Pages

Thursday, May 29, 2014

A Quick Look At Foxpro Programming

By Marci Glover


FoxPro is a unique object-oriented computer language that is based on procedural methods. It has been in use since 1984 when it was first introduced by Microsoft. It enables the coding of different elements through the use of data-centered procedures. Over the years, the program had evolved to boost one of the best data-centered procedures. In the process, the security of data has been boosted.

FoxPro was originally used with other classes of programs with a very complex syntax language. FoxPro programming has evolved over years. The database class of languages was based on a binary platform of coding. The programmers had to clearly understand how different operations were carried out first. In the process, a special top-down approach was adopted by the programmers. This called for a special understanding of all the systems.

The evolution of the database programming languages is still on-going. More capabilities are being added to the core abilities to boost the programming cycles. Data-oriented applications are being incorporated into the languages also. Some of the projects have a very large base of data which has to be inputted into the databases. This means that there is a need to boost the data-handling abilities. Through the process, the security of data being handled is also improved.

The elimination of top-down approach of database program development has been long overdue. Although the process of eliminating this concept has been slow, the adoption of a different approach posed more coding risks. Top-down approach and the use of binary coding made the project development more complex. A down-top approach replaced the rather complex concept. This approach eliminated the need to assess the machine platform before the actual program development. With this concept, any projects developed had to be modified to fit into any machine platform.

Most of FoxPro languages allows for structured program development. Through the use of structured coding approach, a large project can be broken down into smaller programmable units. Program development is then done on each of the small units separately. This reduces the risk of bugs that are accrued from one stage of development to the next since these units are tested separately.

Internet integration has boosted the coding capabilities further. Special drop boxes are developed during the development of various projects and programs. These boxes are used for further system improvement during various periods. Any changes can be made from any location across the globe as long as one has a virtual access to a specified drop box. Changes and modifications are made after one has logged and accessed the structural tools in the programs.

Many of the loopholes that existed in the systems and gave the users a lot of security worries have been fixed. The incorporation of external security tools has also been very important. The users can now track all the activities taking place within a database by the use of audit trail and database monitors.

User-friendliness is paramount in any of coding work. The use of binary codes has been replaced with an automated programming procedure. This reduces the coding time and also lessens the work that has to be done. Bug-correction tools have also been incorporated to reduce the amount of work done through manual bug correction.




About the Author: