<i><font color="#663300">1. What is the difference, if any, between the downloadable Codebook versions on Leaf.com vs. Flash Creative? Which should I rely on?
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I think they are the same. Ed would update them and then updload them, and Flash would just mirror them. But, don't confuse CodeBook 6.1 with COMCodebook which is what Flash is frontlining these days, they are way different.
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2. I am especially interested in the Security Layer for my application. I understand that it has not been completed in the Codebook 6.1 version as yet. Should I develop in Codebook 6.0 for the time being, and upgrade later?
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It depends on what level of security you need. If you just need login type secruity, you can add that yourself fairly easily, but if you need user definable secuirty for every object, well, you may want to use the 6.0 version (or SAVI version, forgot what the numbers were.)
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3. I made the mistake of attempting to follow the User Manual instructions with Codebook 6.1 on my VFP 5.0 - obviously I got nowhere as the filenames were different and, now I know, that 6.1 is not VFP 5.0 compatible. Does the Codebook 6.0 file structure match the User Manual more closely so that I will be able to follow the instructions and create a sample app to study, or will I need different startup instructions?
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I would say, anything written by CT would best be followed by using the SAVI version (6.0 I think) of CB. So, I guess the answer is yes. However, there is a good bit of stuff on the Wiki written by Ed and some others here that you can follow through to get a 6.1 ap up and running.
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4. I am really excited about working with such a robust framework - should I take a Valium and calm down a little because the REAL WORLD is going to be more than a bit frustrating due to the natural chaos that a shareware framework is likely to present?
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I don't know if you have to go as far as valim, but the best way to learn is to work with it, the best doc is the code, which codebook has an abundence of. Also, have you found some of the earlier Codebook NewsLetters, they explain some of the structure of Codebook such as the cursor classes, etc. If the particulars don't match the current version 6.1 the generalites do.
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5. Would I be better off biting the bullet now and getting a commercial framework like Visual Fox Express?
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It depends on your definition of 'better off'. I do like VFE, actually I wrote a book on it. However, there is also an advantage to the 'open source' like environment of CB. The main one being, if you write a security system for 6.1 (which I think should be biz layer based and not UI based) then there is a good chance it will become part of the framework. Same with bug fixes, etc.
Also, while you do get a bit more documentation with a commercial, you also loose the speedyness of updates, since a CB release is not really expected to be perfect.
Also, as I said above more documentation doesn't mean easier understanding. As a matter of fact, VFE is MUCH bigger than CB 6.1 and will take more time to learn, DOC and excellent books not withstanding.
So, I hope that I have made this all as clear as much for you now.
BOb
©2001 Bob Archer |
