegal dotted variables

·	Support for finding misspelled or illegal words

·	And more...

To learn more about the new application designer, please review the in-line help [F1],

HELP > Reference Index > How To > Applications

and the R:BASE V-8 Tutorial.

HELP > Tutorial