dBase IV code

[realnine]

My experience is with dBase code. I can generally follow VB but cannot write VB code from scratch.

I ran a search in this forum for dbase code and found no answer to my question.

Can I run dbase code in Access? Is there a convrsion utility?

I have MS VB version 2, standard edition on the shelf. Is that current enough to wrtie code for Access 2002?

So much to know, so little time!

 

[dcx693]

You cannot run dBase code in Access. Don't know of any conversion utilities. Have you tried doing a Google search?

MS VB 2.0 is really old. Even so, the implementation of VB in Access is VBA. Not sure of all the differences, but it's best to write your code from within Access 2002 itself.

 

[rpadams]

It's a whole new mindset

I went through the transition you're talking about 4 years ago. I had written myriad applications in dBase (III+ &IV), some for commercial clients, but more and more people wanted to run Microsoft Office (and Access.) "Conversions" - even done manually - were not successful.

The dBase programming model is sequential, Access is more event and form driven. It is a completely different mindset. It took me a long time to start thinking in the new mode, but if you hang in there it does start to make sense and does open up all sorts of new possibilities. Using Access VBA is relatively easy if you know standard VBA.

I no longer program anything in dBase and support my old applications by rewriting them into Access. Clients don't mind paying for the new applications because their employees usually are more familiar with the MS Office environment anyway and training time is greatly reduced.

I suspect the old COBOL programmers went through the same thing going to PC's.

Spend your time re-doing (and learning) Access and don't even try "converting" the old dBase. Ultimately, you will save time and come up with a better product.

 

[realnine]

Thanks RP ADams for the advice. I am resigned to doing just that. I did experience writing dbase code in a windows environment using Computer Associates dBaseFast. It will be a challengefor me because I can make Dbase III or IV sing any song I need. How did you make the transition? Should I buy VB or is there a code builder just for Access. I am using Access 2002. I can't afford the Access developers package ar $800 US.

One project I am working on now most of the time needs a sequnetial number in a field. It is an invoice number but I can't use the auto number feature because the technicians keep invoices in the truck.. The invoice are preprinted with sequential numbers. In Dbase code for a default number, I would store a number in a one field, one record table . To get the next number, open the table get the number,replace the number with the number plus one and close the table. You mentioned you have to think differently in VBA, so how woould you do this process in VBA.

 

[dcx693]

Access 2002 has an integrated development environment. I'm not a programmer by profession, so I can't speak to exactly how good/bad it rates compared to other IDEs. I can only tell you that it's way better than what I recall from my dBase III days.

You don't need to buy the Developer Edition of Access unless you plan to distribute applications to people who don't already have access. I forget what else the Dev Edition has.

When you say your tables requires a sequential number in a field, do you mean that the numbers must be input sequentially, or just that the numbers cannot be repeated? There's no reason you need to use an autonumber for a primary key since you already have unique invoice numbers. Wouldn't you just enter the invoice details as they come in?

 

[dcx693]

realnine, you might also be interested in these recent threads on autonumbers and primary keys:

Assigning Sequential Number
Macro to increase primary key by 1
Getting the next Insert ID

 

[realnine]

dcx693
Yes, I have followed this thread with much interest. I learn from each post. I will experiment with some. BTW i am new to VBA so I try to learn by doing.
Thanks