> > > > 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 ...
> > >
> > > I for one am eternally grateful to you guys.
> > > Its my port of call at least once per business day.
> > > In the main its to find new tricks.
> > > I read the threads, and copy an interesting topic. I copy the thread header (so I can refer back to the thread, and give credit) and code into a prg file, saved in a FOXITE folder (of course) and play around with the code.
> > >
> > > I dont think I'd find how to code some of the things I find here in a million years.
> > >
> > > The snippets always work, or can easily be adapted to work in my app, and Ive worked numerous Foxite wonders into my software products.
> > >
> > > Sometimes its to improve things I have in my programs already, but the really exciting things are to get the new code working, then think of a new feature where it can be applied - usually does not take long!
> > >
> > > Always, its another step in the learning curve, and always its so fantastic to rub shoulders with other enthusiastic Foxpro developers.
> > >
> > > You guys are my idols! Thanks again.
> > >
> > > George
> >
> > George,
> >
> > I do a similar thing, but I created a table to hold the thread and message ID's. I can then
> >
> >

> > SELECT * FROM FoxiteThreads WHERE cTopic LIKE [%]+ALLTRIM(lcSearchText)+[%] ...
> > 

> >
> > I ran into problems when my little stash of "Keeper threads" started to get fairly large. :) You would be amazed at how many great ideas you can find here!
> >
> > Dromore - would that be the Dromore of the song "Castle of Dromore" fame?
> >
> > Ken
> > You shall know the truth - and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:33)
>
> I think I will have to do something similar, and thanks for the tip. That Foxite folder is pretty full of programs and now sub folders at this stage. I make a sub folder for each "find", so I can keep all the test files (forms etc developed as I explore the possibilities) in one location, together with the original program with the Foxite thread.
>
> RE: Castle of Dromore
> I used to think the song was written about "my" Dromore as it has a very old castle, but I found out that there is more than one Dromore in Ireland. This web site claims that the song is written about Castle Dromore near Kenmare, Co. Kerry .
> http://www.kinglaoghaire.com/site/lyrics/song_74.html
>
> Heres my Dromore (Co Down):
> http://www.gcs-internet.com/dromore/
> I didnt even know this site existed until I did a surf. I see my old employer has a banner ad (GrahamSystems).
>
> My Dromore is quite historic. This page tells the tale of the famous Norman Motte & Bailey
> http://www.goireland.com/scripts/low/xq/asp/areatype.t/areaid.3112/qx/area.htm
>
> Sorry for going off on a tangent folk!
> George

George,

My wife and I are making threatening noises to each other about doing a trip to Ireland. (Her maiden name was Murphy, so she has Irish roots as well.) When we finally get around to making the decision to go, I may have to call upon you for advice on where to go. Thanks for the links (we are both history buffs and the old Norman castle would have to be a Must See.)

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