> Hi Folks,
>
> I have some free time this afternoon, as I started very early this morning
> at work.
>
> This thread is directed to the "Newbies" just starting into Visual FoxPro.
> I just wanted to convey to all of you new to Visual FoxPro that, do not
> be discouraged as you weed your way through this language. Although VFP
> is in my opinion one of the better languages to pick up.. at times you will
> feel yourself lost, this is normal with any new language.
>
> Please understand that this language is geared toward database applications.
> This language is very rich in funtions that are built into the core programming
> language... and to tell you the truth at times after 10 plus years experience
> in this development environment, I to have to frequent this forum for help.
>
> You will see posts from me to "Ken", "BL" and "Andy" and ask youself, "What in hell
> are these folks talking about".
>
> The learn curve never ends folks and I need ongoing assistance with real
> world applications that I develop using VFP. This is my site of choice.
>
> I am a great promoter of this development language and had to go to extreme
> measures with my corporate folks in using this language in our application
> development. This battle I succeeded in and now in my company we have a
> hardcore group of VFP developers. This is a battle you may as well could face
> if you are in fact in a corporate setting. If you need any assistance in this
> matter search our archives on this topic, and if all else fails post a thread
> here in our forum.
>
> Now to the meat of this thread.
> This language is very rich in data manipulation. There are littely hundrends
> of VFP functions that can do what-ever you wish. If the function does not exist
> you can code a user definable function to do exeactly what you want.
>
> Your development migration personally will involve these key stages:
> 1. You will learn the basics of VFP in a stand-alone application.
> 2. You will then move onto multi-user applications using VFP and the stock
> VFP backend "DBC".
> 3. Somewhere in the middle of this you will be involved in sub-classing. This
> is a topic unto itself and required many hours to understand.
> 4. Finally you will end up "depending upon your company", interfacing
> VFP as middle-ware between the user interface and a backend such as SQL-Server,
> or Oracle.
> 5. Finally there is light at the end of the road and all of these concepts
> will kick in.
>
> The road is not easy, nor should it be. The road is definately easier with
> sites like this one. What the hell do I do when I have tried and tried and
> am coming up with "Zero"? Post a thread here and see what shakes out. I for
> one and the members of this site can only agree, when I am stuck and I mean
> stuck, I post my issues here. I usually get my answer within a couple of
> hours. Not only do I get answers, I get alternative options to consider.
>
> There is no such thing as a stupid question at this site. Just ask and to
> help us assist you, post any relevent code you have difficulties with with
> your application.
>
> The power of anything depends upon knowlege. Well lucky for you, this site
> has core members that have a wealth of knowledge to share. The members give
> their knowlege free... gess what a novel approach!
>
> I could go on and on... but you know that I find this site moves past things
> that are just VFP relared. I have posted many threads that have nothing to
> do with VFP such as Exchnage Server issues, Active Directory issues.. etc.
>
> I want to say that this site is primarily a VFP site, but my God we have
> such a diversity of members there is little we cannot assist you with.
>
> I have said it before and I will say it again. This site is my very
> first stop off in all matters.
>
> So if you are new to this language, or new to this forum; give us a shot and
> you will be amazed at what you can gleam from the members here!
>
> Pete from the Great White North. (Only in Canada, ay.) Over and Out ...

Pete,

Again, well said - my rating to you sir.

I have to second a few of your comments:

... and to tell you the truth at times after 10 plus years experience in this development environment, I to have to frequent this forum for help. I wouldn't even attempt to count the number of times where I have been assisted by Foxite. When I am lost (and I definately do get lost) I come to Foxite. In fact, I am here now because I need to post a question.

The road is definately easier with sites like this one. Very true. To the newbie, go into your settings and set your default category to "Threads with Unread Items" and then read every thread that you have not already read. I set aside time every day to do just that. I read every single thread - not because I may be able to help by posting answeres - but because I learn by doing this. I most certainly have not tried everything that there is to try in VFP. But others have tried what I haven't. I can learn from them.

Post a thread here and see what shakes out. To the newbies, do check the archives first. Most beginners have similar issues. It is likely that your question has already been answered, so check the archives and then if you cannot find your answer, by all means, post a question.

There is no such thing as a stupid question at this site. I would disagree - there is a stupid question - it is the one that is left unasked. I would much rather answer a simple question and lead somebody in the right direction than have to bring them back from down the wrong road. If you cannot find the answer in the archives ASK THE QUESTION. It is much better to get things right the first time.

Well lucky for you, this site has core members that have a wealth of knowledge to share. Too right. To the newbie, notice the "currently online" panel. You will notice that there are a number of members who have little fox icons beside their names or who have little MVP icons beside thier names. The fox icon is for a "preferred member" like Pete. These members have a wealth of knowledge and have received "prefered membership" because they have shared that knowledge. The MVP members have shared their knowledge to the extent that Microsoft has recognized these members as being "Most Valued Professionals" in the community. Just to note, there are actually quite a few MVP's who are members of Foxite.

This site is my very first stop off in all matters. What can I say except, "Mine too."

Again Pete, well said.

Ken
You shall know the truth - and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:33)